Scoping
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Scoping in environmental assessment
By Thomas Fischer and John Phylip-Jones This chapter is divided into six sub-sections. First, an introduction is provided on what environmental assessment scoping is. Secondly, the purpose of scoping is explained. Thirdly, a summary of the key objectives, guiding principles, elements, multi-dimensional aspects and overall requirements for effective EA scoping is provided. Fourthly, the different ways for undertaking scoping are introduced and the role of consultation and public involvement is discussed. Fifthly, criteria of good practice, as well as scoping methods and techniques are listed. Finally, conclusions are drawn. 13.1 INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) SCOPING? Scoping is the Environmental Assessment (EA) stage in policy, plan, programme and project making at which issues, impacts and preliminary alternatives are determined that should be addressed at subsequent stages (see Figure 13.1). It is a systematic exercise that establishes the boundaries and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EA. A quality scoping study reduces the risk of including inappropriate components or excluding components which should be addressed in an environmental assessment. Whilst scoping has been defined, using many different terms, there is general agreement on what scoping seeks to achieve. The definition adopted in recent guidance on project EIA, developed for the European Commission, sets out the meaning of scoping in its broadest sense as follows: “Scoping is the process of determining the content and extent of the matters which should be covered in the environmental information to be submitted to a competent authority for projects which are subject to EIA.” (European Commission, 2001) Scoping relates to addressing the impacts and issues to be studied during the environmental assessment process and, in addition, covered within the report submitted as part of that process. An environmental report will document both,
Scoping in environmental assessment
By Thomas Fischer and John Phylip-Jones This chapter is divided into six sub-sections. First, an introduction is provided on what environmental assessment scoping is. Secondly, the purpose of scoping is explained. Thirdly, a summary of the key objectives, guiding principles, elements, multi-dimensional aspects and overall requirements for effective EA scoping is provided. Fourthly, the different ways for undertaking scoping are introduced and the role of consultation and public involvement is discussed. Fifthly, criteria of good practice, as well as scoping methods and techniques are listed. Finally, conclusions are drawn. 13.1 INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) SCOPING? Scoping is the Environmental Assessment (EA) stage in policy, plan, programme and project making at which issues, impacts and preliminary alternatives are determined that should be addressed at subsequent stages (see Figure 13.1). It is a systematic exercise that establishes the boundaries and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EA. A quality scoping study reduces the risk of including inappropriate components or excluding components which should be addressed in an environmental assessment. Whilst scoping has been defined, using many different terms, there is general agreement on what scoping seeks to achieve. The definition adopted in recent guidance on project EIA, developed for the European Commission, sets out the meaning of scoping in its broadest sense as follows: “Scoping is the process of determining the content and extent of the matters which should be covered in the environmental information to be submitted to a competent authority for projects which are subject to EIA.” (European Commission, 2001) Scoping relates to addressing the impacts and issues to be studied during the environmental assessment process and, in addition, covered within the report submitted as part of that process. An environmental report will document both,
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