The independent consultant shall be primarily responsible for the review and evaluation of information provided by the applicant to determine areas of possible omissions, and may undertake assignments or studies as may be specified or provided for by the contract with the council. The independent consultant may be contracted to:

(1) Prepare a potential site study and supporting documents for compliance with the topical guidelines and for technical veracity, and prepare a criteria document which details the contents of an application for site certification;

(2) Review and analyze an energy project site certification application for compliance with the requirements contained in chapter 463-62 WAC (Construction and operation standards for energy facilities) and chapter 463-60 WAC;

(3) Identify areas of critical environmental sensitivity;

(4) Develop and provide such information as the council may deem essential to an adequate site appraisal; and

(5) Provide technical advice to the council during the site certification process.