This decree establishes the procedural framework for conducting environmental impact assessments in South Korea. It categorizes assessments into strategic environmental impact assessments for administrative plans, small-scale assessments for minor development projects, and standard environmental impact assessments for large-scale construction. The text details the required contents for assessment reports, including the collection of public opinions, expert consultations, and the documentation of environmental preservation measures. The regulation defines the roles and responsibilities of "approval agencies" and "consultation agencies," typically involving the Ministry of Environment. It sets specific timelines for reviewing documents, typically 30 to 40 days, and outlines the conditions under which a report may be returned or require supplementary information. Furthermore, it specifies criteria for "re-consultation" if a project's scale increases by more than 30 percent after the initial agreement. Administrative requirements for environmental impact assessment companies are also provided. The decree dictates the registration process, technical personnel requirements, and facility standards necessary to operate as a first-class or second-class assessment contractor. It includes provisions for monitoring the implementation of agreed-upon environmental measures and establishes a system for evaluating the performance capability of assessment agencies to ensure the quality of environmental reports.
Republic of Korea · 2012-07-20