DOC 335.08(2)(a)(a) The EIS shall be written in plain language, and shall be concise, clear, and to the point. It shall include appropriate graphics to help decisionmakers and citizens understand the implications of the proposed action and alternatives for quality of the human environment.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)(b) Parts of the EIS shall be:

DOC 335.08(2)(b)1.1. A cover sheet containing the title of the proposed action, name of the department, designation of the document as the draft or final statement, name and address of the office where more information can be provided, a one-paragraph abstract of the statement and the last date on which comments on the document will be considered.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)2.2. A summary of the statement. It shall briefly describe the proposed action and shall emphasize major conclusions, areas of controversy, and issues to be resolved.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)4.4. A brief specification of the purpose of the action and need for it.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)5.5. A succinct description of the environment which would be affected by the proposed action.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)6.6. In comparative format, an analysis of the impact on the environment of the proposed action and all reasonable alternatives to it, including the alternative of no action.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)7.7. A discussion of the scientific and analytic bases for the environmental consequences identified in subd. 6.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)8.8. A list of preparers of the EIS together with their qualifications.

DOC 335.08(2)(b)9.9. Appendices, if any, relevant to analyses in the EIS or otherwise relevant to the decision to be made.

DOC 335.08(2)(c)(c) Other documents and sources of information may be incorporated by reference if they are available for public inspection at the central offices of the department in Madison and at the county clerk, city clerk or town clerk in the area of the project.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)(a) When an EIS is required, first a draft EIS and then a final EIS shall be prepared by the department or else be prepared for the department under contract by a consultant with supervision and final editorial review by the department. The EIS shall emphasize significant environmental issues identified during the scoping process. An EIS shall contain, in the appropriate parts specified in sub. (2) (b) 4. to 7.:

DOC 335.08(3)(a)1.1. A description of the proposed action and of the affected environment, including the project location, type of facility, time schedules, maps and diagrams deemed relevant, and other pertinent information which will adequately allow an assessment of the potential environmental impact by commenting agencies and the public.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)2.2. An analysis of the probable impact of the proposed action on the environment of human beings, to include identification of positive as well as negative effects of the proposed action and, wherever possible, indirect as well as direct consequences for the environment.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)3.3. Alternatives to the proposed action, including a rigorous exploration and objective evaluation of the environmental impacts of all reasonable alternatives, particularly those that might avoid all or some of the adverse environmental effects of the proposed action. If the department has a preferred alternative to the proposed action, that should be identified.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)4.4. A discussion of probable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented. Protective and mitigative measures to be taken as part of the proposed action shall be identified.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)5.5. A discussion of the relationship between short-term use of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)6.6. Identification of significant irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed action, if implemented, with a statement identifying the extent to which the proposed action irreversibly curtails the range of potential uses of the environment.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)7.7. Details of the beneficial aspects of the proposed action, and of the economic advantages and disadvantages of the proposed action.

DOC 335.08(3)(a)8.8. A summary of the scoping process used and of the major issues identified through it for detailed analysis in the EIS.

DOC 335.08(3)(b)(b) The EIS shall be an analytical document that enables environmental factors to be considered in the development of a proposed action. It shall be considered by the department in the decision-making process.

DOC 335.08(3)(c)(c) An EIS is not a document of justification. On the other hand, disclosure of adverse environmental effects does not necessarily mean that a proposed action should be abandoned.

DOC 335.08(3)(d)(d) Where proposed actions are likely to be repeated on a recurring basis or where they have relevant similarities such as common timing, impacts, alternatives, methods of implementation, or subject matter, a generic EIS may be prepared. The department shall, when addressing a single action already covered by a generic EIS, examine the relevance of the generic EIS to the specific action.