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Maldives | 1 | 4 | Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Act 4/93) | Link | Regulation on the Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Report 2012 | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mdv195953.pdf | EIA Data Collection Guidelines | https://en.epa.gov.mv/regulations | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Projects not listed in Schedule D (EIA mandatory) will require either an Initial Environmental Examination Study or an Environmental Management Plan. This decision is rendered after screening. Regulation, sec. 8(a), (b). | No | Government | Regulation, Schedule D (list of projects). The Ministry can require an EIA if it deems that the project "may cause a significant impact on the environment." Regulation, sec. 9(b). | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 28 days | No | Yes | Yes | 1 year | No | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | Not available | Yes | Internet | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | No | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | 2024-05-05 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | |||
Wales | 2 | 4 | Town and Country Planning Act 1990 | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/8/contents | The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017 | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2017/567/contents/made | Government projects, Private Projects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scotland | 3 | 4 | Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/8/contents | Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/102/pdfs/ssi_20170102_en.pdf | Planning Circular 1 (2017) Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations | https://www.gov.scot/publications/planning-circular-1-2017-environmental-impact-assessment-regulations-2017/ | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | ""EIA development” means development which is either— (a) Schedule 1 development; or (b) Schedule 2 development likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location[.]" EIA Regulations, sec. 2 (definition of "EIA Development"); also see Schedules I, II, III | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Sometimes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 2-4 months | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts | Yes | Sometimes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Local government office | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | No | Sometimes | No | Yes | No | No | ||
Ecuador | 4 | 4 | Environmental Management Act, R.O. 418 of 10 September 2004 | http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/09/LEY-DE-GESTION-AMBIENTAL.pdf | Decree No. No. 3516 establishing the Unified Text of Secondary Legislation of the Ministry of the Environment, 14 August 2012 | http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/06/Texto-Unificado-de-Legislacion-Secundaria-del-Ministerio-del-Ambiente.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | If the project is not included in the list of projects that require an environmental impact assessment, the project proponent will present an environmental factsheet that will be analyzed by the competent authority. If approved, the project proponent is authorized to carry out the project without the need to present an environmental impact assessment report but subject to compliance with environmental regulations. Decree No. 3516, Libro VI, Cap. III, Art. 22. | No | Government | Decree No. 3516, Libro VI, Cap. III, Art. 15. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 30 days | No | Yes | Yes | Not specified | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office, Other | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
Dominican Republic | 5 | 4 | Law 64-00 on the Environment and Natural Resources | http://ambiente.gob.do/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Ley-No-64-00.pdf | Compendium of Regulations and Procedures for Environmental Authorizations in the Dominican Republic | http://ambiente.gob.do/files/REG-03.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Category C and D projects result in minimum environmental impacts, and their assessment do not rise to the level of a full EIA. Upon receipt of the application, the Ministry will visit the project and will write a report establishing that the project meets either Category C or D criteria. EIA Compendium, Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures, Arts. 3.2.4 and 3.2.5. | No | Government | Any project, infrastructure, industry, or any other activity that may affect the environment and natural resources shall obtain an environmental permit from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Law 64-00, Art. 40. See also Law 64-00, Art. 41 with a non-exhaustive list of projects that require an EIA process and EIA Compendium, Annex A with a list of projects and activities and their respective permit categories. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 126-190 days | No | Yes | Yes | 5 years | Yes | Yes | No | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts | No | No | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | 2024-05-10 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
Ukraine | 6 | 4 | Law of Ukraine on Environmental Impact Assessment | https://elaw.org/law-ukraine-environmental-impact-assessment | Guidance | http://eia.menr.gov.ua/uk#legislation | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | "The environmental impact assessment shall be mandatory in the process of decision-making on carrying out the proposed activity identified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. Such a proposed activity shall be made subject to the environmental impact assessment before the decision on carrying out the proposed activity is made." EIA Law, Art. 3. | List or appendix of project or activity types | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | Not specified | No | Yes | Yes | 5 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | Yes | Yes | No | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | No | |||||
Kenya | 7 | 4 | Environmental Management and Co-Ordination Act, 1999 ("EMCA"), as amended (see "Guidance" for 2015 Amendments) | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ken41653.pdf | The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 (revised 2012) | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ken53040.pdf | Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Amendment) Act, 2015 | http://www.nema.go.ke/images/Docs/Legislation%20and%20Policies/EMCA%20Act%202015.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Project proponent must submit a report that includes information about: the nature of the project; design and activities; the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures to be taken during and after implementation; an action plan for prevention and management of possible accidents; a plan to ensure health and safety of workers and nearby communities. The report must be prepared by a registered EIA expert. The Authority has 45 days to review the report and determine whether an EIA is warranted. EIA Regulations secs. 7-10. | No | Government | EMCA sec. 58(1) + Second Schedule; EIA required for any activity that "may introduce exotic species" or "lead to unsustainable use of any ecosystem." EMCA Regulations (2006) sec. 4; see also EIA Regulations (2003) sec. 4 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 90 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Indefinite | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | Other | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | |||
Japan | 8 | 4 | Environmental Impact Assessment Law, Law No. 81 of 1997 | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/jap47159.pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment in Japan (2012) | https://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/docs/files/20120501-04.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | The screening judgement is made by the authorizing agency in accordance with the judgment criteria. In making the judgment, opinions from the prefectural governor who is well-acquainted with the local situation should be taken into consideration. EIA Law, Art. 4; see also MoE Publication, "EIA in Japan" | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 210 | No | No | Yes | Indefinite | No | No | No | No | Direct environmental impacts | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Other | Yes | Yes | Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | No | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 30 | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | |||||||
