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Public & private development projects
compl~mentaires dans un protocole additionnel ou dans un autre instrument juridique international, faisant r6f~rence aux trois aspects suivants: a) Dans le paragraphe pr@6dent, un bref expos6 a 6t~ fait de la structure de la convention et des diff6rentes obligations h charge des Parties contractantes. Ce r~sum~ permet facilement de constater les imperfections du trait6, le manque de precision dans sa terminologie, l'~tablissement de cat6gories diff6rentes sans d~terminer les limites entre cUes, l'existence de certaines exceptions injustifi6es, etc. Tout cela fut examin~ par le groupe d'experts qui, au lieu de recommander la r~vision int6grale de la convention, jugea plus opportun de sugg6rer l'adoption d'une r~gle disposant que les Etats accompliront les obligations du trait6 en tenant compte des crit6res fondamentaux suivants: stabifit~ et diversit6 6cologiques, productivit6 biologique, production continue fi long terme de ressources naturelles renouvelables, protection du sol, des bassins hydrographiques et des unit~s 6cologiques marines, d@eloppement rural int6gral, recherche et surveillance continue. L'adoption de cette norme implique, dans une certaine mesure, un renouvel-
Moon Treaty The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space at its last session estabfished an informal Working Group, under the chairmanship of Gyula K. Szelei (Hungary) to consider whether the elaboration of a draft treaty relating to the moon* could be concluded or whether progress could be achieved during that session. The Committee noted that *For the text of the draft treaty see Selected Documents, at p. 46.
Public & Private Development Projects It appears that the preliminary draft directive concerning the assessment of the effect on the environment of public and private development projects (Environmental Policy & Law, 5 (1) (1979)
Environmental Policy and Law, 6 (1980)
lement de tout le libell~ de la convention car toutes les obligations y ~tablies devront dor~navant ~tre interpr6t6es et accompfies/t la lumi~re des crit6res mentionn~s. b) Les experts ont estim6 6galement n6cessaire d'ajouter un m~canisme institutionnel ~ la convention. Celui-ci devrait se composer, d'apr~s la r~union de Washington, d'un Bureau permanent et d'un Comit~ technique des Etats membres. Le Comit6 technique ou scientifique serait constitu~ par un repr~sentant de chaque Etat qui sera n6cessairement l'autorit6 nationale charg~e de la mise en vigueur de la convention. Le Comit6 technique devrait se r~unir tousles deux ans et il aurait les fonctions suivantes: i) suivre la mise en vigueur de la convention, ii) formuler des recommandations aux Etats membres et au Bureau permanent pour faciliter l'application de la convention, et iii) promouvoir la collaboration et l'appui mutuel entre les Parties. Pour sa part, le Bureau permanent devrait recevoir, classer et distribuer l'information technique et juridique communiqu6e par les Parties, en particuller la 16gislation interne, les trait6s
Working Group I of the Legal SubCommittee had based its discussions on the text of a tentative draft agreement elaborated through informal consultations by the delegation of Austria. Several proposals were made to amend the Austrian text, and following discussion of all outstanding points, the Committee decided to submit to the General Assembly at its thirty-fourth session for consideration, final adoption and opening for signature, the draft agreement governing the activities of states on the moon and other celestial bodies. []
p. 44 - 46) has been substantially modified. Among the more important changes which are reported to have occurred are: The terms "impact assessment" and "impact statement" have been completely eliminated from the draft. The obligations of the developer are now defined in two articles one of which establishes a general obligation of the developer to submit "the file con-
internationaux en la mati~re et les listes des esp~ces prot6g6es. Le Bureau devrait aussi tenir le registre des institutions responsables dans chaque Etat d'octroyer les certificats autorisant l'importation ou l'exportation des sp6cimens de la flore ou la faune. Le Bureau devrait agir comme secr6tariat administratif du Comit6 technique, donner suite fi ses recommandations et pr6senter fi celui-ci un rapport annuel de ses activit6s. c) Les experts ont sugg6r4 aussi l'4tablissement d'un proc6d6 ad4quat pour r6gler le commerce international de la flore et la faune assurant que chaque Etat ne permette que l'importation ou la r6exportation des sp6cimens captur6s ou export6s en conformit6 aux lois du pays d'origine. Le