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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?