Malaysia | 9 | 4 | Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA) (as amended) | http://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/consol_act/eqa1974268/ | Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) Environmental Impact Assessment Order, 1987 | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mal13290.pdf | Department of Environment, "EIA Procedure and Requirements in Malaysia" | http://countrysafeguardsystems.net/sites/default/files/Malaysia%20EIA-Procedure-and-Requirements.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Certain activities may be authorized after preparation of a "preliminary EIA." However, the law and guidance are not particularly clear in identifying which activities are subject to the less-detailed assessment. | No | Government | Prescribed activities are described in the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities)(Environmental Impact Assessment) Order, 1987. | List or appendix of project or activity types | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 90 | No | Yes | Yes | Indefinite | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Library, Agency or ministry office, Local government office | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Scoping, Review of final EIA | No | No | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 0 | 2024-06-09 | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | ||
Mexico | 10 | 4 | Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente (LGEEPA) | http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/ref/lgeepa.htm | Reglamento de la Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente en Materia de Impacto Ambiental | http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/regley/Reg_LGEEPA_MEIA_311014.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | No | Government | LGEEPA, Art. 28 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 60 days (may be extended by 60 days) | No | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | No | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | Yes | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing, Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||||
Botswana | 11 | 4 | Environmental Assessment Act, 2011 | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/bot151330.pdf | Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2012 | https://www.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2019-12/Environmental%20Assessment%20Regulations%202012%20%28002%29.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "The competent authority may upon receipt of an application [to obtain authorisation for a proposed activity] or at its own discretion request the developer to submit an environmental management plan." EIA Act, sec. 6(5). The purpose of the environmental management plan is described further in the EIA Regulations: "An EMP will usually be necessary where the proposed project does not qualify for the undertaking of a detailed environmental impact assessment study, but by virtue of the associated impacts would require the development of an environmental management programme to manage the implementation of the project. The EMP may also be required for projects which were implemented prior to the enactment of the EIA legislation but would have otherwise required a detailed assessment prior to their implementation." EIA Regulations, Schedule 2 - Form B. | No | Government | EIA Regulations, Schedule 1 (listing activities that require preparation of EIA; requiring EIA for projects within 2km of "environmentally sensitive" areas; requiring EIA for projects that may cause a public outcry or cause displacement of people). See also EIA Act, sec. 9(1) ("Where the competent authority determines that the proposed activity is likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact, it shall require that such activity undergo an environmental impact assessment. . . .") | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 60+ | No | Yes | Yes | Variable (specified in authorisation) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | The proposed project is controversial, Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 2024-05-23 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||
New Zealand | 12 | 4 | Resource Management Act, 1991 | http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1991/0069/latest/whole.html | RMA Everyday Guide series (published by Ministry of the Environment) | https://environment.govt.nz/publications/?topic=17_27&type=18_169 | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | Activities that need a resource consent are classified as controlled, restricted discretionary, discretionary and non-complying. A council has to grant a resource consent for a controlled activity (with a few exceptions), but can refuse to grant a resource consent for a restricted discretionary, discretionary or non-complying activity. RM Act, sec. 87A | List or appendix of project or activity types | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | Variable | No | Yes | Yes | Variable | Sometimes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | Sometimes | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Local government office | No | Yes | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing, Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 2024-05-15 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | |||||||||
Costa Rica | 13 | 4 | Organic Act of the Environment 7554 (Ley Orgánica del AmbienteGeneral No. 7554) | http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/SCIJ/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=27738&nValor3=93505&strTipM=TC | Regulations on Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures, Decree 31849-2004 (Reglamento General sobre los Procedimientos de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental, Decreto 31849-2004). | http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?nValor1=1&nValor2=53029 | Guidelines of Technical Tools for the Environmental Impact Assessment Process Parts I, II, IV (Decretos) | https://setena.go.cr/marco-juridico/Nosotros/Marco-Juridico | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "B2" projects (moderate- low potential environmental impact) located inside an area with an approved zoning plan and "C" projects (low potential environmental impact) do not need to present a full EIA. The project developer submits a D2 form with information about the project and an Environmental Commitments Document. The D2 form includes a description of the proposed activity, including its potential to generate waste and emissions as well as other risks posed to the environment, and the proposed measures to mitigate such risks. EIA Regulations, Articles 9, 12 and 13 | No | Government | EIA Regulations, Article 7 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 10 weeks (and up to 5 months for large-scale projects) | No | Yes | Yes | 2 years | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Agency or ministry office, Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing, Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
Spain | 14 | 4 | Law 21/2013 of 9 December 2013 | https://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/2013/BOE-A-2013-12913-consolidado.pdf | Guidance and Directives | https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/calidad-y-evaluacion-ambiental/temas/evaluacion-ambiental/guias-directrices/ | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | Royal Legislative Decree 1/2008 (as amended), Article 3 & Annexes I, II. Projects listed in Annex I require an EIA. Projects listed in Annex II or that may impact a Natura 2000 may require an EIA at the discretion of the authority. The screening decision must be made available to the public and meet the criteria in Annex III. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 90 days | No | Yes | Yes | 5 years (may vary if under jurisdiction of Autonomous Region) | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 30 | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | ||||||||
Australia - NSW | 15 | 4 | Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EPA) | https://legacy.legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/pdf/view/act/1979/203/whole | Environment, Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW)(EPAR) | https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2000-0557 | Government projects, Private Projects | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United Kingdom | 16 | 4 | Town and Country Planning Act 1990 | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/8/contents | The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/571/pdfs/uksi_20170571_en.pdf | Guidance: Environmental Impact Assessment (website) | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/environmental-impact-assessment | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | For Schedule 1 projects an EIA must always be carried out. For Schedule 2 projects an EIA must be carried out if the development is likely to have a significant impact on the environment by virtue of its nature, size or location. Developments which meet or exceed the applicable threshold are considered on a case-by-case basis. EIA Regulations, sec. 2 (definition of "EIA Development") & Schedules 1-3 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Sometimes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 2-4 months | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | No | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Other | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | ||
