Author(s)

M. A. Broderick & B. Durning

Abstract

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a mature process implemented around the globe to identify significant impacts from development and provide mitigation measures to reduce these impacts. Increasingly in the UK the process is being supplemented through the integration of an environmental management plan (EMP) into the resulting environmental statement. The EMP specifically aims to manage the impacts during the construction phase of the development. This paper presents an example of practice from the UK in this integrated process for the installation of a high pressure natural gas pipeline through open countryside. It demonstrates the added benefit that the integrated process provides in managing and reducing environmental impacts from the development. Keywords: environmental assessment, environmental management, construction, pipeline. 1 Introduction The environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is a well established method used around the globe in the identification and mitigation of the impact of developments on the environment. It consists of a series of studies and discussions which are designed to: • identify which legislation is relevant to the proposals (screening) • assess the scope of the project (scoping+consultations)

Keywords

environmental assessment, environmental management, construction, pipeline.