REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE INFORMATION TO …

1 RE V I SED GUIDELINES . ON THE IN FO RM ATION. TO BE CON TAINED IN. EN V IRONMEN TA L IM PAC T. S TATEMEN T S. DRAFT. SEP TEM BER 2015. Note re hyperlinks and footnotes: The footnotes in this draft will be further edited and formatted. Text shown in linked' format will be actively linked within the document or to external content. Hyperlinks and footnotes will be reviewed and refined before these GUIDELINES are finalised.'. environmental protection AGENCY Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on the The environmental protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for Environment protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset Monitoring air quality and implementing the EU Clean Air for for the people of Ireland.

2 We are committed to protecting people Europe (CAF ) Directive. and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and Independent reporting to inform decision making by national pollution. and local government ( periodic reporting on the State of Ireland's Environment and Indicator Reports). The work of the EPA can be divided into three main areas: Regulating Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Preparing Ireland's greenhouse gas inventories and projections. Regulation: We implement effective regulation and Implementing the Emissions Trading Directive, for over 100 of environmental compliance systems to deliver good environmental the largest producers of carbon dioxide in Ireland.

3 Outcomes and target those who don't comply. environmental Research and Development Knowledge: We provide high quality, targeted and timely Funding environmental research to identify pressures, inform environmental data, INFORMATION and assessment to inform policy and provide solutions in the areas of climate, water and decision making at all levels. sustainability. Advocacy: We work with others to advocate for a clean, productive and well protected environment and for sustainable Strategic environmental Assessment environmental behaviour. Assessing the impact of proposed plans and programmes on the Irish environment ( major development plans). Our Responsibilities Radiological protection Licensing Monitoring radiation levels, assessing exposure of people in We regulate the following activities so that they do not Ireland to ionising radiation.

4 Endanger human health or harm the environment: Assisting in developing national plans for emergencies arising waste facilities ( landfills, incinerators, waste transfer from nuclear accidents. stations); Monitoring developments abroad relating to nuclear large scale industrial activities ( pharmaceutical, cement installations and radiological safety. manufacturing, power plants); Providing, or overseeing the provision of, specialist radiation intensive agriculture ( pigs, poultry); protection services. the contained use and controlled release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs); Guidance, Accessible INFORMATION and Education sources of ionising radiation ( x-ray and radiotherapy Providing advice and guidance to industry and the public on equipment, industrial sources); environmental and radiological protection topics.

5 Large petrol storage facilities; Providing timely and easily accessible environmental INFORMATION to encourage public participation in environmental waste water discharges; decision-making ( My Local Environment, Radon Maps). dumping at sea activities. Advising Government on matters relating to radiological safety and emergency response. National environmental Enforcement Developing a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan to Conducting an annual programme of audits and inspections of prevent and manage hazardous waste. EPA licensed facilities. Overseeing local authorities' environmental protection Awareness Raising and Behavioural Change responsibilities. Generating greater environmental awareness and influencing Supervising the supply of drinking water by public water positive behavioural change by supporting businesses, suppliers.

6 Communities and householders to become more resource Working with local authorities and other agencies to tackle efficient. environmental crime by co-ordinating a national enforcement Promoting radon testing in homes and workplaces and network, targeting offenders and overseeing remediation. encouraging remediation where necessary. Enforcing Regulations such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Management and structure of the EPA. and substances that deplete the ozone layer. The EPA is managed by a full time Board, consisting of a Director Prosecuting those who flout environmental law and damage the General and five Directors. The work is carried out across five environment.

7 Offices: Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use Water Management Office of environmental Enforcement Monitoring and reporting on the quality of rivers, lakes, Office of environmental Assessment transitional and coastal waters of Ireland and groundwaters;. measuring water levels and river flows. Office of Radiological protection Office of Communications and Corporate Services National coordination and oversight of the Water Framework Directive. The EPA is assisted by an Advisory Committee of twelve members who meet regularly to discuss issues of concern and provide Monitoring and reporting on Bathing Water Quality. advice to the Board. environmental Impact Statements | GUIDELINES TABLE OF CONTENTS.

8 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES III. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IV. 1. INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction 1. The Purpose of the GUIDELINES 2. 2. CONTEXT AND GENERAL APPROACH 4. Introduction 4. What is an environmental Impact Statement? 4. The Relationship Between an EIS and the EIA Process 5. Fundamental Principles 8. Anticipating, Avoiding and Reducing Significant Effects 8. Assessing and Mitigating Effects 8. Maintaining Objectivity 9. Ensuring Clarity and Quality 9. Providing Relevant INFORMATION to Decision Makers 9. Facilitating Better Consultation 9. Competency of Experts 10. Facilitating better Consultation 10. Statutory Consultation 11. 3. PREPARING AN EIS 13. Introduction 13. Screening 15.

9 INTRODUCTION 15. Consultation on Screening 19. Scoping 20. Overview 20. Roles of Participants in Scoping 21. Consultation about Scoping 22. Key Scoping Criteria 22. Consideration of Other Assessments 22. Selection of Headings Under Which to Arrange Issues 23. Ongoing Scoping 23. Design Review 23. Consideration of Alternatives 24. Overview 24. Alternative Locations 26. Alternative Layouts 26. Alternative Designs 26. Alternative Processes 26. Alternative Mitigation Measures 26. Consultation about Consideration of Alternatives 26. Describing the Proposed Project 27. Introduction 27. Section: Page: i environmental Impact Statements | GUIDELINES Characteristics of the ProjecT 28. The Existence of the Project 29.

10 Description of Construction 29. Description of Commissioning 29. The Operation of the Project 29. Changes to the Project 29. Description of Other Related Projects 30. Level of Detail in Project Description 31. Describing the Receiving Environment 32. Overview 32. General Methodology 34. Grouping of Baseline INFORMATION 35. Impact Assessment 39. Introduction 39. The Likelihood of Impacts 40. Residual Impacts 40. The Significance of Impacts 40. subjectivity (See also Maintaining Objectivity) 40. The Description of Impacts 41. Definitions of Impacts 42. Language and Terms 44. Impact Assessment Criteria 44. Consultation about Impact Prediction and Mitigation Measures 44. Indirect, Secondary and/or Cumulative Impacts 46.