Bolivia | 17 | 4 | Ley de Medio Ambiente (Act of the Environment) No. 1333 and Decreto Supremo No 24176, of December 8th 1995 | http://www.lexivox.org//norms/BO-L-1333.html | Reglamento de Control y Prevención Ambiental (Regulations of Environmental Control and Protection) | http://www.lexivox.org//norms/BO-RE-DS24176B.html | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Category 3 and 4 projects do not need a full EIA. EIA Regulations, Articles 15, 17. Category 3 projects only require mitigation and monitoring plan (Category 4 projects are completely exempt). The project proponent applies to the Authority for a screening decision to determine if an EIA is required. EIA Regulations, Article 39. | No | Government | During the Scoping process, project proponents must present a “Ficha Ambiental” (Environmental Factsheet) with information on the possible impacts of the project to the environment according to a specific methodology. If the authority considers that the project will cause significant environmental impact in one or more elements of the environment it will require the presentation of an EIA. The regulations list some projects that do not require a full EIA. See EIA Regulations, Articles 15, 16, 17. Article 16 offers a full list of factors to determine whether an EIA is required. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 30 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 years (generally) | No | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | No | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
Belize | 18 | 4 | Environmental Protection Act, 2000; Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 2009 | https://doe.gov.bz/legislation/ | Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and amendments (up to 2023) | https://doe.gov.bz/legislation/ | "Procedures Manual for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Belize" (July 2011) | https://doe.gov.bz/download/1220/?wpdmdl=1220&refresh=64bee348226b71690231624 | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "The Departments shall determine or cause to be determined whether any of the undertakings, projects or activities specified in Schedule II require an environmental impact assessment or a limited level environmental study." EIA Regulations, sec. 8 (as amended by EIA (Amendment) Regulations, 2007, sec. 4). A Limited Level Environmental Study "means a study used for the prediction, evaluation, estimation and communication of the possible environmental effects of some proposed projects . . . where it is the opinion of the Department that the project . . . could have some negative impacts on the environment. The terms of reference for a Limited Level Environmental Study can be limited and nature and should not be as comprehensive as that for an EIA." EIA Regulations, sec. 2 (as amended by sec. 2 of EIA (Amendment) Regulations, 2007) | No | Government | "All undertakings, projects, or activities specified in Schedule I shall require an environmental impact assesment." EIA Regulations, sec. 7. An EIA for activities listed in Schedule II are discretionary, and determined by the Departments. EIA Regulations, sec. 8. Schedule III describes guidlines for when Schedule II activities might need envrionmental clearance. EIA Regulations, sec. 9 (as amended by EIA (Amendment) Regulations, 2007, sec. 5) describe categories of projects that do not require an EIA, including educational and health projects and government projects during declared national emergencies. Aside from categories, factors for screening include environmental impacts, economic benefits, and more. EIA Regulations, sec. 26(1) (as amended by EIA (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, sec. 9). See also Environmental Protection Act, sec. 20(1) (EIA required if project may cause significant environmental impact). | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 60 days | No | Yes | Yes | Variable | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Local government office | No | No | Yes | No | No | Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | Yes | Sometimes | No | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
Brazil | 19 | 4 | Brazilian Constitution, Art. 225 sec. 1(IV); Supplementary Law No. 140 of 2011; Federal Law 6938 of 1981, Decree 99.274/1990; Federal Law 9.985/2000, Decree 4340/2002, Federal Law 10.650/2003 | http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/LEIS/L9985.htm | Resolutions of the National Environment Council - CONAMA 01/1986; 06/1987; 09/1987; 01/1988; 237/1997; 279/2001 | http://www.mma.gov.br/port/conama/processos/61AA3835/LivroConama.pdf | General and Sectoral Guides | https://pnla.mma.gov.br/images/2018/08/VERS%C3%83O-FINAL-E-BOOK-Procedimentos-do-Lincenciamento-Ambiental-WEB.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | The national EIA system does not allow for abridged assessments, but several states use simplified environmental studies such as: Simplified Environmental Report; Environmental Feasibility Report; Environmental Assessment Report; Environmental Control Report; and Environmental Feasibility Study. | No | Government | "In order to ensure the effectiveness of this right [to an ecologically balanced environment], it is incumbent upon the Government to. . . demand in the manner prescribed by law, for the installation of works and activities which may potentially cause significant degradation of the environment, a prior environmental impact study, which shall be made public[.]" Federal Constitution Chapter VI, Article 225, para. 1(4). Lists and appendices of project types are located in Annex I of the National Environment Council’s (CONAMA) Resolution 237/97 and in other State’s Regulatory Instructions and Ordinances. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 60+ | No | Yes | Yes | Variable (depending on type of authorization) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Internet, Library, Agency or ministry office, Local government office | Yes | Internet, Library, Agency or ministry office, Local government office | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing, Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
Peru | 20 | 4 | National Environmental Impact Assessment Law, No. 27446 (2001) (as modified by Legislative Decree No. 1078 (2008); General Environmental Law, No. 28611 (2005) | http://www.minam.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Ley-y-reglamento-del-SEIA1.pdf | Regulations of Law No. 27446 - Supreme Decree No. 019-2009-MINAM (2009) | http://www.minam.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Ley-y-reglamento-del-SEIA1.pdf | Numerous sectoral guidelines - energy, industrial hydrocarbons, fishing, transportation | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Category I projects do not require an EIA. Category II projects are those with moderate impacts that can be mitigated with relatively simple measures. For these projects, a "semi-detailed" EIA is required (EIA-sd). Law No. 27446, Art. 4 | No | Government | In determining whether an EIA is required, the environmental authority must consider environmental criteria, including protection of public health, natural resources, protected areas, flora and fauna, biological diversity, and cultural/architectural resources. Law No. 27446, Art. 5 | Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 120 days | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Gender equity | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office, Local government office | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | No | Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 0 | Yes | No | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | ||
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) | 21 | 4 | The Environment Management Act, 2002 | https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/85998/96683/F1235516944/SWZ85998.pdf | The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000 | http://eea.org.sz/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/eaarr2000.pdf | Eswatini Environment Authority (available under "Environmental Impact Assessment" tab | https://eea.org.sz/downloads/ | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | For category 2 projects, the project proponent prepares an Initial Environmental Evaulation (IEE) and comprehensive mitigation plan (CMP). EAAR Regulations, sec. 8 & Schedule 2.A. "The term 'Initial Environmental Evaluation' refers to a limited environmental study which describes a proposed project, the environment surrounding that project, and identifies and evaluates any likely impacts on that environment. It is accompanied by a Comprehensive Mitigation Plan which describes the arrangements for implementing mitigation measures to reduce those impacts." SEA Guidelines, Annex 3. A category 2 project is a "proposed project whose environmental impacts may be easily determined and for which there are appropriate, well known and tested mitigation measures." EAAR Regulations, sec. | No | Government | EAAR Regulations, sec. 6(1) & First Schedule. OTHER: During the screening process, "the authorising agency shall take into consideration all relevant factors including the scale of the proposed project and its location in relation to environmentally sensitive areas." EAAR Regulations, sec. 6(2) | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 20 days (after close of public review period/public hearing) | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office, Local government office, Other | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | The proposed project is controversial, Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||||
