The role of transport in the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is analysed in this paper. A difference is made between a `Line EIA' and an `Area EIA'. In the `Line EIA', the intention to start an infrastructural activity is generally created by traffic problems. Some environmental effects are directly linked to traffic intensifies, which are forecasted by a traffic model. The traffic forecasts seem to be of a more relative than an absolute nature. With respect to figures, it is preferred to indicate the margins. It can be questioned, whether the impact of the traffic model and its forecasts on the final result of the EIA is too high. Also the level of detail of the environmental effects that have to be explored, is a subject of debate. In the `Area EIA', the same problems occur, but to a less extent. Here, transport specifically plays a role through the generated traffic flows and the environmental effects that are caused by the intended activity. However, the search area for solutions often appears to be already determined at the beginning of the `Area EIA', which highly affects the traffic production and the environmental effects. It is recommended to carry out the assessment at a higher scale and to include transport. This will also result in a larger range of mitigating measurements that come within reach of the initiator. (A)
Abstract