Future Fisheries Decision Notice (Adopt the Granite Creek, Flat Creek Projects environmental review, 2024 Winter cycle)
Apr 18, 2024 8:22 AM
This Decision Notice addresses two projects in the Winter 2024 funding cycle of the Future Fisheries Improvement Program, Flat Creek tailings removal and restoration and Granite Creek Upper Alder restoration (application materials can be found at https://fwp.mt.gov/ffip).
According to the applicable requirements of MEPA and its implementing rules and regulations, before a proposed action may be approved, environmental review must be conducted to identify, consider, and disclose any potential impacts of the proposed action on the affected human environment. The level of environmental review will vary with the complexity and seriousness of environmental issues associated with a proposed action. The level of public interest will also vary. The agency is responsible for adjusting public review to match these factors. Title 75, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 3, Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Pursuant to ARM 12.2.441(1)(a)-(c), Adoption of Existing EIS [or EA], (1) The agency shall adopt as part of a draft EIS [or draft EA] all or any part of the information, conclusions, comments, and responses to comments contained in an existing EIS [or draft EA] that has been previously or is being concurrently prepared pursuant to MEPA or NEPA if the agency determines: (a) that the existing EIS [or draft EA] covers an action paralleling or closely related to the action proposed by the agency or the applicant (b) on the basis of its own independent evaluation, that the information contained in the existing EIS [or draft EA] has been accurately presented; and (c) that the information contained in the existing EIS [or draft EA] is applicable to the action currently being considered.
FWP determined the subject action(s) meet all the criteria of ARM 12.2.441(1)(a)-(c) for adoption of the applicable prior environmental review and associated public processes. With this Decision Notice, these projects will continue as planned.
Related Documents (project ID: FWP-DN-FSH-R8-2024-001; FWP-DN-FSH-R8-2024-002):