UVPVerfahren

UVP-Verfahren, short for Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfungsverfahren, is a procedural framework used in German-speaking countries to assess the environmental effects of certain projects before authorization. It aims to identify significant adverse impacts on air, water, soil, biodiversity, landscape, noise, cultural heritage, climate, and human health; to evaluate alternatives; and to propose measures to avoid, reduce, or offset effects.

The procedure is triggered by lists of projects or thresholds defined in national and European law (the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive). Typical cases include energy facilities, transport infrastructure, large industrial plants, waste or water management projects, and major urban developments.

Process steps include scoping to define the assessment boundaries, preparation of the environmental impact study, consideration of alternatives and cumulative effects, public participation, and the drafting of mitigation and monitoring plans. The information is reviewed by the competent authority and, if required, by affected authorities.

Outcome: the competent authority issues a decision to approve, approve with conditions, or reject the project, often with mandatory mitigation measures and monitoring requirements.

Legislation: UVP-Verfahren is part of the broader EIA framework implemented through national laws such as UVPG in Germany and UVP-G in Austria, and is aligned with the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.