groupe d'experts recommanda enfin de convoquer une Conf6rence sp6cialis6e conform6ment aux articles 128 et 129 de la Charte de I'O.E.A. pour adopter un instrument juridique additionel fi la convention de 1940 contenant les suggestions ci-dessus. I1 est possible qu'avant de convoquer cette Conf6rence sp6cialis4e, le Secr6tariat de I'O.E.A. charge un groupe d'experts de l'61aboration d'un projet de programme de la Conf6rence. [] taining the appropriate information of the effects on the environment of the proposed development project, completed as requested by the competent authorities", whereas the other defines the information which shall be supplied, "when appropriate in cooperation with the competent authorities". The competent authority coordinates administrative consideration and is required to publish the application and the other information received and to "organize the appropriate consultation of the public concerned". The competent authority assesses the likely effects on the environment and prepares a document containing the assessment of important effects on the environment, a synthesis of the main comments and opinions received and the reasons for the choice of the proposed development among other alternatives or for its refusal. In effect this constitutes a more supple and potentially more effective form of "impact statement". Where important transfrontier effects are anticipated in a project, the new version apparently only provides for a procedure between Member States; it remains 33
' ambiguous whether this will mean that public participation can be assured in all states involved as was provided under the previous version of the draft directive. []
EEC Council Directive on Major Accident Hazards In its meetings held in Toulouse, November 23 - 24 1979, and Bonn, January 11 - 12 1980, the European Council of Environmental Law discussed the Proposal for a Council Directive on the Major Accidents Hazards of Certain Industrial Activities of July 16, 1979 (COM(79) 384 final, O.J. No. C 212 of August 24, 1979). It adopted a resolution (rapporteur: Prof. Rehbinder, FRG) which in general supports the Commission proposal but lays the emphasis on highly dangerous substances and limits harmonisation in respect of other less dangerous substances to minimum requirements (see below). []
ciated transport and storage within the plant, which involves or possibly involves one or more dangerous substances. Likewise any storage of dangerous substances independent of an industrial activity should be covered if the conditions set forth under a) are likely to be met. Whether this is the case, shall be determined in a list.
2. Safety obligations (a) In the case of any industrial activity or storage involving dangerous substances as encompassed by the Directive of 1967, in its version of 1979, the manufacturer shall be obliged to take all safety measures ;co prevent major accidents and to limit the consequences for man and the environment which are necessary in relation to the kind and magnitude of risk. These measures must at least correspond to the current state of safety technology. If necessary, the competent authorities may determine, by a regulation or an administrative decision, the kind and extent of measures to be taken.
the manufacturer shall inform persons outside the plant who are liable to be affected by a major accident of the kind and magnitude of potential accidents and of the contents of the emergency plan affecting the behaviour of these persons in the case of such an accident. Where the manufacturer is obliged to inform the neighbours, the national authority may require additional information or provide itself such information if it considers the information supplied by the manufacturer not to be sufficient. (c) In the event of a major accident involving a dangerous substance as encompassed by the Directive of 1967 in its version of 1979, the manufacturer shall be obliged to inform the competent authority w i t h o u t delay about the kind, magnitude and circumstances of the accident, its effects and the emergency measures taken.
4. Emergency plans The competent authority shall be obliged to draw up an emergency plan for use outside the plant with respect to whose activities notification has been given under Sec. 3(b) and to coordinate the emergency plan with emergency plans relating to other industrial or storage activities. The authority shall, among others, make use of the information and proposals supplied by the manufacturer; the notification provided under Sec. 3(b) shall include such information and proposals. The authority shall be obliged to exercise, to the extent practicable, the emergency plan from time to time.
