By: Magna Carta Law Office
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the assessment of the actual and potential environmental consequences or impacts of a plan, policy, program, or project proposals, prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action.
The main purpose of an EIA in Thailand is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project.to prevent environmental problems from major industrial projects in order to reach sustainable development goals. This procedure is significant in determining the type and level of effects an existing facility is having, or a proposed project would have, and identifying options to minimize damage on natural environment.
The Environmental Impact Evaluation Bureau (EIEB), under ONEP, is responsible for the administration of the EIA process. Large-scale ventures with significant environmental or surrounding habitat impact must forward Environmental Impact Assessment reports (EIA) to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), which then submits preliminary comments to the Expert Review Committee (ERC) for consideration.
ONEP examines the EIA report within 15 days. In case the report is not correct or incomplete, ONEP sends the report back to the proponent. In case the report is correct or complete, ONEP provides preliminary comments on the EIA report within 30 days. The EIA report together with the preliminary comments is then proposed to the Expert Review Committee (ERC) which, in turn, considers the report for approval within 45 days.
After the report has been approved, ONEP gives recommendations to permitting agencies. If a project must be approved by the Cabinet, then the ONEP summarizes the comments of the ERC and forwards them to the NEB and the Cabinet.
If the report is approved, the permitting agency shall grant the permit to the project/activity with the inclusion of preconditions, such as mitigation measures and a monitoring program. Otherwise, the proponent must submit a revised report to the Committee, which then must review the amended report within 30 days after date of receipt.
EIA reports must be prepared by a licensed consulting firm registered with ONEP. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, with the approval of the National Environment Board (NEB), has the power to determine the type and size of projects or activities requiring an EIA.
Projects and activities that may seriously affect the quality of the environment, natural resources and biological diversity are not permitted, unless the environmental impact and health of the people in the communities have been studied, evaluated and consultations held with the public and interested parties organized, and the opinion of an independent organization obtained prior to the operation of such project or activity.
In case of projects/activities that may affect negatively the living conditions of a nearby community and that require the approval of the Cabinet, authorization is more time-consuming and involves more stakeholders to ensure compliance with the law.