Trinidad & Tobago | 22 | 4 | Environmental Management Act, 2000 | https://elaw.org/environmental-management-act-2000 | Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules, 2001; Certificate of Environmental Clearance (Designated Activities) Order, 2001 & 2008 and amendments (2007 & 2008) | http://www.cbd.int/doc/case-studies/lr/lr-tt-rule-env-en.pdf | A Guide to the Application for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | A certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) may be granted on the basis of information provided in the application alone. CEC Rules, secs. 3(5) (content of application), 4(1)(c)(authority to issue CEC without requiring EIA) | No | Government | See Certificate of Environmental Clearance (Designated Activities) Order, 2001 (as amended by orders in 2007 & 2008) | List or appendix of project or activity types | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 80 days (may be extended) | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Sometimes | Sometimes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 0 | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Nigeria | 23 | 4 | Environmental Impact Assessment Decree, No. 86 of 1992 | https://ead.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EIA_Act.pdf | Federal Ministry of Environment Sectoral Guidelines | https://ead.gov.ng/environmental-guidelines-revision/ | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "Where a project for which an environmental assessment is not required under section 15 of this Decree is to be carried out in Nigeria and the Agency or the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is of the opinion that the project is likely to cause serious adverse environmental effect on Federal Lands or on lands in respect of which a State or Local Government has interests, the Agency or the President may establish a review panel to conduct an assessment of the environmental effects of the project on those lands." Decree No. 86, sec. 51 | No | Government | "Where the extent, nature or location of a proposed project or activity is such that is likely to significantly affect the environment, its environmental impact assessment shall be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of this Decree." Decree No. 86, sec. 2(2); see also Schedule 1 (listing mandatory study categories) | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | Not specified | No | Yes | Yes | Variable | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Sometimes | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | The proposed project is controversial, Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |||||||||||||
Pakistan | 24 | 4 | Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/pak115821.pdf | Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE and EIA) Regulations, 2000 | https://environment.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/Regulations/IEE%20EIA%20Regulation%202000.pdf | Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency guidelines (sectoral guidelines available on the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency website) | https://environment.gov.pk/Detail/Nzk4N2ZhMmQtM2VlYy00NWNjLWE4NzUtOTZkYmMyMmIyY2E2 | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Pakistan uses an initial environmental examination for certain types of projects. "Initial environmental examination" means a preliminary environmental review of the reasonably foreseeable qualitative and quantitative impacts on the environment of a proposed project to determine whether it is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect for requiring preparation of an environmental impact assessment. EP Act, sec. (2)(xxiv); see also EIA Regulations secs. 3, 12. |
No | Government | EA Regulations sec. 5 + Schedules I & II | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | 90 - 120 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3 years | Yes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Other | Yes | No | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | |||||
Sri Lanka | 25 | 4 | National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1980 (as amended 1988 & 2000) | http://www.cea.lk/web/index.php/en/acts-regulations | National Environmental (Procedure for approval of projects) Regulations No. 1 of 1993 (as amended) | http://www.cea.lk/web/images/pdf/envprotection/reg850-4.pdf | General and Sectoral Guidelines (listed, but not available online) | http://www.cea.lk/web/eia-guidelines | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | There are provisions allowing for initial environmental examination (IEE) reports in Sri Lanka's legislative framework. According to the Central Environmental Authority, IEE reports are not required to be open for public comments. However, an IEE report shall be deemed to be a public document and shall open for inspection by the public. | No | Government | Prescribed projects are listed in the EIA Regulations. A consolidated list of the prescribed projects is maintained on the Central Environmental Authority's website: http://www.cea.lk/Prescribed_Projects.php | List or appendix of project or activity types | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 60+ days | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office, Local government office | No | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |||||||||
Guyana | 26 | 4 | Environmental Protection Act | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/guy39200.pdf | Environmental Protection (Authorisations) Regulations 2000 | https://parliament.gov.gy/documents/regulations/17286-regulations_10_of_2000.pdf | Various Ministry guidelines have been published but are not available in electronic format | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | "A developer of any project listed in the Fourth Schedule, or any other project which may significantly affect the environment, shall apply to the Agency for an environmental permit. . . ." EP Act, sec. 11(1); Schedule 4. When it is not clear whether a project will significantly affect the environment, the project developer must submit a project summary and the Agency will determine whether it is subject to the EIA requirements or not. EP Act, sec. 11(2) | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | Variable (at least 60 days) | No | Yes | Yes | 5 years | Sometimes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 2024-06-24 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||
Ghana | 27 | 4 | The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 | http://www.epa.gov.gh/ghanalex/acts/Acts/ENVIRONMENTAL%20PROTECTION%20AGENCY%20ACT%201994.pdf | Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 | http://www.epa.gov.gh/ghanalex/acts/Acts/ENVIRONMENTAL%20ASSESSMENT%20REGULATION,1999.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "Where the Agency upon consideration of an application decides that there is the need for a preliminary environmental assessment to be submitted in respect of the application, the Agency shall request the applicant to submit [it] . . . ." EA Regulations sec. 9. If after reviewing the preliminary environmental assessment the Agency is satisfied that a significant adverse environmental impact is likely to result from the activities . . . the applicant shall be asked to submit an environmental impact statement. EA Regulations sec. 9 | No | Government | The Agency has authority to request an EIA from any person responsible for an activity that may have adverse effect on the environment. EPA Act sec. 12(1); EA Regulations sec. 3 + Schedule 1 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 90 days except in situations where a public hearing is held. EA Regulations sec. 20 | No | Yes | No | 18 months | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | No | Agency or ministry office | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | The proposed project is controversial | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | |||
Nepal | 28 | 4 | The Environment Protection Act, 2019 (2076) | https://www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/The-Environment-Protection-Act-2019-2076.pdf | Environment Protection Rule, 2077 (2020) (Nepali) | https://doind.gov.np/uploads/notices/Notices-20210601131413535.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | An Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) must be prepared for proposals listed in Schedule 1 of the Environment Protection Rules. IEE is defined as "a report on analytical study or evaluation to be prepared to ascertain as to whether, in implementing a proposal, the proposal does have significant adverse impacts on the environment or not, whether such impacts could be avoided or mitigated by any means or not." EP Act, sec. 2(f) | No | Government | See Schedule -1 and -2 of Environment Protection Rules | List or appendix of project or activity types | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 60 days (may be extended by 30 days) | No | Yes | Indefinite | No | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts | Yes | Yes | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
