(a) Any project sponsor of a project that is or may be subject to the commission's jurisdiction is encouraged, prior to making application for commission review, to request a preliminary consultation with the commission staff for an informal discussion of preliminary plans for the proposed project. To facilitate preliminary consultations, it is suggested that the project sponsor provide a general description of the proposed project, a map showing its location and, to the extent available, data concerning dimensions of any proposed structures, anticipated water needs, and the environmental impacts.

(b) Except for project sponsors of electric power generation projects under 18 CFR section 801.12(c)(2), preliminary consultation is optional for the project sponsor (except with respect to aquifer test plans under section 1806.12 of this Part) but shall not relieve the sponsor from complying with the requirements of the compact or with this Part.