1. Reporting in the EIA process
EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE
Reporting in the EIA process

3. Different names for the same document
Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Environmental Statement (ES)
Environmental Assessment Report (EA Report)
Environmental Effects Statement (EES)

4. Elements of a successful EIA report
describes the significant impacts of a proposal
identifies the measures to mitigate significant impacts including practical actions to be taken by the proponent
provides the responsible authority with information relevant to the decision
Is written in a way that the public and decision-makers can understand

5. EIA reporting in accordance with the EC EIA Directive
An EIA Report must contain the following
a description of the project;
an outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer, and an indication of the main reasons for this choice,
a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed project;
a description of the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed project;
measures to prevent, reduce and possibly offset adverse environmental effects.
a non-technical summary;
an indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered while compiling the required information.

6. Preparing an executive summary
Target the audience.
Be brief.
Be clear and consistent.
Avoid jargon.
Summarise key findings.

7. An executive summary should outline…
the proposal and its setting
terms of reference of the EIA
results of public consultation
alternatives considered
major impacts and their significance
mitigation and management measures
any other critical matters

8. Some shortcomings of EIA reports (contents)
objective of proposal described too narrowly
description does not cover complete activity
sensitive elements of environment overlooked
outdated or ineffective prediction models used
impacts not compared with standards or targets (relevant standards and legislation not described)
cumulative, indirect and synergistic impacts not mentioned or incorrectly described
alternatives insufficiently described to enable comparision
appropriate mitigation measures not considered
incorrect conclusions drawn

9. Some shortcomings of EIA reports (form)
poor style and language:
too technical (reports, as well as “non-technical“ summaries)
unclear recommendations and conclusions
references missing
unclear structure
too long
not focused