The nature of environmental impact assessment and the practical aspects of preparing an environmental statement

Abstract: This paper will describe what an environmental impact assessment is, and outline the legislative background. It will cover the procedures for determining the need for an environmental impact assessment and deal with the practical aspects of carrying out an assessment, including the matters to be considered and the preparation of an environmental statement. Recent examples from extensive environmental impact assessments conducted by Cornwall County Council, for two solid waste in South-West England will be used for illustration. In these environmental impact assessments, which have received national recognition, consideration was given to the possible effect of these developments on human beings, flora, fauna, soil, geology, water (both groundwater and surface water), air, climate, the landscape, land use, archaeological features, noise and traffic. The findings of the environmental impact assessments and the resulting environmental statements have been incorporated into the engineering design and operational plan of the sites, as part of a commitment to protect the environment