Publication Summary

The 2003 SEPA Handbook consists of the 1998 SEPA Handbook with 2003 updates. The Handbook provides guidance on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including information on the history and purpose of SEPA and its relationship with other associated environmental laws, an explanation of the purpose and importance of each step in the SEPA process, and tips on how to best complete them each step. (Also see abstract below)

Welcome to the 2003 Edition of the SEPA Handbook. The Handbook provides guidance on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the requirements of the SEPA Rules. It includes information on the history and purpose of SEPA, each procedural step in the review process, frequently asked questions, a summary of significant court cases, and other information to assist agencies in complying with the requirements of SEPA.

SEPA is Washington′s most comprehensive environmental law. It directs state and local agencies to consider a broad range of environmental values during their decision-making process. Agency decisions include issuing permits for private projects, constructing public facilities, and adopting regulations and plans.

The SEPA Rules define the process for identifying and evaluating likely environmental impacts, identifying ways to reduce or eliminate the impacts, requirements for documenting the environmental analysis, and requirements for involving the public and other agencies in the review process. Information developed during the SEPA review process helps agency decision-makers, applicants, and the public understand how a proposal will affect the environment. This information can be used to change a proposal to reduce likely impacts or to condition or deny a proposal when adverse environmental impacts are identified.