3. DRAFT Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement v7.0...June 2017 Guideline3 Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement . ... what needs to happen so that relevant impacts are clearly

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Series June 2017

Guideline

3

Scoping an Environmental

Impact Statement

DRAFT FOR DRAFT FOR DRAFT FOR DRAFT FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITIONPUBLIC EXHIBITIONPUBLIC EXHIBITIONPUBLIC EXHIBITION

Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement | June 2017 iiii

June 2017

© Crown Copyright 2017 NSW Government

ISBN 978-0-6480102-0-3

Disclaimer

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the

State of NSW, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the

consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance or upon the whole or any part of this

document.

Copyright notice

In keeping with the NSW Government’s commitment to encourage the availability of information, you are

welcome to reproduce the material that appears in the ‘Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Guideline’

for personal, in-house or non-commercial use without formal permission or charge. All other rights are reserved.

If you wish to reproduce, alter, store or transmit material appearing in the ‘Scoping an Environmental Impact

Statement Guideline’ for any other purpose, a request for formal permission should be directed to Planning

Services, NSW Department of Planning and Environment, GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001.


Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement | June 2017 iiiiiiii

Contents

1.1.1.1. IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction 1111

2.2.2.2. Scoping as part of EIAScoping as part of EIAScoping as part of EIAScoping as part of EIA 3333

3.3.3.3. Scoping ProcessScoping ProcessScoping ProcessScoping Process 5555

4.4.4.4. Project PreparationProject PreparationProject PreparationProject Preparation 7777

4.1 Identification of relevant matters and impacts 7

4.2 Characterisation of impact and level of assessment 8

5.5.5.5. Scoping MeetingScoping MeetingScoping MeetingScoping Meeting 10101010

6.6.6.6. Scoping EngagementScoping EngagementScoping EngagementScoping Engagement 11111111

6.1 Tailoring the approach to engagement 11

6.2 Community and other stakeholder perspectives 11

7.7.7.7. Scoping ReScoping ReScoping ReScoping Reportportportport 12121212

8.8.8.8. SEARs DevelopmentSEARs DevelopmentSEARs DevelopmentSEARs Development 14141414

9.9.9.9. GlossaryGlossaryGlossaryGlossary 15151515

10.10.10.10. AppendicesAppendicesAppendicesAppendices 18181818

Appendix A ---- Identifying relevant matters and impacts using the Scoping Worksheet 19

Appendix B ---- Scoping Report: structure and content 26

Appendix C ---- Framework for Scoping Key Issues 30


Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement | June 2017 1111

1.1.1.1. IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

A Scoping Report is a publicly available document which provides preliminary information on a project and its

potential impacts, used to support a request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs).

The purpose of this Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Guideline is to explain the Department of

Planning and Environment’s (the Department) expectations for the information to be presented by a proponent

in a Scoping Report and how that information should be used to inform the development of SEARs by the

Department in consultation with relevant public authorities. The guideline reflects the Department’s aim to

provide greater clarity around how the scope of the EIA is developed and to apply this consistently across all

State significant projects.

While the primary audience is the proponent1 and its project team, who are responsible for preparing the

Scoping Report, the guideline will assist the community and other stakeholders to understand the process for

setting SEARs. Assessment officers in the Department and regulatory agencies will also use the guideline when

reviewing the information presented in the Scoping Report.

Scoping is the first phase in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of State significant projects. Scoping

identifies the matters and impacts that are likely to be relevant and establishes terms of reference for the

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The scoping phase is critical to steering the remainder of EIA.

This guideline provides direction to proponents on how to scope a State significant project. It emphasises the

important role of feedback from the community and other stakeholders given during the scoping phase in

helping shape the project. It should be read alongside the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline.

The consistent use of the methodology described in this guideline will ensure that all relevant matters and

associated impacts are considered and that the level of assessment of each matter is linked to its importance and

potential impact.

This guideline is to be used for State significant development (SSD) and State significant infrastructure (SSI)

projects and provides guidance on:

• preparing for a Scoping Meeting with the Department

• undertaking early and effective community and stakeholder engagement

• preparing the Scoping Report including finalising the Scoping Worksheet and applying for SEARs

• SEARs development by the Department including public authority input and, in some cases, public

comment on the Scoping Report.

This guideline should be read in conjunction with the other guidelines that provide detail around EIA, including:

• Overview of the EIA Improvement Project

• Community Guide to EIA

• Preparing an Environmental Impact Statement

1 For the purposes of this guideline ‘proponent’ is taken to include a proponent of SSI or an applicant for SSD.



• Responding to Submissions

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Approach to Setting Conditions

• Modifying an Approved Project

• Peer Review.



2.2.2.2. Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping as part ofas part ofas part ofas part of EIAEIAEIAEIA

Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 1 –––

– Scoping in the context of EIAScoping in the context of EIAScoping in the context of EIAScoping in the context of EIA

Scoping is the first phase in EIA. When effectively carried out, scoping highlights the relevant matters and

impacts to be considered in the EIS and the appropriate level of assessment. It results in SEARs that provide clear

direction to the proponent on what needs to be assessed, how it should be assessed and to what level of detail.

This increases the likelihood of an adequately prepared EIS focussed on the relevant matters.

An important part of scoping involves engaging with the community and other stakeholders to understand their

perspectives on the matters of importance to them. While some proponents of large infrastructure and

development projects have established engagement practices which include the early stages of project

development including scoping, all proponents should engage with the community and other stakeholders

during the scoping phase.

Early engagement with the community and other stakeholders during the scoping phase:

• develops a relationship with the community and other stakeholders

• provides information about the project to the community and other stakeholders

• obtains input on relevant matters to be considered in the EIS.

The early identification of issues of concern to the community and other stakeholders during the scoping phase

allows these issues to be addressed during the preparation of the EIS and prior to public exhibition. The

Community and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline (add hyperlink) provides further information on the

approach to engagement throughout EIA.

Providing guidance on scoping has benefits for proponents, the community and other stakeholders, and

government.

Benefits to proponents include:

• an early opportunity to introduce the project to the community and other stakeholders

• more focused SEARs that emphasise relevant matters and impacts for consideration

• early identification of issues of concern to the community and other stakeholders allowing these issues

to be addressed during the preparation of the EIS



• potentially shorter assessment times resulting from better community awareness of the project and a

more focussed EIS that clearly addresses the community and other stakeholder issues.

