Public Consultation – Organization and Facilitation
When must a public consultation be carried out?
If the implementation of a project may affect residents’ property rights or living conditions, the public must be informed and consulted before a final decision is made on granting permission to start the project.
Public participation in environmental decision-making is determined by Article 8 of the Environmental Protection Law.
- In obtaining and amending Category A polluting activity permits.
- sometimes also for obtaining or amending a B category polluting activity permit (if required by the State Environmental Service or local government);
- Environmental Impact Assessment (IVN)
- Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment(SIVN);
- Industrial Accident Prevention Programme (RANP);
- Safety Report (DP).
Thus, when preparing the aforementioned documents, a specific period must be provided during which residents can receive information about the planned activities, as well as submit their objections and suggestions. Usually, the duration of public consultation is not shorter than 30 days.
Why entrust it to professionals?
The company must ensure the organization and recording of the meeting, as well as provide the public with sufficient information about the proposed activity. During the public consultation, participants must be given the opportunity to ask questions and express their opinions. It is also necessary to explain whether and how previously received suggestions or objections have been taken into account.
Local residents are well aware that it is entrepreneurs and new manufacturing facilities that create jobs and drive the local economy. At the same time, industrial activities are associated with potential environmental risks and changes in the landscape. Therefore, public consultation often brings up the “Not In My Backyard” phenomenon, which reflects a general public support for business and industrial development—so long as the facility is not located near their own homes. As a result, clear and professional communication with residents is crucial to build mutual trust, explain the project, and reduce local skepticism.
