Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment
We help your organisation assess the environmental impacts of your planned project and the means to reduce them.
Environmental Impact Assessment
The Environmental Impact Assessment procedure (EIA) is a statutory process used to identify the impact of different projects on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment procedure may be needed when planning a new project or changing existing operations, if the project could have significant effects on the environment.
Our job is to identify, evaluate and help reduce the project’s adverse environmental impact. We identify the project’s relevant effects on the environment and people and assess their significance. Based on this assessment, we can work together with you to plan ways to implement the project in an environmentally sustainable way.
During the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure
- the current state of the environment is investigated using open data, surveys carried out in and around the project area and potential surveys done during the EIA procedure
- an assessment is done on the current state of the project area and the environmental impact of the project plan on soil and bedrock, groundwater and surface water, air quality, noise, natural values, community structure and land use, transport, landscape as well as the population and recreational use.
The assessment proceeds step by step
The first step is to draw up an assessment programme that describes the current state of the environment and the methods for assessing the project’s environmental impact. The programme phase is followed by the preparation of an evaluation report, which is carried out as presented in the programme. The report factors in the competent authority’s statement on the programme as well as any possible clarifications to the impact assessment. In addition, the environmental effects of the project are described and evaluated with a focus on the most significant ones.
The involvement and consulting of stakeholders is a part of the EIA process. Opinions on the project and the evaluation procedure can be submitted in both the programme phase and the reporting phase.
Get started in good time
The duration of the EIA procedure varies according to the type and scope of the project. Timing guidelines need to be considered when carrying out environmental surveys for the assessment. Typically, the surveys are done in spring and summer. In general, it is a good idea to allow the EIA procedure at least a year. Project planning can proceed during the EIA procedure.
The progress of the EIA procedure
01
Programme phase
The programme phase includes preparing a plan on the means of assessing the environmental impact of the project and evaluating whether there is sufficient information on the state of the environment. The programme describes the project, alternatives for it, the current state of the environment in the project area and the methods of assessing the impacts. Stakeholder involvement, an essential part of the procedure, is also planned in the programme phase.
02
Announcement
The EIA programme is announced, which allows different authorities and stakeholders to submit statements, reminders and opinions about it. The competent authority summarises these and issues a statement regarding the EIA programme that describes the aspects that should be considered in the assessment.
03
Customized surveys
Customized surveys may need to be carried out during or after the EIA programme phase. They could include nature surveys, hydrodynamical modelling, noise and dust modelling or landscape-related surveys.
04
EIA report
The EIA report is drawn up based on the programme and considering the statement of the competent authority. In the report, the impacts of the project are assessed with a focus on the most significant ones. Ways to reduce the impacts or their significance are also presented as a part of the impact assessment.
05
Announcement period
As responsible authority implements announcement, decision-makers, authorities and other stakeholders can provide statements and opinions on the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment.
06
Reasoned conclusion
Based on statements and opinions, the competent authority issues a reasoned conclusion on the EIA report. This conclusion should be considered in future permit procedures.
07
Follow-up
After the EIA procedure, the project can proceed to the permit phase, during which the reasoned conclusion of the competent authority is considered. The licensing authority shall ensure that the reasoned conclusion is up to date at the time of resolving the permit issue.
Contact our experts
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Toni Uusimäki
Toni has experience particularly in environmental impact assessment projects related to industry and mining, in preparing environmental permit applications, and in conducting the related supplementary studies.
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Heli Uimarihuhta
Heli’s areas of expertise include environmental impact assessments related to waste management, the circular economy, and mining, as well as environmental permit applications and their associated supplementary studies.
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Petra Paldanius
Petra’s areas of expertise include environmental impact assessments and various permitting procedures with their associated supplementary studies, particularly in projects related to the mining industry and waste management. She also has extensive experience in cooperation with authorities and stakeholders.