Benefits to the community and other stakeholders include:

• earlier engagement with the proponent to find out about the project

• an opportunity to identify matters relevant to the community and other stakeholders which help shape

the project

• greater certainty and transparency of process, and more opportunities to be involved.

Benefits to government include:

• better designed projects through earlier engagement

• better understanding of any changes already made to the project and why

• more focused assessment on relevant matters and impacts.



3.3.3.3. Scoping Process Scoping Process Scoping Process Scoping Process

The process for scoping State significant projects includes the following main steps:

• project preparation by the proponent

• Scoping Meeting between the proponent and the Department

• scoping engagement by the proponent with the community and other stakeholders

• preparing the Scoping Report including finalising the Scoping Worksheet and application for SEARs by

the proponent

• SEARs development by the Department including public authority input and, in some cases, public

comment on the scope of the EIS.

The scoping process is shown in Figure 2 below.

By providing clarity and structure about the information needed to inform SEARs, the Department is seeking to

help proponents save time when they are working on the development of the project concept and commencing

preparation of the Scoping Report. When the proponent has developed a concept which allows an initial

understanding of the potential project impacts and the likely interest from the community and other

stakeholders, the proponent should arrange a Scoping Meeting with the Department (refer to Section 5).

The Scoping Meeting will allow the proponent to discuss the project concept with the Department, and agree

the approach to engaging with the community and other stakeholders prior to finalising the Scoping Report,

taking into account potential project impact and likely community and stakeholder interest.

These steps seek to promote earlier and better engagement with the community and other stakeholders, and to

help proponents focus on the most relevant matters by providing clarity on the information required to support

the request for SEARs. While not new to many proponents, particularly of large scale projects, these steps set out

what needs to happen so that relevant impacts are clearly identified earlier in the process, and relevant

stakeholder engagement is satisfactorily completed, before the SEARs are requested.



Figure Figure Figure Figure 2222: : : : The Scoping pThe Scoping pThe Scoping pThe Scoping process (and related supprocess (and related supprocess (and related supprocess (and related supporting material) for SSD and SSIorting material) for SSD and SSIorting material) for SSD and SSIorting material) for SSD and SSI



4.4.4.4. Project Project Project Project PreparationPreparationPreparationPreparation

For the purposes of scoping, project preparation is the initial information gathering exercise and is part of the

development of a concept design for the project by the proponent. It should provide sufficient information so

that the project can be understood at a conceptual level, including an understanding of potential impacts and

likely interest from the community and other stakeholders. This includes describing:

• what is proposed

• where and when it is proposed

• why the project is needed (including strategic justification)

• the history of the project development

• alternatives considered

• how the project aligns with the planning framework

• likely relevant matters and impacts

• likely community and stakeholder interest.

This information will form the basis of a proponent’s engagement with the community and other stakeholders

and the Scoping Report to be submitted to the Department to support a request for SEARs as shown in Figure 2.

An objective of scoping is to focus the EIS on relevant matters and associated environmental impacts, and to

tailor the level of assessment to the importance of the matter. Identification of relevant matters and the level of

assessment is an iterative process, beginning with project preparation and revised following stakeholder

engagement or any changes to the project description.

Figure 3 presents an approach to be used by proponents to identify relevant matters and assign a level of

assessment. The approach is summarised in the following sections and described in detail in Appendix A.

4.14.14.14.1 Identification of relevant mattersIdentification of relevant mattersIdentification of relevant mattersIdentification of relevant matters and and and and impactsimpactsimpactsimpacts

Identification of relevant matters and impacts is based on the professional expertise and judgment of the

proponent’s study team, with limited data typically available at this early stage.

This guideline sets out a methodology which provides a consistent framework for identifying environmental,

social and economic matters which are likely to be impacted by the project and the activities which are likely to

cause those impacts. A checklist of matters is provided in a Scoping Worksheet in Appendix A to help the

proponent identify relevant matters in a structured way. This involves undertaking a preliminary analysis of

whether a project activity is likely to impact on any of the matters listed in the checklist.

The checklist of matters has been developed taking into account relevant legislative requirements including the

matters for consideration identified in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.



Figure Figure Figure Figure 3333:::: IdeIdeIdeIdentification of relevant matters, impacts ntification of relevant matters, impacts ntification of relevant matters, impacts ntification of relevant matters, impacts and level of assessmentand level of assessmentand level of assessmentand level of assessment

4.24.24.24.2 Characterisation of impact and level of assessmentCharacterisation of impact and level of assessmentCharacterisation of impact and level of assessmentCharacterisation of impact and level of assessment

Where there is likely to be no impact on a matter, an explanation as to why no further assessment of that matter is

required should be included in the Scoping Report, and there will be no need for further discussion in the EIS.

During the preparation of SEARs the Department will consult with relevant public authorities as to the accuracy of

the proponent’s characterisation of impacts on matters. If the proponent’s characterisation is considered to be

inaccurate, appropriate SEARs will be issued.

Where an impact on a matter is likely, the characteristics of the impact must be described to determine if it is

likely to have a material effect. If not material, the reasons why should be presented in the Scoping Report and

the impact will not be considered any further in the EIS unless new information comes to light during the

assessment which requires the potential impact to be re-evaluated. If a material effect on a matter is likely, it must

be assessed further in the EIS. The level of assessment of the matter to be included in the EIS is categorised into

either ‘‘Key Issue’’ or ‘‘Other Issue.’’ This terminology is commonly used in Scoping Reports and EISs to

distinguish the importance of and level of assessment of matters.

‘‘Key Issue’’ refers to the likelihood of there being a material impact on a matter, but detailed assessment is

required to fully understand such impacts and identify project-specific mitigation. A separate specialist study

describing the assessment method, data inputs, detailed impact assessment and mitigation will be required and

will be summarised in the EIS Volume One. Key Issues will also be identified by relevant public authorities who

are consulted by the Department in the preparation of the SEARs.

‘‘Other Issue’’ refers to the likelihood of there being a material impact on a matter, but that measures to manage

the impact are well understood and routinely used on similar projects (e.g. using Managing Urban Stormwater -

Soils and Construction (Blue Book) to manage erosion and sediment in urban developments). The assessment of

impacts for Other Issues will be reported in the EIS Volume One without the need for a supporting specialist

study in most cases.

The Scoping Worksheet also incorporates the community and other stakeholder perspectives on matters, which

may differ from the perspectives of the proponent. In these situations, the proponent’s engagement plan should

focus on matters where there are conflicting perspectives, and an explanation of the nature of the differences



should be given. In some cases, it may be appropriate to undertake more detailed assessment to address the

perspectives of the community and other stakeholders.

The Scoping Worksheet is also designed to record any matters that are likely to require more detailed cumulative

impact assessment. The worksheet asks the proponent to consider the interaction of the project’s impacts in

combination with other recently completed projects, approved but yet to commence projects, or reasonably

foreseeable future development in the area.

A detailed guide to completing the Scoping Worksheet is provided in Appendix A and Appendix C sets out the

framework to be used for scoping relevant impacts.



5.5.5.5. Scoping Meeting Scoping Meeting Scoping Meeting Scoping Meeting

When sufficient information has been developed on the project concept, its potential impacts and likely

community and other stakeholder interest, the proponent should contact the Department to arrange a Scoping

Meeting. The purpose of the Scoping Meeting is for the proponent to:

• introduce the project to the Department

• discuss the assessment pathway

• have a preliminary discussion on the relevant matters to be considered in the EIA and the appropriate

level of assessment if known at this phase

• discuss the proposed approach to engagement during scoping, including:

o matters to discuss with the community and other stakeholders

o level of interest of the community and other stakeholders based on previous projects in the

area, engagement undertaken to date, discussion with Council and government agencies

o agreement on the community and other stakeholders to be engaged

• discuss how the Scoping Report should be presented including documenting the results of

engagement during scoping and the proposed approach to engagement during the EIS preparation

phase.

Depending on the nature of the project, and the matters identified, the Department may ask other government

agencies to attend the Scoping Meeting. At the end of the Scoping Meeting the proponent should have a clear

understanding of the Department’s expectations for stakeholder engagement during scoping, as well as an

understanding of the information required in the Scoping Report.

A register of meetings held between a proponent and the Department will be made available on the

Department’s website.



6.6.6.6. Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Engagement Engagement Engagement Engagement

Engaging the community and other stakeholders during scoping allows a range of perspectives to be obtained

at a time when the project is still being developed. The Department’s expectations for stakeholder participation

at the scoping phase are defined by set requirements applicable to all projects.

Effective engagement during scoping will involve relevant agencies, the community and other stakeholders in a

discussion about the project and the relevant matters. It will ensure that the matters, impacts, alternatives and

mitigation, which interested parties believe should be considered in the EIS, are identified early in the process.

It is the proponent’s responsibility to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including the community, during the

scoping phase, before requesting SEARs.

6.16.16.16.1 Tailoring the approach to eTailoring the approach to eTailoring the approach to eTailoring the approach to engagementngagementngagementngagement

Further guidance on engagement is provided in the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline. One

of the principles adopted in this guideline is that the approach to engagement should be tailored to the specific

needs of the project, reflecting the diverse range of projects in the State significant framework. Engagement

should respond to the complexity of a project, the likely environmental, social and economic impacts and level

of interest of the community and other stakeholders. A comprehensive approach to engagement may be

needed for large-scale or complex projects. In other cases, engagement may be a more limited exercise. The

approach should focus on the outcomes to be achieved taking into account feedback provided by the

community and other stakeholders on alternatives and the community and other stakeholders’ awareness of the

proposed approach to assessment rather than specific engagement techniques or methods.

It also recognises that proponents of some large-scale infrastructure and development projects already

undertake early engagement as part of their project planning and development procedures. This engagement

activity can be used to meet the requirements of the Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Guideline to

the extent that it generates the same or similar information.

6.26.26.26.2 Community and other sCommunity and other sCommunity and other sCommunity and other stakeholder perspectives takeholder perspectives takeholder perspectives takeholder perspectives

Engagement during scoping is not seeking perspectives on whether the community or other stakeholders

oppose or support a project. The purpose of engagement during scoping is to identify perspectives of the

community and other stakeholders on matters to be addressed in the EIS in addition to a technical assessment of

them. It does not aim to achieve alignment or consensus between the community and other stakeholders and

technical perspectives. Rather, it aims to highlight where there are significant differences in perspective as a

means of informing the engagement strategy for the project and the approach to assessing a matter to ensure

that the concerns of the community and other stakeholders are considered.

The Scoping Worksheet includes space for community and other stakeholders’ perspectives to be identified.

This may indicate a need for targeted engagement with the community and other stakeholders on some matters

to enhance understanding of the likely impacts and mitigation measures, particularly if a matter is contentious in

the public domain. It may also indicate a need for further technical assessment.



7.7.7.7. Scoping ReportScoping ReportScoping ReportScoping Report

The Scoping Report is submitted to the Department in support of an application for SEARs. The Scoping Report

will include:

• project description

• justification and alternatives considered and reasons they were not preferred

• planning framework and strategic planning

• relevant matters for consideration including identification of those matters which will not be further

discussed in the EIS

• discussion on the level of assessment including if it will be addressed only through the EIS Volume One

(Other Issues) or whether a detailed assessment will also be necessary (Key Issues)

• proposed assessment approaches where known

• identification of matters of concern to the community and other stakeholders

• the completed Scoping Worksheet as an appendix which links the matters to relevant sections in the

Scoping Report

• the proposed approach to engagement during the EIS preparation phase.

The Scoping Report will describe how the perspectives of the community and other stakeholders on matters

have been considered in finalising the proposed scope of the EIS, including the level of assessment. For

example, where scoping engagement has identified a particular community or other stakeholders’ concern, the

proponent’s approach to engagement during preparation of the EIS should pay particular attention to this matter

including a briefing or demonstration by a subject matter specialist.

In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to undertake additional detailed work to respond to stakeholder

concerns. For example, the proponent may increase the number of survey sites to better understand impacts on

threatened species of concern to the community or other stakeholders, or increase the number of monitoring

sites for air quality in response to stakeholder concerns.

