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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An EIA attempts to determine the potential impact of some economic activity upon the environment, biodiversity, human health and society. EIAs can be used to evaluate ‘projects’, such as new constructions or renovations, as well as proposed policy changes. The result of an EIA should be an impact assessment and comparison of alternative scenarios, leaving the decision making to local governments or the national government. A significant role in the EIA process is allocated to public participation in the course of design and assessment of the final project.

In the future, the government plans to establish an EIA institution, by licensed experts and designers, to perform EIAs, co-ordinate projects (i.e. current practice) and control compliance with EIA requirements and recommendations. Establishment of such an institution would be provided by a new ‘Law on EIA’ which should also provide that EIAs evaluate possible impacts on human health, the social consequences of projects, as well as the effects of any past and planned environmental protection activities.

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Last updated: November 8, 1996. The information prepared by Valts Vilnitis: fuxis@varam.gov.lv