Annex 2
THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY: EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES PUBLIC
INVOLVEMENT IN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT FOR
FLOOD DEFENCE
PROJECTS
Cone Pill: A Case Study
There were complex and conflicting environmental
issues to do with the fact that a mainline railway line had become
exposed by erosion of a flood defence. There were numerous engineering
options over four years. The landowners were bewildered by all
these options and concerned because their livelihood was potentially
at risk. There was the threat of high profile campaign and possible
delays to project and what was needed was a fair basis for comparison
of options.
The Course of Action
In order to approach the landowners an informal
verbal questionnaire was created and Agency staff spent 30 or
40 minutes with each family, asking for views on various options
and outcomes. This was possible because there were only a few
farming families involved. It was appropriate to do this at this
level. It was explained that inevitably there would be some "losers".
There was a good reaction to the consultation with the landowners
feeling grateful for the personal contact.
Conclusion
To be effective, the timing and content of public
involvement in EIA must be well planned, the techniques appropriate
and the feedback recorded. Good consultation should achieve stakeholder
ownership/acceptance, reducing risk and give better value and
must be capable of contributing to the reasoned argument which
underpins EIA.
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