The proposed approach to engagement during the preparation of the EIS should be outlined in the Scoping

Report by identifying the participation outcomes to be achieved. The approach to identifying relevant

participation outcomes is described in the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline.

For some projects with a high level of public interest and a high level of potential impacts (including critical SSI

projects, coal seam gas, applications for new mines and extensions to existing mines) the Scoping Report will be

placed on public exhibition by the Department once it is received with a request for SEARs. The Department may

also place the Scoping Report for other projects on exhibition. Where the Scoping Report is placed on

exhibition, public feedback will be sought via online questions relating to the scope of the EIS, prior to issuing

SEARs.

The purpose of the exhibition is to ensure that no relevant matters have been overlooked during the scoping

phase, and to give all interested stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on relevant matters. It is also in the

interests of proponents to identify and address all relevant matters so that additional work and delays due to

missed issues are minimised. The 14 day exhibition will be at the beginning of the period that the Department

has to issue SEARs (28 days). Public authorities will also be consulted during this period to seek advice on



relevant matters and appropriate SEARs for their area of expertise or statutory responsibility. Appendix B outlines

the structure and content of the Scoping Report.



8.8.8.8. SEARs DevelopmentSEARs DevelopmentSEARs DevelopmentSEARs Development

The Department will develop SEARs which take into consideration the:

• relevant matters identified in the Scoping Report

• community and other stakeholder feedback on relevant matters identified through the scoping phase as

recorded in the Scoping Worksheet

• public feedback on relevant matters during a 14 day exhibition of the Scoping Report for some projects

with a high level of public interest or potential impacts

• advice from relevant public authorities on relevant matters and likely impacts and expert advice on

suitable SEARs to focus assessment.

Where matters have been adequately described and categorised as not requiring further assessment in the

Scoping Report there will be no need to further describe those matters in the EIS. This section of the Scoping

Report should also be appended to the EIS so that it is clear which matters were considered unlikely to be

affected by the project.

During the issuing of SEARs the Department will consult with relevant public authorities on whether or not the

proponent’s characterisation of impacts on matters is accurate. If the proponent’s characterisation of impacts

differs from that of the Department and relevant public authorities, then appropriate SEARs will be issued for any

matters which are likely to be impacted by the project.

If the relevant matters identified in the scoping and SEARs phase change during the preparation of the EIS such

as where project layout changes lead to additional likely impacts which were previously categorised as not

requiring further assessment, then the SEARs may be modified to ensure an appropriate level of assessment is

applied.

The SEARs2 will set clear expectations on the level of assessment appropriate for each relevant matter as

informed by the Scoping Report and the Scoping Worksheet, and community, other stakeholder and public

authority input. A Statement of Reasons3 will accompany the SEARs once issued. This will outline the reasons for

decisions to require EIS assessment for some matters and not for others.

If the SEARs for a project expire before an EIS is completed, the proponent must further consult with the

Department in relation to preparation of the EIS. The proponent should contact the Department to arrange a

meeting to discuss the engagement undertaken to date, whether there are any changes to the project since

SEARs were first issued, whether there is any change to the relevant matters and impacts and the likely timeframe

for completion of the EIS. The Department will determine whether further engagement will be required before a

request for new SEARs can be submitted.

2 SEARs are made publicly available on the Department’s website.

3 To help the community and other stakeholders see how their views have been taken into account, decision-makers will be required to give reasons

for their decisions in a Statement of Reasons. It should be proportionate to the scale and impact of the decision. This means that less complex projects

can have a simple Statement of Reasons. For more complex projects, more detailed information will be needed about how the decision was made.



9.9.9.9. GlossaryGlossaryGlossaryGlossary

(The) Commission The Planning Assessment Commission.

Community A group of people living in a specific geographical area or with mutual

interests that could be affected by a State significant project.

Community and other

stakeholders

All those with a stake in a project including community members that may

be impacted by, or interested in the project.

Community Consultative

Committee

A technique for the proponent to meet the engagement outcomes and

maintain regular two-way communication with stakeholders through the

life of a project, including reporting on project progress and impacts and

obtaining stakeholder perspectives on these impacts.

Conditions of consent The conditions that the Department or decision-maker sets when a project

is approved. The conditions control the way in which development is

constructed or operates. The proponent must adhere to these conditions.

Consent Includes the granting of consent for SSD projects, the approval of SSI

projects and approvals of modifications to those consents and approvals.

Critical SSI A State significant infrastructure project declared by the Minister to be

essential for the State for economic, environmental or social reasons.

Department NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Engagement The act of seeking the participation of the community and other

stakeholders on behalf of the project proponent or regulatory agencies.

Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA)

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the process of identifying,

predicting, evaluating and mitigating the environmental, social, economic

and other relevant effects of development proposals. It includes scoping

of the project, consultation with the community and other stakeholders,

preparation and exhibition of the EIS, assessment and determination of

the project.

EIA documentation Includes the Scoping Report, EIS, Submissions Report and any other

documentation provided by the proponent up to the point of

determination.

Environmental Impact

Statement (EIS)

The primary document prepared by the proponent which includes

assessment of all relevant matters and impacts associated with a State

significant project.

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

Key issue A matter that requires detailed assessment, such as a technical study, to

better understand the potential impacts that are likely to arise and identify

project specific mitigation.



Matter An element of the natural or human environments that may be affected by

activities associated with State significant projects.

Minister NSW Minister for Planning.

Mitigation Action taken to reduce the impact that a project may have on a matter.

Modification An approved change to a project that is implemented by modifying an

existing development consent. An application must be made under the

EP&A Act before the modification can be approved.

Other issue A matter whose impacts can usually be managed by well understood and

routinely used mitigation measures. Usually, further information will be

required, but often without the need for a technical study.

Participation The activity whereby the community and other stakeholders have a say

and potentially influence decisions that impact on their lives.

Project Includes applications for State significant development or State significant

infrastructure under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act

1979.

Project approval Includes:

• development consent for State significant development • infrastructure approval for State significant infrastructure

Proponent The person or entity seeking approval for a State significant project, or

acting on an approval for a State significant project, including any

associated entities that have been engaged to assist with project delivery.

Public The activities which are open to the entire public rather than targeted at

particular stakeholders, for example, public exhibition of the EIS.

