Govt amends EIA regulations; housing, road projects exempted

The regulation governing environmental impact assessment (EIA) reporting has been amended to allow certain housing and road development projects to proceed without submitting an EIA report.

The amendment was made to the Environmental Impact Reporting Regulations, which set out procedures to address environmental impacts arising from development activities.

Under the previous framework, implementation and monitoring of the regulation were carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency. Following the amendment, these responsibilities have been transferred to the Environmental Regulatory Authority.

The updated regulation revises the list of projects that require an EIA report and those that may proceed without submitting one.

Previously, major housing developments were required to undergo an EIA. The rules also required an EIA for buildings exceeding 10 storeys with basement structures.

Under the amended regulation, buildings above 10 storeys have been removed from the list of projects requiring an EIA. Major housing developments have also been placed in the category of projects that do not require an EIA.

The amendment also removes several other activities from the EIA requirement.

Road construction projects are now allowed to proceed without an EIA. The removal of large numbers of trees, which previously required environmental assessment, has also been removed from the list.

In addition, tree trimming and the removal of trees for maintenance purposes or where they pose a public hazard will not require an EIA.

For new tourist resort or hotel developments, the construction of warehouses, accommodation blocks and communication towers will also not require an EIA.

Environmental groups have raised concerns that road construction projects and the removal of large trees could affect the environment if assessments are not conducted.

Under the regulations, development projects that require an EIA must submit an environmental decision to the relevant ministry before the start of work. The report must assess environmental impacts and outline measures to address them.

If the ministry determines that a project could cause serious damage to the environment, the ministry has the authority to stop the project from proceeding.