Regional-Level SEA (Part 2)
Moderator: Barry Sadler
Presentations
CEA in Policies and Plans: Case Studies in the UK
Presenter(s): Lourdes Cooper
This paper initially presents the legislative and regulatory requirements for assessing cumulative effects in plans and programmes in the UK. The two approaches for assessing plans in the UK, Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and SEA are discussed. In most cases, a combined SA and SEA process is undertaken by Local Planning Authorities. The issues, methods and findings in assessing cumulative effects within this combined approach are explored in case studies.
Integrating Cumulative Effects in Water and Spatial Planning
Presenter(s): Barbara Carroll, Josh Fothergill, Joanne Murphy
Spatial/development plans are required to consider cumulative effects through statutory SEA/SA. Water plans consider CEA in their SEA approach. The objectives-led EU Water Framework Directive should enable integration with spatial planning SA/SEA for a more effective tool to inform decision making. The paper explores recent practical experience of addressing cumulative effects of river basin management plans and spatial plans in the UK. It investigates the extent of integration achieved and suggests mechanisms for improving effectiveness.
Re-Defining Cumulative Effects Assessment in the Context of Regionally-Based Strategic Environmental Assessment
Presenter(s): Jill Harriman Gunn, Bram Noble
Despite common sentiment that cumulative effects assessment (CEA) in a strategic setting is “the same as” CEA in a project environmental impact assessment (EIA) setting, several features of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) alter the consideration of cumulative effects and vice versa. This paper draws on Canadian case examples of formal and informal regional and strategic EA to illustrate the specific challenges and reconsiderations that integrating CEA and R-SEA presents.
A Strategic Approach to Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment in the Great Sand Hills, Saskatchewan
Presenter(s): Bram Noble, Brent Bitter
We report on integrated CEA-SEA experience in the Great Sand Hills (GSH), Saskatchewan. The 2007 GSH study rolled up 15 years of regional planning and provides direction for cumulative effects management and land use. The assessment required a process unlike previous efforts, and a framework that could support futures-oriented CEA. We present the GSH strategic assessment framework, discuss how such frameworks guide CEA processes at the regional scale, and offer a number of observations concerning “good” regional CEA.