32.2.236    JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS

(1) Whenever the agency and one or more other state agencies have jurisdiction over an applicant's proposal or major state actions that individually, collectively, or cumulatively require an EIS and another agency is clearly the lead agency, the agency shall cooperate with the lead agency in the preparation of a joint EIS.   Whenever it is clearly the lead agency, the agency shall coordinate the preparation of the EIS as required by this rule.   Whenever the agency and one or more agencies have jurisdiction over an applicant's proposal or major state actions and lead agency status cannot be resolved, the agency shall request a determination from the governor.

(2) The agency shall cooperate with federal and local agencies in preparing EISs when the jurisdiction of the agency is involved.   This cooperation may include, but is not limited to:

(a) joint environmental research studies;

(b) a joint process to determine the scope of an EIS;

(c) joint public hearings;

(d) joint EISs; and

(e) whenever appropriate, joint issuance of a record of decision.

(3) Whenever the agency proposes or participates in an action that requires preparation of an EIS under both the National Environmental Policy Act and MEPA, the EIS must be prepared in compliance with both statutes and associated rules and regulations.   The agency may, if required by a cooperating federal agency, accede to and follow more stringent requirements, such as additional content or public review periods, but in no case may it accede to less than is provided for in these rules.

(4) The same general provisions for cooperation and joint issuance of documents provided for in this rule in connection with EISs also apply to EAs.

History: Sec. 2-4-201 MCA; IMP, Sec. 2-4-201, 75-1-201 MCA; NEW, 2000 MAR p. 3409, Eff. 12/8/00.