Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/21/2023

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C d Preparing EAWS:A Procedural Guide for Local RGUs If an RGU is using its own staff to review the EAW,and is assessing its costs to the project proposer,it should keep a before making it available for editing by RGU record of all staff time spent performing environmental review staff,as an experienced consultant can often tasks. This includes tasks completed by its engineering identify potential problems more quickly,as well staff,planning staff,administrative staff,etc. By keeping as recommend solutions. an accurate record of the hours spent on the proj ect's environmental review,the RGU will be able to correctly assess RGUs will likely want to have all the necessary fees for services back to the project proposer. staff members reading/editing the EAW at the same time,rather than one at a time(and then After the RGU staff is satisfied with the editing of the handing it off to the next person). Afterwards, EAW document,it may be a good idea for them to send the document back to the project proposer for final a meeting can be scheduled to get everyone review. This allows the proposer to suggest any changes together and discuss staff concerns and/or needed and/or clarifications that need to be made so that the EAW corrections. This may lead to some duplication, accurately describes the project and it potential for significant ex.three people identifying the same issue that environmental effects. While it is important for RGUs to take needs to be addressed,but will ensure a faster the proposer's comments and information into account,it is review process in the end. the RGU that is ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information in the EAW. Step 11-Approve the EAW for distribution and Helpful Tip make copies Steps 9 and 10 illustrate the importance of While it is not required,the RGU may want to approve the understanding whether or not an EAW data EAW for distribution through some kind of formal action or submittal is complete. Once an RGU verifies a resolution. This makes it clear to everyone—RGU council/ proposer's submittal is complete,it only has 30 board members,citizens,RGU staff,the proposer,etc.,that the days(according to the rules)to finalize and edit EAW is officially ready for distribution and public comments. the document. RGUs should make certain they i have all needed information and conducted any Preparing the EAW for public notice involves: analyses or studies prior to notifying the proposer ■ Determining the number of copies of the EAW will that the data submittal is complete. be needed ■ Making copies of the EAW ■ Preparing the mailing list/mailing labels Helpful Tips ■ Assembling all materials for mailing When reviewing and editing an EAW,here are some helpful tips: When the EAW is complete and ready for public notice,RGU staff should consult the EQB distribution list(located on the RGU staff should specifically designate someone EQB website)and determine the number of copies that will be to be the EAW coordinator. This person will be needed. If the EAW is more than 30 pages long or includes a responsible for making sure the EAW gets to all number of maps and appendices,it may be a good idea to have necessary staff members and that their input will it bound for easier reading. be incorporated in into the final draft of the EAW. If an RGU has hired a consultant to assist in the review process,it should make certain the consultant receives the EAW data and documents as soon as possible. The RGU may even want to have the consultant review the data submittal 8