Screening and Scoping
About Screening and Scoping
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process by which the environmental effects of a major development are accessed. EIA is required be European and UK legislation for projects with the potential to have significanrt effects on the environment. The results of an EIA are presented in an Environmental Statement (ES) which is used by Planning Authorities in descision making.
Screening is the first stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment process, when a decision is taken on whether or not EIA is required. There is a statutory requirement to undertake an EIA for particular developments, such as power stations. Some other types of projects, such as wind turbine or commercial developments, may also require EIA depending on their size and potential to cause significant environmental impacts.
Scoping is the next phase of the process. The purpose is to identify potential significant impacts that are likely to arise from a development and list the content and extent of the information that must be submitted in the Environmental Statement (ES).
How The Landmark Practice can helpLandmark has a strong track record in EIA with experience across a wide range of industries (for examples of our work, please click here). We offer services to manage and co-ordinate the EIA screening and scoping process, including:
- Screening of development projects and securing a formal Screening Opinion from the competent authority
- Liaison with the competent authority, statutory and non-statutory consultees
- Production of a Scoping Report
Early and comprehensive scoping effort can provide the following client benefits:
- Upfront identification of the potential significant effects of the project. This reduces risk of later delay should further information be sought after submission of the application for development consent.
- Early agreement of data collection and assessment methods reduces the risk of delayed determination due to procedural challenge after submission of the ES.
- Saves time and money by focussing resources on the important issues and discounting issues of little relevance.
- Allows efficient planning and management of the environmental studies to ensure that the project can be delivered to programme and budget.
- Early stakeholder involvement aids proper consultation on potentially sensitive issues.
Our environmental planners will be happy to discuss the services that we can provide, so please contact us for more details.