Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Service
Iceland introduced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process into law in 1993, based on European Union directives. Since then, Mannvit has been an active leader in this field of EIA services, managing both large and small-scale initiatives on all levels.
EIA consist of two types of procedures. They are:
- Is the project subject to EIA?
- EIA study
- EIA proposal
- Initial EIA statement
- EIA statement
If the project is subject to EIA, an EIA study must be carried out. The first stage in the preparation of an EIA proposal (scoping document) includes a short description of the proposed project and the environmental factors that may be effected. After the National Planning Agency has approved the scoping document, the initial EIA statement is made. Its form and content must be consistent with the scoping document. The EIA Statement will outline the managenent of scientific research related to natural science, society, and technical research. Included will also be the consultations for the developer with stakeholders, institutions, NGOs and the general public. In each case, efforts are made to find solutions that serve to mitigate and/or compensate for the potential effects of a development on its surroundings during both its construction and operational phases. Frequently referred to as counter-measures or mitigating action, these solutions are often central to the assessment process itself. When opinions and comments have been received, a final EIA statement is produced on the basis of the initial EIA statement. Finally the National Planning Agency delivers its assessment on whether the environmental impact is satisfactorily described.
Mannvit has participated in a wide variety of environmental impact assessments arising from its wide range of construction projects including:
Geothermal utilization
- Hellisheidi Power plant
- Krafla Power plant
- Theistareykir Power plant
- Nesajvellir Power plant
- Bjarnarflag Power plant
Hydropower plants
- Karahnjukar Hydropower station
- Vatnsfell Hydropower station
- Budarhals Hydropower station
High-voltage transmission lines
- Fljotsdalslinur Transmission lines 3 and 4
- Power lines from Bakki and Theistareykir to Bakki industrial site
Industry
- Fjardaal Aluminum plant
- Helguvik Aluminum plant
- Nordural Aluminum plant
- Anode plant at Katanes in Hvalfjordur
Transportation
- Enlargement of Thingeyrarflugvollur Airport
- Alftanesvegur road
Other
- Lake Myvatn diatomite mining area expansion
- Landfills at Gufunes