Opinion ID: 2652454
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Threshold Determinations under SEPA

Text: Under SEP A, counties and other entities must include· a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS) in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major actions significantly affecting the quality of the environment. RCW 43.21C.030(c). SEPA charges the Department of Ecology with creating [r]ules for criteria and procedures applicable to the determination of when an act of a branch of government is a major action significantly affecting the quality of the environment for which a detailed statement is required to be prepared pursuant to RCW 43.21C.030. RCW 43.21C.110(b). Pursuant to that statutory authority, Ecology has established a threshold determination process to decide whether an action is a major action significantly -7- Ellensburg Cement Products, Inc. v. Kittitas County, et al., No. 88165-1 affecting the environment for which an EIS is required. WAC 197-11-3 30. If the responsible official determines there will be no probable significant adverse environmental impacts from a proposal, the lead agency shall prepare and issue a determination ofnonsignificance (DNS). WAC 197-11-340(1). Ifthe responsible entity issues a DNS, then no EIS is required. See generally WAC 197~11-330.