Environmental Impact Assessment
The right to information on the consequences of
encroachment on the environment is guaranteed by the Norwegian Constitution.
Regulations in the Planning and Building Act for environmental impact
assessments (EIA) make provision for public access to information on the
consequences of major development projects which can have serious consequences
for surrounding areas. The developer is required to draw up reports on the
effects of the proposed project on the environment, natural resources and
social structure. These reports ensure that the authorities have the
information they need to decide whether the project should be approved. The
reports also help ensure that the developer is made aware and obliged to take
account of environmental consequences at the planning stage.
The relevant sectoral authorities are responsible
for supervising and approving the EIA. Regulations on EIAs are set out in
Chapter VII-a of the Planning and Building Act.
We have had provisions for EIA since 1990. The
regulations conform to corresponding legislation in the EU, and are covered by
the EEA agreement.
Strategy and policy measures
The Ministry of Environment has primary
responsibility for the development and administration of legislation. In cooperation
with the Directorate for Nature Management, the Ministry of Environment is
responsible for general supervision, training and evaluation. In each
individual case, the Ministry of Environment is involved in establishing report
procedures stipulating which aspects of the project must be considered in the
EIA.
Norwegian Legislation:
Environmental
Co-operation:
International
agreement:
Relevant
web sites:
Responsible
department in the Ministry of Environment:
Department for regional planning