Scoping Scoping identifies the matters and impacts that are likely to be relevant

and establishes terms of reference for the Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS).

Scoping Meeting A meeting held between the proponent and the Department to discuss

the project concept and agree on the approach to engaging with the

community and other stakeholders prior to finalising the Scoping Report,

taking into account potential project impact and likely community and

stakeholder interest.

Scoping Report A publicly available document which provides preliminary information on

a project and its potential impacts to support a request for Secretary’s

Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs).

SEARs The SEARs (Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements) set out

clear expectations on the level of assessment required for each relevant

matter which must be addressed by the proponent in the EIS.

Scoping Worksheet A tool to help proponents identify relevant matters to be considered in the

EIS by outlining the project activities likely to cause an impact and

analysing those impacts and potential mitigation measures.



Secretary The Secretary of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Stakeholder Any person or group with an interest in, or the potential to be affected by,

a State significant project.

State significant development

(SSD)

Development projects which have State significance due to their size,

economic value or potential impacts assessed and approved under part

4.1 of the EP&A Act.

State significant infrastructure

(SSI)

Infrastructure projects for which approval is required under Part 5.1 of the

EP&A Act

State significant projects A State significant development or State significant infrastructure.



10.10.10.10. AppendiAppendiAppendiAppendicccceseseses



Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix A A A A ------------ Identifying Identifying Identifying Identifying rrrrelevant elevant elevant elevant mmmmatters and atters and atters and atters and iiiimpactsmpactsmpactsmpacts uuuusing thesing thesing thesing the Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping

Worksheet Worksheet Worksheet Worksheet

The purpose of the Scoping Worksheet is to ensure a consistent approach to identifying the impacts associated

with a project and the relevant matters and impacts for discussion in the EIS.

The Scoping Worksheet provides information on the project’s activities and potential impacts. It is intended to

be used to inform the Scoping Report which will describe the activities and impacts in greater detail.

The Scoping Worksheet provides a:

• checklist of matters to be considered

• summary of activities likely to cause an impact on a matter (natural or human)

• basic method for estimating if the impact will have a material effect4 to identify relevant matters to be assessed in the EIS

• indication of potential cumulative impacts

• record of the community and other stakeholder concerns

• level of mitigation proposed

• resulting level of assessment for the matter and the impact.

1.1.1.1. Checklist of Checklist of Checklist of Checklist of mmmmattersattersattersatters

Note: Note: Note: Note: Matter - An element of the natural or human environments that may be affected by activities

associated with State significant development or State significant infrastructure projects.

A generic checklist of matters has been developed (columns A-C in the Worksheet) to help the proponent to

consider all matters and filter out any matters that are not relevant to the project. There is space in the Worksheet

to add matters if required. A glossary of the matters is included in the Worksheet (refer to the tab ‘‘Glossary of

Matters’’).

The proponent will indicate in column D of the Worksheet if their project is ‘‘likely’’ or ‘‘unlikely’’ to adversely

impact on the matter, without any mitigation. If the project has no impact on the matter due to it being not

relevant, or not within the area affected by the project, then the user will record ‘‘n/a’’.

Indicating ‘‘likely’’, ‘‘unlikely’’ or ‘‘n/a’’ reflects that there is less certainty at the scoping phase but provides

transparency for how the relevant impacts for assessment were derived.

2.2.2.2. Activities Activities Activities Activities ccccausing ausing ausing ausing iiiimpactsmpactsmpactsmpacts

If an impact is ‘‘likely’’ without mitigation the proponent will record the main activities that may cause the impact

in column E. It is not necessary to record details of every activity------an overview of the main activities likely to

cause impacts is sufficient. If known, the activity should be quantified, e.g. 2km of new haul roads.

4 For the purposes of the Scoping Worksheet and scoping in EIA, ‘‘material effect’’ means that the impact will have an effect that is likely to require

mitigation and/or technical assessment.



If applicable the proponent should also indicate the nature of the receptor environment, particularly if it is a

sensitive receptor, e.g. conservation area, threatened species, school, hospital, etc. This will help link the impact

to a specific receptor.

If the impact has been avoided then the user should state that an impact is ‘‘unlikely’’ and record how it has been

avoided, e.g. access roads routed through previously cleared areas to avoid known threatened ecological

communities.

The ‘‘Glossary of Matters’’ tab in the Worksheet defines each matter for the purposes of the Worksheet, and

provides examples of activities and receptors to consider in relation to each matter.

3.3.3.3. Estimating material effectsEstimating material effectsEstimating material effectsEstimating material effects

When an impact on a matter has been identified (in the checklist step above), the characteristics of the impact

will need to be rated as ‘‘having a material effect’’, ‘‘no material effect’’ or ‘‘unknown’’. This is done by selecting

‘‘Y’’ (yes), ‘‘N’’ (no) or ‘‘?’’ (unknown) from the drop down menu in columns F - I. The proponent will be asked to

rate the impact using the following four characteristics:

• extent ---- geographical area affected by the impact

• duration ---- timeframe over which the impact is likely to occur (i.e. temporary, long term, permanent)

• severity ---- scale or degree of change from existing condition as a result of the impact

• sensitivity ---- the susceptibility or vulnerability of receivers or receiving environment to adverse changes caused by the impacts, or importance placed on the matter being affected (e.g. national parks).

These characteristics are the main parameters which are needed to estimate if the impact is likely to have a

material effect on a matter. They have been derived from relevant articles and studies5 on EIA and measuring

‘‘significance.’’ It is generally accepted that significance is determined by an impact’s magnitude (duration,

extent and severity), and the importance or sensitivity of the matter being impacted.6

At the scoping phase of the EIA, categorising the characteristics of each impact will be a professional judgment

made using best available information and expertise of the project team and acknowledging that technical

details or modelling of impacts may not be available. Best available information may include an understanding of

characteristics of the site and surrounds, the project’s construction and operational elements and their likely

impacts. While the scoping methodology provides some structure within which professional judgements can be

made, it does not replace the reliance on the expertise and judgement of the project team which is necessary at

this early stage in the project. Therefore, it is important that justification for the judgements and categorisations

made in the Scoping Worksheet is provided in the Scoping Report.

