If a project is subject to environmental assessment, its potential environmental impacts must be assessed.

Scoping document

The environmental assessment process begins with the preparation of a scoping document. The document describes the way in which the developer intends to evaluate the environmental impact of the project.

• The developer prepares the scoping document, presenting the proposed project and explaining the approach to the environmental assessment.

• The developer submits the scoping document to the Planning Agency, which presents it to the public and publishes it on Skipulagsgátt, planning portal and on the National Planning Agency’s website.

• The Planning Agency consults with relevant bodies, depending on the nature of the case such as permitting authorities and expert institutions. The public and other stakeholders are also given an opportunity to provide comments and feedback.

• The developer is given a chance to respond to the comments before the National Planning Agency issues its opinion on the document.

• The Planning Agency issues an opinion on the scoping document, which includes, as applicable, guidance for the developer on the preparation, content, and presentation of the environmental impact assessment report.

Scoping documents and related opinions are available in the Environmental Assessment Database.

Environmental Impact Assessment Report

The developer carries out the environmental assessment in accordance with the assessment plan and the Planning Agency’s opinion, and presents the findings in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

• Once the developer has completed the report, it is submitted to the Planning Agency.

• When the Planning Agency has confirmed that the report complies with the assessment plan, its own opinion on the plan, and the provisions of relevant laws and regulations, the agency makes the report publicly available through the Planning Portal and its own website, and requests comments from relevant consultation bodies.
  The public is also given the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed project and its environmental assessment through Skipulagsgátt, planning portal.

National Planning Agency's Opinion

After the public consultation period and after receiving comments from consulting parties and the public along with the developer’s response, The National Planning Agency issues its opinion on the environmental assessment. This opinion may include conditions or mitigation measures that the agency considers should be incorporated into permits for the project.

Project Permits

After the environmental assessment is completed, the developer applies for the necessary project permits from the relevant municipality and, where applicable, other permitting authorities. Permit decisions must take into account the findings of the environmental assessment.