In recent decades, environmental assessment (EA) has emerged as one of the key environmental law mechanisms. The essence of EA is that information about likely environmental impacts created by infrastructure and other development projects are identified. In addition, plans and programmes must be properly considered before potentially harmful decisions are made.
This course looks at the practicalities of complying with the law, and the questions to consider when conducting or analysing environmental assessments.
Aims & Objectives:
To provide delegates with an introduction to EA in a legal and practical context and to apply the skills learnt in the workplace.
On completion of this course, delegates will be able to:
- Define EA, EIA and SEA and distinguish between them
- Determine which type of assessment to apply to any particular project
- Demonstrate understanding of aspects and impacts by completing an aspects and impacts register
- Be able to evaluate how EA is used in practice
- Discuss topical projects, introducing relevant and current examples and precedents
- Appreciate the issues and challenges in using law to protect the environment
Course Outline:
- Introduction to EA
- Is the project subject to EA?
- Significant effects - thresholds and discretion in decision making
- Exemptions from EA
- The Environmental Statement
- Determining EA applications - weighing up environmental information
Mode of Delivery:
The training session is interactive, with group discussions and workshop activities
- Initial assessment
- Interactive exercises
- Individual or group exercises
- Discussion
- DVD
- Open workshop
- Summary of learning
- Final Assessment
Delegates attending this course will enjoy a busy but enjoyable session drawing on studies of the latest projects to gain a good foundation in this aspect of environmental law.
Intended For:
Engineers, planners, architects, developers, and project managers will all gain from this course. This is the introductory course where no prior knowledge is assumed.
Pre-Course Requirements:
- Complete a pre-course questionnaire.
- Those with prior knowledge should consider the course, "A Closer Look at Environmental Assessment"
