Environmental impact statements

Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) present the results of a structured appraisal of the likely effects of a proposed development on the environment. Systematic methods of identification and assessment of potential effects of major projects have been developed in response to public concern about environmental quality. EISs were first introduced in the United States (US) in 1970 but they have since been adopted in a number of countries. In the United Kingdom (UK) EISs have been prepared for certain major projects, in particular for developments related to North Sea oil, but the procedure has not been formally introduced into the planning system. In this article the history of EIS in the US, UK and elsewhere is traced. Contents of EISs and methods of appraisal which may be included are described. Many attitudes towards EIS are based on the early years of EIS in the US where it was seen to be a slow, costly procedure frequently involving lengthy court battles. A review of EIS experience in the US shows that these problems have been exaggerated. Two major developers in the UK, BP and British Gas Corporation, consider EIS to be a valuable component of their project planning activities, ensuring that environmental aspects of developments are considered at an early stage. Finally some arguments for and against the formal introduction of EIS in the UK are examined. The article concludes that EIS will play an increasingly important role in the UK planning system.