(a) Purpose. The primary purpose of an EIS is to serve as a decision-making tool to ensure that the purposes and policies defined in the state environmental policy act of 1971 (G.S. 113A) are given full consideration in the ongoing programs and actions of state and local government. It should provide a full and fair discussion of significant environmental impacts and should inform decision-makers and the public of the reasonable alternatives which would avoid or minimize adverse impacts or enhance the quality of the environment.
(b) Requirements. Preparers should use a format for EISs which would encourage good analysis and clear presentation of all alternatives, including the proposed activity, while minimizing length and complexity. These documents should not exceed 50 pages and should include site location maps. The format and content for EISs shall be as follows:
(1) Cover sheet. A single cover sheet including the following information:
a. Designation of the document as a draft, supplementary or final statement.
b. Title of the proposed activity that is the subject of the statement.
c. List of any involved cooperating entities.
d. Name, address, and telephone number of the person who can supply further information.
(2) Summary. An adequate and accurate summary of the statement stressing the major conclusions, areas of controversy, and issues to be resolved. The summary shall also list all federal, state, and local permits, licenses, certifications, and other approvals which must be obtained in implementing the proposal. If there is any uncertainty about whether any one of these is necessary, it should be so indicated.
(3) Purpose and need. The underlying purpose and need for the proposed activity.
(4) Alternatives including proposed activity. Based upon information and analysis presented in this subsection on the affected environment and environmental consequences, it should present the environmental impacts of the alternatives including the proposed activity in comparative form. To the extent possible the comparison of alternatives should quantify how the purpose and need would be satisfied by each alternative and the proposed activity. It should also:
a. Explore and evaluate all reasonable alternatives.
b. Discuss the reasons for the elimination of alternatives from detailed study.
c. Include appropriate mitigation measures not already included in the alternatives.
d. Describe the environment of the area to be affected and the environment to be created by the alternatives under consideration. The description should be no longer than is necessary to understand the effects of the alternatives.
e. Describe environmental consequences, such as:
1. Direct effects and significance.
2. Indirect effects and significance.
3. Possible conflicts between the proposed activities and the objectives of federal, state, and local plans, policies and controls for the affected area.
f. List the names and qualifications of the persons who were primarily responsible for preparing the EIS.
g. If an appendix is included in an EIS, it should meet the following requirements:
1. Consist of materials substantiating any analysis fundamental to the principal document, as distinct from material of lesser significance that may accompany the document or be incorporated by reference;
2. Normally be analytic and relevant to the decision to be made;
3. Shall not be counted in the EIS 50 page limit; and
4. Be circulated with the EIS or be readily available upon request.
(Ord. of 12-3-1990, § 5)