Opinion ID: 1191743
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Feasible and prudent steps to maximize conformance with the habitats standard

Text: Finally, DNR found that the third element of the tripartite analysis was met as it had taken all feasible and prudent steps to maximize conformance of the sale with 6 AAC 80.103(b) and (c) at the lease sale stage. DNR based this finding on its determination that the mitigation measures prescribed in the lease provide adequate support for the habitats standard. NTC charges that DNR improperly found that all feasible and prudent steps to maximize conformance with the habitats standard had been required. In Camden Bay II DNR identified twenty lease stipulations expressly designed to achieve maximum compliance with the goals of maintaining and enhancing the coastal habitat. Camden Bay II, 851 P.2d at 1347. DNR found that the lease terms and stipulations complied with ACMP standards and minimized the sale's impact on the environment. Id. at 1348. The court held that this analysis was sufficient to support DNR's finding of compliance with the habitats standard. Id. In this case, DNR found that [t]he proposed permitting terms and lease stipulations represent all feasible and prudent steps necessary to maximize conformance of the sale with 6 AAC 80.130(b) and (c) at the lease sale stage. Additional measures may be identified and imposed when specific development activities are reviewed for consistency with the ACMP through the permitting process. In accordance with this finding DNR proposed more than twenty terms and stipulations to minimize the Sale's impact on the environment. [13] For example, Term 2 requires the use of vehicles which do not damage the vegetation or ground surface [during exploration]. The term restricts road construction during exploration by requiring the use of existing road systems, port facilities, or air services whenever feasible. Also, Term 9 regulates the siting and construction of pipelines to prevent obstruction to marine navigation and fishing operations, and to provide protection from climatic conditions, tides, currents, and geophysical hazards. It is clear from the detailed and particular nature of these stipulations that DNR took a hard look at the feasible and prudent steps necessary to minimize the impact of the Sale on the habitat. Therefore, we hold that DNR's analysis demonstrates a reasonable basis for its finding that all feasible and prudent steps to maximize conformance with the habitats standard have been taken.