Impact Assessments
According to the Land Use and Building Act there should be adequate investigation of a plan's potential environmental impacts, including implications for the community economy, social, cultural and other effects (Land Use and Building Act 9 §). Assessments of environmental impacts concerning separate schemes are regulated by act of parliament.
According to the Land Use and Building Act environmental impacts are understood as direct and indirect effects on:
a) people's living conditions and environment;
b) soil and rock, water, air and climate;
c) flora and fauna, biodiversity and natural resources;
d) area and community structure, the community and energy economy as well as traffic
e) the cityscape, landscape, cultural heritage and the built environment.
When investigating the effects of a plan attention is paid to the plan's task and purpose, previously conducted studies, as well as other factors affecting the need for investigation (Land Use and Building Act 1 §). There are no standards for drafting a report. The method and content depend on the local characteristics of the planning area as well as the nature and significance of the plan.
Impact assessments is conducted for both master and town plans. The studies and assessments carried out in connection with master plans are normally more comprehensive and thorough, but on the other hand more general in nature. In the case of town plans the master plan-level study functions as a basis for impact assessment, and this is refined where necessary in studies conducted in connection with the drafting of the town plan. What is important is that impacts and alternatives are investigated in sufficient time and at the broad planning level when alternative solutions are still in use. In cases where studies have not been carried out at the master plan level or have become outdated, then these are conducted according to need in a more extensive manner than normal in connection with the town plan.
Impact assessment generally takes place in such a way that the planner her/himself assesses the impacts of the plans on the basis of studies conducted and visits to the locations concerned. A vital element in the assessment process is supplied by cooperation with other branches of administration and involved parties etc. If the person drafting the plan is a consultant, she/he is also generally responsible for assessing associated impacts. In particular areas of investigation demanding special expertise or in otherwise complicated assessment tasks a consultant is also frequently used.
Impact assessments is part of the design of the plan, a way of conducting work. Assessing impacts does not mean simply recognizing impacts but also taking impacts into account in the planning process. The diagram below illustrates the stages involved in the impact assessments and planning. Impact assessments provides answers to questions: what will change, what will happen as a result, are there other options, what will be gained, what will be lost, who will benefit, who will suffer.
Impact assessments is programmed in the participation and assessment plan drafted in connection with the initiation of the town plan. It lays out what impacts are going to be assessed and in what manner, as well as the boundaries of the area under investigation and the timetable for the job. In the participation and assessment plan efforts are also made to take a stand on what the key impacts are as regards this specific plan which will be subjected to in-depth examination.
Further information in English on the assessment of (environmental) impacts can be obtained from the web site of Finland's Environmental Administration (www.ymparisto.fi)
Further information on impact assessments can be obtained from the Planning Office by contacting Landscape Architect Mervi Vallinkoski, tel. 014 - 625 395.
