What is environmental impact assessment? When must an EIA report be done?

Article overview

What is environmental impact assessment? This is the process of analyzing, identifying and forecasting the environmental impacts of investment projects. Thereby, measures are taken to minimize negative impacts and ensure sustainable development. The implementation of environmental impact assessment is a mandatory requirement for many types of projects, in order to protect the environment. The article below will clarify issues related to environmental impact assessment.

What is environmental impact assessment?
What is environmental impact assessment?

What is environmental impact assessment?

EIA is the abbreviation for the phrase environmental impact assessment, defined in Clause 7, Article 3 Law on Environmental Protection 2020 as follows:

“Environmental impact assessment is the process of analyzing, evaluating, identifying, predicting the environmental impact of investment projects and providing measures to minimize negative impacts on the environment.”

When must an EIA report be done?

According to the provisions of Article 30 of the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, investment projects in group I and some group II projects must carry out environmental impact assessment, specifically as follows:

Group I investment projects:

  • Production, business and service projects that have the risk of causing environmental pollution with large scale and capacity; hazardous waste treatment projects; projects to import scrap from abroad as production materials.
  • Production, business and service projects that have the risk of causing environmental pollution with average scale and capacity but have environmentally sensitive elements.
  • The project does not belong to the type of production, business or service that has the risk of causing environmental pollution with large scale and capacity but has environmentally sensitive elements.
  • Projects using land, land with water surface, and sea areas on a large scale or medium scale but with environmentally sensitive elements.
  • Projects to exploit minerals and water resources with large scale and capacity or medium scale and capacity but with environmentally sensitive factors.
  • The project requires changing the purpose of land use on a medium scale or larger but has environmentally sensitive factors.
  • The project requires large-scale immigration and resettlement.

Some group II investment projects:

  • Projects using land, land with water surface, and sea areas with medium or small scale but with environmentally sensitive elements.
  • Projects exploiting minerals and water resources with medium scale and capacity or small scale and capacity but with environmentally sensitive factors.
  • The project requires changing land use purposes on a small scale but has environmentally sensitive elements.
  • The project requires migration and resettlement on a medium scale.

Note: Emergency public investment projects according to the provisions of law on public investment are not required to carry out environmental impact assessment.

Content of EIA report

The environmental impact assessment report must include the main contents specified in Article 32 of the Law on Environmental Protection 2020:

  • Origin of the investment project, investment project owner, competent authority approving the investment project; Legal and technical grounds; environmental impact assessment methods;
  • Conformity of the investment project with national, regional, provincial environmental protection planning and legal regulations;
  • Evaluate the choice of technology, construction items and activities of investment projects that have the potential to negatively impact the environment;
  • Natural, socio-economic conditions, biodiversity; assess the current state of the environment; Identify affected objects and sensitive environmental factors where investment projects are implemented; explain the suitability of the location chosen to implement the investment project;
  • Identify, evaluate, and forecast the main environmental impacts and waste generated according to stages of investment projects on the environment; scale and nature of waste; impacts on biodiversity, natural heritage, historical-cultural relics and other sensitive factors; impacts due to site clearance, migration, and resettlement (if any); Identify and evaluate environmental incidents that may occur in investment projects;
  • Works and measures for collecting, storing and treating waste;
  • Measures to minimize other negative impacts of investment projects on the environment; environmental improvement and restoration plan (if any); biodiversity compensation plan (if any); plans to prevent and respond to environmental incidents;
  • Environmental management and monitoring program;
  • Consultation results;
  • Conclusions, recommendations and commitments of investment project owners.

EIA report preparation process

The 9-step process of preparing an environmental impact assessment report (EIA) is as follows:

  • Step 1: Survey to describe the unit’s current operating situation.
  • Step 2: Survey the environmental and geological conditions at the project location.
  • Step 3: Assess the current state of the environment, climate factors, and sources of pollution.
  • Step 4: Identify types of waste generated during project construction and operation.
  • Step 5: Assess impacts and potential effects of pollution on the environment and society.
  • Step 6: Consult with the community, People’s Committee, and Fatherland Front Committee of the ward.
  • Step 7: Develop an environmental monitoring reporting program.
  • Step 8: Conclude the current state of the environment surrounding the project and propose solutions.
  • Step 9: Complete the application and set up an appraisal council.
Prepare EIA report
Prepare EIA report

Fast, standard and reputable EIA reporting consulting and support services at Long Phan

Long Phan is a reputable and professional environmental consulting unit, with a team of experienced experts and knowledgeable about the law. We provide consulting services and support for preparing EIA reports quickly and accurately, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Long Phan’s services include:

  • Consulting on determining subjects that must prepare an EIA report.
  • Consulting and guidance on building the process of preparing an EIA report.
  • Consulting on surveys, data collection, analysis and environmental impact assessment.
  • Consulting on developing environmental protection measures.
  • Instructions on preparing documents and procedures for evaluating EIA reports.
  • Representing customers in working with authorities.
  • Consulting and answering other issues related to EIA.
Consulting and guidance on EIA reports
Consulting and guidance on EIA reports

Implementing an EIA report is a mandatory requirement for many investment projects, to ensure sustainable development. Customers need to clearly understand the regulations and procedures for preparing and appraising EIA reports so that the project can be implemented smoothly. Contact the hotline: 0906735386 immediately to receive advice and support from Long Phan.