(1) The purpose of these rules is to establish uniform requirements for compliance with SEPA. Each agency must have its own SEPA procedures consistent with these statewide rules. The effective date of these rules is stated in WAC 197-11-955.

(2) These rules replace the previous guidelines in chapter 197-10 WAC.

(3) The provisions of these rules and the act must be read together as a whole in order to comply with the spirit and letter of the law.