LawOnenvironmentalimpactassessment.docVIP

Law On environmental impact assessment(This Law is passed by the Saeima on October 14, 1998,with amendments, done by 30 May 2001 law, coming into force from 21 Jun 2001) Chapter I General Provisions Article 1. Definitions used in this Law The following definitions are used in this Law: 1) Environmental Impact - direct or indirect changes to the environment caused by a Proposed Development, the results of which affect or may affect human health and safety, biological diversity, soil, air, water, climate, landscape, material assets, cultural and natural heritage values, as well as the interaction of these aforementioned areas; 2) Environmental Impact Assessment (hereafter - Impact Assessment) - a procedure to be carried out as required by this Law in order to assess the potential environmental impact of the Proposed Development and draft proposals for the prevention or reduction of negative impacts; 3) Proposed Development - installation, expansion or alteration of facilities and technologies/processes, construction works, physical planning activities, extraction or use of natural resources, as well as other activities, the performance or result of which may have significant impacts on the environment; 4) Proponent - a person or legal entity proposing to carry out any of the developments listed in Article 4 of this Law; 5) Transboundary impact means any impact within an area under jurisdiction of a Party caused by a proposed activity the physical origin of which is situated wholly or in part within the area under the jurisdiction of Latvia. [With amendments, done by 30 May 2001 law, coming into force from 21 Jun 2001] Article 2. Purpose of the Law The purpose of this Law is to prevent or reduce potential negative impacts to the environment of developments proposed by persons or legal entities. Article 3. Principles of Impact Assessment Impact Assessment is carried out in accordance with the following principles: 1) Impact Assessment shall be carried out at the earli