Views from Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd on Communication in EIA

Transcription

1 Views from Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd on Communication in EIA PHILIP ROWELL ADAMS HENDRY CONSULTING LTD NATIONAL AWARD WINNING PLANNING CONSULTANTS

2 Who we are - Independent medium sized firm of award winning Chartered Town Planners. - Specialists in various consenting processes, particularly in respect of Major Infrastructure Schemes. - EIA process forms a substantial part of what we do advice given to both sides (applicant and determining bodies). - Expertise in drafting front end of ES (need, alts etc).

3 Our approach to EIA (1) - EIA is not just a procedural step that needs completing. It is a fundamental part of obtaining implementable consents. -.. need to take effects on the environment into account at the earliest possible stage in all the technical and decision-making processes. (preamble to the Directive). - Good communication throughout the EIA process is vital in achieving the objectives of the EIA Directive.

4 Our approach to EIA (2) Used constructively, the EIA process should result in development that: - meets a clear, justifiable and defined need; - is located where there is no better alternative with fewer significant effects on the environment; and - is designed, constructed and operated in such a way that there is no better alternative with fewer significant effects on the environment.

5 Our approach to EIA (2) Used constructively, the EIA process should result in development that: - meets a clear, justifiable and defined need; - is located where there is no better alternative with fewer significant effects on the environment; and - is designed, constructed and operated in such a way that there is no better alternative with fewer significant effects on the environment. Sustainable Development!!!

6 What does communication mean? the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other medium sending or receiving information successful conveying or sharing of ideas (Oxford Dictionary 2011)

7 What does communication mean? the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other medium sending or receiving information successful conveying or sharing of ideas (Oxford Dictionary 2011)

8 Why is communication important in EIA? Directive 85/337 (as amended) states (Article 8): The results of consultations and the information gathered pursuant to Article 5 (the EIA process), 6 (stakeholder and public consultation) and 7 (consultation with other member states) must be taken into consideration in the development consent procedure.

9 Why is communication important in EIA? Directive 85/337 (as amended) states (Article 8): The results of consultations and the information gathered pursuant to Article 5 (the EIA process), 6 (stakeholder and public consultation) and 7 (consultation with other member states) must be taken into consideration in the development consent procedure. - It is therefore not just the results of the EIA process (i.e. the ES) that make up the information to be taken into account by the decision maker. The other information is obtained through communication.

10 Two specific aspects of communication in EIA 1. Good communication is needed throughout the assessment process. 1. Good communication of the results of the assessment process is also needed.

11 Communication throughout the assessment process (1) 1. Communication with the client (often overlooked) - Client s objectives and outcomes are understood. - Client understands requirements of project team i.e. what is needed to get consent. - Some outcomes of good client communication: i. Certainty of the proposal being assessed; ii. Early awareness of potential issues arising; and iii. Clarity over assumptions and implications.

12 Communication throughout the assessment process (2) 2. Communication within the project team. - This is vital to ensure that a robust and fit for purpose assessment of the actual proposal is undertaken. Common issues include: i. Ensuring assessment team have the same information and knowledge of the project; and ii. Ensuring assessment team understand where their element of the assessment work fits in with the overall work package.

13 Communication throughout the assessment process (3) 3. Communication with external bodies. - Communication is not just about giving information. It s about receiving information / ideas as well. - Important to ensure that the right person(s) carries out the communication with the external body. - Important that issues raised are understood and dealt with.

14 Communicating the results of the assessment process (1) Reminder of the requirement under Article 8. - Put simply, how can consultees and the public express their opinions (as required by Article 6) in such a way that they can be taken account of in the decision making process if the ES is not easy to understand.

15 Communicating the results of the assessment process (2) 1. Provide accurate, clear and necessary information. - Is all of the information necessary what do the Directive and relevant Regulations actually require? Main effects / significant effects. - Is there a need for all the jargon and phraseology? - Is the information written down in a clear and logical way (the preamble to the Directive talks in terms of the assessment being systematic surely something that is systematic should be easy to understand).

16 Communicating the results of the assessment process (3) 2. Importance of the Non-Technical Summary. - Communication with the public / consultees often undermined by a lack of importance placed on the NTS. - As the title suggests, this should be a summary of the main body of the ES, and provided in non technical language. - Length 10% of ES? - Not a promotional document. - Precise and non-technical. - Not an afterthought.

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