Preparing required environmental assessment documentation

A statement of environmental effects (SEE) and an environmental impact statement (EIS) outline the specific details of the proposed development, the characteristics of the site and the surrounding land, the potential impacts it may have, and how those impacts will be managed.

A SEE is a less detailed document and is usually for local DAs. A more detailed EIS is required for designated development and state significant development. A state significant development EIS must be prepared or endorsed by a Registered
Environmental Assessment Practitioner (REAP). An EIS for designated development must be prepared in accordance with the Planning Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARS), by application to DPHI.

The SEARs detail the matters that must be addressed in an EIS. SEARs are generated by DPHI in consultation with state agencies and other authorities that may have an interest in the potential impacts of a proposed development. To request the Planning Secretary’s SEARs, an applicant must complete Form A – Request for the Planning Secretary’s Requirements for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, accessed through the NSW Planning Portal.

The minimum information required under the EP&A Regulation, when completing the DA form on the NSW Planning Portal, includes:

• location of the land relevant to the application, including the address and formal particulars of the land title
• name and address of the applicant
• name and address of the property owner (note: the consent of the landowner will be required in writing)
• description of the development to be carried out
• estimated cost of the development
• an indication as to whether the land is, or is part of, critical habitat, or whether the development is likely to significantly affect threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats
• a list of any authorities from which concurrence must be obtained (tick box in portal)
• a list of any approvals that must be obtained before the development may be carried out (tick box in portal)
• electronic copies of the documents accompanying the application, such as a statement of environmental effects, site plan and drawings (these will be uploaded to the portal as part of the application).

The assessment should match the potential impact of the proposed enterprise. There is no standardised format for preparing a SEE, but it is likely to cover the same elements as an EIS, just in less detail. Most NSW councils provide guidance templates on their websites.

Appendix 3 lists EIS and SEE requirements for guidance. Section 9 covers the environmental impacts and management measures in more detail.