Proposed Amendments to Certain Provisions of the "Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities" by the Ministry of Environment

The Ministry of Environment has announced proposed amendments to certain provisions of the "Standards for Determining Specific Items and Scope of Environmental Impact Assessments for Development Activities." These revisions incorporate suggestions from various agencies, updates to relevant laws, and considerations from practical implementation. Notably, to ensure effective management of solar photovoltaic systems, balancing renewable energy development with environmental protection, and promoting the development of small hydropower, geothermal energy, and emerging energy research, the standards for conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA) for renewable energy projects have been adjusted.

The key amendments are as follows:
1. In alignment with the amendments to the Mining Act on June 21, 2023, the EIA requirements for exploration and mining activities have been adjusted.

2. The exemption criteria for tree felling from EIA have been revised, replacing "artificial afforestation in flatlands" with "sustainably managed artificial forests as announced by the forestry authority."

3. A new exemption has been added for small hydropower projects that meet the criteria of a downstream flow of at least 2 cubic meters per second and the return of tailwater to the original water body, subject to approval by the competent authority.

4. Solar photovoltaic installations in environmentally sensitive areas, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves, specific agricultural zones, and public afforestation lands, as well as installations on slopes with a capacity of over 20 MW or an area exceeding 15 hectares, must undergo an EIA.

5. Geothermal power installations in certain environmentally sensitive areas with a capacity exceeding 10 MW or an area over 2 hectares, and those in general areas with a capacity over 50 MW, must undergo an EIA.

6. Indoor electrical substations located at least 50 meters away from the boundaries of primary and secondary schools or hospitals are exempt from EIA requirements.

7. Experimental projects approved by the competent authority are exempt from EIA requirements.

8. Small-scale columbarium facilities for storing ashes or remains, located at altitudes above 1,500 meters and approved by both the indigenous peoples' authority and the competent authority, are exempt from EIA requirements.

Reference:
For related information and file downloads, please visit the Ministry of the Environment's official website