Saudi Arabia | 29 | 4 | Royal Decree M/165 of 2020 issuing the Environmental Law | Other | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zambia | 30 | 4 | Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 | https://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Environmetal%20Mangement%20Act%2012%20of%202011.pdf | Environmental Protection and Pollution Control (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1997 | https://www.zema.org.zm/index.php/publications/environmental-legislation/environmental-regulations/ | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | For certain projects the proponent must prepare a "project brief" that is submitted to the Environmental Council. EIA Regulations, sec. 3. Required content of the project brief is described in section 4 of the EIA Regulations. "If the Council is satisfied that the project will have no significant impact on the environment, or that the project brief discloses sufficient mitigation measures to ensure the acceptability of the anticipated impacts, the Council shall within forty days of receiving the project brief from the developer, issue a decision letter, with conditions as appropriate, to that effect, to the authorising agency." EIA Regulations, sec. 6 | No | Government | EIA Regulations, sec. 7 and Second Schedule | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 20-30 days | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office, Local government office, Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Yes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | ||||||
Vietnam | 31 | 4 | Law on Environmental Protection (2020) | https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LuatBVMT-Eng_20230203.pdf | Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP (2022) | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/vie212268.pdf | Circular 02/2022/TT-BTNMT (2022) | https://moitruongachau.com/en/circular-no.02-2022-TT-BTNMT-detailing-a-number-of-articles-of-law-on-environmental-protection.html | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | LOEP Art. 28; see also Decree No. 8/2022, Art. 25. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | Yes | 30-45 days (depending on investment project type) + 20 days (if there are revisions) | No | Yes | Yes | 7-10 years | No | No | No | No | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Local government office | No | No | Yes | No | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | ||||
United States | 32 | 4 | National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370, as amended by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 | https://www.energy.gov/nepa/downloads/national-environmental-policy-act-1969 | Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (CEQ Regulations), 40 C.F.R. Parts 1500 - 1508 | https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?gp=&SID=db64895fc7b45bd409245796186abb6d&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40CVsubchapA.tpl | CEQ Guidance | https://www.energy.gov/nepa/ceq-guidance-documents | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "An agency shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to a proposed agency action that does not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment, or if the significance of such effect is unknown, unless the agency finds that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law." 42 U.S.C. § 4336(b); see also 40 C.F.R. 1501.5 (describing environmental assessments). | No | Government | An environmental impact statement must be prepared for any major Federal action "significantly affecting the quality of the human environment." 42 U.S.C. sec. 4332(C). See also 40 C.F.R. §1502.3 (Environmental impact statements must be included in "every Federal agency recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.") | Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | No | Government (with or without contractor) or Project Developer | Government | No | Yes | Variable, but no less than 30 days | No | Yes | Yes | Variable | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 45 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |
Malta | 33 | 4 | Environment and Development Planning Act, Cap. 504 | https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/504/eng/pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2017 (S.L. 549.46), amended by Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment No. 2) Regulations, 2020 | http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=11556&l=1 | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | The Authority has discretion in exceptional cases to exempt projects from the EIA provisions. In such instances, the Authority may "consider whether another form of assessment would be appropriate." EIA Regulations, sec. 5(1)(a). | No | Government | Any project listed under Schedule I, Category I requires an EIA. EIA Regulations, sec. 10(1). Projects under Schedule I, Category II require mandatory screening. EIA Regulations, sec. 10(2). Other proposals are examined by the Authority on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they might have significant environmental impacts. EIA Regulations, secs. 10(3),(4). Schedule III details the criteria to be applied in screening. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | Not specified | No | Yes | Yes | Variable | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office, Local government office, Other | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Other | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||
Guatemala | 34 | 4 | Decreto Número 68-86 Ley de Protección y Mejoramiento del Medio Ambiente | http://www.oas.org/dsd/fida/laws/legislation/guatemala/guatemala_1986.pdf | Acuerdo Gubernativo 137-2016, Reglamento de Evaluación, Control y Seguimiento Ambiental | http://cgab.org.gt/images/documentos_publicos/normativa_137_2016.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Projects classified in the lower impact category only need to present an Evaluación Ambiental Inicial or Autoevaluation (the document presented for screening and scoping in the full EIA process). The authority will issue its authorization on the basis of this document. EIA Regulations, Article 32 | No | Government | EIA Regulations, Article 12; Acuerdo Gubernativo No 134-2005, Article 1 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 30-90 days (depending on project classification) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Variable (specified in authorization) | Yes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office, Local government office | No | No | Not Available | No | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 20 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |||||||
Fiji | 35 | 4 | Environment Management Act, 2005 | https://nebula.wsimg.com/5cdece6ca162d9423ed3ba395fbb9aa9?AccessKeyId=536E0831567821C953C4&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 | Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 | https://nebula.wsimg.com/37d09cdca37c7682a6ea6b8e13cb147b?AccessKeyId=536E0831567821C953C4&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 | Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines (Department of Environment) | http://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/Fiji/102.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | "If the approving authority determines that the activity or undertaking will cause a significant environmental or resource management impact, the development proposal must be subject to the EIA process." EM Act, sec. 27(4). See also EIA Regulations, sec. 6(1) | Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 35 days | No | Yes | Yes | Not specified | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | Sometimes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | 2024-05-16 | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | ||||||
Rwanda | 36 | 4 | Organic Law No. 04/2005, Determining Modalities of Protection, Conservation, and Promotion of Environment in Rwanda | https://www.elaw.org/rwanda-environmental-impact-assessment-law-and-regulations | Ministerial Order Nos. 003/2008 & 004/2008 | https://www.elaw.org/rwanda-environmental-impact-assessment-law-and-regulations | Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 2006 | https://www.elaw.org/rwanda-environmental-impact-assessment-law-and-regulations | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | The EIA Guidelines describe three levels of assessment: IL1 (no assessment needed); IL2 (some assessment needed); IL3 (full EIA required). The IL2 level, "represents projects believed to have adverse, but not irreversible environmental impacts and mitigation and management measures can be readily designed and incorporated into the project. The EIA process for these projects is similar to that of IL3 projects." EIA Guidelines, sec. 2.1.2(b) | No | Government | The EIA regulations contain an annex listing projects that are subject to EIA. See Annex to Min. Order No. 004/2008. Also, "[w]hen it is necessary and evident that the project might have a negative impact on the environment, Rwanda Environment Management Authority shall have the power to request the project's owner to conduct environmental impact assessment even if it is not listed in the annex." Min. Order No. 004/2008, Art. 4 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | Variable (at least 20 days) | No | Yes | Yes | Unknown | No | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | No | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | Sometimes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | ||||||
