R 281.1304 Project assessment.

Rule 4. (1) In each application for a permit as required pursuant to the provisions of R 281.1302, (5) and (7), an assessment of all known existing and potential adverse effects within the scope of the project shall be provided by the applicant and reviewed by the department to determine whether the project will have a significant adverse effect on public health, safety, welfare, property, or natural resources or the public trust in those resources. This assessment shall include evaluations of both positive and negative impacts of the project commensurate with the scope of the project and mitigating measures to minimize impacts on all of the following: (a) Wetlands. (b) Fisheries. (c) Wildlife. (d) Threatened and endangered species. (e) Water quality. (f) Streamflows. (g) Sediment transport. (h) Turbidity. (i) Water chemistry. (j) Water temperature. (k) Riparian rights. The assessment shall include impacts of the impoundment on the stream below the impoundment and shall address impacts both during construction and after completion of the project. (2) If the department determines that more detailed study is needed, it may require the applicant to provide the additional information or cause such a study to be made. The department shall state, with specificity, in writing, the requirements or criteria for such additional information or study. All available data shall be evaluated by the department in its review of an application for a permit.