Managing Environment to Transportation... Marine Environment Impact Assessment Act Proposed for Legislation

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 1st that it will prepare and announce a legislative proposal for the "Marine Environment Impact Assessment Act" to meet the increasing demand for marine use and development. South Korea introduced a marine area use impact assessment system with the enactment of the Marine Environment Management Act in 2007, but it did not include provisions regarding the development and use of various marine environments.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to newly enact the Marine Environment Impact Assessment Act by separating the marine area use impact assessment and consultation system from the Marine Environment Management Act. This will enable a thorough prior review of the impact and appropriateness of marine development and use activities on the marine environment, as well as continuous post-management.

First, integrated management of marine spaces will be strengthened and linked with various prior review systems. Through this, the appropriateness of marine use will be comprehensively evaluated, including marine environment conservation, marine spatial planning, and maritime traffic safety.

Additionally, a "deposit system" for marine environment impact assessment costs will be introduced. Under the current law, the project subject to the environmental impact assessment selects the assessor and bears the cost, raising ongoing concerns about the objectivity and fairness of the assessment. Therefore, the Ministry plans to introduce a deposit system where the assessor is selected by an institution designated by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries.

Post-management of marine use activities and development projects will also be strengthened. Conflicts with stakeholders often intensify during actual construction due to concerns about marine environmental damage after prior assessment. The Marine Environment Impact Assessment Act and subordinate laws will stipulate procedures for the marine environment impact assessment system and reinforce related content to ensure careful post-management.

The ministry also aims to activate the marine environment impact assessment industry to contribute to job creation and prepare grounds for environmental impact assessments in cases of international discussions on the high seas and deep-sea floor development.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.