If possible, citizens should personally visit the individual responsible for writing the statement to ask about the project’s description and purpose. This meeting can provide a basic understanding of the agency’s conception of the project and an idea of how it plans to approach the EIS. It is also a good idea for citizens to ask for a copy of the agency’s EIS regulations and for a copy of one of their old EISs. Experience shows that agency personnel can be extremely helpful, especially when they do not feel that they are being challenged; so arguments over issues should be avoided at this time. The purpose of the initial meeting is to gain a sense of the lead agency’s view and to develop a good working relationship with those who will write the statement.
