Introduction to EIA

Question 1

What is an EIA?

Answer 1

An Environmental impact assessment.
Used to determine the major impacts that a current or future project creates on the environment.

Question 2

What is an environmental statement?

Answer 2

This is the information put forward by an applicant as part of a planning application for a development project.
Includes;
Likely significant effects
Reasonable alternatives
Non-technical summary of the information.

Question 3

What are the procedures for a successful EIA application?

Answer 3

1. Project proposal
2. Screening
3. EIA is required or not
4. Scoping report
5. Survey and data gathering
6. EIA report
7. Review and decision making
   7.1 Consultees and the public determine the decision.
8. Rejected (can be redesigned or appealed) or approved.

Question 4

What is the precautionary principle? And what are the criticisms?

Answer 4

If a policy of action might cause sig. harm & science is still uncertain, - the policy should be avoided.
Criticisms-
This is a qualitative judgment & difficult scientific standard to work with which can stifle innovation.

Question 5

What is the Polluter pays principle? And what are the criticisms?

Answer 5

Where possible, the costs of pollution should be borne by those causing it, not taxpayers.

Criticisms- Bar for evidence that a certain polluter commented a certain act is high & how much to charge.

Question 6

What is the prevention principle? And what are the criticisms?

Answer 6

Overall government policy at National and local levels should aim to prevent environmental harm, not simply mitigate it.

Criticisms?
Deals with risks we understand & anticipate, not those we don’t.