Public Involvement

Abstract

The introduction of EIA was a radical change in public policy. It aims to both inform the public and engage it in decisions on major projects, especially if the projects have the potential to do environmental harm. To achieve these objectives, EIA reports are to be publicly available with public comment encouraged and given serious consideration. The reports are to be scientifically based (called EISs or EIAs), and comprehensive ecological, economic and social analyses are required.

There are, at least, two stages to the process, a draft and a final report and, possibly, review in an appropriate court. For the EIA process to meet its objective, the reports need to be written in lay language, and not be daunting in length.