Section 1075.10  Purpose

The purpose of this Part is:

a)         To establish a consultation process between the Department and agencies of State and local governments of Illinois concerning impacts on State endangered and threatened species and Natural Areas by actions authorized, funded, or carried out by those agencies which are authorized by Section 11(b) of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 8, par. 341) [520 ILCS 10/11] and Section 17 of the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act [525 ILCS 30/17].

b)         To provide a consultation procedure designed to assist agencies of State and local governments in the evaluation of proposed actions for the purpose of addressing the adverse impacts to endangered or threatened flora or fauna as listed by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, or to the essential habitat of such species or to Natural Areas.

c)         To promote the conservation of threatened and endangered species and Natural Areas by establishing the following policy:  the avoidance of adverse impacts is a priority of action; when avoidance is not practicable, adverse impacts should be minimized; and when practicable alternatives do not exist and an adverse impact is likely to occur, compensation shall be requested.

d)         This Part provides details for the following:  

1)         actions requiring review and those exempted;

2)         filing of the Agency Action Report;

3)         filing of the Detailed Action Report;

4)         preparation of the biological opinion;

5)         emergencies;

6)         public involvement opportunities; and

7)         alternative action guidelines.

(Source:  Amended at 19 Ill. Reg. 594, effective January 9, 1995)