Summary of EIA Process

When a development proposal is submitted in sufficient detail, it is screened by MEPA.  Once it is determined that the proposal is likely to have significant environmental effects or otherwise falls under the requirements of the EIA Regulations, the developer is requested to undertake an EIA.  At this stage the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the study are formulated by MEPA.  The TOR will determine the content of the EIA report.  Consultants collect data and prepare reports within their respective discipline based on the TORs, where impacts are identified and mitigation measures are proposed.  The EIA findings are then incorporated in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or an Environmental Planning Statement (EPS), which is reviewed and assessed by MEPA. The public and other stakeholders are consulted during the review stage and their opinion taken into account in decision-making. The EIA process feeds into the overall decision-making process whereby a decision is taken with regard to a proposed development permit application.  Should the development be approved, this would be subject to specified conditions and post-permit monitoring.

STEPS IN THE EIA PROCESS