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Environmental impact assessment - EIA
EIAs are used to identify the likely environmental and social effects of a project at an early stage. The results are used to help find ways to minimise any adverse impact and to inform decision making. In this way, they help in the adjustment of projects to local environments and provide information and options to those involved, including the public.
Ramboll has many years' experience in the preparation of EIAs for projects of all types and sizes — such as commercial developments, industrial projects, bridges, ports, road construction, and onshore and offshore oil and gas supply facilities, for example — for international, regional and local clients.
The content of an EIA is often controlled by legislation. Keys elements can include:
- a detailed project description, noting the sources and impact of environmental disturbance
- a full list of alternatives, including those rejected, and a detailed examination of those under serious consideration
- a description of the project environment: fauna, flora, air, soil, water, existing uses, landscape or cultural heritage, etc
- a detailed estimate of the nature and scope of all environmental impacts, including temporary, permanent, local and regional
- proposed mitigation measures
- a non-technical summary of the project and its likely impact, suitable for a broad readership
- a list of potential problem areas, or unknown factors, with suggestions for further research
In addition to undertaking the technical aspects of an EIA, we offer a management service for the authorisation process throughout the procedure required. We maintain contacts with the appropriate authorities on behalf of our clients.
Ramboll also has a great deal of experience in the preparation of material for public information meetings and participation in them. These are designed for the involvement of local citizens and other interested people and groups. We believe that criticism and suggestions from the public can strengthen a project: experience has taught us that the best outcomes come from processes that involve all interested parties.
Our approach In our Environmental Impact Assessment work we combine an interdisciplinary approach with a very high level of professional expertise. We work closely with our clients and keep costs to a minimum. We have national EIA teams, highly knowledgeable about local procedures. However, our long experience with international projects makes it possible for us to 'eliminate' national borders and work closely on complex projects. All our work complies with the Espoo Convention on EIA.
Our EIA teams work in partnership with experts in many different sectors and fields. Examples include road construction, private and industrial construction, traffic, risk management and geophysics. These partners may be from within client companies, from developers’ own specialist groups or from within Ramboll.
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