EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Review
Goals of an EIA review Review the quality of the EIA report. Take public comments into account. Determine if the information is sufficient. Identify any deficiencies to be corrected.
Considerations during an EIA review The review complies with terms of reference for the EIA Report. Information is correct and technically sound. Public comments are taken into account. There is a complete and satisfactory statement of key findings. Information is clear and understandable. Information is sufficient for decision-making.
Who is responsible for performing an EIA review? environmental agency — Canada (comprehensive studies) independent panel (or mediator) — Canada (public inquiries) standing commission — Netherlands inter-agency committee — USA planning authority — UK Public comment and input must also be taken into account (EC Directive)
EIA review methods The following may be used: general checklists project-specific checklists review packages experts and accredited reviewers public hearings effectiveness-review frameworks
Formal Review of EIA Reports: examples from EU member states - 1 Portugal The Ministry of Environment has 20 working days to declare if the EIA Report meets the requirements of the laws or whether it needs additional information. Ireland Guidelines (and accompanying Advice Notes) are designed to assist decision-making authorities in considering the adequacy of EIA reports. Spain The EIA Report is checked against the terms established during scoping, which includes public participation.
Formal Review of EIA Reports: examples from EU member states - 2 Sweden The Environmental Examination Delegation (within the County administrative boards and environmental courts) decides whether an EIA fulfils the requirements of EIA legislation. Netherlands An independent EIA commission issues project-specific guidelines during scoping, reviews the adequacy of an EIA report, and submits its opinion to the decision-making authority.