Section 60.08. Public hearings on the DEIS and FEIS.

 

(1)  Whenever a proposed action requires a DEIS and an FEIS, the department shall hold a public hearing on the DEIS, no sooner than 30 days after its issuance, and shall also hold a public hearing on the FEIS, no sooner than 30 days after its issuance and prior to making a final decision. These hearings shall be noticed and conducted in the same manner as a contested case proceeding under ch. 227 , Stats. The final draft of the EIS issued by the department, and the record of decision provided in s. Adm 60.09 , are intended to satisfy the decision requirement of s. 227.47 , Stats.

(2)  The hearings shall be held in the locality affected; on actions of statewide significance, the hearing may be held in Madison.

(3)  The department shall issue a news release to news media in the vicinity of the proposed action for each public hearing on a DEIS or FEIS. Notice shall also be mailed to all known departments and agencies required to grant any approval necessary for the proposal; to any regional planning commission within which the affected area lies; to the governing bodies of all towns, villages, cities and counties within which any part of the proposal lies; to the governing bodies of any towns, villages or cities contiguous to any town, village or city within which any part of the proposal lies; and to interested persons who have requested such notification. Persons, organizations or agencies that attended the DEIS public hearing shall also receive notice of the FEIS public hearing.

(4)  After the FEIS public hearing provided in sub. (1) , the department shall carefully review the hearing record and summarize the comments received on the DEIS and the FEIS.

History: Cr. Register, February, 1982, No. 314 , eff. 3-1-82.