§ 45-5. Environmental impact statement.

If the lead agency determines that an EIS is required, it shall proceed as provided in Part 617.8, 617.9 and 617.10. Commencing with the acceptance of the draft EIS, the time limitation for processing the EIS shall run concurrently with the time limitations applicable to processing the application for approval or funding of the action, and a public hearing on the draft EIS, if any, shall be held concurrently with any hearing to be held on such application. The draft EIS shall be prepared by the applicant. Failure by the applicant to prepare an EIS acceptable to the lead agency shall, at the option of the lead agency, be deemed an abandonment and discontinuance of the application.