01Limited potential impact
Category 1
Smaller or lower-impact projects
Activities expected to have limited environmental effects. We support classification documentation and applicable environmental management plans or other required records.
SPECIALIST ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY
Environmental Project Classification — Categories 1, 2 & 3
Category 1 generally covers lower-impact activities, Category 2 moderate impacts and Category 3 higher impacts. Activity type, location and project scale also matter.
NCEC ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
Three environmental impact categories for projects
The categories express potential environmental impact. They can be explained as smaller, medium and larger-impact projects, but physical size alone never determines the category. NCEC makes the official determination based on the activity, location and environmental risks.
02Moderate potential impact
Category 2
Medium-impact projects
Activities with manageable moderate impacts. We support scoping of environmental impact assessments, mitigation plans and permit submission requirements.
03Significant potential impact
Category 3
Larger or higher-impact projects
Activities with potentially substantial effects, including beyond the site. We support more detailed assessment scopes, management measures and monitoring requirements.
Important: categories are based on potential environmental impact, not project size or value alone. Official activity classification and permits are determined by NCEC.
ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHT
Clear environmental requirements for each category.
We review the proposed activity, scale, site sensitivity and likely environmental impacts, then support the classification documents and relevant environmental plans or assessments for the category assigned by the competent authority. Services remain subject to company licensing, and permit approval is not guaranteed.
SCOPE OF WORK
Scope of Work
Review project activities, location, inputs and potential environmental effects.
Organize the supporting information for environmental classification submissions.
Map the requirements of the authority-assigned category, including EMP or EIA where applicable.
Support technical responses and permit documentation without guaranteeing approval.
REPORTS & DOCUMENTS
Reports & Documents Provided
The final reports and documents depend on the project and agreed scope of work.
Project profile and environmental classification form support.
Category-specific environmental compliance and submission checklist.
Environmental management plan or EIA scope, as applicable and within the company’s licensed capabilities.
APPLICATIONS
Where This Applies
New industrial activities and facility expansions.
Projects requiring environmental category confirmation before permit applications.
Activities requiring category-specific environmental plans or studies.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Specialist Questions
Is every small project a Category 1 activity?
Not necessarily. Project scale is only one factor. Activity type, location, environmental receptors and potential impacts determine the applicable requirements; the authority assigns the official category.
What distinguishes Categories 1, 2 and 3?
They represent limited, moderate and significant potential environmental impacts. The required plans, studies and permit submissions depend on the assigned category and activity.
MORE EXPERTISE
Related Specialties
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