Amendment to the Environmental Impact Statement Regulations (Chapter 2401-61): Reimbursement of Fees: Independent Preparer Required.

Regulation 11 of the principal Regulations requires an applicant to have the environmental impact statement prepared by an independent third party. The Board shall now prepare a list of consultants qualified in the preparation of environmental impact statements. The list shall be renewed annually through procedures here established. The applicant shall select a consultant from the list and directly negotiate a contract of services with the consultant. The Board, however, shall approve the negotiated scope of work before the contract is signed. The applicant shall pay in advance for the preparation of the statement and the payment shall be held in escrow by the Board. The applicant shall reimburse the Board for costs incurred in relation to preparation and review of the statement.