The National Web based Environmental Screening Tool is a geographically based web-enabled application which allows a proponent intending to submit an application for environmental authorisation in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2014, to screen their proposed site for any environmental sensitivity.
Information and Documents: The Screening Tool also provides site specific EIA process and review information. The site can be assessed within Environmental Management Frameworks or Bio-regional Plans. Some of these plans, protocols or documents can then be accessed through the Screening Tool via links, for consideration during screening.
Development Incentives, Restrictions, Exclusions or Prohibitions: A summary of any development incentives, restrictions, exclusions or prohibitions that apply to the proposed development site are indicated (Examples include: Strategic Corridors; Air Quality Priority Areas; Development Zones; Conservation areas).
Environmental Sensitivity: A summary of the development sites environmental sensitivities are identified. Only the highest environmental sensitivity is indicated. The footprint environmental sensitivities for the proposed development footprint are indicative only and must be verified on site by a suitably qualified person before the specialist assessments can be confirmed.
Specialist Assessments: Based on the selected classification (activity), and the known impacts associated with the proposed development, a list of specialist assessments are identified for inclusion in the assessment report. It is the responsibility of the EAP to confirm this list and to motivate in the assessment report, the reason for not including any of the identified specialist study including the provision of photographic evidence of the site situation.
Motivations: Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) are able to provide substantiation and motivation in the event that an activity may not require Environmental Authorisation based on the outcomes of the Screening Tool for submission to the Competent Authority for the purposes of receiving a written response.
Memorandums: In many instances, the requirement for an Environmental Authorisation may become debatable, or only triggered in specific areas or are beneath certain thresholds. In such cases, it is advisable to obtain a screening report with a justified environmental explanation which is submitted to the Authorities in terms of a Memorandum. A written response is then received from the Competent Authority confirming that no Environmental Authorisation is required and this may safeguard the applicant especially during audits and in cases where different interpretations may result in Authorities issuing Directives in subsequent years. This may also occur when listed activities are amended and confusion in the interpretation is possible and shall serve to document the timeline that such activity currently occurs.