Training Session Outline Reviewing in the EIA process

Training Session Outline Reviewing in the EIA process Proposal Identification Screening EIA Required Initial environmental examination No EIA *Public involvement Scoping Impact analysis Mitigation and impact management *Public involvement typically occurs at these points. It may also occur at any other stage of the EIA Process. EIA Report Review *Public involvement Resubmit Redesign Decision-making Information from this process contributes to effective future EIA Not approved Approved Implementation and follow up UNEP Training Resource Manual 1

Purpose and objectives of review F The purpose of the review process is to establish if the information in an EIA report is sufficient for decision-making. F Key objectives are to: - review the quality of the EIA report - take account of public comment - determine if the information is sufficient - identify any deficiencies to be corrected UNEP Training Resource Manual 2

EIA review – aspects for consideration F compliance with terms of reference F information is correct and technically sound F account taken of public comments F complete and satisfactory statement of key findings F information is clear and understandable F information is sufficient for decision- making UNEP Training Resource Manual 3

EIA review – types of procedure F Internal review: - low operating costs - can lack rigour and transparency - often no documentation of result. F External review - independent, expert check on EIA quality - more rigorous and transparent - report on sufficiency or deficiency UNEP Training Resource Manual 4

EIA review procedures F environmental agency F independent panel (or moderator) F standing commission F inter-agency committee F planning authority UNEP Training Resource Manual 5

EIA review – steps to good practice F set the scale of the review F select reviewer(s) F use public input F identify review criteria F carry out the review F determine remedial options F publish the review report UNEP Training Resource Manual 6

EIA review criteria The following can be used (in order of priority): F Terms of Reference F EIA reports of comparable proposals F other guidance including: - EIA requirements, guidelines and criteria - principles of EIA good practice - knowledge of the project and typical impacts UNEP Training Resource Manual 7

Carrying out the EIA review F A four-step approach can be followed: Step 1: identify the deficiencies Step 2: focus on critical shortcomings Step 3: recommend remedial measures Step 4: advise on implications for decision-making (The last step does not apply in all systems) UNEP Training Resource Manual 8

EIA review methods F general checklists F project specific checklists F review packages F expert and accredited reviewers F public hearings F extended UNEP Training Resource Manual review frameworks 9

A rating scale for EIA review UNEP Training Resource Manual 10