5 Jones,M. and Morrison-Saunders (2016) Making sense of significance in environmental impact assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal,

34:1, 87-93

Characteristics of environmental impacts, United Nations University, http://eia.unu.edu/course/index.html%3Fpage_id=186.html.

Achieng Ogola, P. (2007) Environmental Impact Assessment General Procedures, United Nations University, Geothermal Training Programme.

Ljubas,D. and Sabol,G. (2011) Possibilities of environmental aspects and impacts evaluation according to ISO14001 Standard on the example of an

academic institution, The Holistic Approach to Environment 1(2011)2, 75-84

Surat Gas Project EIS, https://www.arrowenergy.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/2634/Chapter200720-

20Impact20Assessment20Method.pdf

6 Evaluation of impact significance, United Nations University, http://eia.unu.edu/course/index.html%3Fpage_id=126.html



If two or more of the characteristics are likely to have a material effect on a matter (or are ‘‘unknown’’), then the

impact will be considered relevant for assessment, and will need to be assessed in more detail in the EIS. If one

or less of the characteristics are likely to have material effect, then it will not be considered a relevant matter, and

consideration of that matter in the Scoping Report will be sufficient. However, if the proponent’s characterisation

differs from that of the Department, then appropriate SEARs will be issued for any matters which are likely to be

impacted by the project.

The basic formula built into the Scoping Worksheet to determine if the impact will have a material effect has been

determined by considering all possible combinations of the above four characteristics and estimating if any one

of them on their own would be sufficient to cause a material effect. The Department’s ‘‘two or more’’ formula

considers that one alone would not be sufficient to cause a material effect, but any combination of two would be

sufficient to cause a material effect.

For example, an impact may be considered severe, but if it is short lived (or reversible), occurs over a small area

and does not impact on any sensitive receivers (e.g. residential areas, hospitals, schools) or valued resources

(e.g. national park, wetland), then it would not be judged to have a material effect. However, if the impact was

severe and permanent, then it would need further assessment.

An impact rating guide in the Scoping Worksheet (refer to Table 1 below and Worksheet tab ‘‘Impact Rating

Guide’’) provides definitions of each characteristic of impact, and indicators of material effect.

The Worksheet (columns F-I) allows for ‘‘Y’’, ‘‘N’’ or ‘‘?’’ to be entered, and the overall impact (without mitigation)

will autofill (column J) based on the basic formula in the impact rating guide. Under the heading ‘Does the impact

need assessment in the EIS’, the Scoping Worksheet cells will auto fill as ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Unknown. Unknown

impacts will result in the matter requiring further assessment in the EIS phase.

The Scoping Worksheet provides a tool to allow proponents to present information on the matters to be

addressed in an EIS in a consistent way and in a way that allows the Department to respond through SEARs. The

Department acknowledges that there may be specific issues on projects which may not align with the approach

set out in the Scoping Worksheet. These should be discussed with the Department during the Scoping Meeting

or at the earliest possible stage during scoping.



Table Table Table Table 1111 ------------ Impact Rating GuideImpact Rating GuideImpact Rating GuideImpact Rating Guide

Characteristic Characteristic Characteristic Characteristic of of of of ImpactImpactImpactImpact

DefinitionDefinitionDefinitionDefinition Material EffectMaterial EffectMaterial EffectMaterial Effect

ExamplesExamplesExamplesExamples NonNonNonNon----material Effectmaterial Effectmaterial Effectmaterial Effect

ExamplesExamplesExamplesExamples

ExtentExtentExtentExtent The geographic area affected by the impact

• Impacts occur beyond the site boundary

• Impacts on a moderate – large geographical area (e.g. suburb or region)

• Impacts are contained within the site boundary

• Impacts a small geographical area (e.g. a particular lot or cluster of lots)

DurationDurationDurationDuration The timeframe over which the impact occurs

• Permanent impact • Life of the project or longer • Occurring during

construction and operation

• Temporary impact • Impact lasts less than the

project lifespan

• Occurs 1-2 hrs per day during construction only

SeveritySeveritySeveritySeverity Scale or degree of change from the existing condition as a result of an impact

• Scale or degree of change from existing condition is substantial

• Long-term rehabilitation or revegetation required

• Ecological or community function, process, health, lifestyle, or livelihood is likely to change or be disrupted adversely or come to a halt

• Impact is quickly reversible (e.g. rehabilitated / revegetated)

• Ecological or community function, process, health, lifestyle, or livelihood can continue unchanged

SensitivitySensitivitySensitivitySensitivity

Susceptibility or vulnerability of receivers or receiving environment to adverse changes caused by the impact, or importance placed on the matter being affected (e.g. national parks). Attributes of sensitivity include: • conservation status • intactness • uniqueness or rarity • resilience to change • replacement potential • community value / lifestyle

• Impact may result in disturbance of aboriginal heritage areas

• Impact on threatened species, populations for communities

• Impact on amenity or health impacts for sensitive receivers (e.g. hospital, school, residential) including annoyance, disturbance, lifestyle disruption

• Disturbance of degraded areas, which have little conservation value

• Minimal impact on threatened species, populations or communities.

• Amenity, health, lifestyle impacts for receivers including amenity, annoyance, disturbance are unchanged

Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative ImpactImpactImpactImpact

Impacts that result from the successive, incremental, and/or combined effects of an activity or project when added to other past, current, planned, and/or reasonably anticipated future impacts

• The impact contributing to a future change in baseline conditions will likely exceed limits specified in approved standards / guidelines (e.g. air quality, noise)

• Impacts fall outside the thresholds set at a strategic planning level (e.g. limits placed on clearing in area under Biocertification)

• The impact contributing to a future change in baseline conditions will be within acceptable limits specified in approved standards / guidelines

• Impacts are within thresholds set at strategic planning level

4.4.4.4. Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative iiiimpactmpactmpactmpact

Any impacts that result in the need for further assessment should also be considered for their likely contribution

to cumulative impacts. Cumulative impacts are an essential consideration in EIA. They are generally defined as

impacts that result from the successive, incremental, or combined effects of an activity or project when added to

other past, current, planned, or reasonably anticipated future impacts.



For the purposes of scoping, the Scoping Worksheet (column K) is designed to identify impacts that are likely to

require more detailed cumulative impact assessment by asking the proponent to consider the interaction of the

project’s impacts in combination with approved but yet to commence projects, or reasonably foreseeable future

development in the area likely to be affected by the project.

