The new Industrial Emissions Directive

The EIA report contains information which includes a non-technical summary, methodologies used, results, interpretation and conclusions. It also includes an assessment of alternatives to the proposed project, which is considered as the centrepiece of the report.

However, the report does not include:

• a requirement to examine impact on biodiversity
• a requirement to examine the impact on socio-economic conditions
• a requirement for the public to be informed in “adequate, timely and effective manner” (as is the case in the Aarhus Convention)
• a requirement for information to be “promptly” made available to the public (as is the case in the Aarhus Convention)

The EIA review assesses adequacy of the issues addressed and facilitates the decision-making process.