Section 301.02. Policy.

 

(1)  The department acknowledges the Wisconsin environmental policy act, s. 1.11 , Stats., as a legal obligation to evaluate and consider potential environmental impacts of its proposed actions. This obligation is shared by all divisions of the department.

(2)  In carrying out its responsibility under s. 1.11 , Stats., the department shall substantially follow the guidelines issued as rules by the United States council on environmental quality at 40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508 (1987), as amended July 1, 1990, and its addenda.

(3)  The department will implement procedures that will make the environmental analysis process useful to decision makers and the public. Environmental impact statements shall be concise, clear, and to the point. The statements shall emphasize major environmental issues relating to the proposed action and identify alternatives as necessary to inform department decision makers and the public.

(4)  Public involvement, interagency coordination and consultation, and a systematic interdisciplinary approach to analysis of the issues shall be essential parts of the process of evaluating and considering environmental impacts.

(5)  The department's decisions on proposed actions shall consider the findings of environmental documents.

Cr. Register, September, 1999, No. 525 , eff. 10-1-99.