Navigating SEPA Modules 1-4 - virtual
The online State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) training series will be presented by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The four-session series is designed to provide participants with a general overview of the purpose of SEPA, the procedural requirements of the rules, and how SEPA can be used in decision-making.
Module 1: Overview and Applicability will cover the statutory overview and purpose of the Act as well as when it is required for agency decision-making. It will cover agency roles and responsibilities – including the designation of the SEPA lead agency. This session also addresses SEPA exemptions and a discussion of when there are exceptions to those exemptions. Here is a recording of the training from April 13, 2021 of Module 1.
Module 2: Conducting the Review – Checklists, Threshold Determination, Public Notice, Review and Commenting will covers the basic environmental review and analysis process with a focus on SEPA for projects such as general development proposals, industrial projects, and infrastructure construction. We’ll discuss the Environmental Checklist, supplemental information, significant impacts, threshold determination (DNS, MDNS, or DS). We’ll also cover inter-agency distribution, public notice and the SEPA Register as well as tips on how to review and comment on other agencies’ documents. The general SEPA appeal options will be addressed with time for question and answer about various agency-specific options. Here is a recording of the training from April 15, 2021.
will cover the statutory overview and purpose of the Act as well as when it is required for agency decision-making. It will cover agency roles and responsibilities – including the designation of the SEPA lead agency. This session also addresses SEPA exemptions and a discussion of when there are exceptions to those exemptions. Here is a recording of the training from April 20, 2021.
Module 4: NonProject SEPA, Phased Review, Adopting Existing Documents will provide more time for Q & A but also go into more depth on how to analyze indirect impacts for a programmatic or “nonproject” SEPA review. This also leads into some procedural steps related to phased review and how to adopt previously prepared SEPA and NEPA documents. Here is the recording of the training from April 22nd, 2021. (10 AICP credits/CEP Points)
Please reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Additionally, we can offer a couple of scholarship to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.
Instructor:
Fran Sant is a senior environmental planner for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She has been providing SEPA technical assistance and working on SEPA rulemaking since joining Ecology in 2012. Prior to joining Ecology Fran was with the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Assistance and Innovation.
Sarah Cassal is a planner for the SEPA Unit providing technical assistance and implementing rulemaking for Ecology. She has worked at Ecology since 2006 and has a background focusing in environmental review, shoreline management and water quality issues.
Meg Bommarito is the lead planner for Ecology’s Northwest Regional Office. She has worked at Ecology since 2006 and works to support the environmental review process.
