Environmental Impact Assessment

1. What is the legal basis for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Georgia? 

   The legal framework for Environmental Impact Assessment in Georgia is defined by the Law of Georgia on Environmental Impact Assessment.
   This law regulates the legal relations associated with environmental impact assessment procedures.

2. What are the stages of the Environmental Impact Assessment process?

1. Screening
   During the screening phase, it is determined whether a specific project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, if so, to what extent and detail the assessment must be carried out.

2. Scoping
   Scoping is an early stage of the EIA process aimed at identifying the most significant environmental issues associated with a project or activity for further evaluation.
   This phase ensures public participation through public hearings, helping to define the scale and significance of potential impacts more accurately.

3. Preparation of the EIA Report
   Based on the scoping conclusion, an EIA report is prepared. This report includes an analysis of potential environmental impacts, proposed mitigation measures, and a monitoring plan.
   Public participation continues during this phase through public consultation and review of the draft report.

4. Decision-making
   The National Environmental Agency makes the final decision on whether to grant an environmental permit, based on the EIA findings and public feedback.

5. Project Implementation
   Once the environmental decision is issued, the project can proceed with implementation, provided that all conditions outlined in the EIA report are fulfilled and maintained.

3. Which projects require an Environmental Impact Assessment?

An EIA is mandatory for projects that may have a significant impact on the environment.
In Georgia, these projects are listed in Annex I and Annex II of the Environmental Assessment Code:

• Annex I: Activities automatically subject to mandatory EIA.

• Annex II: Activities that may require an EIA based on the screening decision made by the Environmental Agency.

  4. How does the Environmental Impact Assessment affect project implementation?

1. Reduction of Negative Environmental Impacts
   The EIA process enables project developers to identify and address potential negative environmental impacts in advance—on soil, water, air, biodiversity, and other natural resources.

2. Legal Compliance and Permit Acquisition
   In many jurisdictions, including Georgia, EIA is a legal prerequisite for obtaining project permits or licenses—especially for infrastructure, industrial, and energy projects.
   Without an approved EIA, such projects cannot legally proceed.

3. Public Participation and Support
   EIA involves informing and consulting the public. This promotes transparency, helps prevent social conflicts, and increases the chances of gaining public support.

4. Mitigation of Social Risks
   Effective environmental risk management can help avoid future financial burdens, such as fines, lawsuits, or environmental restoration obligations.

5. Project Optimization
   The EIA process often includes the evaluation of alternative project solutions, which can lead to more efficient technical and economic decisions.

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