(a) Purpose. A coordination plan is a plan for coordinating
public and agency participation in and comment on the environmental
review process when an EIS is required. A coordination plan is intended
to involve the agencies with an interest in the project and the public
in the early stages of development of an EIS, and is distinct from
the process for preparation of the project scope prepared by a project
sponsor and department delegate under §2.44 of this chapter (relating
to Project Scope). A coordination plan must include, at a minimum,
participation by any agency for which participation is required under
a memorandum of understanding with the department, including the memoranda
of understanding under Subchapters G, H, and I of this chapter (relating
to Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,
Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Historical Commission,
and Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality).
(b) Coordination Plan Required. The project sponsor,
in collaboration with the department delegate, will prepare a coordination
plan after publication of the NOI for an EIS or supplemental EIS,
in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the department.
(c) Notice Requirements.
(1) The project sponsor will circulate the draft of
the coordination plan to the agencies identified in the coordination
plan and will make it available to the public at a public meeting.
The project sponsor will allow not less than 30 days for comment on
the draft coordination plan and schedule.
(2) A deadline for comment by agencies and the public
may be extended for good cause. The good cause must be documented
in the project file.
(3) The project sponsor will give a copy of the approved
coordination plan and any approved schedule for completion of the
environmental review process to the agencies identified in the coordination
plan and will make it available to the public on request.
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