DHS 18.08(2)(b)5.5. A succinct description of the environment which would be affected by the proposed action.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(2)(b)7.7. A discussion of the scientific and analytic bases for the environmental consequences identified in subd. 6.

DHS 18.08(2)(b)9.9. Appendices, if any, relevant to analyses in the EIS or otherwise relevant to the decision to be made.

DHS 18.08(2)(c)(c) Other documents and sources of information may be incorporated by reference, provided that they are reasonably accessible to interested persons. “Reasonably accessible” in the case of documents means that the documents are available for public inspection at the central offices of the department in Madison and at a field office of the department in the area of the project if the project is in a particular area of the state.

DHS 18.08(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.:

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(3)(a)7.7. Details of the beneficial aspects of the proposed action, and of the economic advantages and disadvantages of the proposed action.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.08(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.

DHS 18.09(1)(a)(a) The governor’s office.

DHS 18.09(1)(b)(b) The department of natural resources and other state, federal, and local government agencies having special expertise, interest or jurisdiction.

DHS 18.09(1)(c)(c) Regional and county planning agencies located within the proposed project or action area.

DHS 18.09(1)(d)(d) Regional offices of the department covering the area of the proposed project or action and the department’s central office in Madison.

DHS 18.09(1)(e)(e) Appropriate public libraries:

DHS 18.09(1)(e)1.1. For proposed actions affecting a local area, the nearest public library.

DHS 18.09(1)(e)2.2. For projects of regional importance, public libraries with a geographic distribution which permits public access without undue travel.