Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a system of incorporating environmental considerations into certain plans and programmes at an early stage of the programme or plan development.

SEA aims to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of specified plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development. SEA is legally required for certain plans and programmes and for all plans and programmes that require an Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive.

The European SEA Directive(2001/42/EC) (PDF 127Kb) defines SEA as a process comprising:

• preparing an Environmental Report on the likely significant effects of the draft plan or programme;
• carrying out consultation on the draft plan or programme;
• taking into account the Environmental Report and the results of consultation in decision making;
• providing information when the plan or programme is adopted and showing how the results of the environmental assessment have been taken into account and
• monitoring the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the plan or programme.

'The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004' transposes the SEA Directive in Northern Ireland. It has designated the Department of Environment (DOE) as the Consultation Body for the SEA process in Northern Ireland and ‘Responsible Authorities’ should submit their plans and programmes for consultation to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, through the SEA Coordination Unit.

Other relevant documentation is also available including:

• Practical Guide to the SEA Process (.PDF 776Kb)
• Services and Standards for Responsible Authorities (.PDF 528Kb)
• SNIFFER Strategic Environmental Assessment Guidance on Air, Soil & Water
   

If you require further information on SEA you can get email the SEATeam@doeni.gov.uk or write to:

SEA Team
NIEA Strategy Unit
Klondyke Building
Cromac Avenue
Lower Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 2GA

Tel no: 028 9056 9370.