15A NCAC 01C .0206      WHEN TO PREPARE ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS

(a)  When an environmental document is required under NCEPA and DEQ is the state project agency, DEQ shall prepare an environmental document unless the action falls below the minimum criteria set forth in Section .0400 of this Subchapter. As described in 15A NCAC 01C .0306, the Secretary may require preparation of an environmental document that would otherwise not be required through application of DEQ's minimum criteria.

(b)  An environmental assessment is not necessary if DEQ has decided to prepare an environmental impact statement.

(c)  DEQ shall ensure that the activity that is the subject of the environmental document is properly defined. Closely connected activities should be reviewed together. Closely connected activities include:

(1)           activities that automatically trigger other activities that may require environmental impact statements;

(2)           activities that cannot or will not proceed unless other activities occur either previously or simultaneously; and

(3)           activities that are interdependent parts of a larger plan of development and depend on the larger plan of development for justification.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113A‑2; 113A‑4; 113A‑6; 143B‑10;

Eff. April 1, 2003;

Readopted Eff. June 1, 2022.