WAC 197-11-070. Limitations on actions during SEPA process

(1) Until the responsible official issues a final determination of nonsignificance or final environmental impact statement, no action concerning the proposal shall be taken by a governmental agency that would:

(a) Have an adverse environmental impact; or

(b) Limit the choice of reasonable alternatives.

(2) In addition, certain DNSs require a fourteen-day period prior to agency action (WAC 197-11-340 (2)), and FEISs require a seven-day period prior to agency action (WAC 197-11-460 (4)).

(3) In preparing environmental documents, there may be a need to conduct studies that may cause nonsignificant environmental impacts. If such activity is not exempt under WAC 197-11-800 (17), the activity may nonetheless proceed if a checklist is prepared and appropriate mitigation measures taken.

(4) This section does not preclude developing plans or designs, issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), securing options, or performing other work necessary to develop an application for a proposal, as long as such activities are consistent with subsection (1).