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Desired but Neglected: Investigating the Consideration of Alternatives in Austrian EIA and SEA Practice

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Jiricka-Pürrer

    (Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan Street 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria)

  • Martin Bösch

    (Natura 2000 Management, Federal State Vorarlberg, Inatura, Jahngasse 9A-6850 Dornbirn, Austria
    Former staff of the ministry of the environment BNT/BMFLUW—in times of data collection.)

  • Ulrike Pröbstl-Haider

    (Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan Street 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Although the consideration of alternatives is seen as a core element of impact assessments (IA) such as environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and strategic environmental assessments (SEAs), there are few scientific papers that have addressed this topic in depth based on a large empirical study. These studies, as well as the last evaluation of the application of the SEA Directive by the EC, have concluded that there is need for improvement regarding the consideration of alternatives. This paper presents a large quantitative appraisal of the consideration of alternatives in current EIA and SEA practice in Austria. Through a criteria-based evaluation of 100 environmental impact statements (EIAs) and 71 environmental reports (SEA), a quantitative and partly qualitative review was undertaken. The criteria embrace the aspects of “types of alternatives”, “combination of alternatives”, “environmental relevance”, “presentation/structure”, as well as the “consideration of the zero-alternative”. The deficiencies that were identified empirically point out the need for improvement. In particular, a strong need for improvement was identified for both instruments regarding the low environmental relevance of the alternative assessment that was presented, as well as the lack of linking the zero variant to the future development of the environmental issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Jiricka-Pürrer & Martin Bösch & Ulrike Pröbstl-Haider, 2018. "Desired but Neglected: Investigating the Consideration of Alternatives in Austrian EIA and SEA Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-21, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:10:p:3680-:d:175583
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robin Gregory & Ralph L. Keeney, 1994. "Creating Policy Alternatives Using Stakeholder Values," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 40(8), pages 1035-1048, August.
    2. Jos Arts & Hens A. C. Runhaar & Thomas B. Fischer & Urmila Jha-Thakur & Frank Van Laerhoven & Peter P. J. Driessen & Vincent Onyango, 2012. "The Effectiveness Of Eia As An Instrument For Environmental Governance: Reflecting On 25 Years Of Eia Practice In The Netherlands And The Uk," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(04), pages 1-40.
    3. John Phylip-Jones & Thomas B. Fischer, 2013. "Eia For Wind Farms In The United Kingdom And Germany," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 15(02), pages 1-30.
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