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Mitigation in Environmental Statements: developing a structured approach
Peter Traves
17 April 2012
Aim
Introduction
IEMA 2011 – The State of EIA Practice in the UK
The influence of EIA on scheme design
Presenting mitigation in ESs
Developing a briefing note for EIA Quality Mark practitioners
Discussion
Mitigation
Avoid
Reduce
Compensate
Enhance
Remediation
EIA Practice in the UK: Special Report by IEMA 2011
EIA integrated into the design process
66% indicated that EIA influences project design
53% said EIA contributes to significant modifications
IEMA notes examples of impacts presented in topic chapters as mitigated where design had altered so as to avoid significant effect
Source: The State of Environmental Impact Assessment Practice in the UK. IEMA 2011.
The influence of EIA on scheme design
An ES should assess the significant effects of the development as proposed
How to ensure the role of EIA in improving a development is not underplayed?
Defined by the planning application, the ES scheme description and EIA parameter plans
Presentation of the alternatives studied – scheme design
Mitigation of likely significant effects
LPA need to understand the implications of the development and the control required to be imposed by conditions or legal undertaking
ES should identify potential effects prior to mitigation
Actions required to be implemented post-consent
Predict residual effects
DMRB approach – residual effects only
Avoidance - at the design stage – inherent mitigation
Categories of mitigation
Reduction - in response to potential effects identified as significant. Requires specific action to be taken post-consent
Management - standard construction practice for avoiding and minimising effects
IEMA draft approach to presenting mitigation
Developing a guidance note
Common approach to presentation in EIA
Clarity
Highlights the benefits brought by involving an experienced EIA coordinator
IEMA propose that a guidance note is developed as an EIA Quality Mark member led activity – a small author group is sought
Discussion
Format - a 2-page e-briefing?
Issues on which clarification is required?