The consultation period on transposing the amended EIA Directive in the UK ends on 16 March.
Consultations have taken place across EIA regimes in the UK and departments are now analysing responses to see whether the proposed draft regulations require further amendment before launching on 16 May.
IEMA has responded to each consultation, engaging with members to gather views. It is fair to say the consultations have been a mixed bag, with Scotland’s approach gaining most support among members.
Member concerns in other regimes have focused on the risk posed by the way the UK government has proposed to interpret key requirements around competent experts and how the revisions to scoping will work. Although members appreciate that the government has attempted to bring clarity to these areas – which are poorly defined in the EIA Directive – the majority opinion is that the regulatory proposals generate more questions than answers.
Hub of information
IEMA has launched an EIA transposition hub on its website’s IA policy page (bit.ly/2m3V40F). The hub provides access to: every IEMA response to the consultations on transposing the amended directive; all presentations and webinars delivered at member engagement events; and guides, briefings and webinars relevant to forthcoming changes to both the EIA process and the new or revised environmental topics that will require consideration.
IEMA will update the hub during the year. This will include guides on: EIA and assessing greenhouse-gas emissions; assessing health in EIA; and assessing best and most versatile agricultural land.
Launch events
IEMA has planned for the launch of new and amended EIA Regulations, with an event in London, hosted by CBRE, on 16 May and a webinar setting out the key details on 17 May. IEMA is also participating in a webinar for RTPI members on 8 March.
