Section 4: Consultation process

25

The report describes how authorities were consulted when scope and level of detail of information in assessment were identified.

26

The report describes how the draft strategic action and environmental report were made available to authorities and the public likely to be affected or having an interest in the strategic action and were allowed to express their opinions within an appropriate time frame.

27

The report refers to the confirmation that consultation results on strategic action and SEA are to be considered in decision-making.

Section 5: Presentation of information and results

28

The report includes a clearly distinguishable SEA section or there is a separate environmental report .

29

Information on any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) and uncertainties encountered in compiling the required information is provided.

30

Once a decision has been made, is accompanied by a statement summarizing how environmental/sustainability considerations have been integrated into the strategic action and how the environmental report and the results of the consultations have been taken into account and the reasons for choosing the strategic action as adopted in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with.

31

Strategic actions conflicts and how to reconcile the strategic actions in order to promote sustainability are reported.

Section 6: Recommendations on preferred options and monitoring

32

The report outlines the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment leading to these reasons was undertaken.

33

Information on the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the strategic action is provided.

34

The report describes the measures envisaged concerning monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the strategic action implementation in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects.

35

How monitoring is done, in order to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action is explained.

36

The report explains how existing monitoring arrangements may be used, if appropriate, in order to avoid duplication.

Section 7: SEA report

37

The report is clear and concise in its layout and presentation, is presented as an integrated whole, and uses maps and other illustrations where appropriate.

38

The language is simple, clear and technical jargon is avoided.

39

The methodology used in the SEA is described.

40

The report is written without bias in an impartial and open manner.