EIA WITH REFERENCE TO IEM

  1. IEM – Integrated Environmental Management
  2. Constitutes core elements of our new environmental management system – set out in Ch 5 of NEMA
  3. general objectives of national environmental management system created by NEMA set out in S 23
  4. Provide context for environmental authorisations in S 24
  1. General objectives of S 23
  2. Promote integration of principles of environmental management set out in S 2 into making of all decisions which may have significant effect on environment
  3. Identify, predict and evaluate actual and potential impact on environment, socio economic conditions and cultural hesitate
  4. Risks, consequences, alternatives and options for mitigation of activities
  5. With view to minimising negative impacts, maximising benefits and promoting compliance wit principles of environmental management set out in S 2
  6. Ensure effects of activities on environment receive adequate consideration before actions are taken in connection with them

6.Authorisations must consider potential impact on environment of particular “listed activates” before an authorisation can be granted to commence such activities

7.Through IEM – relevant authorities are empowered to conduct EIA’s

8.Primary purposes of environmental evaluation:

  • Aid decision making by providing objective information on environmental consequences of all development actions, plans and projects
  • Provide sound, comprehensive date for development planning
  • Analyse plans objectively to ensure maximum benefits and to mitigate negative effects
  • Propose solutions to problems that may arise through interactions between environmentand actions taken
  • Communicate info on positive and negative effects of development proposals to decision makers and interested parties
  1. EIA gives effect to IEM
  2. provides for informed decision-making, accountability for decisions taken, open, proactive and participatory approach
  3. when considering objectives of S 23 – clear that EIA process did not achieve IEM
  4. proposed development not socially, environmentally and economically sustainable
  5. process did not allow for public participation
  1. didn’t give effect to integrated approach
  2. had relevant authority flowed process properly – actual and potential impact on environment and cultural heritage would have been identified, predicted and evaluated
  3. relevant authority would’ve considered risks, consequences, alternatives and options for mitigation of activities
  4. to minimise negative impacts
  5. maximise benefits
  1. promote compliance with principles of environmental management set out in S 2
  2. none of above aspects influenced decision
  1. not granting authorisation
  2. 3 basic stages in development of any proposal identified in IEM procedure:
  3. Development and assessment phase

-notify neighbours and other I&AP’s
-consider IEM requirements

-identify and consult alternatives

-ensures that unnecessary costs are not incurred by having to complete an EIA

Each type of development

-Essentials of EIA

*Scoping:determine extent of and approach to investigation

*Investigation:provide all parties with enough information on positive and negative aspects of proposed operation in order to make decision

*Report:be reviewed by all interested parties

  • Decision making

-satisfied that sufficient information provided, proper consultation taken place and proposal complies with requirements for acceptance and approval

-Conditions may also be set in accordance with planning, policy

-Environmental contract which sets penalties for non- compliance may also be required

-ROD taken

  • Implementation

-monitoring programme required for all approved proposals

-audit should be performed

-periodic assessments of positive and negative impacts of proposal should be undertaken