An Impact Assessment Study (IAS) or Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is undertaken to assess whether the consequences of a proposed development are environmentally acceptable. Environment Management Plans (EMPs) are prepared as part of the assessment process to ensure that environmental impacts are effectively managed.
Impact assessment generally proceeds through several phases. An initial 'scoping' phase identifies relevant issues and assesses the level of investigation required. All relevant environmental impacts of the proposal, both direct and indirect, are then predicted and the importance of these predicted changes are evaluated. The results are amalgamated into an environmental plan that outlines procedures to avoid, prevent or minimise each of the adverse impacts.|
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