Lao PDR | 37 | 4 | Environmental Protection Law (Revised Version), No. 29/NA (2012) | https://www.ajcsd.org/chrip_search/dt/pdf/Useful_materials/Lao_PDR/Environmental_Protection_Law_Revised_Version.pdf | Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment, No. 21/GOL (2019) | https://flegtlaos.com/wp-content/uploads/formidable/5/Decree-on-EIA-No.21-dated-31Jan2019_ENG.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Investment projects and activities are categorized into: 1) "preliminary environmental impact assessment" for projects that will cause "less or not-severe impacts;" and 2) "comprehensive environmental impact assessment" for projects that will cause "huge or severe impacts." Decree on EIA 2019, Art. 9. See also Art. 10 (describing two forms of environmental impact assessment) and Arts. 11-18 (describing preliminary impact assessment process). | No | Government | Decree on EIA 2019, Arts. 8, 9 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 25 or 120 days (depending on complexity of project) | No | Yes | Yes | Indefinite (with periodic review) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Gender equity | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | No | Yes | Internet, Local government office | Yes | No | No | No | Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 0 | No | 2024-06-14 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
Uganda | 38 | 4 | National Environment Act, 2019 | https://elaw.org/national-environment-act-2019 | The National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations, 2020 | https://nema.go.ug/sites/all/themes/nema/docs/National%20Environment%20(Environmental%20and%20Social%20Assessment)%20Regulations%20S.I.%20No.%20143%20of%202020.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Certain projects qualify for preparation of a project brief. Procedures and content of the project brief are outlined in secs. 6-11 of the NEA 2020 Regulations. | No | Government | See National Environment Act, Schedule 5 (listing projects that require EIA). The Executive Director of NEMA may also screen projects that are not listed in Schedule 5 and conclude that these are subject to EIA. NE Act, sec. 112(6). Projects proposed to be located near environmentally sensitive areas listed in Schedule 10 of the Act may be required to undertake an ESIA. NEA 2020 Reg., sec 12. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 60 | No | Yes | Yes | Variable (no more than 10 years) | Sometimes | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts, Gender equity | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | No | Agency or ministry office, Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||
Afghanistan | 39 | 4 | Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Environment Law, 2007 (unofficial translation) | https://momp.gov.af/sites/default/files/2019-03/Environmental_Law.pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2008 | http://countrysafeguardsystems.net/sites/default/files/afghanistan.eia_regulations.2008.pdf | National Administrative Guidelines for the Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments | https://momp.gov.af/sites/default/files/2019-03/Administrative_Guidelines_EIAs.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | A project proponent may submit a preliminary assessment. The assessment is reviewed by NEPA and if the activity is not likely to cause significant impact, NEPA may authorize the activity - with or without conditions. Envt. Law, art. 14 | No | Government | No person may undertake an activity that is likely to cause significant impact to the environment without following applicable EIA procedures. Envt. Law, art. 13. Schedule I of the EIA Regulations contains categorization of activities. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 45 days | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | No | Other | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||||||
British Columbia, Canada | 40 | 4 | Environmental Assessment Act 2018 | http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/18051 | Various | https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments/act-regulations-and-agreements/2018-act-regulations-and-agreements | Various | https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments/guidance-documents/2018-act-guidance-materials | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "Class Assessments" are a streamlined EA process to assess the potential environmental, economic, social, cultural, or health effects of a specified category or group of reviewable projects. This practice does not seem to be fully developed or implemented in British Columbia. See EA Act, sec. 34; EAO User Guide, sec. 1.5.3 ("Typically, a class assessment is applied to routine or recurring projects that are well-defined, with anticipated impacts that are predictable or well understood, and relatively easily managed through standard mitigation measures.") | No | Government | Projects that are subject to environmental assessment are listed in the Reviewable Projects Regulation (available at https://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/243_2019). Also, the minister may by designate a proposed project as reviewable if the impacts are comparable to listed reviewable projects or if the project could have effects on an Indigenous nation and the rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 198. EA Act, secs. 11, 12. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 180 days (150 days + 30 days after referral to Minister) | No | Yes | Yes | Up to 10 years | Sometimes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Gender equity | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Internet | Yes | Yes | Internet | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Yes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 30 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | ||
China | 41 | 4 | Law of the People's Republic of China on Evaluation of Environmental Effects | https://english.mee.gov.cn/Resources/laws/environmental_laws/202012/t20201204_811509.shtml | Chinese Plan Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2009 (unofficial translation; applies to government plans only) | http://en.pkulaw.cn/display.aspx?cgid=120685&lib=law | EIA Guidelines | http://english.mee.gov.cn/Resources/standards/others1/ | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Certain government plans (e.g. land use) need only an "explanation of environmental effects" within the plan. EIA Law, Art. 7. Projects are classified into three categories based on the potential environmental impact, and two of the three categories allow abridged assessment if projects are anticipated to have "mild" or "very little" impact. EIA Law, Art. 16(2), (3) | No | Government | "[W]here considerable effects may be exerted on the environment preparing a written report on environmental effects, in which a comprehensive evaluation of the effects on the environment shall be made[.]" EIA Law, Art. 16(1). | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 60 | No | Yes | Yes | 5 years | No | Direct environmental impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Other | Yes | Agency or ministry office | Yes | No | Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Sometimes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 0 | Yes | No | Sometimes | No | Yes | ||||||||||||||
Egypt | 42 | 4 | Law for the Protection of the Environment (Law 4/1994, as amended by Law 9/2009) (english translation) | https://www.eeaa.gov.eg/Laws/55/index | Executive Regulations and PM Decrees (Arabic only) | https://www.eeaa.gov.eg/Laws/55/index | Guidelines of Principles and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment (2009 & 2010) & EIA Guidelines for various sectors | https://www.eeaa.gov.eg/Service/67/sub/171/index | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | For Category A and B projects (minimum or less than adverse impacts) complete environmental impact assessments in abridged forms. Only Category C project, which have "highly adverse impacts" must prepare a full EIA. | Government | Proposed projects are categorized by potential impact. The Executive Regulations contain illustrative lists to guide project proponents | List or appendix of project or activity types | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Not specified | Yes | Variable (specified in license) | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | Scoping, Review of draft EIA | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 15 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||
Israel | 43 | 4 | Planning & Building Law 5725-1965 (with amendments) (Unofficial translation) | https://www.gov.il/blobFolder/legalinfo/rules_and_regulations_contaminated_land/en/laws_and_regulations_planning_and_building_law_1965_unofficial_translation.pdf | Planning & Building Regulations (Environmental Impact Statements) 5763-2003 (available in Hebrew) | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/isr49198.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | No | Abridged assessments are not discussed in the Planning & Building Law or Regulations. | No | Government | The regulations identified certain types of activities that require the project proponent to submit an EIS. P&B Regulations, sec. 2(a). An EIS may be required for any plan that may have a significant impact on the environment. P&B Regulations sec. 2(2), 2(3). | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 31-60 | No | Yes | Yes | Indefinite. | No | No | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts | Yes | Yes | No | Other | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Review of final EIA | No | Other | 0 | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||||
