"Scoping" means determining the range of proposed actions, alternatives, and impacts to be discussed in an EIS. Because an EIS is required to analyze significant environmental impacts only, scoping is intended to identify and narrow the EIS to the significant issues. The required scoping process (WAC 197-11-408) provides interagency and public notice of a DS, or equivalent notification, and opportunity to comment. The lead agency has the option of expanding the scoping process (WAC 197-11-410), but shall not be required to do so. Scoping is used to encourage cooperation and early resolution of potential conflicts, to improve decisions, and to reduce paperwork and delay.
Wash. Admin. Code § 197-11-793
Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21C.110. 84-05-020 (Order DE 83-39), § 197-11-793, filed 2/10/84, effective 4/4/84.