It is well known that different methods of expert assessments are quite common in ecology. Thus, it becomes possible to solve many problems related to the organization of nature conservation. This ensures a combination of territorial and industry principles.
State environmental review is carried out in relation to all projects of economic or other activities that may adversely affect the state of the environment. Expert opinions are based on information containing an environmental impact assessment (EIA). This assessment is made by the project customer. It includes analysis, systematization and dissemination of information about the impact. In addition, descriptions of specific activities aimed at ensuring environmental protection are indicated. Environmental impact assessment is carried out in accordance with the ecological condition of the area in the place where the facility is planned to be located. The work is carried out taking into account the prospects of regional socio-economic development, types and capacities of impact on nature and the anthropogenic environment and the requirements of existing environmental legislation.
State environmental review solves several problems. First of all, its functions include determining the degree of danger of the proposed (planned) or already carried out economic activity, which may in the future (or the present) have a direct or indirect impact on public health and the state of the environment. Along with this, the state environmental review provides for verification of the compliance of activities with the existing environmental legislation. In addition, the validity and sufficiency of the environmental measures proposed under the project are established. The state environmental review is carried out by the federal specially authorized state body in the relevant field (or its territorial representation). The audit can be carried out either by the Goskomekologiya RF, or the Ministry of Nature Protection. The authorized body is the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The state environmental review is carried out in accordance with the principles of legality, comprehensiveness, scientific substantiation, publicity, as well as with the participation of the public. Persons who may be interested in its outcome should not participate in the assessment. The participation of legal entities is advisable to verify the legality and analysis of legal issues of the assessment.
Objects of state environmental review are not only industrial projects. The list of evaluated items is constantly expanding. Thus, various projects of state plans, programs, basic guidelines, concepts, patterns of distribution of production capacities and sectors of the economy can be classified as objects of expertise. Preplanned documentation on the development of economic and other activities, the implementation of which may adversely affect the state of nature, may be included in the category of elements being evaluated. In addition, instructive, methodological, regulatory and technical acts and documents that govern the implementation of economic activity can become these objects. The documentation on the creation and development of new technologies, equipment, substances, materials, including those purchased abroad, is also subject to evaluation and verification. Examination is applied to goods imported and exported from abroad. Along with assessing the impact on the nature of the activities of enterprises operating in a certain territory, it is advisable to check the state of the environment in the region as a whole.