EIA scoping

Scoping is an early stage of the EIA process, which identifies the issues to be addressed within an Environmental Statement.  In respect of a particular project, the scoping stage will define the technical disciplines that require assessment and potential issues that will be considered within each discipline.  The purpose of EIA scoping is to ensure that all areas where there is likely to be potential for significant effects are identified and that unnecessary effort is not expended in areas where no such effects are predicted to occur.

For projects that require EIA a developer may either seek a scoping opinion from the relevant planning authority or produce their own report defining the proposed scope of the study for discussion and subsequent agreement with the Planning Authority.

ECUS’ EIA Scoping Service works on behalf of both developers and Planning Authorities to consider development proposals in conjunction with planning policy, legislation and the natural environment and develop a project specific scope of works that can be signed up to by all parties.

The key output of this process is our EIA scoping report.  These reports have a flexible format depending on the requirements of the individual client, but typically the following components will be included:

• Details of relevant legislation and planning policy that has influenced the scope of the assessment;

• Details of the technical disciplines to be considered within the ES, and initial appraisal of potentially significant effects within each discipline;

• Guidance on the methods to be used to identify and assess impacts;

• Details of any consultation undertaken or advised scope, and

• Information on the proposed structure and format of the ES.

For further information on any of our EIA services please contact Erica Kemp.