Overview and Case Studies of typical NSW EIAs

Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
EISs are required under Schedule 3 of the NSW Environmental Protection and Assessments (EP&A) Act 1979, if a proposed development or activity falls under the description of a designated development. EISs are generally triggered by larger developments (e.g. mines, highways, sewerage treatment plants) or those that may impact on sensitive areas (e.g. SEPP14 wetlands). nghenvironmental have prepared EISs for proposals such as the operation of the Alpine Quarry at Jindabyne, and road works adjacent to SEPP 14 wetlands at Moruya and Narooma.

Environmental Assessments (EA)
EAs are required under Part 3A of the EP&A Act and State Environmental Planning Policy Major Projects 2005. EAs normally apply to major infrastructure projects or developments that, in the opinion of the Minister, are of State or regional environmental planning significance. EAs are determined by the Minister for Planning. Recently nghenvironmental prepared documentation of impacts and public consultation for four wind farms in the NSW southern tablelands.

Review of Environmental Factors (REF)
REFs are required for activities that fall under Part V of the EP&A Act, which are determined by the Minister or public authority responsible for the proposal, or other determining authorites.

Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
SEEs are required for proposed activities that fall under Part IV of the EP&A Act 1979. nghenvironmental have prepared numerous REFs and SEEs for clients such as the RTA, Parks and Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and ski resort managers. Examples of some of these include:

• Development of ski resort infrastructure in the Snowy Mountains, including a Ski Lift, and new ski terrain at Thredbo.
• Several major road realignment and/or upgrading projects for the RTA.
• Works within Kosciuszko National Park such as bridge replacement on the Elliot Way, major water supply augmentation works for the Perisher Range Resorts and construction of a new Park entry station.
• Maintenance and development of infrastructure such as roads, dams and power stations for Snowy Hydro Ltd, including major works at Tantangara Dam, which were necessary to provide environmental flows into the Murrumbidgee River (click here for more information on this project).

Species Impact Statements (SIS)
SISs are sometimes required for approval under the EP&A Act, when a proposed activity has potential to significantly affect threatened species, populations or communities, or their habitat. Concurrence with the Director-General of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is required in determining such proposals. Recently nghenvironmental have prepared SISs for proposed dams in Eurobodalla Shire and a large residential development on the NSW south coast.