4.0 EIA GUIDE - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
4.1 Initial Notification of Proposed Action
The initial notification of a proposed action to the Minister is known as a Notice of Intent (NOI). Information requirements for an NOI are detailed at Appendix 1. The NOI provides essential details on the proposed action to assist in determining whether a PER or an EIS is required.
The Environment, Heritage and the Arts Division may receive notification through the application processes of other government approvals, for example, applications for development consent, or land clearing may be circulated directly to the Environment, Heritage and the Arts Division by those approving agencies. These applications are assessed as NOIs.
Once an NOI is received by the Minister, a decision is required in the first instance whether the proposal could have a significant effect on the environment. The NOI is examined in relation to:
- potentially significant environmental impacts, particularly magnitude, duration, frequency and extent of impacts;
- the significance of the surrounding biophysical environment;
- the processes inherent in the proposed action such as inputs and outputs, and subsequent on-site or off-site effects on the environment; and
- issues such as, statutory planning, heritage, public health, water resources, water quality and resource management.
If a proposal is considered to have a significant environmental impact, the Minister directs the proponent to prepare and submit a PER or an EIS and advises the responsible Minister.
If the proposal does not involve a significant effect on the environment, Environment Protection Agency provides comment on the NOI which is returned to the responsible authority for completion of the application.
Refer to the Environmental impact assessment flow chart for the environmental impact assessment process in the Northern Territory.
