New EIA Directive briefing released

IEMA has published a new briefing note on the European Commissions proposals to amend the EIA Directive

On 26 October 2012, the European Commission launched its proposals to amend Directive 2011/92/EU on environmental impact assessment (EIA).

The original EIA Directive 85/337/EEC and its three amendments (97/11/EC, 2003/35/EC and 2009/31/EC) were consolidated into a single “new” Directive (2011/92/EU) in December 2011.

This codification process was undertaken in preparation for the commission’s proposals to make substantive amendments to the EIA process.

The suggested changes include linking EIA to other assessments required under EU legislation, such as the Habitats Directive; combining EIA screening and scoping into a single process; imposing a 12-week time limit on local planning authorities to deliver a final consent decision for EIA projects; and requiring that accredited competent experts are involved in all EIAs.

The proposals are the focus of a new six-page briefing note for IEMA members, outlining the key procedural changes and what they will mean for EIA practice.

The note also provides the background to the commission’s review and explains the next steps in the process. To download a copy visit iema.net.