# WAC 197-11-080: WAC 197-11-080. Incomplete or unavailable information

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_080

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 197-11-080
- **Heading:** WAC 197-11-080. Incomplete or unavailable information
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 197 / Chapter 197-11 / Section 197-11-080

## Text

(1) If information on significant adverse impacts essential to a reasoned choice among alternatives is not known, and the costs of obtaining it are not exorbitant, agencies shall obtain and include the information in their environmental documents.
(2) When there are gaps in relevant information or scientific uncertainty concerning significant impacts, agencies shall make clear that such information is lacking or that substantial uncertainty exists.
(3) Agencies may proceed in the absence of vital information as follows:
(a) If information relevant to adverse impacts is essential to a reasoned choice among alternatives, but is not known, and the costs of obtaining it are exorbitant; or
(b) If information relevant to adverse impacts is important to the decision and the means to obtain it are speculative or not known;
Then the agency shall weigh the need for the action with the severity of possible adverse impacts which would occur if the agency were to decide to proceed in the face of uncertainty. If the agency proceeds, it shall generally indicate in the appropriate environmental documents its worst case analysis and the likelihood of occurrence, to the extent this information can reasonably be developed.
(4) Agencies may rely upon applicants to provide information as allowed in WAC 197-11-100 .

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 197-11-010 WAC 197-11-010. Authority](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_010.md)
- [WAC 197-11-020 WAC 197-11-020. Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_020.md)
- [WAC 197-11-030 WAC 197-11-030. Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_030.md)
- [WAC 197-11-040 WAC 197-11-040. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_040.md)
- [WAC 197-11-050 WAC 197-11-050. Lead agency](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_050.md)
- [WAC 197-11-055 WAC 197-11-055. Timing of the SEPA process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_055.md)
- [WAC 197-11-060 WAC 197-11-060. Content of environmental review](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_060.md)
- [WAC 197-11-070 WAC 197-11-070. Limitations on actions during SEPA process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_070.md)
- [WAC 197-11-080 WAC 197-11-080. Incomplete or unavailable information](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_080.md)
- [WAC 197-11-090 WAC 197-11-090. Supporting documents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_090.md)
- [WAC 197-11-100 WAC 197-11-100. Information required of applicants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_100.md)
- [WAC 197-11-158 WAC 197-11-158. SEPA/GMA project review—Reliance on existing plans, laws, and regulations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_158.md)
- [WAC 197-11-164 WAC 197-11-164. Planned actions — Definition and criteria](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_164.md)
- [WAC 197-11-168 WAC 197-11-168. Ordinances or resolutions designating planned actions—Procedures for adoption](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_168.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_197_11_080. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.