Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Duration: 1 Day

Introduction to the EIA Process

Since the 1960s, there has been growing public awareness of the interaction between development actions and their environmental consequences.  Around the world, consistent calls have been made for human health, amenity and ecological concerns to be explicitly considered in development decisions.

Initially, the response taken to environmental problems was reactive, focusing on ‘end-of-pipe’ solutions.  However, the value of an ‘anticipate and prevent’ approach is now recognised, and the focus for environmental action has shifted from purely immediate and short-term goals to the needs of the next generation, and from solving local problems to tackling those with global implications.

EIA was introduced first in the USA nearly 40 years ago, as a government response to demands for environmental effects to be formally considered in the planning of development.  Since then, EIA systems have become established in both developed and developing countries, usually as a legal requirement of the development control process.  In Europe, an EC Directive adopted in 1985 has been the stimulus for the application of EIA throughout EC Member States, including the UK, where procedures for EIA of development projects were first introduced into planning regulations in 1988.

The aim of the course is to provide an insight to learners within the industry about when to apply EIA and what are the main requirements. Furthermore it will also give the opportunity for learners to understand the planning applications process for particular developments.

New EIA Regulations:

New Regulations in 2011 will replace the Town & Country Planning (EIA) (England & Wales) Regulations 1999 and the various amendments to these regulations when they come into force on 24th August.  New guidance will be released shortly after the release by the Communities and Local Government Department but the changes include new additions to the Schedule 1 and 2 projects including gas storage and transportation projects, greater clarity on the Screening Process, right of challenge by a third party and requirements for Local Authorities to advertise their reasoning on Screening decisions and how extensions may now require EIA under the Baker ruling.

This training course will summarise the changes to the Regulations and how this may affect your clients or proposed developments in your area.

Entry Requirements:

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Course Duration:

Typically delivered over 1 day.

This course can be tailored for your organisation and provided as in-house training or candidates can attend an open course where they can learn from and share experiences with candidates from other organisations.

Who Should Attend:

The course has been designed to be applicable to candidates working in the environmental / construction industry.

Course Structure:

As well as standard presentations and reading, taught sessions involve discussions of the key EIA concepts and case studies.

Course Outcomes:

The overall aim of this course is to develop the learner’s understanding of why and when an environmental impact assessment is required.  On completion of the course the student should be able to:

• understand the EIA procedures;
• appreciate the timing associated with applying EIA’s;
• be aware of the recommended EIA content; and
• be conscious of other planning submission documents.

Cost: £295 + VAT