Environmental Impact Assessment: Key Terms and Steps

Essential Definitions in EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The joint studies and technical analysis used to estimate the effects that the execution of a particular project may have on the environment.

Substantive Body

The body of the state public administration, state, or jurisdiction responsible for authorizing or approving projects that must undergo environmental impact assessment.

Environmental Body (Agency)

The body of the state or autonomous public administration responsible for the environmental impact assessment of projects. The Environment Ministry will typically act as the Environmental Agency for projects requiring approval by the general administration of the state.

Promoter (Developer)

Any natural or legal person, public or private, who intends to undertake a project falling under the scope of this law.

The Public

Any natural or legal person, as well as their associations, organizations, and groups formed according to applicable legislation.

Concerned Public Administrations

Public administrations that have specific competence in the fields of population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climate, landscape, goods, materials, and cultural heritage.

Defining Environmental Impact Assessment

EIA refers to the study and technical systems used for estimating the effects that the execution of a particular project, work, or activity causes on the environment.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The Environmental Impact Assessment of projects follows these critical steps:

1. Request for Submission: The developer submits the request for environmental impact assessment, together with the original project document.
2. Scoping: The Environmental Agency scopes the environmental impact study, consulting with concerned public authorities and, where appropriate, interested persons.
3. Study Preparation: The project sponsor prepares the Environmental Impact Study.
4. Public Information and Consultation: The substantive body manages the public information and consultation phase, involving the general government and affected parties.
5. Final Statement: The evaluation of environmental impact concludes with the issuance (broadcasting) of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Scope and Content of the Assessment

The Environmental Impact Assessment includes estimating the effects on the following environmental factors:

• The human population
• Fauna and flora (including vegetation)
• Earth and soil
• Air and climate
• Landscape
• The structure and function of ecosystems
• Goods, materials, and cultural heritage