Under conditions specified in Section 21080.3 of CEQA, a lead agency shall consult with Fish and Game prior to the decision of whether an EIR or Negative Declaration is required. Comments shall be provided by the responsible regional unit.

Section 21080.4 of CEQA requires lead agencies to send a Notice of Determination to Fish and Game if an EIR is required. Upon receipt of such notice ESB personnel shall send the Notice to the responsible regional unit. This unit shall specify the scope and content of environmental information germane to Fish and Game statutory responsibilities and identify specific concerns with the project. The above information shall be provided in writing to ESB for review within 40 days of the date on the Notice of Determination. ESB shall obtain appropriate signatures and forward Fish and Game comments to the Resources Agency within 45 days of the date on the Notice of Determination.

In order for the environmental review process of a project to be timely and complete, the responsible regional unit of Fish and Game may request one or more meetings between representatives of agencies involved in the project. In addition, the responsible unit shall attend any such meeting requested by the lead agency or any other agency involved in the project. Such meetings shall be convened as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days, after they have been requested.