Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The basic framework for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is provided by European Directive 83/337/EEC and its amendments in 1997, 2003 and 2009. In 2011, the EIA Directive was ‘consolidated’, with the original Directive and its amendments being drawn together in a single document.

EIA Process

The EIA Directive has been brought into effect in Wales and the UK by a series of Regulations. This series of EIA Regulations relates to the specific consenting regimes of the developments proposed.

These range from marine works, oil and gas pipelines, the Town and Country Planning system to forestry and agricultural intensification projects.

Advice and Guidance

The Countryside Council for Wales plays a number of important roles in the EIA process.
We will be asked to give advice on all proposals which require Environmental Impact Assessment and can provide advice and guidance on the potential effects of development on the natural heritage and environment of Wales and its coastal waters.

CCW are also an important source of information on Wales’ natural heritage.

The EIA process does not in itself decide if consent should be granted for proposed projects; but does help inform decision makers of the environmental implications of projects. The Regulations must have regard to the fundamental objective of the EIA Directive- that before development consent is given; projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of their nature, size or location are to be the subject of an impact assessment. Even a small scale project can have significant effects if it is in a sensitive location.

The effects on the Environment

This is carried out by, or on behalf of, a developer of project applicant (or someone acting on their behalf) and must be provided to the authority making the decision alongside their project application.

This helps the decision makers consider the predicted effects of the proposed project before granting consent for development and allows all concerned to consider and develop means to avoid, reduce or by remedying any adverse environmental effects before a final decision is made. Assessing the potential and predicted effects on the environment covers all aspects and stages of a project proposal from pre-site investigation, to construction, operation and decommissioning.

This area of work within CCW is led by the Strategic Policy Group to whom any queries should be directed in the first instance.