In this paper, the possibilities for a simplified procedure of environmental impact assessment (EIA) are discussed. The goal is to realize the main objectives of impact assessment in cases where the resources do not allow implementing an assessment system of the kind developed in the USA and the EC countries. The discussion is founded upon the local road project assessment procedure that is being developed in Finland. The attitude and competence of the designer, as well as the extent of freedom of action the designer is given by management, are crucial for ensuring that the planning and design procedure realizing a project does fulfil environmental requirements. On the basis of the personal responsibility of the designer one can envision a road project design procedure with few formally binding steps, that will answer to the requirements of the environmental impact assessment. (A) The German title of this article is: Das Minimum : wie Weit Kann die Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung vereinfacht werden?
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