If significant effects on the environment are anticipated at a proposed facility, we need to define the full range of proposed actions, alternatives, and impacts (the scope) that an environmental impact statement (EIS) will analyze. In making that determination, we’ll notify and ask for comments from state agencies, tribes, the public, and the applicant.
Steps in Environmental review
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About this milestone
If significant effects on the environment are anticipated at a proposed facility, we’ll notify state agencies, tribes, the public, and the applicant. We also issue a public request for comments (or a scoping notice) on the suggested scope of the environmental impact statement (EIS). The notice will explain when and how someone can comment on our decision. The comment period usually lasts 21 to 30 days.
After assessing all comments received, the SEPA responsible official—our Director—will issue a scoping notice, which will define the significant issues that the EIS will analyze. This consultation process helps us focus on the most likely negative effects and reasonable ways to prevent or reduce them.
Information we request through scoping notices
Our scoping notice requests feedback from tribal governments, other state agencies, the applicant, and the public about:
- Likely negative effects on the environment
- Ways to prevent or reduce effects
- Alternative plans
- Licenses and approvals a developer may need
We may also use questionnaires, meetings, workshops, and other methods to get feedback.
Related steps
We provide a scoping notice after making a determination of significance (DS), which is part of our threshold determination process. The DS also identifies us as the lead agency responsible for reviewing a proposed facility under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
After providing a scoping notice, we’ll begin preparing an EIS to analyze environmental issues and alternative plans. By gathering feedback through scoping, we can ensure the EIS addresses the most significant issues. We call this process “setting the scope of the EIS.”
