Environmental impact assessment

An environmental impact assessment evaluates how a planned installation, infrastructure project or other activity may affect the environment before approval is granted. In Switzerland, it is integrated into the relevant permitting procedure and typically examines impacts on air, water, soil, noise, nature, landscape and protected interests. The project developer provides documentation, authorities review it, and the public may have participation rights depending on the procedure. The assessment supports conditions, mitigation measures or, where impacts are unacceptable, refusal.