Our team is constantly balancing the betterment of our environment and economy, finding ways to streamline clients’ projects with a positive impact for all.
This often involves conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) which proves to stakeholders, landowners, and the general public that a company is acting responsibly and sustainably.
At WolfPeak, we’ve become experts in the preparation of EIAs in New South Wales, as well as preparing the required technical studies for State Significant Projects and other types of developments under both Part 4 and 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
These projects have involved key infrastructure as well as urban regeneration, coastal environments, renewable energy projects, and more.
Thanks to our strong and trusted relationships with all levels of government, these assessments are expedited for client and community convenience. However, there are still certain steps we must follow to ensure the assessment is genuine and satisfactory.
We’ve outlined these basic steps below to prove we have the knowledge to handle any assignment. If you need more information, get in touch and we’ll discuss the unique approach required to make your next project truly sustainable.
Screening
Not every project will require an EIA so the very first step is to determine this fact. Screening involves a basic assessment to decide if the proposed impacts are worth measuring further.
This process considers the impacts of a project over its entire lifetime. So, while the initial stages of a tourism initiative may seem inconsequential, for example, they may lead to an increasing level of traffic or resources over time.
An expert in the field of EIAs will be able to screen a proposal very quickly as they understand what’s required and what a proposal likely involves. Using their expertise, they will run through a series of questions such as, “Will there be a large change in environmental conditions?” and “Will the impact be irreversible?” A Yes/No reply to these and many more questions will eventually determine the need for an EIA.
Scoping
Once the need for an EIA has been confirmed, the second step identifies which issues are of most importance and which are of least concern. This sets the boundaries of the process and avoids wasting any time on assessing irrelevant components.
Once all relevant issues, social impacts and health risks have been identified, the assessors should facilitate a meaningful public engagement program; determine the time frame and boundaries of the EIA; and set a minimum standard and alternatives ahead of the EIA outcome.
Impact Assessment & Mitigation
The assessment will list impacts as high, medium and low, along with quantitative measurements such as square meterage affected, cubic metres of water withdrawn, or species of flora and fauna displaced.
Once all impacts are accounted for, the team will attempt to mitigate as many impacts as possible, leaving only those which cannot be avoided.
Of those which cannot be avoided, the assessors will attempt to limit their impact or develop compensation mechanisms which make up for the impact in other ways.
Impact Management
This step is an extension of the mitigation mentioned above and is largely tailored to each proposal. It outlines a series of plans to manage and monitor the risks of a proposal, such as technology failures, ecological decline, and community disapproval. The EIA should include a contingency plan in case project management is not carried out correctly or successfully, or in case an unforeseen outcome occurs.
The EIA should also outline specific actions for monitoring the planned progress, along with an outline of the costs of the project.
The EIA Report
This is where it all comes together in a digestible format that includes all key components discussed above. The project description, potential impacts, mitigation measures, and management and monitoring plans will all be included here.
The report should use accessible language that can be understood by the public while still including all relevant details. This will help all parties in the decision-making process as the proposal is presented to the relevant authorities. A digestible report will also allow all parties to understand the project’s limitations and risks throughout its lifetime, removing the risk of misunderstanding and subsequent impacts to the environment.
Over to the Experts
Once an EIA has been compiled, it will be reviewed by the relevant authorities and your project will be one step closer to approval and kick-off. WolfPeak has overseen this process for many clients across Australia’s eastern states and has the expertise to achieve fast results for all. Save your business time and money by trusting us with your next EIA. Your project and the environment it affects will be in safe hands.
