A STUDY ON ESTABLISHMENT OF EIA SYSTEM IN THE TAIWAN REGION

The purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to systematically, objectively, scientificly and comprehensively collect data, analyze infromation, predict and assess the potential environmental effects of a development proposed by a private organization or a planning strategy developed by government, to make environmental management decisions. EIA process should be transparent, reasonable and allow relevant organizations, groups, local residents and other stakeholder to participate and to make comments. The developer and competent authority should ensure that the suggestions, comments, conclusions and consensus in the EIA process be implemented in the actual construction/application stage. The Environmental Impact Assessment Act for Taiwan Region was formulated and came into force in 1994. The scope of this study is to introduce the background of formation of EIA system in Taiwan Region and the concepts and features of the EIA regulations and legislations. The problems encontered in the implementation are discussed and measures to improve EIA procedures and targets and strategies of EIA applications are suggested. The experiences and suggestions may beneficial to those developing countries in developing their own EIA system.