5, Existing activities
EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF E N V I R O N M E N T A L LAW Resolution No. 9 adopted in Bonn on January 12, 1980 concerning the Proposal for A Council Directive on the Major Accidents Hazards of Certain Industrial Activities of July 16, 1979. The ECEL has adopted the following resolution:
1. Scope of application of the Directive (a) The Directive should focus on substances which, in the case of a major accident, present irreversible or other serious dangers for human life and health or the environment. These are in particular highly toxic, especially cancero genic, substances (so-called Seveso substances) as well as explosive or easily flammable substances. Substances which only present serious dangers of harm to the environment (e.g. the aquatic environment) should be considered for inclusion. All these highly dangerous substances shall be enumerated in a list. (b) With respect to other dangerous substances as encompassed by the Directive of 1967 in its version of 1979, it is sufficient to impose upon the producer general safety obligations which may be spelt out in further detail by national regulations or individual decisions. Imposing a general obligation to draw up a safety report is out of proportion to the dangers which are normally presented by such substances. (c) The term "substance" shall include substances as such and as components of mixtures and finished products. (d} The Directive shall cover any private or public industrial activity including all asso34
Courtesy: EnvironmentViews/AlbertaEnv. (b) If an industrial activity or storage involves highly dangerous substances as defined under Sec. l(a), the manufacturer shall be obliged to give notification to the competent authorities, submitting detailed and comprehensive information relating to the risk of major accidents presented by the activity and the safety measures to prevent such accidents and to minimise the consequences for man and the environment (safety analysis). The contents of the safety analysis shall be set forth in the Directive. These requirements shall be applicable both to new and old installations.
The provisions of Sec. 3(b) shall apply to existing activities with a time limit of 3 years after the Directive has become operational. However, if the competent authority considers it necessary for the protection of man or the environment, it may impose these provisions upon the manufacturer at an earlier date.
6. Preliminary national measures Where the competent authority finds that an activity, in spite of compliance with the provisions of the Directive, presents an immediate risk of major accident, it may take preliminary measures for preventing the accident or minimising its effects on man and the environment. These measures shall bevalid not longer than one year. Within this period of time, the Community shall decide on the adaptation of the Directive.
7. Major Accidents having Transfrontier Effects
3. Information obligations (a) In the case of any industrial activity or storage involving dangerous substances as encompassed by the Directive of 1967 in its version of 1979, the manufacturer shall be obliged to inform his employees on the risks of major accidents presented by the industrial activity or storage and take adequate measures to ensu re that the employees are appropriately trained and equipped to prevent major accidents and to minimise the consequences of such accidents; this may include the requirement to submit a safety report. (b) If an industrial activity or storage involves highly dangerous substances as defined under Sec. 1(a), either the competent authority or
The Directive shall contain provisions in respect of activities which, because of their location, are liable to cause adverse effects outside the national territory in the case of a major accident. These provisions shall concern: (a) the information of the authorities of the country or countries affected. (b) emergency plans, (c) consultations with the relevant foreign authorities, and (d) mutual assistance in the case of a major accident. These provisions shall ensure equal protection of the population on both sides of the border between Member States. []
Environmental Policy and Law, 6 (1980)
Moon Treaty The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space at its last session estabfished an informal Working Group, under the chairmanship of Gyula K. Szelei (Hungary) to consider whether the elaboration of a draft treaty relating to the moon* could be concluded or whether progress could be achieved during that session. The Committee noted that *For the text of the draft treaty see Selected Documents, at p. 46.
