When Does Your Facility Need an Environmental Impact Assessment?

Before licensing many projects in the Kingdom, the competent authorities require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The study aims to predict a project’s potential effects on the environment and propose solutions to reduce them before work begins.

What is an EIA?

It is a comprehensive technical study that analyzes a project’s impact on the different environmental elements — air, water, soil, noise, and biodiversity — and proposes suitable preventive and mitigation measures for each impact.

When is it required?

The study is usually required in cases such as:

• Major industrial projects and factories with high emissions.
• Large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.
• Marine and coastal projects.
• Activities located near environmentally sensitive areas.

What does the study include?

1. A description of the project and its phases.
2. Identification of the existing environmental status at the site.
3. Analysis of expected impacts and assessment of their severity.
4. An environmental management plan for the construction and operation phases.
5. A monitoring and follow-up program.

A practical tip

The earlier the study starts in the planning phase, the lower the risk of delays during licensing. Our team delivers accredited EIA studies and the reports required ahead of licensing — contact us to assess your project’s requirements.