Assessment Detail:
Projects classified in the lower impact category only need to present an Evaluación Ambiental Inicial or Autoevaluation (the document presented for screening and scoping in the full EIA process). The authority will issue its authorization on the basis of this document. EIA Regulations, Article 32
Best Practices in Lieu of EIA:
Who Conducts Screening Detail:
The authority makes screening decisions on the basis of an Initial Environmental Assessment (Evaluación Ambiental Inicial) document. EIA Regulations, Article 15
Criteria for Screening:
List or appendix of project or activity types
Possible impact to, or adjacent to, a protected area
Criteria for Screening Detail:
EIA Regulations, Article 12; Acuerdo Gubernativo No 134-2005, Article 1
Who Prepares EIA:
Project Proponent (with or without contractor)
EIA Contractor Qualifications:
EIA Contractor Qualification Detail:
EIA Regulations, Article 82
Terms of Reference Detail:
EIA Regulations, Articles 30 and 31
Days for Decision Maker Review:
30-90 days (depending on project classification)
Automatic Approval Detail:
The developer has to request this type of approval, and the project must not produce environmental harm, must not pose a high environmental risk and must not be considered as environmental unfeasible. In such cases the Ministry will issue a "Conditioned" authorization, which it can revoke or suspend if the project produces environmental damages. EIA Regulations, Article 100
Authority to Impose Conditions:
Authority to Impose Conditions Details:
EIA Regulations, Article 25
Expiry of Decision:
Variable (specified in authorization)
Expiry of Decision Detail:
EIA Regulations, Article 49
Financial Assurances or Bond:
Financial Assurances Detail:
EIA Regulations, Article 63. Only projects under category "C", which do not present a full EIA are exempted from this requirement. EIA Regulations, Article 64.