Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process that helps public authorities make informed decisions about projects impacting the environment.

A collection of projects that are considered to have significant environmental impact and therefore require an EIA.

A collection of projects that may potentially have significant environmental impact and require an EIA depending on specific circumstances.

A process by which public authorities determine if a project in Annex II requires a full EIA.

The 1997 amendment to the EIA Directive expanded the scope of projects requiring an EIA by adding more projects to Annex I and introducing screening criteria for Annex II projects.

The 2003 EIA Amendment aimed to align public participation in the EIA process with the Aarhus Convention.

The 2009 EIA Amendment added projects related to carbon dioxide capture and storage to Annexes I and II.

The European Union's primary law governing the assessment of environmental impact for projects.

Projects that could significantly affect the environment, considering factors like their size, nature, and location.

The purpose of EIA is to evaluate the environmental compatibility of a project by analyzing its potential impacts, both direct and indirect.

The EIA process involves collecting and analyzing information about the potential effects of a project on various environmental aspects such as human health, flora and fauna, air, water, and cultural heritage.

The process of evaluating potential impacts of a project on human beings, flora and fauna, soil, water, air, climate, landscape, material assets, cultural heritage, and the interaction between these components.

The 'National Environmental Policy Act' (NEPA) of 1969, originating in the United States, has been influential in establishing the concept of environmental impact assessment.

NEPA mandates that all federal government operations undergo environmental impact assessment.

The process of determining how a project aligns with environmental regulations and standards.

The European Union's (EU) legal framework requiring a systematic assessment of the potential environmental impacts of certain developmental projects. This process helps decision-makers understand the potential consequences for the environment and incorporates environmental considerations into the project's approval process.

The EU EIA Directive establishes lists categorizing projects into Annex I and Annex II. Projects listed in Annex I are automatically subject to an EIA, while those in Annex II may require an EIA depending on the project's specific characteristics and potential impacts.

The EU EIA Directive emphasizes the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into project decision-making as early as possible. This principle ensures that environmental factors are taken into account from the project's initial planning and design stages.

Inspired by the EU EIA Directive, Italy introduced its own national environmental impact assessment legislation. This legislation was implemented in 1986 and has been updated through various decrees and legal acts since then.

Italy's legislative framework for environmental impact assessment has evolved since its initial introduction. The most important legislation is currently embodied in Italy's 'Testo Unico dell'Ambiente' (TU Ambiente), which acts as a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection.

The Italian 'Testo Unico dell'Ambiente' (TU Ambiente) is the main legal document governing various aspects of environmental protection, including environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures. It establishes comprehensive rules and procedures for conducting EIAs and ensuring environmentally sound decision-making.

The 'Testo Unico dell'Ambiente' (TU Ambiente) introduced a unified structure and approach to environmental impact assessment, streamlining various procedures and providing a comprehensive legal framework for addressing environmental concerns in development projects.

The 'Testo Unico dell'Ambiente' (TU Ambiente) has been amended and updated through various decrees and legal acts over time. This ongoing process ensures its continued relevance and adaptability to evolving environmental priorities and challenges.

Alternative ways to achieve a project's objectives; may include different locations, designs, manufacturing processes, transportation, energy sources, or material sourcing.

Measures to avoid, reduce, or cancel adverse impacts of a project.

Measures to prevent adverse impacts from occurring in the first place.

Measures to completely nullify adverse impacts before they are felt.

Measures to minimize or reduce remaining adverse impacts after avoidance and cancellation measures have been applied.

The process where the Competent Authority and other stakeholders discuss the significant impacts of a project and how they will be assessed in the Environmental Statement.

Measures taken to offset or minimize negative environmental effects that remain after other mitigation measures have been applied.

A comprehensive document that details the findings of the scoping process, outlining the content and extent of information required from the developer for the EIA.

The stage of the EIA process where environmental effects are analyzed in detail, considering different aspects like air, water, soil, and human health.

The categories or types of environmental impacts that might arise from a project, including impacts on air, water, soil, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and human health.

These are the legal frameworks that classify projects based on their potential environmental impact. Projects listed in these schedules may require an EIA.

A document that outlines the key environmental aspects and project-environment interactions that should be addressed in an EIA.

The process where stakeholders and experts come together to define the scope and focus of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

A list of individuals or groups who may be impacted by a project or have an interest in its outcome. It's essential for stakeholder engagement and to ensure everyone's voice is heard.

Understanding the project's potential effects on various environmental factors like air, water, biodiversity, and human health.

The geographic area that is directly or indirectly affected by a particular project. It helps determine the extent of environmental studies needed.

A structured plan to involve stakeholders throughout the EIA process, ensuring their opinions and concerns are considered.

Specific methods and tools used to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of a project on the environment. It helps determine the level of risk and significance of environmental impacts.

A summary of the environmental impact assessment report, written in a clear and accessible way for the public, who might lack technical expertise.