PSC 4.30(3) (3) Content. Based on information obtained from the project applicant, scoping, site inspection, commission research, governmental agencies and other relevant sources, an EIS shall include:

PSC 4.30(3)(a) (a) A description of the proposed action and the affected environment and other relevant information.

PSC 4.30(3)(am) (am) A description of the purpose of the proposed action and of the need for the proposed action.

PSC 4.30(3)(b) (b) An analysis of the probable impact of the proposed action on the environment, including:

PSC 4.30(3)(b)1. 1. An evaluation of positive and negative effects on the affected local and regional environments, including the proposed action’s direct, indirect and cumulative environmental effects.

PSC 4.30(3)(b)2. 2. An analysis of any probable adverse environmental effects that would be unavoidable if the action is approved. This analysis shall consider:

PSC 4.30(3)(b)2.a. a. The proposed action’s short-term and long-term effects.

PSC 4.30(3)(b)2.b. b. Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.

PSC 4.30(3)(b)3. 3. A statement of how other adverse effects could be mitigated or prevented if the commission approves a proposed action.

PSC 4.30(3)(c) (c) An evaluation of the reasonable alternatives to the proposed action and significant environmental consequences of the alternatives, including those alternatives that could avoid some or all of the proposed action’s adverse environmental effects and the alternative of taking no action.

PSC 4.30(3)(d) (d) A proposed action’s socioeconomic effects.

PSC 4.30(3)(e) (e) A proposed action’s effect on energy usage, including an evaluation of the technical feasibility of alternatives, pursuant to s. 1.12, Stats.

PSC 4.30(3)(f) (f) An evaluation of the archeological, architectural and historic significance of any affected resources. This evaluation shall include consultation with the state historical society of Wisconsin.

PSC 4.30(3)(g) (g) An evaluation of the effects of a proposed action on agriculture. If the proposed action may result in condemnation of farmland, the commission shall coordinate preparation of an EIS with the Wisconsin department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection. To the extent possible, an EIS for a proposed action that affects agriculture shall incorporate the provisions of an agricultural impact statement under s. 32.035 (4), Stats., so the EIS can also serve the functions of an agricultural impact statement under s. 32.035 (3), Stats.

PSC 4.30(3)(h) (h) A summary of the scoping process used and the major issues identified for analysis in the EIS.

PSC 4.30(4) (4) Draft environmental impact statements.

PSC 4.30(4)(a) (a) A draft EIS is a preliminary document, clearly describing a proposed project and the alternatives being considered so that other persons can begin assessing the environmental effects of the proposal.

PSC 4.30(4)(b) (b) Each draft EIS shall include a preliminary evaluation of the information described in sub. (3).

PSC 4.30(4)(c) (c) The commission shall distribute a copy of each draft EIS to:

PSC 4.30(4)(c)1. 1. The governor.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)2. 2. Each county, state or federal agency and each Indian tribe the commission knows has special expertise or interest in the proposed project.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)3. 3. The state historical society of Wisconsin library.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)4. 4. The Wisconsin legislative reference bureau.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)5. 5. Each of the regional depository libraries.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)6. 6. The Wisconsin department of natural resources.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)7. 7. The project applicant.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)8. 8. Any person who requests a copy.

PSC 4.30(4)(c)9. 9. For a proposed action affecting a local area:

PSC 4.30(4)(c)9.a. a. The public library nearest to the proposed project.