Understanding the Impact

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process that must be followed for most types of large-scale development, particularly new ports and terminals, and port expansion. The need for an EIA is driven by a range of international legislative frameworks, such as the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development which identifies that long term social and economic progress must be linked with environmental protection, and the European Community Directive on ‘the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment’ (85/337/EC, as amended by 97/11/EC).

An EIA has two main roles. First, it helps developers decide how to proceed with an intended project. Carrying out an EIA at an early stage can avoid further pursuit of developments that are bound to run into difficulties. Secondly, it gives decision-makers in local government planning departments and elsewhere, important information enabling them decide whether to grant consent for the development. Without a thorough EIA, the consent process can be unnecessarily delayed.

EIAs are certainly necessary for port developments in most countries. Even in developing countries that might have more relaxed environmental legislations, an EIA will often be required by multilateral funders and international funding institutions. Many such institutions release monies only for environmentally acceptable developments, including those in the ports sector.

As well as analysing significant environmental effects, the EIA will also examine alternative solutions to problems, with appropriate mitigation measures being developed.

To be of most benefit it is necessary for an EIA to be undertaken early in a development’s project cycle. Recommendations to address significant environmental impacts can then be integrated into the design without causing major costs in terms of time and money.

On the other hand, an early EIA might conclude that a proposed development would have a major impact that cannot be managed in a costeffective way. Ports may then seriously consider whether the development that they are planning is actually appropriate for the location, and an alternative way to generate commercial advantage might be sought.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND THE EIA PROCESS It is natural for developers to view a consultation process as a hindrance. However, in Royal Haskoning’s experience a port’s neighbours can play a significant role in helping to identify potential problems early on. The EIA process places significant emphasis on public consultation. Indeed, the system suggested by the UN Environment Programme includes public involvement at both the scoping and review phases, and ‘at any other stage’ of the EIA process.

One way ports could be pro-active in improving the EIA process would be to familiarise themselves with best practice for consultation exercises. By doing this, they could turn the consultation to their advantage. In particular, a properly-managed consultation process will reduce the chance of delays in the granting of consents.