PEIR-Ch4-Approach-to-EIA-artifacted.pdf — PaddleOCR-VL (Baidu)

Required Content of Environmental Statements	Relevant Chapter of this ES
the development is likely to have on the environment.	- 15
4. An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant and an indication of the main reasons for the applicant's choice, taking into account the environmental effects.	Chapter 5: Alternatives Considered
5. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Part.	Separate Non-Technical Summary Report

4.3 Environmental Impact Assessment

4.3.1 EIA is the process of identifying, evaluating and, where possible, mitigating the likely significant environmental effects of a proposed development. It promotes the early identification and evaluation of the potentially significant environmental effects of a proposed development and enables appropriate mitigation (that is measures to avoid, reduce or offset significant adverse effects) to be identified and incorporated into the design of a development, or commitments to be made to environmentally sensitive construction methods and practices.

4.3.2 The results of the EIA also ensure that decision makers such as the SoS and statutory consultees such as planning authorities, in this case CCS, as well as other interested parties, including local communities, are aware of a Project's environmental effects. These are then taken into account by the decision-maker prior to determination of an application for planning approval.

4.3.3 The main steps outlined in the PA 2008 and the EIA Regulations are as follows:

Production of a Scoping Report to identify the likely significant effects (scoped in) and the proposed methodology for their assessment in line with relevant legislation, guidance and methods, and justification for any significant effects that are not likely (scoped out). The Scoping Report will also seek agreement of study areas, data sources, survey methodologies and terminology;
Baseline surveys are undertaken to identify and describe the environmental character of the area that could potentially be affected by the Project. Where baseline data indicates major constraints to the Project, this information is to be provided to the design team immediately;
Relevant natural and manmade processes that may change the character of the site are identified;
Consideration is then given to the possible interactions between the Development and both existing and future site conditions. These interactions or impacts are assessed using set criteria based on accepted guidance and good practice;
Using the initial designs of the Project, the likely significant environmental effects, both direct and indirect, can be established;
Production of a Preliminary Environmental Information report for consultation purposes;