Liberia | 44 | 4 | Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/lbr53038.pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment Procedural Guidelines 2006 | https://www.epa.gov.lr/sites/default/files/EIA_PROCEDURAL_GUIDELINE_FINAL_2017.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | "The project proponent or applicant shall prepare an environmental review for project[s] or activities that may have a significant impact on the environment, and shall contain sufficient information to enable the Agency to determine whether a full environmental impact study should be required for the project." EP&M Act, sec. 12 | No | Government | EP&M Law, secs. 6(1), 8; Annex I "Projects/Activities Requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment Mandatory List" | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Indefinite | Sometimes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing, The proposed project is controversial | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||||
Namibia | 45 | 4 | Environmental Management Act - No. 7 of 2007 | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/nam82643.pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/nam137363.pdf | Procedures and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) - Draft (2008) | http://the-eis.com/elibrary/sites/default/files/downloads/literature/DRAFT%20PROCEDURES%20AND%20GUIDELINES%20FOR%20EIA%20and%20EMP_2008.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | "Assessments must be undertaken for activities which may have a significant effects on the environment or the use of natural resources." EM Act, sec. 3(2)(e); "The Minister…may list…activities which may not be undertaken without an environmental clearance certificate." EM Act, sec. 27(1). See Annexure to Government Notice No. 29 of 2012, List of Activities that May Not Be Undertaken Without Environmental Clearance Certificate. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | Variable (at least 14 days) | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | 2024-05-16 | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||||||||
Pakistan-Balochistan Province | 46 | 4 | Balochistan Environment Protection Act, 2012 | https://pabalochistan.gov.pk/pab/pab/tables/alldocuments/actdocx/2021-03-30_08:36:38_7dd9a.pdf | The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE and EIA) Regulations 2020 | https://bepa.gob.pk/rules-regulations/ | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Initial environmental examination (IEE) is used as a preliminary review to determine whether a proposed project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, thus triggering the requirement to prepare an environmental impact assessment. A project may be approved based on the IEE alone. BEP Act, secs. 2(ff), 15(1), 15(2)(a). | No | Government | Where a project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, the project proponent must file an EIA and obtain government agency approval. BEP Act, sec. 15(1). Certain projects must undergo the IEE/EIA procedure, including mining, quarrying and stone crushing. See BEP Act, sec. 15(9). | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | No | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 4 months | Yes | No | Yes | Not specified | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | No | No | Agency or ministry office | No | Yes | No | No | Review of final EIA | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | |||||||||||
Philippines | 47 | 4 | Presidential Decrees Nos. 1151 (1977) & 1586 (1978) | Department Administrative Orders 2003-30 & 96-37 | MC 2007-002 (Revised Procedural Manual), MC 2007-001 (Environmental Impact Assessment Review Manual), and additional Memorandum Circulars | http://eia.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=396 | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | For proposed projects located in an environmentally critical area (ECA), the proponent must submit an initial environmental examination. Art. II, sec. 3, DAO 96-37 | No | Government | "[A]ll agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, as well as private corporations, firms and entities shall prepare, file and include in every action, project or undertaking which significantly affects the quality of the environment a detailed statement on . . . the environmental impact of the proposed action, project or undertaking. . . ." P.D. 1151 sec. 4; see also listed activities in DAO 96-37, Art. II, section 1 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5 years | Sometimes | No | No | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts, Gender equity | Yes | Yes | No | No | Other | Yes | No | Agency or ministry office | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing, The proposed project is controversial | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | ||||
Taiwan | 48 | 4 | Environmental Impact Assessment Act, 2003 | https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=O0090001 | Environmental Impact Assessment Enforcement Rules, amended 2018 | https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=O0090002 | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Developer shall prepare a "phase I" environmental impact study and submit it to the competent authority. The authority has 50 days to complete a review (may be extended by 50 days) and notify the developer if a "phase II" assessment must be prepared. A phase II assessment is required if there is concern about significant impact on the environment. EIA Act, Arts. 6, 7, 8 | No | Government | EIA Act, Arts. 5 & 8 (list of activities for Phase I assessment; "significant impact" standard for Phase II assessment). "Significant impact" is further defined in the EIA Enforcement Rules, Art. 19 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | No | 60 (may be extended) | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Internet, Library, Local government office, Other | Yes | Yes | Internet, Other | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Other | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Venezuela | 49 | 4 | Ley Orgánica del Ambiente de 2006, No. 5.833 Extraordinario | http://www.oas.org/juridico/pdfs/mesicic4_ven_lo_ambi.pdf | Decree No. 1.257 (Normas sobre Evaluación Ambiental de Actividades Susceptibles de Degradar el Ambiente) | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ven17517.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | There are two other levels of assessment. The first requires the presentation of a “Specific Environmental Assessment.” This assessment is used in cases of re-opening, closure, or transformation of an activity or project that would require a full EIA. It is also used in cases where the proposed project should not present a full EIA but the authority considers that there should be some environmental evaluation. The environmental authority will set-out the scope of this evaluation on a case by case basis. The second level is for projects or programs that do not require a full EIA or a Specific Assessment because of their low environmental impacts. In these cases, the Ministry, through a resolution, establishes a list of required documents for certain kinds of activities and/or projects. Decree 1.257, Articles 8, 9 | No | Government | In addition to the list of projects, the authority may required an EIA based on project characteristics, potential effects, and the conditions of the area to be affected by the project/activity. Decree 1.257, Article 5 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | No | Not specified | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Agency or ministry office | No | Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Africa | 50 | 4 | National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (NEMA) & Amendments | https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/107-of-1998-National-Environmental-Management-Act_18-Dec-2014-to-date.pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 & Amendments | http://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_reg/eiar2014459/ | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Certain projects qualify for appraisal under a basic assessment. EIA Regulations, sec. 19 & Appendix 1. | No | Developer | See Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010: Listing Notice 1: List of activities and competent authorities identified in terms of sections 24(2) and 24D (activities for which a basic assessment process must be conducted)(Government Notice No. R. 544 of 2010); Listing Notice 2: List of activities and competent authorities identified in terms of sections 24(2) and 24D (activities for which an S&EIR process must be conducted) (Government Notice No. R. 545 of 2010); Listing Notice 3: List of activities and competent authorities identified in terms of sections 24(2), 24(5) and 24D (activities and sensitive areas per province, for which a basic assessment process must be conducted) (Government Notice No. R. 546). | List or appendix of project or activity types | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 107 days | No | Yes | Yes | Variable | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts, Other | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Other | No | 2024-05-25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||
