WHAT IS AN EIA AND WHY SHOULD EVERY PROJECT NEED ONE?

With climate change continuing to take centre stage across the building industry, the environmental impact of people and businesses has become increasingly scrutinised. Sustainable living within the building industry has long been subject to criticism regarding its significant contribution to global carbon emissions. It is, therefore, unsurprising to see growing pressure from communities, Governments and environmental activists alike lead to the greater scrutiny of many project’s planning stages. In particular, the introduction of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) as a critical component of the development process. Despite only legally being required for specific larger or more risky developments, more businesses are seeing EIAs become a staple across the building industry as a whole, regardless of the size or stature of the product.

What are environmental impact assessments?

Environmental impact assessments are implemented throughout the planning stage of a project to identify any potential environmental issues that could arise during and beyond its construction. Possible concerns could include groundwater contamination, soil quality, damage to the local ecosystem, as well as noise, water and air pollution emitted as a by-product.

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2017, developments classed as

‘schedule 1’, such as power plants and chemical treatment sites, will always require an in-depth EIA to be conducted. Those that fall under ‘schedule 2’, however, are more discretionary, and will only require an EIA should the likelihood of negative environmental impacts occurring be high. The scope of these assessments is relatively broad, however, so chances are you’ll have to carry out an EIA of some sort.

Five-step EIA process

As set out by the UK Government, EIAs consist of five main stages. Firstly, a general inspection of the proposed development is made to determine the likelihood of negative externalities occurring, and whether further assessment is required. The second process – scoping – will then look to determine the extent to which these externalities should be considered within an EIA. Further clarification can be obtained through a ‘scoping opinion’ from the local planning authority.

The next step is preparing and submitting an environmental statement (ES) should it be decided that a full EIA is necessary. This statement will lay out any possible impacts that could arise in as much detail as possible, as well as how the development is expected to comply with planning policy, the planned use of the development and more. The general public will have full access to this statement.

John Rodgman is the Managing Director of Borehole Solutions, a leading provider of geotechnical drilling solutions within the UK, with over two decades of experience in the industry. Borehole Solutions is a proud member of a number of prestigious industry bodies, from the CHAS and RISQS to Construction Line and more.

The local authority will then determine whether or not to proceed with the proposed development upon consideration of the environmental statement. For particularly large projects, the secretary of state will often have a say in the outcome of the decision.

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