Miljökonsekvensbeskrivningar

Miljökonsekvensbeskrivningar (MKB) are environmental impact assessments required under the Swedish Environmental Code for projects or plans that are likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment. The purpose is to describe, predict, and evaluate potential environmental and health impacts, identify alternatives, and propose measures to prevent, reduce, or mitigate adverse effects, as well as to outline monitoring plans.

Legal basis and scope: The Environmental Code and related regulations determine when an MKB is required, typically for major infrastructure, energy, industry, and urban development projects, as well as certain municipal plans. The competent authority (often the municipality or the County Administrative Board) decides the scope and content through scoping and consultation. The MKB is prepared by the project proponent and subjected to public and authority review, enabling comments before a licensing decision is made.

Content: The document describes the project, baseline conditions, and the affected environment (air, water, soil, biodiversity, noise, traffic, cultural heritage, landscape). It analyzes significant environmental effects, including direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts, and considers potential transboundary effects. It compares alternatives, including the no-action alternative, and presents mitigation and design measures, residual impacts, and a monitoring program.

Process: The typical workflow includes scoping, preparation of the MKB, consultations, quality review by authorities, and incorporation of findings into the permit decision. Public participation is a core element, and the MKB’s conclusions inform permit terms and conditions.

Relation to governance: MKBs are a central tool in Swedish environmental governance, linking planning, impact assessment, and licensing across sectors.