Types of projects that need an EIA

The 2017 regulations divide projects into 2 different types: Schedule I projects and Schedule II projects.

Schedule I projects

Schedule I projects always require an EIA. These include large scale projects with obvious environmental effects, such as:

• crude oil refineries
• nuclear generating stations and other nuclear reactors
• larger scale quarries and open-cast mines

Schedule II projects

Schedule II projects will only require EIA if it's decided that the project is likely to have 'significant' environmental effects. There will usually be a threshold to determine if a case by case screening decision is required.

Examples of Schedule II projects include:

• industrial estate development projects (threshold - the area of the development exceeds 0.5 hectare)
• an electric line installed above ground (threshold - with a voltage of 132 kilovolts or more)

More information

You can find more information on EIA regulations on gov.scot.

You can also find more information on other EIA regimes by viewing an EIA.