Public & Private Development Projects It appears that the preliminary draft directive concerning the assessment of the effect on the environment of public and private development projects (Environmental Policy & Law, 5 (1) (1979)
Environmental Policy and Law, 6 (1980)
lement de tout le libell~ de la convention car toutes les obligations y ~tablies devront dor~navant ~tre interpr6t6es et accompfies/t la lumi~re des crit6res mentionn~s. b) Les experts ont estim6 6galement n6cessaire d'ajouter un m~canisme institutionnel ~ la convention. Celui-ci devrait se composer, d'apr~s la r~union de Washington, d'un Bureau permanent et d'un Comit~ technique des Etats membres. Le Comit6 technique ou scientifique serait constitu~ par un repr~sentant de chaque Etat qui sera n6cessairement l'autorit6 nationale charg~e de la mise en vigueur de la convention. Le Comit6 technique devrait se r~unir tousles deux ans et il aurait les fonctions suivantes: i) suivre la mise en vigueur de la convention, ii) formuler des recommandations aux Etats membres et au Bureau permanent pour faciliter l'application de la convention, et iii) promouvoir la collaboration et l'appui mutuel entre les Parties. Pour sa part, le Bureau permanent devrait recevoir, classer et distribuer l'information technique et juridique communiqu6e par les Parties, en particuller la 16gislation interne, les trait6s
Working Group I of the Legal SubCommittee had based its discussions on the text of a tentative draft agreement elaborated through informal consultations by the delegation of Austria. Several proposals were made to amend the Austrian text, and following discussion of all outstanding points, the Committee decided to submit to the General Assembly at its thirty-fourth session for consideration, final adoption and opening for signature, the draft agreement governing the activities of states on the moon and other celestial bodies. []
p. 44 - 46) has been substantially modified. Among the more important changes which are reported to have occurred are: The terms "impact assessment" and "impact statement" have been completely eliminated from the draft. The obligations of the developer are now defined in two articles one of which establishes a general obligation of the developer to submit "the file con-
internationaux en la mati~re et les listes des esp~ces prot6g6es. Le Bureau devrait aussi tenir le registre des institutions responsables dans chaque Etat d'octroyer les certificats autorisant l'importation ou l'exportation des sp6cimens de la flore ou la faune. Le Bureau devrait agir comme secr6tariat administratif du Comit6 technique, donner suite fi ses recommandations et pr6senter fi celui-ci un rapport annuel de ses activit6s. c) Les experts ont sugg6r4 aussi l'4tablissement d'un proc6d6 ad4quat pour r6gler le commerce international de la flore et la faune assurant que chaque Etat ne permette que l'importation ou la r6exportation des sp6cimens captur6s ou export6s en conformit6 aux lois du pays d'origine. Le groupe d'experts recommanda enfin de convoquer une Conf6rence sp6cialis6e conform6ment aux articles 128 et 129 de la Charte de I'O.E.A. pour adopter un instrument juridique additionel fi la convention de 1940 contenant les suggestions ci-dessus. I1 est possible qu'avant de convoquer cette Conf6rence sp6cialis4e, le Secr6tariat de I'O.E.A. charge un groupe d'experts de l'61aboration d'un projet de programme de la Conf6rence. [] taining the appropriate information of the effects on the environment of the proposed development project, completed as requested by the competent authorities", whereas the other defines the information which shall be supplied, "when appropriate in cooperation with the competent authorities". The competent authority coordinates administrative consideration and is required to publish the application and the other information received and to "organize the appropriate consultation of the public concerned". The competent authority assesses the likely effects on the environment and prepares a document containing the assessment of important effects on the environment, a synthesis of the main comments and opinions received and the reasons for the choice of the proposed development among other alternatives or for its refusal. In effect this constitutes a more supple and potentially more effective form of "impact statement". Where important transfrontier effects are anticipated in a project, the new version apparently only provides for a procedure between Member States; it remains 33
' ambiguous whether this will mean that public participation can be assured in all states involved as was provided under the previous version of the draft directive. []
EEC Council Directive on Major Accident Hazards In its meetings held in Toulouse, November 23 - 24 1979, and Bonn, January 11 - 12 1980, the European Council of Environmental Law discussed the Proposal for a Council Directive on the Major Accidents Hazards of Certain Industrial Activities of July 16, 1979 (COM(79) 384 final, O.J. No. C 212 of August 24, 1979). It adopted a resolution (rapporteur: Prof. Rehbinder, FRG) which in general supports the Commission proposal but lays the emphasis on highly dangerous substances and limits harmonisation in respect of other less dangerous substances to minimum requirements (see below). []
ciated transport and storage within the plant, which involves or possibly involves one or more dangerous substances. Likewise any storage of dangerous substances independent of an industrial activity should be covered if the conditions set forth under a) are likely to be met. Whether this is the case, shall be determined in a list.
