(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."NEW, 1980 MAR p. 88, Eff. 1/18/80; TRANS, from DHES, 1996 MAR p. 1497.2-4-201, 2-15-112, MCA; IMP, 75-1-201, MCA;