As soon as practicable after the responsible entity decides to prepare an EIS, it must publish a NOI/EIS, using the HUD recommended format and disseminate it in the same manner as required by 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508.

The determination on whether or not to hold a scoping meeting will depend on the same circumstances and factors as for the holding of public hearings under § 58.59. The responsible entity must wait at least 15 days after disseminating or publishing the NOI/EIS before holding a scoping meeting.

If there are several agencies ready to assume the lead role, the responsible entity must make its decision based on the criteria in 40 CFR 1501.5(c). If the responsible entity and a Federal agency are unable to reach agreement, then the responsible entity must notify HUD (or the State, where applicable). HUD (or the State) will assist in obtaining a determination based on the procedure set forth in 40 CFR 1501.5(e).

(a) Factors to consider. In determining whether or not to hold public hearings in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.6, the responsible entity must consider the following factors:

(1) The magnitude of the project in terms of economic costs, the geographic area involved, and the uniqueness or size of commitment of resources involved.

(2) The degree of interest in or controversy concerning the project.

(3) The complexity of the issues and the likelihood that information will be presented at the hearing which will be of assistance to the responsible entity.

(4) The extent to which public involvement has been achieved through other means.

(b) Procedure. All public hearings must be preceded by a notice of public hearing, which must be published in the local news media 15 days before the hearing date. The Notice must:

(1) State the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing or meeting.

(2) Describe the project, its estimated costs, and the project area.

(3) State that persons desiring to be heard on environmental issues will be afforded the opportunity to be heard.

(4) State the responsible entity's name and address and the name and address of its Certifying Officer.

(5) State what documents are available, where they can be obtained, and any charges that may apply.

(a) The responsible entity must prepare the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and the final environmental impact statements (FEIS) using the current HUD recommended format or its equivalent.

(b) The responsible entity must file and distribute the (DEIS) and the (FEIS) in the following manner:

(1) Five copies to EPA Headquarters;

(2) Five copies to EPA Regional Office;

(3) Copies made available in the responsible entity's and the recipient's office;

(4) Copies or summaries made available to persons who request them; and

(5) FEIS only—one copy to State, HUD Field Office, and HUD Headquarters library.

(c) The responsible entity may request waivers from the time requirements specified for the draft and final EIS as prescribed in 40 CFR 1506.6.

(d) When substantial changes are proposed in a project or when significant new circumstances or information becomes available during an environmental review, the recipient may prepare a supplemental EIS as prescribed in 40 CFR 1502.9.

(e) The responsible entity must prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) as prescribed in 40 CFR 1505.2.