Request an environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping opinion for a marine licence

What is EIA scoping?

If your project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment, you may wish to obtain further tailored information regarding the extent and content (scope) of the assessment that will take place to include in your Environmental Statement; this is called a scoping opinion.

How to apply for a scoping opinion

Potential applicants request a scoping opinion by submitting the information detailed below to the Permit Receipt Centre:

‘Marine Scoping Opinion’ should be clearly referenced on the correspondence.

Requests for scoping opinions are charged at an hourly rate. Invoicing details, as listed on our fees and charges page, should accompany the scoping request.

Our service level for determining a scoping request can be found here.

What information should be provided with a request for a scoping opinion?

A request for a scoping opinion must be accompanied by a scoping report, which must, as a minimum, include the following information:

A chart, plan or map sufficient to identify the location of the regulated activity and of other activities to be carried out in the course of the project

A description of the nature and purpose of the project and the regulated activity and their possible effects on the environment

Such other information or representations as the applicant may wish to provide or make.

This information should be submitted as a ‘scoping report’ providing a draft outline of the ES and summarising what the main issues/effects are envisaged to be. The scoping report should also propose any relevant studies to be undertaken, where necessary, and/or useful sources of information.

How is a scoping opinion reached?

Before issuing a scoping opinion, we will consult with internal experts and a number of consultation bodies and the relevant Local Planning Authority.