SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Reporting in the EIA process

2 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE

3 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Different names for the same document  Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report)  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)  Environmental Statement (ES)  Environmental Assessment Report (EA Report)  Environmental Effects Statement (EES)

4 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Elements of a successful EIA report  describes the significant impacts of a proposal  identifies the measures to mitigate significant impacts including practical actions to be taken by the proponent  provides the responsible authority with information relevant to the decision  Is written in a way that the public and decision-makers can understand

5 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE a description of the project; an outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer, and an indication of the main reasons for this choice, a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed project; a description of the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed project; measures to prevent, reduce and possibly offset adverse environmental effects. a non-technical summary; an indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered while compiling the required information. EIA reporting in accordance with the EC EIA Directive   An EIA Report must contain the following

6 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Preparing an executive summary  Target the audience.  Be brief.  Be clear and consistent.  Avoid jargon.  Summarise key findings.

7 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE An executive summary should outline…  the proposal and its setting  terms of reference of the EIA  results of public consultation  alternatives considered  major impacts and their significance  mitigation and management measures  any other critical matters

8 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Some shortcomings of EIA reports (contents)  objective of proposal described too narrowly  description does not cover complete activity  sensitive elements of environment overlooked  outdated or ineffective prediction models used  impacts not compared with standards or targets (relevant standards and legislation not described)   cumulative, indirect and synergistic impacts not mentioned or incorrectly described   alternatives insufficiently described to enable comparision   appropriate mitigation measures not considered   incorrect conclusions drawn

9 REPORTING IN THE EIA PROCESS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Some shortcomings of EIA reports (form)  unclear structure too long not focused   poor style and language: too technical (reports, as well as “non-technical“ summaries) unclear recommendations and conclusions references missing