Environment Impact Assessment

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU) before consent is given for certain development projects, such as large scale industrial or infrastructure projects, an assessment of the effects the development may have on the environment must be made, so that the competent authority that grants consent is aware of these possible consequences.

The developer makes the assessment and presents this in an environmental statement, which is consulted on widely. The environmental statement must identify, describe and assess impacts on people, plants and animals, soil, water, air, climate and the landscape, the built environment and cultural heritage, including how these factors link together. Consenting authorities can then assess whether a proposed development will have significant impacts on water bodies, and whether it may prevent environmental objectives being achieved.

The directive is implemented through a number of statutory instruments, covering the consenting procedures for various categories of development, including activities such as forestry and quarrying. Projects that require planning permission are governed by The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011.

Information gathered is commonly contained within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which assesses the positive and negative effects that the development may have on the surrounding environment. These effects will be varied dependent upon the type of development, but may result in impacts on habitats, traffic volumes or emissions to land, water or air and may occur during or post development.

An EIA may include one or a combination of the studies listed below:-

  • Agricultural Land Classification
  • Ecology/habitat assessment
  • Water quality assessments
  • Landscape and visual impact evaluations
  • Noise, dust and air quality studies
  • Need surveys
  • Socio-economics and social impact assessments
  • Traffic survey
  • Topographic surveys
  • Local planning reviews

The requirements of an EIA often complement the other investigative services that we provide at TGEN. In collaboration with a network of associate consultants we can, where required, include all of the aspects required to deliver an EIA and related services to deliver a cost effective appraisal of the environmental considerations for a given development.