1. (1) The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all department actions which may affect the quality of the human environment.
2. (2) Where another state or federal agency has concurrent responsibility with the department for a proposed EA action, a joint environmental assessment, or EA, may be prepared with the other agency if the EA meets the requirements of this chapter. The department shall make an independent judgment on the need for an environmental impact statement, or EIS, in accordance with this chapter.

3. (3) Where a proposed action involves another state or federal agency approval or decision, and it has been determined that an EIS shall be prepared in accordance with NEPA or WEPA, the WEPA requirement for an EIS under this chapter may be waived if:

   1. (a) A joint EIS is prepared; or
   2. (b) After review of the other state or federal EIS by the department, it appears that the requirements as to content of the EIS prescribed in s. 1.11, Stats., and this chapter have been met, and the EIS was developed and prepared through appropriate participation by the department with the other agencies in a coordinated effort to satisfy the requirement of NEPA and WEPA.
4. (4) If the joint EIS under sub. (3) appears to comply with the requirements of WEPA and this chapter, public hearings shall be held in accordance with this chapter unless they are held in Wisconsin by the lead agency with effective participation by the department.

5. (5) The department may accept certification of compliance by a county, city, village or town with any environmental laws applicable to improvements under the jurisdiction of the local government for which reimbursement is sought from the department through the local roads improvement program in s. 86.31, Stats.

   Note: The Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA), s. 1.11, Stats., requires environmental documentation for major department actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations similarly require environmental documentation for major federal actions, such as a federal agency approving the use of federal funds or issuing a permit for department actions. For department actions that require federal approval, the department prepares the required environmental documentation. Where NEPA applies to a department action, WEPA typically also applies. The intent of this chapter is to implement WEPA regulations that are consistent with NEPA and its implementing regulations for all department actions to which these laws apply.

History

History: Cr. Register, April, 1992, No. 436, eff. 5-1-92; am. (2), Register, February, 1999, No. 518, eff. 3-1-99.