2. Safety obligations (a) In the case of any industrial activity or storage involving dangerous substances as encompassed by the Directive of 1967, in its version of 1979, the manufacturer shall be obliged to take all safety measures ;co prevent major accidents and to limit the consequences for man and the environment which are necessary in relation to the kind and magnitude of risk. These measures must at least correspond to the current state of safety technology. If necessary, the competent authorities may determine, by a regulation or an administrative decision, the kind and extent of measures to be taken.
the manufacturer shall inform persons outside the plant who are liable to be affected by a major accident of the kind and magnitude of potential accidents and of the contents of the emergency plan affecting the behaviour of these persons in the case of such an accident. Where the manufacturer is obliged to inform the neighbours, the national authority may require additional information or provide itself such information if it considers the information supplied by the manufacturer not to be sufficient. (c) In the event of a major accident involving a dangerous substance as encompassed by the Directive of 1967 in its version of 1979, the manufacturer shall be obliged to inform the competent authority w i t h o u t delay about the kind, magnitude and circumstances of the accident, its effects and the emergency measures taken.
4. Emergency plans The competent authority shall be obliged to draw up an emergency plan for use outside the plant with respect to whose activities notification has been given under Sec. 3(b) and to coordinate the emergency plan with emergency plans relating to other industrial or storage activities. The authority shall, among others, make use of the information and proposals supplied by the manufacturer; the notification provided under Sec. 3(b) shall include such information and proposals. The authority shall be obliged to exercise, to the extent practicable, the emergency plan from time to time.
5, Existing activities
EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF E N V I R O N M E N T A L LAW Resolution No. 9 adopted in Bonn on January 12, 1980 concerning the Proposal for A Council Directive on the Major Accidents Hazards of Certain Industrial Activities of July 16, 1979. The ECEL has adopted the following resolution:
1. Scope of application of the Directive (a) The Directive should focus on substances which, in the case of a major accident, present irreversible or other serious dangers for human life and health or the environment. These are in particular highly toxic, especially cancero genic, substances (so-called Seveso substances) as well as explosive or easily flammable substances. Substances which only present serious dangers of harm to the environment (e.g. the aquatic environment) should be considered for inclusion. All these highly dangerous substances shall be enumerated in a list. (b) With respect to other dangerous substances as encompassed by the Directive of 1967 in its version of 1979, it is sufficient to impose upon the producer general safety obligations which may be spelt out in further detail by national regulations or individual decisions. Imposing a general obligation to draw up a safety report is out of proportion to the dangers which are normally presented by such substances. (c) The term "substance" shall include substances as such and as components of mixtures and finished products. (d} The Directive shall cover any private or public industrial activity including all asso34
Courtesy: EnvironmentViews/AlbertaEnv. (b) If an industrial activity or storage involves highly dangerous substances as defined under Sec. l(a), the manufacturer shall be obliged to give notification to the competent authorities, submitting detailed and comprehensive information relating to the risk of major accidents presented by the activity and the safety measures to prevent such accidents and to minimise the consequences for man and the environment (safety analysis). The contents of the safety analysis shall be set forth in the Directive. These requirements shall be applicable both to new and old installations.
The provisions of Sec. 3(b) shall apply to existing activities with a time limit of 3 years after the Directive has become operational. However, if the competent authority considers it necessary for the protection of man or the environment, it may impose these provisions upon the manufacturer at an earlier date.
6. Preliminary national measures Where the competent authority finds that an activity, in spite of compliance with the provisions of the Directive, presents an immediate risk of major accident, it may take preliminary measures for preventing the accident or minimising its effects on man and the environment. These measures shall bevalid not longer than one year. Within this period of time, the Community shall decide on the adaptation of the Directive.
7. Major Accidents having Transfrontier Effects
3. Information obligations (a) In the case of any industrial activity or storage involving dangerous substances as encompassed by the Directive of 1967 in its version of 1979, the manufacturer shall be obliged to inform his employees on the risks of major accidents presented by the industrial activity or storage and take adequate measures to ensu re that the employees are appropriately trained and equipped to prevent major accidents and to minimise the consequences of such accidents; this may include the requirement to submit a safety report. (b) If an industrial activity or storage involves highly dangerous substances as defined under Sec. 1(a), either the competent authority or
The Directive shall contain provisions in respect of activities which, because of their location, are liable to cause adverse effects outside the national territory in the case of a major accident. These provisions shall concern: (a) the information of the authorities of the country or countries affected. (b) emergency plans, (c) consultations with the relevant foreign authorities, and (d) mutual assistance in the case of a major accident. These provisions shall ensure equal protection of the population on both sides of the border between Member States. []
Environmental Policy and Law, 6 (1980)