Estonian, Latvian & Lithuanian Environment (ELLE) services

Whenever developing a new project it is important to assess the impact of the planned activities on the environment. According to the requirements of the Republic of Latvia and international financial institutions, in cases when negative environmental impact is predicted, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is indispensable during the project planning stage. The EIA is a procedure to identify and predict environmental effects of proposed activities and projects. It means that impact on human health, biological diversity, air, water, landscape and on other fields is taken into consideration. In cases when the proposed actions are planned in Natura 2000 territories or in their vicinity, a specially defined procedure for the assessment of the impact on Natura 2000 has to be applied.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a procedure carried out to evaluate and report the likely impact on the environment that can arise from implementation of national, regional or local level plans and programmes. SEA also implies preparation of proposals to address adverse impacts, as well as extension of opportunities for the public awareness and participation in planning and decision making processes. The SEA is mandatory in Latvia since March 2004. The framework document to be prepared within the SEA is an environmental report, which may constitute a separate chapter of a strategic paper, plan, programme, concept or another planning document. The environmental report can also be prepared as a single document which assesses potential significant effects of the respective planning document or the reasonable alternatives of the proposed plan on the environment.

Companies are required to provide information on impact of their activities on air quality, both during an EIA procedure and while preparing an application for a permit for the performance of A and B category polluting activity.  In line with the European Union directives, ELLE began to use the advanced air pollution dispersion modelling programme (ADMS), developed by the Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) already in 2000. Since 2003, ELLE is providing expert services related to air quality assessment and management.

By assessing a hazard caused by economic activity, it is possible not only to predict the level of anticipated risk but also to plan activities to reduce it.

Since early 2003, ELLE carries out projects involving prediction of the environmental noise for single installations (within the framework of EIA or permitting), as well as for larger areas by drawing up strategic noise maps, as specified in the EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) and the Regulations No. 16 of the Cabinet of Ministers of January 7, 2014 “Procedures for Environmental Noise Assessment and Management”. To maintain a high performance standard related to noise mapping, ELLE avails of the extensive experience of its strategic partner Wölfel Monitoring Systems GmbH + Co. KG (Germany) in the field of assessment and modelling of environmental noise. Hardware and software produced by Wölfel is used for the noise mapping. ELLE is also an authorised distributor of Wölfel products in the Baltic countries.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely applied in environment and nature related studies. GIS are used to produce cartographic materials, and to assess impacts of various environmental factors, as well as to make complex decisions.

An environmental management system is one of the tools enabling the entrepreneurs to increase competitiveness both in Latvian and foreign markets, and to demonstrate business’ compliance with laws and regulations. It also demonstrates progress towards continuous performance in the field of environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources.