§ 54-62. Environmental impact statement.

(a)

Pursuant to G.S. 113A-8, the applicant for a permit to build a major development project, as defined in G.S. 113A-9, under this article is required to submit detailed statements, as defined in G.S. 113A-4(2), of the impact of such projects.

(b)

In addition to the permit application described in section 54-59, the permit applicant shall submit to the planning board a proposed scope of the EIS to include the format and content outlined in 1 NCAC 25.0603, which will include:

(1)

The environmental impact of the proposed action;

(2)

Any significant adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;

(3)

Mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact;

(4)

Alternatives to the proposed actions;

(5)

The relationship between the shortterm uses of the environment involved in the proposed action and the maintenance and enhancement of longterm productivity;

(6)

Any irreversible and irretrievable environmental changes which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented; and

(7)

Other requirements for an EIS under G.S. 113A-4 and 1 NCAC 250107 et seq.

(c)

Following the submittal of an EIS, the planning board shall hold a public hearing to solicit public comments regarding the sufficiency of the document. The EIS shall also be submitted to the state clearinghouse for review and comment following the process outlined in 1 NCAC 25.0801 et seq. The comments by the public and agencies and the response by the applicant to the comments shall become part of the EIS. After consideration of the public and agency comments and the applicant's response, the planning board shall make a recommendation to the board of commissioners that it accept or reject the document as completed.

(d)

The board of commissioners shall submit the EIS, along with the permit application, to the appropriate state agency to aid them in their determination as to whether to accept, deny or accept with modifications a permit under this article as allowed pursuant to 1 NCAC 25.0802(c).

(Ord. of 11-5-90(1), § VI)

Cross reference

Environment, ch. 30.