Environmental impact statements
What is an environmental impact statement?
An environmental impact statement (EIS) details the anticipated environmental effects of a development on the environment. The aim of the EIS process is to reduce, offset or prevent significant negative environmental impacts of a development. An EIS is prepared by the person, company or organisation undertaking the development (the proponent) and presented to ACTPLA for assessment. Some of the things an EIS might have to consider include effects of the development on wildlife and potential pollution or contamination issues.
- Scoping documents
- Current draft environmental impact statements
- Completed environmental impact statements
When is an EIS required?
An environmental impact statement is required if:
- the development is listed in Schedule 4 of the Planning and Development Act 2007
- the development is listed in the relevant Territory Plan development table for the zone as impact assessable
- the development isn’t mentioned in a development table of the Territory Plan
- the Minister has asked for an EIS
- the proposed development is prohibited by the relevant development table in the Territory Plan, but an existing lease over the land already allows for that development.
What is an environmental significance opinion?
The Planning and Development (Environmental Impact Statements) Amendment Act 2010, which took effect on 1 February 2011, introduces environmental significance opinions (ESO). When a proponent considers a proposal is unlikely to have a significant adverse environmental impact, they can apply for an ESO.
The ESO application is referred to a relevant agency, which will provide an ESO. If the agency agrees there is no significant environmental impact, the development application can be made in the merit track. More
Additional information
