Prior to commencing with a specialist assessment, the current use of the land and the potential environmental sensitivity of the site under consideration as identified by the screening tool must be confirmed by undertaking a site sensitivity verification.
2.1 | The site sensitivity verification must be undertaken by an environmental assessment practitioner or a specialist. |
2.2. | The site sensitivity verification must be undertaken through the use of: |
(a) | a desk top analysis, using satellite imagery; |
(b) | a preliminary on-site inspection; and |
(c) | any other available and relevant information. |
2.3. | The outcome of the site sensitivity verification must be recorded in the form of a report that: |
(a) | confirms or disputes the current use of the land and environmental sensitivity as identified by the screening tool; |
(b) | contains a motivation and evidence (e.g. photographs) of either the verified or different use of the land and environmental sensitivity; and |
(c) | is submitted together with the relevant assessment report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. |