WAC 220-600-070. Agency policy — Substantive authority and mitigation

(1) The policy of the department is to avoid or mitigate adverse environmental impacts that may result from department actions. This policy results from: (a) The legislated duties of the department with respect to fish and wildlife; and (b) Recognition of the fact that each person has a fundamental and inalienable right to a healthful environment and that each person has a responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment (RCW 43.21C.020 (31)). (2) If an action is subject to SEPA, and the proposed activity requires a permit from the department, and is reasonably likely to have an adverse environmental impact as identified in an environmental document, the department may: (a) Require reasonable alternatives to the action and/or proven measures which will mitigate or eliminate the identified potential adverse impact, and make such alternatives and/or proven mitigation measures conditions of the department's approval; or (b) Deny the proposal if significant adverse impacts as identified in a final or supplemental environmental impact statement prepared under chapter 197-11 WAC are not satisfactorily avoided or mitigated by proven techniques.