AIA Screening Request: How the Process Works
How the environmental impact assessment (AIA) screening request works and why it is a decisive step for developers.
Environmental Impact Assessment (AIA) is governed by Decree-Law No. 151-B/2013 of 31 October, amended and republished by Decree-Law No. 152-B/2017, which transposes Directive 2014/52/EU. Portaria No. 395/2015 sets out the formal technical requirements of the procedure and the model for the environmental impact statement (DIA). The AIA screening request is used to determine whether a specific project requires a full AIA.
How the screening request works
The proponent submits the request to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) or the relevant CCDR, together with the project description, a preliminary environmental impact study, the alternatives considered, and maps and plans. The authority reviews the documentation and decides whether the project must undergo a full AIA or is exempted, and notifies the proponent of the decision.
- Transport infrastructure: roads, railways, airports
- Industrial facilities, including factories and power plants
- Mining projects and large-scale urban development
- Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar plants