ID: 38
Presenting Author: Lilian Martins
Status: pending
This study identifies the screening criteria used by the 27 Brazil´s states based on a review of their current legislation prior to the new General Environmental Licensing Law in Brazil.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Brazil supports decisions on the environmental feasibility of projects submitted to Environmental Licensing (EL). In this process, the importance of screening is evident, as it preliminarily assesses the project's potential impact and defines the level of information and control required. Transparency in screening criteria enhances social participation and strengthens the credibility of the decision-making process. This analysis identified the project classification criteria adopted by the 27 Brazil´s states based on a review of their current legislation prior to the new General EL Law in Brazil. It was observed that all states established criteria in their regulations, although for different purposes. Six objective criteria were identified: size (27 states), nature of activity (26 states), polluting potential (23 states), industrial vs. non-industrial activity (2 states), degree of impact (2 states), and location (1 state). The use of numerical thresholds, particularly for size and polluting potential, adds objectivity in the screening process and reduces arbitrary decisions, but does not guarantee proportionality between potential impacts and procedural requirements. Some Brazilian states consider the location criterion on a case-by-case basis, acting as an adjustment factor in the preliminary screening process. It is concluded that the combination of the criteria nature of activity, size, polluting potential, and location increases the screening accuracy.
Geographer and environmental analyst at the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), with 15 years of experience in federal environmental licensing.
Coauthor 1: Giselle Bianca Silva Fraga