Overview
The Environmental Clearance (EC) process is designed to assess the environmental impact of development projects and ensure sustainable development. SEIAA Tamil Nadu handles Category B projects as per the EIA Notification 2006.
Project Categories
Category A
Appraised by: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
Large-scale projects with significant environmental impact
- Thermal power plants ≥ 500 MW
- Major ports and harbors
- National highways
- Major mining projects
Category B
Appraised by: SEIAA Tamil Nadu
Smaller projects with localized environmental impact
- Thermal power plants < 500 MW
- Mining projects (area based)
- Industrial projects
- Infrastructure projects
Application Process Steps
Project Identification & Categorization
Determine if your project requires Environmental Clearance by checking the Schedule of EIA Notification 2006. Identify the category (A or B) and sub-category (B1 or B2) of your project.
Screening (For Category B Projects)
Submit Form 1 with basic project details to SEIAA. The authority will determine if the project requires EIA study (B1) or can proceed with simplified clearance (B2).
Scoping (For B1 Projects)
SEAC will provide Terms of Reference (ToR) for conducting detailed EIA study. The ToR defines the scope and methodology for environmental impact assessment.
EIA Study & Report Preparation
Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessment study covering air, water, soil, noise, biodiversity, and socio-economic aspects. Prepare detailed EIA report as per prescribed format.
Public Consultation (For B1 Projects)
Conduct public hearing to gather views and concerns of local communities. This ensures transparency and stakeholder participation in decision-making process.
Application Submission
Submit complete application with EIA report, public hearing proceedings, and all supporting documents along with prescribed fee to SEIAA Tamil Nadu.
Technical Appraisal by SEAC
State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) reviews the application and may seek additional information or clarifications from the project proponent.
Decision by SEIAA
Based on SEAC recommendations, SEIAA will grant Environmental Clearance with specific conditions or reject the application with reasons.
Timeline
Screening Decision
Timeline: 60 days from receipt of Form 1
SEIAA determines project category and issues screening decision
Scoping Decision
Timeline: 60 days from receipt of Form 1A
SEAC provides Terms of Reference for EIA study
EIA Study
Timeline: 12-18 months (seasonal data collection)
Comprehensive environmental impact assessment study
Public Consultation
Timeline: 45 days
Advertisement, public hearing, and compilation of proceedings
Final Decision
Timeline: 105 days from receipt of complete application
Technical appraisal and final clearance decision
Required Documents
Document Checklist
- Duly filled application form (Form 1/1A)
- Project feasibility report
- Site clearance from local authority
- NOC from State Pollution Control Board
- Environmental Impact Assessment report
- Public hearing proceedings (if applicable)
- Corporate Environmental Responsibility statement
- Land documents and location map
- Financial details and bank guarantee
- Compliance report for existing projects
Fee Structure
Category B1 Projects
- < 50 Crores: ₹1,00,000
- 50-200 Crores: ₹2,00,000
- > 200 Crores: ₹5,00,000
Category B2 Projects
- < 50 Crores: ₹50,000
- 50-200 Crores: ₹1,00,000
- > 200 Crores: ₹2,50,000
Post-Clearance Obligations
- Comply with all environmental conditions
- Submit six-monthly compliance reports
- Conduct environmental audit annually
- Maintain environmental monitoring data
- Submit performance guarantee as specified
- Inform SEIAA about project completion