What information can be termed as environmental information?
Environmental information includes information about the following. The state of environmental elements such as air, water, soil, land and landscapes, natural sites, coastal and marine areas, and biological diversity and its components (including genetically modified organisms).
What is the difference between EIR and FOI?
An FOI request must be made in writing (email is fine). An EIR request can be made either in writing or verbally. You do not need to quote the Freedom of Information Act or Environmental Information Regulations in your request.
What should we do when we receive a request for information?
The Regulations say that when you receive a request, you should:
- always respond in writing, regardless of whether the request was made verbally or in writing;
- tell the requester whether you hold any information; and.
- make that information available, unless an exception applies.
How do I request an EIR?
Where to send your request
- You can make an FOI or EIR request by email to [email protected].
- You can submit your request by post.
- You can also submit an EIR request verbally.
Why is environmental information important?
Access to relevant environmental information can help to improve the ecology of industry. Imagine geographic databases that allow cross correlation of municipal and industrial discharges in various media (air, water, land).
Is environmental information covered by FOI S A?
Are we covered by the Environmental Information Regulations? The Regulations cover public authorities as defined by the Freedom of Information Act, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The public authorities listed in Schedule 1 of the Act are subject to the Regulations.
What is environmental information under EIR?
Environmental Information Regulations EIR is part of a wide group of policies to modernise government and aims to promote a culture of openness and accountability within public authorities. It does this by giving anyone, anywhere, the right to request recorded data held by public authorities.
What information can be requested under Freedom of Information Act?
You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.
Who can make an FOI and/or EIR request?
The Regulations do this in two ways: public authorities must make environmental information available proactively; members of the public are entitled to request environmental information from public authorities.
Where would you find information about the environment?
“NOAA Climate.gov is a source of timely and authoritative scientific data and information about climate.” “Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an online platform that provides data and tools for monitoring forests.
Which law are requests for information about pollution subject to?
The EIR grant a right for any person to request access to environmental information held by public authorities and for public authorities to take steps to proactively make environmental information available to the public.
What is the purpose of EIR?
An EIR is an informational document used to inform public agency decision makers and the general public of the significant environmental effects of a project, identify possible ways to mitigate or avoid the significant effects, and describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project that could feasibly attain …
Is a SAR free?
A SAR should be free of charge, although organisations can charge a reasonable administrative fee if you require additional copies or they believe that the SAR is ‘manifestly unfounded or excessive”.
What happens if a company does not respond to a subject access request?
If an organisation ignores a subject access request or does not provide all the personal data held, the individual can complain to the ICO. The ICO can then issue an enforcement notice requiring the organisation to take certain action in the event of a breach of the law. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
How do you address environmental issues?
Here are 5 simple ways you can help the environment and spark others to become more environmentally aware.
- Replace disposable items with reusable.
- Pass on paper.
- Conserve water & electricity.
- Support local & environmentally friendly.
- Recycle (& then recycle properly)
How do I request environmental information?
Anyone has a right to request environmental information from a public authority. An individual does not have to mention the Environmental Information Regulations when making a request and the request does not have to be directed to a specific member of staff. Under the Regulations, requests can be made verbally or in writing.
What are the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)?
What are the EIR? In brief… Anyone has a right to request environmental information from a public authority. An individual does not have to mention the Environmental Information Regulations when making a request and the request does not have to be directed to a specific member of staff.
How is environmental information made available to members of the public?
The Regulations do this in two ways: public authorities must make environmental information available proactively; members of the public are entitled to request environmental information from public authorities. The Regulations cover any recorded information held by public authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What should I do if I receive a request for information?
Under the Regulations, requests can be made verbally or in writing. When you receive a request for information, you should consider whether the requested information is environmental and should be dealt with under the Regulations.