• A practical guide to the EIA process
• Using EIA to add value to project planning
• Understanding the legal requirements and pitfalls
• Identifying good practice approaches
• Practical implications of EIA court cases
• A valuable guide to all those involved in the EIA process

The role of Environmental Impact Assessment in the development of projects has become increasingly important. EIA is increasingly seen as a tool to be used, not only to assess the environmental effects of a proposal, but to aid the design with the objective of eliminating or minimising any associated environmental problems. This means starting the EIA early and integrating it with the design of the proposal, but how is this achieved?

Changes to regulations have increased the obligations and responsibilities of both the developer and the regulator and the public have identified the EIA Regulations as a means to delay or prevent development. The requirements of the Regulations and the right of the public to be involved in the process are supported by the courts. How can an EIA best avoid the legal pitfalls?

The answer to both of the above questions lies in a 'good practice' approach to EIA. These guidelines, produced by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, in association with the RPS Group plc and Berwin Leighton Paisner, inform on what constitutes good practice. They are aimed at all of those involved in the EIA process. The publication is primarily aimed at EIAs undertaken within the Town and Country Planning System, but those involved in EIA within other Regulatory contexts will also benefit from the guidance.

Whilst EIA can and does make a significant contribution to protecting the environment there is considerable scope for improving its performance in this area:

• EIA needs to start early in order to affect some of the early development planning decisions
• Improved integration of EIA with the project planning process does result in projects that perform better environmentally and can perform better economically
• Limited budgets for EIA can be a significant constraint and yet can often prove to be a false economy when considered in the wider context of the planning and decision making for a project
• To date, EIA has not adequately addressed the cumulative effects of development
• There is much work to be done to integrate the sustainability agenda with EIA

These guidelines are aimed at contributing to the improvement of EIA practice by setting out the requirements and the expectations relating to good practice:

• Developers and practitioners will learn how to get the best from an EIA for their development
• Regulators, consultees and the public will gain a clearer understanding of what to expect and demand from a good practice EIA
• All stakeholders will develop their knowledge of the legal requirements and the practical implications of court judgements