Prior to commencing with a specialist assessment, the current use of the land and the environmental sensitivity of the site under consideration, identified by the screening tool, must be confirmed by undertaking a site sensitivity verification.
| 3.1 | The site sensitivity verification must be undertaken by an environmental assessment practitioner or a specialist. |
| 3.2. | 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. |
| 3.3. | 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 the environmental sensitivity as identified by the screening tool, such as new developments or infrastructure, the change in vegetation cover or status etc.; |
| (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. |