Detailed assessment of impacts in the EIS phase will consider the impact against the existing environmental or

social conditions, which effectively covers the project’s incremental effect on ‘past and current’ projects.

Therefore, when considering cumulative impacts at scoping, the proponent will be required to consider how

their project is likely to interact with planned and reasonably anticipated future projects only.

5.5.5.5. Level of Level of Level of Level of mmmmitigation itigation itigation itigation rrrreqeqeqequireduireduireduired

If an impact has been identified as likely to occur without mitigation and therefore a relevant matter to be

assessed in the EIS, mitigation safeguards or management measures will be required. The level of mitigation

(entered into column L) will be either:

• StandardStandardStandardStandard - measures to manage the effect of the impact that are known and routinely used on similar projects. For example, using methods outlined in Soils and Construction ---- Managing Urban Stormwater to manage likely impacts of stormwater during construction.

• Project specificProject specificProject specificProject specific - measures that require a technical assessment using an endorsed methodology or method unique to the project to determine appropriate measures to minimise or offset the effect of the impact. For example, using the Framework for Biodiversity Assessment to determine an appropriate offset strategy.

• UnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown ---- sometimes at the scoping phase the likely mitigation required is uncertain until further assessment of the impact is undertaken through the EIS. This is likely to require a technical assessment.

6.6.6.6. Community Community Community Community and other stakeholderand other stakeholderand other stakeholderand other stakeholder cccconcernsoncernsoncernsoncerns

The level of community and other stakeholder concern is an indication of how the affected community and other

stakeholders feel about the project in respect of the specific matter. The perspectives of the community and

other stakeholders regarding the impacts of the project will help determine or confirm the level of technical

assessment and additional engagement required.

Where the community or other stakeholders indicate concern with respect to a specific matter or impact, this is

captured in the Scoping Worksheet. The Community and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline directs the

proponent to identify participation outcomes to be achieved in the EIS. These should include outcomes which

respond specifically to the community and other stakeholder concerns raised during scoping, which may include

targeted engagement on matters or additional technical assessment. The Scoping Worksheet includes space

(column M) for the community and other stakeholders’ perspectives to be captured.

It will be the proponent’s responsibility to engage and consult with the community and other stakeholders on

their project before requesting SEARs. This engagement will be informed by discussion with the Department at

the Scoping Meeting about the initial impact scoping and engagement approach.



7.7.7.7. Resulting Resulting Resulting Resulting llllevel of evel of evel of evel of aaaassessmentssessmentssessmentssessment

This field will autofill based on the information provided. The combinations of inputs leading to the level of

assessment are outlined in Table 2 below.

For the purposes of the EIS, where a relevant matter has been identified for inclusion in the EIS through the

Scoping Worksheet, it will be assessed as either ‘Key Issue’ or ’Other Issue’ based on the level of mitigation

required. This terminology is commonly used in Scoping Reports and EISs.

Table Table Table Table 2222 ------------ Level of AssessmentLevel of AssessmentLevel of AssessmentLevel of Assessment GuideGuideGuideGuide

ImpactImpactImpactImpact Material EffectMaterial EffectMaterial EffectMaterial Effect MitigationMitigationMitigationMitigation Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

ImpactImpactImpactImpact

Community Community Community Community

ConcernConcernConcernConcern

Level of AssessmentLevel of AssessmentLevel of AssessmentLevel of Assessment

Not Not Not Not

applicableapplicableapplicableapplicable

n/a n/a n/a n/a None (Worksheet only)

UnlikelyUnlikelyUnlikelyUnlikely n/a n/a n/a Yes Scoping Report --- explain avoidance

No Scoping Report

LikelyLikelyLikelyLikely

or or or or

UnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown

No material effect n/a n/a Yes Scoping Report + focussed engagement

No Scoping Report

Material effect

or

Unknown

Standard Yes Yes Other Issue + CIA + focussed engagement

No Other Issue + CIA

No Yes Other Issue + focussed engagement

No Other Issue

Project

Specific

Yes Yes Key Issue + CIA+ focussed engagement

No Key Issue + CIA

No Yes Key Issue + focussed engagement

No Key Issue

Unknown

Yes Yes Key Issue + CIA + focussed engagement

No Key Issue +CIA

No Yes Key Issue + focussed engagement

No Key Issue

DRAFT FOR DRAFT FOR DRAFT FOR DRAFT FOR PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC EXHIBITION v5.0EXHIBITION v5.0EXHIBITION v5.0EXHIBITION v5.0

Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement | May 2017 22225555

8.8.8.8. Scoping WorksheetScoping WorksheetScoping WorksheetScoping Worksheet



AAAAppendixppendixppendixppendix B B B B ------------ Scoping ReportScoping ReportScoping ReportScoping Report:::: sssstructure tructure tructure tructure and and and and ccccontentontentontentontent

The Scoping Report is the primary document used by the Department and relevant public authorities to prepare

SEARs for the project. The Scoping Report may be placed on exhibition for the public to provide feedback on

the relevant matters to be considered in the EIS.

1.1.1.1. Executive sExecutive sExecutive sExecutive summaryummaryummaryummary

The executive summary should provide an easy reference guide to the main sections of the Scoping Report. The

content of the executive summary should include:

• a brief description of the project

• the strategic context of the project

• an outline of the relevant matters and impacts of the project

• proposed mitigation measures where known

• proposed assessment methods where known

• an overview of the engagement approach, activities and outcomes of engagement in identifying relevant matters.

It should use plain English, avoid jargon or overly technical language, and should be written as a stand-alone

section and structured to follow the sections in the Scoping Report.

2.2.2.2. Proponent Proponent Proponent Proponent ddddetailsetailsetailsetails

This section should identify the proponent by providing:

• full name(s)

• postal address

• ABN

• nominated contact

• contact details

• name and qualifications of person who has prepared Scoping Report

• site owner(s).

