What are the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)?
People have always been able to obtain certain information on their environment.
The Environmental Information Regulations has now established a more formal access regime, which specifically allows people to request environmental information from public authorities and those bodies carrying out a public function.
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 came into force on 1 January 2005, which is the same date that the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) came fully into force. The Information Commissioner's Office oversee and enforce compliance with EIR.
What information is covered by the EIR?
The new regulations have broadened the definition of environmental information. Environmental information now covers:
- Information about the state of the elements (the elements are air and atmosphere, soil, water, land, landscape, and biological diversity and its components)
- Information about how those elements work together (or don't work together)
- Information about factors like substances, activities, products, actions and processes which affect or are likely to affect any of the elements, or their interaction
- Information about emissions, discharges or releases of any substance into the environment
- Information about measures or activities which will affect or protect any of the elements or their interaction
- Any analyses or calculations which are used in making decisions about the environment
- Information about human health and safety, living conditions, cultural sites or structures, in so far as they are affected by those elements
Making a request for information
- Requests for environmental information can be made verbally or in writing (hard copy or electronic).
- A request can be made to any employee of a public authority but it may be dealt with more efficiently if you are able to direct requests to the appropriate person or section.
- The timescale for responses is 20 working days (40 working days for complex and voluminous requests).
- Warrington Borough Council do currently make a charge for environmental information.
If you would like more information please contact us via Contact Warrington.
Telephone: (01925) 443322
Email: contact@warrington.gov.uk