The EPA's framework for considering environmental matters in environmental impact assessment is shown in the diagram below.
The Statement of principles, environmental, factors, objectives and aims of EIA is the primary document in the framework, providing an overarching approach for the consideration of environmental factors through EIA. The Statement gives consideration to the principles of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, and provides for consistency in the application of environmental factors within five themes - Sea, Land, Water, Air and People. Environmental factors segment the environment to provide a systematic approach to organising environmental information for the purpose of environmental impact assessment and a structure for the EPA’s assessment report.
Beneath the Statement are Environmental Factor Guidelines which describe, in more detail, how each factor is considered through environmental impact assessment. Some Environmental Factor Guidelines are supported by Technical Guidance documents which outline relevant methodologies or procedures for the provision of information for environmental impact assessment.
Printer-friendly version