Environmental impact statement required—Mitigation measures to be part of permit requirements—Department of ecology to cooperate with affected local governments.
(1) An environmental impact statement must be prepared for any proposed metals mining and milling operation. The department of ecology shall be the lead agency in coordinating the environmental review process under chapter 43.21C RCW and in preparing the environmental impact statement, except for uranium and thorium operations regulated under Title 70 RCW.
(2) As part of the environmental review of metals mining and milling operations regulated under this chapter, the applicant shall provide baseline data adequate to document the premining conditions at the proposed site of the metals mining and milling operation. The baseline data shall contain information on the elements of the natural environment identified in rules adopted pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW.
(3) The department of ecology, after consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, shall incorporate measures to mitigate significant probable adverse impacts to fish and wildlife as part of the department of ecology's permit requirements for the proposed operation.
(4) In conducting the environmental review and preparing the environmental impact statement, the department of ecology shall cooperate with all affected local governments to the fullest extent practicable.
[ 1994 c 232 s 5.]