The new Industrial Emissions Directive

Due to the fact that new issues concerning the project can arise which have to be considered as well, the scoping process can continue in the project planning and design phase.

First of all, a plan to involve the public has to be made, which is one of the most important internal planning tools. The reason for this is to clearly define all the communities and agencies which should be allowed to influence decisions relating to the proposal. It is important to determine whom to talk to, when and how to undertake the communication exercise. In order to bring the project to fruition, consent should be obtained from the government and the agencies concerned. The public communication plans should be addressed to experts, local people affected and also local special interest groups.

The second step concerns the collection of all relevant existing information, such as the nature of the project, including any impact on the environment which is likely to appear and practical alternatives to the project. This information will provide assistance in finding mitigation measures and will be the basis for all further discussions.

Following the collection of existing information, these findings have to be distributed to the persons affected by the proposed project, who should comment on the information given. All comments, including concerns and issues raised, should be specified in a comprehensive list. This step is called “identifying of major issues of public concern”. Once the issues of concern have been identified and named in the list, their scientific significance has to be evaluated. This can be done by way of discussion panels or workshops.

Issues not of significant importance or issues to which an immediate solution can be provided can be set aside. This is necessary to ensure that the priorities for environmental assessment are established.

Last but not least, a strategy for addressing priority issues has to be developed. This can be done on the basis of terms of reference which will help to define guidelines for further study. The kind and extent of information needed for a detailed EIA depends upon the type, level, and magnitude of the project concerned.