riittävyspäätös

A riittävyspäätös, or "sufficiency decision" in English, is a legal determination made in Finland, primarily within the context of administrative law and environmental impact assessments. This type of decision is issued by authorities, such as the Ministry of the Environment or regional environmental centers, to assess whether a proposed project or activity complies with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act (Ympäristönsuojelulaki) and related legislation.

The purpose of a riittävyspäätös is to evaluate whether the planned project will have a significant impact on the environment and whether the necessary measures have been taken to mitigate potential harm. This decision is often sought before a project can proceed, particularly for larger or more complex developments. The assessment considers factors such as the project’s scale, location, potential environmental effects, and the adequacy of proposed mitigation strategies.

The process typically involves a public consultation phase, where stakeholders, including local communities and environmental organizations, may provide input on the proposed project. The decision itself is based on scientific and technical evaluations, as well as legal requirements. If the authorities determine that the project does not meet environmental standards, they may issue conditions or require modifications before granting approval.

A riittävyspäätös is distinct from a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) but may serve as a preliminary step in the approval process. It is particularly relevant for projects that may affect protected areas, water resources, or other sensitive environmental features. The decision is legally binding and provides clarity on whether the project can proceed under current environmental regulations.