Week 9 pt2 Flashcards
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A process by which information about the likely environment effects of a proposed project are collected and assessed by the regulator(s) for determining whether the project should be approved.
Why conduct EIA?
To improve the quality of regulators’ decision making by identifying potential environ. issues early in the determination process.
To inform the wider communities on the issues.
Alternatives to be examined or remedial measures
incorporated in the designs
EIA at Commonwealth level
Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), EIAs of the proposed development projects are undertaken to enable environment and heritage protection and
biodiversity conservation.
Without approval from Environment Minister, one should NOT take an action (e.g., project development) that has,
will have or is likely to have a significant impact on any of the matters of national environmental significance or other protected matters
EPBC Act
provides for the protection of the environment, especially matters of national environmental significance
conserves Australian biodiversity
provides a streamlined national environmental assessment and approvals process
enhances the protection and management of important natural and cultural places controls the international movement of plants and animals (wildlife), wildlife specimens and products made or derived from wildlife
promotes ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources
What are the 9 matters of national environmental significance
(MNES)?
World heritage properties
National heritage places
Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar Convention)
Listed threatened species and ecological communities
Migratory species protected under international agreements
Commonwealth marine areas
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Nuclear actions (including uranium mines)
A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development
What will the Minister consider when deciding if a proposed action should be approved?
the principles of ecologically sustainable development the outcomes of the assessment of the impacts of the
proposed action
referral documentation
community and stakeholder comment
any other relevant information available on the impacts of the proposed action and
relevant comments from other Australian Government and state and territory government ministers (such as
information on social and economic factors).
What are 7 types of developments
require an EIA in Victoria ?
Typical Types of Developments
Needing EIA
Mines
Freeways
Gas wells
Power stations
Power lines
Coastal development
Tourist facilities
Environment Effects Statement (EES)
If the Minister for Planning decides that an
Environment Effects Statement (EES) is
required, the project proponent is
responsible for preparing the EES and
undertaking the necessary investigations.
EES is the outcome of EIA
Steps in EES
Referral…by proponent, decision-maker
Minister’s decision: EES needed or not, or not with conditions
Scoping: Minister defines scope of EES
Public review of draft scope (15 business
days)
Scope finalised
Minister makes decisions about whether the proposed project should proceed.
Can Commonwealth Minister overrule a
State/Territory Minister?
The Commonwealth Minister does not have power to regulate a proposal that will have impacts on matters such as air quality, noise, odour, general amenity or
animals that are not listed as threatened or endangered under the EPBC Act.
These environmental matters are the responsibility of the relevant state government to consider during any
state assessment and approval process.
