§6.513 Public participation.

(a) General. Consistent with public participation regulations in part 25 of this title, and subpart D of this part, it is EPA policy that certain public participation steps be achieved before the State and EPA complete the environmental review process. As a minimum, all potential applicants that do not qualify for a categorical exclusion shall conduct the following steps in accordance with procedures specified in part 25 of this title:

(1) One public meeting when alternatives have been developed, but before an alternative has been selected, to discuss all alternatives under consideration and the reasons for rejection of others; and

(2) One public hearing prior to formal adoption of a facilities plan to discuss the proposed facilities plan and any needed mitigation measures.

(b) Coordination. Public participation activities undertaken in connection with the environmental review process should be coordinated with any other applicable public participation program wherever possible.

(c) Scope. The requirements of 40 CFR 6.400 shall be fulfilled, and consistent with 40 CFR 1506.6, the responsible official may institute such additional NEPA-related public participation procedures as are deemed necessary during the environmental review process.

[50 FR 26317, June 25, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 32613, Sept. 12, 1986]