ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

Land managers should be aware of new regulations relating to the assessment of the environmental affects of bringing uncultivated or semi-natural land into intensive agricultural production.

The new regulations came into effect on 4th February 2002 and a simple screening procedure has been introduced to allow producers to determine whether their projects come under the regulations.

Whilst few producers are expected to be required to complete the screening process let alone undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment, where they do, a formal consent will now be required from SEERAD before work can commence.

The regulations have been brought in to implement EU rules which are already in place under the Town & Country Planning system and within the forestry sector. Potentially relevant projects could include cultivation of formerly rough or unimproved grazings, new drainage or land reclamation works or modification of watercourses, new flood defences in filling all ponds and ditches, clearing of natural vegetation for the first time, significant increases in livestock stocking rates or the introduction of livestock to areas for the first time, increasing in fertiliser or liming rates over and above normal practice for the area, etc.

Where, following a Environmental Impact Assessment, it is determined that the proposed project would have an adverse environmental impact, the producer affected is likely to be required to modify the proposal or, in extreme circumstances, be prohibited from undertaking it. Any producer considering a proposal which may be affected by the legislation should contact their local SEERAD office prior to any steps or works being undertaken.