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EIA and sensitive areas – from case to case

EIA and sensitive areas – from case to case. The role of the Directorate for Nature Management. Mari Lise Sjong Advisor, Directorate for Nature Management. 17th October 2007. Strategies and Ways of Working of the DN. Protected areas Species management Land use planning

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EIA and sensitive areas – from case to case

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  1. EIA and sensitive areas – from case to case The role of the Directorate for Nature Management Mari Lise Sjong Advisor, Directorate for Nature Management 17th October 2007

  2. Strategies and Ways of Working of the DN • Protected areas • Species management • Land use planning • Sector responsibility --------------------------------------------- • Spatial environmental information

  3. Land Use Planning Land use planning is the most important arena for management and conservation of biodiversity outside protected areas (PAs) The Planning and Building Act (1985) is the main tool for management of biodiversity outside PAs Developments are subject to a consultative process Major developments are in addition subject to EIA Land use planning takes place at the local and regional levels DN may raise objections to a plan, in case of which the final decision will be taken by the Ministry of Environment

  4. DN’s role in Land Use Planning • Advisor to MoE in development of legislation and policy • Advisor to the County Governor and hence municipalities in area planning • Advise sector directorates and public and private land developers • infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fishery, fish farming etc • Provide consultative statements to large development plans • Hydro power vs national park • Power lines vs sensitive areas • Power lines vs wild reindeer

  5. Hydro power vs National Park Hydro power Folgefonna national park vs Eitrheim-Tokheim hydro power plant – incompatible interests (NPs to be ”pristine”)

  6. Hydro power proposal • 97 GWh clean, renewable energy • Secure energy supply for ”local” industry • Dam, pump, tunnel, power line, power station, roads • Reduced water flow, regulation zones • Landscape changes

  7. The Folgefonna national Park proposal • First NP from glacier to fiord • Outstanding landscape values • Last large INON in region • Recreational interests • Hydro power proposal cuts park in two, impacts on landscape and recreational values, and reduces INON

  8. Hydro Power EIA Consultation process Proposal in favour of development to Min. of Oil and Energy (ie: pros larger than cons) National Park EIA Consultation process Proposal including borders sent to Min. of Environment Decision making process • Royal resolution: proposal for NP accepted • Licence for hydro power development denied

  9. Power lines vs sensitive areas • Anticipated 100% increase in power consumption due to oil- and gas related industry development • Plans totalling 250-300 km • 420 kV, towers up to 50 m, plus 50 m no-grow zone • Threatens national landscape values, INON, recreational interests, biodiversity • Huge public interest – ”monster towers” • Discussion: is sea cable/land cable an alternative?

  10. ”A choice between evils?” There’s no way a 420 kV power line can not impact…

  11. The Geiranger fjord - a World Heritage object • ”..among the most scenically outstanding fjord areas on the planet..” (UNESCO) • Direct versus indirect impacts • How sensitive is a WH object??

  12. Consultation process finished Proposal to be sent to the Ministry of Oil and Energy

  13. Power line vs wild reindeer • Norway has particular responsibility • Land use steadily reduces/splits up roaming and foraging areas

  14. Decision-making process • Licence given 1999 • Complaints were filed – chosen alternative conflicts with wild reindeer • New knowledge, new policies • Renewed EIA 2006 • Consultation process: DN maintains recommendations

  15. Resolution by Ministry of Oil and Energy 2007: The Ministry has, on the basis of a holistic assessment, concluded that wild reindeer considerations and the protection of the eco-system must precede the considerations of local landscape values. Previous resolution to be changed.

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