Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that identifies both the positive and negative environmental effects of proposed developments prior to planning permission being considered. It aims to prevent, reduce or offset any identified significant adverse environmental effects of development proposals.
The EIA process is a method of ensuring that planning decisions are made in the full knowledge of the environmental effects and with full engagement of statutory bodies, local interest groups and members of the public. The responsibility of completing an EIA lies with the applicant. The written output of the EIA process is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The purpose of an EIA is to:
- predict and assess the positive and negative environmental impacts of a project.
- ensure that decision-makers consider environmental consequences alongside economic and social factors.
- identify ways to avoid, reduce, or mitigate adverse environmental effects.
- promote sustainable development by balancing development needs with environmental protection.
When to get an EIA (Screening)
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are required for proposed developments that may have a significant impact on the environment. The requirement for an EIA will only affect a small number of projects in Jersey. The
EIA Order specifies a range of developments which require an EIA. Any changes or extensions to a development that was previously subject to an EIA may also require an updated EIA.
If you're still unsure or consider that you shouldn't be required to undertake an EIA, you can request advice by completing an EIA pre-application advice form.
EIA advice request form
We’ll advise whether your proposal falls within the types of development which requires an EIA.
We don’t advertise screening requests and no other organisations are contacted before a screening opinion is issued. This is because we’re only determining if a proposed development requires an EIA under the Order, any further information is provided by a scoping opinion.
Information to provide in an EIA (scoping)
We’ll determine the parts of a proposed development that are most likely to have a significant impact on the environment and consult the relevant internal departments to detail the level of information that an EIA must contain. We’ll provide this information as a scoping opinion.
If you’re undertaking an EIA and want to know what you need to provide, you can also request this on the EIA advice request form.
To help us process your EIA advice request, you should also provide:
- a plan that identifies the land
- a description of the nature and purpose of the proposed development and its possible effects on the environment
This advice can only apply in relation to currently available information and the Chief Officer isn’t bound by the provided opinion. The Chief Officer can request additional information or further work to be carried out at any time during the application process. An applicant is also not bound by the scoping opinion and can submit an EIA with the information they believe is most relevant to the proposed development.
EIA scoping process
When you’ve submitted your request we’ll review it to ensure the minimum level of information has been submitted to understand the proposal. If it doesn’t contain sufficient information, we’ll contact you and explain what needs to be provided.
Scoping opinion
We aim to provide a scoping opinion within six weeks. Complex scoping requests may take longer, but we’ll discuss this with you.
Submitting a planning application that requires an EIA
When the EIS is ready for submission, it’s included with the planning application in the usual way. If a planning application is received without an EIS, but it requires an EIA, the application won’t be registered until an EIS has been provided.
Get more information about
submitting a planning application.
Commenting on a planning application that contains an EIS
We advertise all EIA applications via:
All planning applications, associated plans and documents are available to view on the planning register. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can use the public computers at the Customer Hub, Union Street (opening times are 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday).
Find out more about
making a comment.
Stages of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Jersey
The stages of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Jersey are outlined as follows:
1. Screening
The purpose is to:
- determine whether a development project requires an EIA
The process is that:
- the proponent submits a request (screening request) to the Regulation Directorate for Infrastructure and Environment (I&E)
The criteria is:
- based on Schedule 1 (mandatory EIA) or, if because of factors such as the nature, size or location of the proposed development, the Chief Officer requires an environmental impact statement to be provided in accordance with Article 13(1)(b) of the Law (discretionary EIA)
The outcome is:
- A Screening Opinion is issued, stating whether an EIA is required
2. Scoping
The purpose is to:
- define the scope and level of detail required in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The developer may request a Scoping Opinion from the Regulation Directorate in I&E. The request must be accompanied by:
- a plan sufficient to identify the land
- a brief description of the nature and purpose of the proposed development and its possible effects on the environment
- such other information as the person making the request may wish to provide or make
The outcome is:
- A formal Scoping Opinion that outlines the likely significant effects to be assessed and the methodologies to be used
3. Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The purpose of this stage is to:
- carry out the Environmental Impact Assessment
4. Preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement must:
- be compiled by a person with relevant qualifications, current knowledge and experience in methods of assessment
- comply with requirements set out in the EIA Order
5. Submission of the EIS with a planning application
The planning application must be accompanied by a complete EIS (if required by the screening stage)
6. Review and decision making
The decision-maker reviews:
- the planning application
- the Environmental Impact Statement
- public and consultee responses
The environmental information must be taken into account before a decision is made
7. Post-decision monitoring
Conditions may be attached to the planning approval requiring:
- ongoing environmental monitoring
- mitigation implementation
- reporting requirements
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