[Background]
- The current environmental impact assessment system applies the same evaluation procedures for projects of a certain type and scale, regardless of the degree of environmental impact, leading to issues with the uniform and rigid operation of the system.
- Therefore, a differentiated assessment system (in-depth or expedited evaluation) will be introduced to apply different evaluation and consultation procedures depending on the environmental impact level (significant or minor) by considering the characteristics of the project and region in advance. This will be implemented with the following timeline:
*In-depth Evaluation: Preparation of an evaluation report and consultation (mandatory public hearing)
*General Environmental Impact Assessment: Preparation of an evaluation report and consultation (public hearing held upon request)
*Expedited Evaluation: Exemption from consultation, evaluation report preparation, etc., with focus on developing environmental preservation measures
- Projects subject to in-depth evaluation are those with significant environmental impacts, such as canals and dam construction. If the project falls under the criteria for in-depth evaluation and the assessment criteria (Enforcement Decree) are met, the final decision to subject the project to in-depth evaluation will be made through the Environmental Impact Assessment Consultation Committee.
*The assessment will include whether the project and surrounding areas affect natural and living environments, among other factors.
- Before applying the in-depth evaluation criteria and holding consultations, the determination of whether a project should be subject to in-depth evaluation needs to be made. Therefore, the criteria for identifying projects with significant environmental impacts should be clearly defined to enhance predictability for businesses and the rationality of administration, thereby ensuring the effectiveness and acceptability of the system.
[Regulatory Content]
- If a project meets the criteria for in-depth evaluation, it will be subject to consultation and ultimately decided as an in-depth evaluation project. In this case, a public hearing will be mandatory.
*The evaluation will consider factors such as the impact on natural and living environments in the project and surrounding areas.
*For general environmental impact assessments, a public hearing will be held if at least 30 residents submit a request for it.
