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The following purposes will be used by the checklist advisory committee as criteria for drafting a new project checklist. The nonproject checklist has similar purposes but is described separately.
The checklist facilitates the environmental review process and integrated project review. It identifies relevant environmental information about a proposal and is made available to the public and agencies at an early stage in the project review process. The form enables agencies to identify gaps and overlaps in existing requirements, if any, and whether additional mitigation measures or a detailed study (EIS) is needed. It is designed to minimize paperwork, duplication, delay, and the accumulation of extraneous background data. The checklist:
assists the lead agency in making a threshold determination [WAC 197-11-315 (1)(a)]
shall be designed to assist in evaluating whether
a proposal’s probable significant adverse environmental impacts, if any, have been identified and addressed in previous environmental documents and regulations[ RCW 43.21C.032 and 240; WAC 197-11-330 and 600]
additional environmental analysis/studies are needed
the proposal is likely to result in a significant adverse environmental impact
assists agencies in planning and decisionmaking [WAC 197-11-315 (1)(b)]
shall be designed to assist agencies in conducting integrated project review (refer to RCW 36.70B.050 and intent statement after 36.70B.030)
assist in evaluating a proposal’s consistency with comprehensive plans and development regulations by providing environmental information necessary for such evaluation [RCW 43.21C.240 Finding--Intent--1995 c 347 202 (1)(c)(i)]
provide prompt and coordinated review by government agencies and the public, as well as facilitating early notice of projects
evaluate compliance with applicable environmental laws and plans
identify potential mitigation for specific project impacts that have not been considered and addressed at the plan or development regulation level or in other applicable local, state, or federal laws and rules
identify scope and timing of environmental review for phased projects and detailed studies for proposals
provides information to, and promotes constructive exchange