(1) The purpose of these rules is to implement Title 75, chapter 1, MCA, the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) , through the establishment of administrative procedures. In order to fulfill the stated policy of that act, the department of environmental quality shall conform to the following rules prior to reaching a final decision on actions covered by MEPA. It must be noted that the act requires that state agencies comply with its terms "to the fullest extent possible."