WAC 222-10-030   *SEPA policies for potentially unstable slopes and landforms.  In addition to SEPA policies established elsewhere in this chapter, the following policies apply to forest practices described in WAC 222-16-050 (1)(d) relating to construction or harvest on potentially unstable slopes or landforms.

     (1) In order to determine whether such forest practices are likely to have a probable significant adverse impact, and therefore require an environmental impact statement, the applicant must submit the following additional information, prepared by a qualified expert. The expert must describe the potentially unstable landforms in and around the application site and analyze:

     (a) The likelihood that the proposed forest practices will cause movement on the potentially unstable slopes or landforms, or contribute to further movement of a potentially unstable slope or landform;

     (b) The likelihood of delivery of sediment or debris to any public resources, or in a manner that would threaten public safety; and

     (c) Any possible mitigation for the identified hazards and risks.

     (2) The department's threshold determination will include an evaluation of whether the proposed forest practices:

     (a) Are likely to increase the probability of a mass movement on or near the site;

     (b) Would deliver sediment or debris to a public resource or would deliver sediment or debris in a manner that would threaten public safety; and

     (c) Such movement and delivery are likely to cause significant adverse impacts.

     If the department determines that (a), (b) and (c) of this subsection are likely to occur, then the forest practice is likely to have a probable significant adverse impact.

     (3) The department will evaluate the proposal, using appropriate expertise and in consultation with other affected agencies and Indian tribes.

     (4) Specific mitigation measures or conditions must be designed to avoid accelerating rates and magnitudes of mass wasting that could deliver sediment or debris to a public resource or could deliver sediment or debris in a manner that would threaten public safety.

     (5) Qualified expert for the purposes of this section means a person licensed under chapter 18.220 RCW as either an engineering geologist or as a hydrogeologist (if the site warrants hydrologist expertise), with 3 years of field experience in the evaluation of relevant problems in forested lands.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-10-030, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050,[76.09.]370 , 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-10-030, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]