Case studies of EIA in practice

This chapter builds on the analysis in Chapter 8 by examining a number of case studies of EIA in practice. The selected case studies mainly involve EIA at the project level, although an example of the application of SEA is also included. Links between EIA and other types of assessment are also examined, including a case study of the so-called “appropriate assessment” process required under the European Union Habitats Directive. The selected case studies are largely UK-based and cover a range of project and development types, including energy (offshore wind energy, gas-fired power stations and overhead electricity transmission lines), transport (road projects), waste (municipal waste incinerator and wastewater treatment works) and infrastructure (port development and flood defence works). Some of the case studies involve developments in areas of particular environmental sensitivity, such as designated priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive.