Projects should get HIA decisions "within 45 days"

An HIA, separate from an environmental-impact assessment (EIA), is required under Article 67(2) of the Constitution for those categories of projects that could cause adverse impacts on the environment, natural resources and community health.

The HIA will be an annex to a project's EIA.

"There is no fixed time frame. But those that have won EIA approval from the Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning Office have to resubmit the EIA, bundled with the HIA," said Detcharat Sukkhamnerd, an expert with the NHC.

"Then, it depends on the period to complete the HIA. Within 45 days, the office will have the final say and report the decisions to the government agencies responsible for those projects," he said.

Under the revised guidelines endorsed by the government on November 8, an HIA is required for all projects and public policies that would cause adverse impacts on the environment, natural resources, health and community.

Subject to the requirement are city development plans and regional strategic development plans, telecommunications networks, power plants and related infrastructure, and mining strategies.

Other projects are:

lAny plan or policy for genetically modified organism incubation and plantation

lAny plan or policy for large-scale agriculture

lAny plan or policy related to hazardous substances, including hazardous waste and radiation

lFree-trade agreements and international agreements under Article 190 of the Constitution

lAny plan involving natural conservation areas such as watershed areas, watershed areas class 1, and national and international wetlands

Prior to starting the HIA, the project's owners or respective regulatory units must organise meetings or interviews where all stakeholders are welcomed to voice their concerns and demonstrate how the HIA should be completed.

After the HIA is completed, the project owners or regulatory units should hold a public hearing to review and analyse the report.

The report must contain factors that could cause health impacts such as the changing condition or utilisation of natural resources, production process, transportation, hazardous substance storage, and waste management.