3.3.3.3. Project detailsProject detailsProject detailsProject details

Description of Description of Description of Description of pppprorororojectjectjectject

This section describes the project so that the Department and public have adequate information to understand the scale and nature of the project, and the activities associated with the project. It should include:

• project title • project description • rationale for the project and why it is important • expected capital investment value • relationship to other major projects and/or developments • project planning and design • construction requirements including methods, equipment, techniques, staging, infrastructure, hours

and workforce • operational requirements including sequencing, hours or operation, infrastructure, workforce and

parking • decommissioning requirements including rehabilitation, revegetation and future land use



AAAAlternatives consideredlternatives consideredlternatives consideredlternatives considered

This section will provide the Department and the public with an understanding of how the proponent decided

on the project design. It should discuss:

• the history of the project, describing the need and justification for the project

• how the design was arrived at, including the use of ‘avoid, minimise, offset’ hierarchy

• the alternatives considered and justification for not using alternatives.

Site detailsSite detailsSite detailsSite details

This section will provide information about the site in context with the surrounding area including:

• site location including regional and local map, lot/DP • land ownership of the site • Spatial data file of site - please ensure that the GIS data is supplied as polygon datasets in either

shapefile, file geodatabase or MID/MIF file formats. Please also ensure that the correct coordinate system details are used (Datum ---- GDA94; Projection ---- Geographics).

Baseline InformationBaseline InformationBaseline InformationBaseline Information

Describe, illustrate and map (where relevant):

• key transport, state-controlled roads, rail, air, port/sea and other infrastructure or services in the region and to the site

• topography of the project site and surrounding area, highlighting any significant features shown on the maps. Rivers and creeks are to be named

• protected areas such as national parks, world heritage areas, marine park boundaries, erosion prone areas on or near the site

• cross-sections the geology and landforms, including catchments • soil types and profiles of the project area at a scale relevant to the proposed project.

4.4.4.4. Strategic Strategic Strategic Strategic and statutory and statutory and statutory and statutory ccccontextontextontextontext

Describe how the project fits with the strategic and statutory planning framework including:

• how the project meets State significant development/infrastructure criteria • strategic location of the project ---- how will the project fit with existing land uses in the area? • how the project accords with the relevant regional plan • local government area and zoning • environmental setting ---- are there sensitive receivers nearby such as residential, national parks and

recreational areas • whether the project is consistent with State policies and plans including State infrastructure strategy,

NSW State Health Plan, Integrated Mining Policy and others • other approvals and licences required including the Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

5.5.5.5. Matters anMatters anMatters anMatters and d d d iiiimpactsmpactsmpactsmpacts

This section will:

• reference the Scoping Worksheet which guides the likely level of assessment required in the EIS (a copy of the Scoping Worksheet must be included in the Scoping Report)



• identify whether a matter is a Key Issue, Other Issue or Scoping Only through completing the Scoping Worksheet.

KeyKeyKeyKey Issues and Other Issues for inclusion Issues and Other Issues for inclusion Issues and Other Issues for inclusion Issues and Other Issues for inclusion in thein thein thein the EISEISEISEIS

This section will include a comprehensive description of the relevant matters and impacts for detailed

consideration in the EIS including matters and impacts that are of particular concern to the community or other

stakeholders. It will identify each matter classified as Key Issue or Other Issue in the Scoping Worksheet.

For each relevant matter, further detail of the proposed assessment methodology, and the mitigation measures

required for each impact must be provided. Discussion of relevant matters and impacts should include:

• an overview of the activities that are likely to impact on each matter during the construction and operation phases

• a description of the local environmental baseline for each matter such as the existing conditions and any controls that are currently in place to manage impacts

• proposed further assessment (Key Issue or Other Issue) of the relevant matters and impacts in the EIS, including the objectives of the assessment, the methods to be used including any planned engagement and standards and policies relevant to the assessment

• proposed actions where known to mitigate impacts.

Scoping Only IssuesScoping Only IssuesScoping Only IssuesScoping Only Issues

This section identifies the matters of the project that have been classified as Scoping Only in the Scoping

Worksheet. These are other matters which were considered during scoping, but it was concluded that the

project activities are unlikely to have any impacts on them. Justification as to why these matters are not

considered relevant and only need to be addressed in the Scoping Report should be included here. These

matters will not be further investigated in the EIS, but this section of the Scoping Report should also be

appended to the EIS to demonstrate that the matters have been considered.

Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative iiiimpactmpactmpactmpactssss

This section will outline which impacts are likely to need a cumulative impact assessment taking into

consideration past, present and reasonably foreseeable planned development.

This section will:

• outline how cumulative impacts have been avoided through strategic planning

• acknowledge the inherent cumulative impact assessment built into some established assessment methodologies e.g. for air quality

• document, to the extent possible, how other matters which have not been addressed from a cumulative perspective, either through strategic planning or matter specific methodologies, have been addressed in the EIA

• determine whether the project, in combination with the other impacts, may cause a significant or unacceptable change to an environmental, social or economic matter, now or in the future

• determine, to the extent possible, the project’s relative contribution to those cumulative impacts.

6.6.6.6. Community and other sCommunity and other sCommunity and other sCommunity and other stakeholdtakeholdtakeholdtakeholder engagementer engagementer engagementer engagement

This section will explain how the proponent has engaged with the community and other stakeholders during the

scoping phase. It should also identify key points in the project timeframe during the preparation of the EIS and up

until determination of the project when there will be opportunities for community and other stakeholder

participation.

This section will outline:



• the history of previous engagement relationships in relation to the project

• who the proponent has engaged with through scoping and methods of engagement

• matters raised by the community and other stakeholders during scoping and how this has informed the scope of the EIS and the project

• proposed approach to engagement during the EIS preparation phase by identifying the relevant participation outcomes to be achieved as per the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Guideline

• detail of future project stages and opportunities for input/comment.

7.7.7.7. Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion

This section will provide a summary of what is proposed to be included in the EIS such as a table of contents for

the EIS.

8.8.8.8. AppendiAppendiAppendiAppendicccceseseses

• Scoping Worksheet

• Engagement register

• Meeting minutes



Appendix CAppendix CAppendix CAppendix C ------------ Framework for Scoping Framework for Scoping Framework for Scoping Framework for Scoping Key IssuesKey IssuesKey IssuesKey Issues

For more information about the EIA Improvement Project

visit planning.nsw.gov.au

Documents

3. DRAFT Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement v7.0...June 2017 Guideline3 Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement . ... what needs to happen so that relevant impacts are clearly