Tanzania | 51 | 4 | Environmental Management Act, 2004 | http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/tan61491.pdf | Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2005, as amended 2018 | https://www.nemc.or.tz/uploads/publications/sw-1576227418-Revised%20-%20EIA%20and%20Audit%20Regulations%202018%20-%20NEW.pdf | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | For projects characterized as B1 (borderline), the project developer must submit a scoping report that functions as an abridged EIA. The Council will screen the project according to criteria in the Second Schedule and if the Council is satisfied that the project will not have significant negative impacts on the environment, it may recommend approval of the project. EIA Regulations, secs. 8, 9. If significant negative impacts may occur, a full EIA is required. For projects categorized B2 (non-mandatory), the project proponent must submit a project brief outlining, in relevant part, potential impacts, emergency preparedness, mitigation and monitoring plans, and the project budget. The project brief is reviewed by the Council, which may approve or disapprove the project. EIA Regulations, secs. 6, 7. | No | Government | EIA Regulations, First Schedule: Categories of Projects; EIA Regulations, Second Schedule: Project Screening Criteria | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 90 | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Agency or ministry office | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Sometimes | Yes | Ministry or agency has discretion to decide whether to hold a meeting and/or hearing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | ||||
Colombia | 52 | 4 | Law 99 of 1993 as amended by Law 1753 of 2015 (National Development Plan 2014-2018) | http://www.secretariasenado.gov.co/senado/basedoc/ley_0099_1993.html | Decree 2041 of 2014 | https://www.ani.gov.co/decreto-2041-de-2014 | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | Only projects, works and activities that are listed in articles 8 and 9 of Decree 2041 will be subject to environmental license procedure. Decree 2041, Art. 7 | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | No | 90 days | No | Yes | Yes | Indefinite | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office, Local government office, Other | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing, The proposed project exceeds a certain size and or cost | 0 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
Estonia | 53 | 4 | Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act | https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/520012015014/consolide | Detailed List of Areas of Activity Requiring Consideration of Need for Initiation of Environmental Impact Assessment Government of the Republic Regulation No. 224 of 29 August 2005 | https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/103062015002 | Government projects, Private Projects | No | No | Government | "Environmental impact shall be assessed: 1) upon application for or application for amendment of a development consent if the proposed activity which is the basis for application for or amendment of the development consent potentially results in significant environmental impact; 2) if activities are proposed which alone or in conjunction with other activities may potentially significantly affect a Natura 2000 site." EIA & EMS Act, sec. 3 "Environmental impact is significant if it may potentially exceed the environmental capacity of a site, cause irreversible changes to the environment, endanger human health and well-being, the environment, cultural heritage or property." EIA & EMS Act, sec. 5. Section 6 provides a list of activities that have significant impacts. See also Detailed List of Areas of Activity Requiring Consideration of Need for Initiation of Environmental Impact Assessment Government of the Republic Regulation No. 224 of 29 August 2005 (available at http://www.legaltext.ee/en/andmebaas/ava.asp?m=022) | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 30 days | Yes | Yes | Not specified | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Agency or ministry office | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scoping, Terms of reference, Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
Myanmar | 54 | 4 | Environmental Conservation Law, No. 9/2012 | https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mya139025.pdf | Environmental Conservation Rules, Notification No. 50/2014 | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs21/2014-06-Environmental_Conservation_Rules-en.pdf | Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure, Notification No. 616 / 2015 | http://www.myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org/resources/environmental-impact-assessment-procedures.html | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | Certain projects will be subject to a less-detailed analysis in an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). EIA Procedure, secs. 2(c). According to the Procedure, IEE-type projects "have some Adverse Impacts, but of lesser degree and/or significance than those for EIA Type Projects." EIA Procedure, sec. 2(c). Appendix 2 to the EIA Procedure contains a flowchart describing the levels of assessment. | No | Government | EIA Procedure, secs. 25-28; EIA Procedure, Annex I | List or appendix of project or activity types, Proposed project or activity may cause significant environmental impact, Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 90 days (may be extended) | No | Yes | Yes | 5 years (may be renewed) | Sometimes | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Cumulative environmental impacts, Social impacts, Cultural impacts, Health impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not available | Yes | Yes | Internet, Library, Agency or ministry office, Other | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Scoping, Public Meetings and/or public hearings, Review of final EIA | Yes | Yes | Public meeting and/or hearing is automatically required | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |||
Korea | 55 | 4 | Environmental Impact Assessment Act, 2013 (English translation), as amended | http://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_mobile/viewer.do?hseq=48627&type=part&key=39 | Presidential Decree No. 28211: Enforcement Decree of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act | https://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?hseq=45070&lang=ENG | Korea Environmental Policy Bulletin - Environmental Impact Assessment | https://elaw.org/korea-environmental-policy-bulletin-environmental-impact-assessment | Government projects, Private Projects | Yes | A project implementer obliged to obtain approval, etc. shall prepare a brief environmental impact assessment report and submit it to the head of the approving agency before obtaining approval, etc. with regard to a project subject to brief environmental impact assessment. EIA Act, Art. 44(1); see also Presidential Decree 28211, sec. 60 (describing requirements for small-scale EIA). | No | Developer | Screening is achieved primarily by reference to a list of project types. Article 22 of the EIA Act explicitly lists the projects that are subject to environmental impact assessment. See also Table 3 of Enforcement Decree 28211 for the specific scope of projects subject to environmental impact assessment. In addition, projects that fall outside of EIA Act may be subject to environmental impact assessment under Municipal Ordinance of City/Do. EIA Act, Art. 42. | List or appendix of project or activity types, Other | Yes | Project Proponent (with or without contractor) | Project Proponent | Yes | Yes | 30 days | No | No | Yes | Not specified | No | No | Yes | No | Direct environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Internet, Other | No | No | Internet | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Review of draft EIA, Public Meetings and/or public hearings | Yes | Yes | Members of the public must request a meeting and/or hearing | 20 | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Jurisdiction:
source_table_row_id:
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eialaw:
lawlink:
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regulationslink:
eiaguidelinesorotherguidance:
guidancelink:
projectsrequiringeia:
Abridged Assessments:
Assessment Detail:
bestpracticesinlieuofeia:
whoconductsscreening:
criteriaforscreeningdetail:
criteriaforscreening:
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whoprepareseia:
whopaysforeia:
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automaticapproval:
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financialassurancesorbond:
interdisciplinaryteam:
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noactionalternative:
typesofimpactanalysis:
mitigation:
monitoringplans:
publicnoticeofdrafteia:
drafteiaavailable:
drafteialocations:
publicnoticeoffinaleia:
finaleiaavailable:
finaleialocations:
feetovieweiadocuments:
feetoobtaineiadocuments:
availabilityofreferencestudies:
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publicscoping:
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