EIA screening
EIA screening (screening for environmental impact assessment) is a procedure that determines whether a planned new economic activity, an expansion of an existing facility or a change in activity requires a full environmental impact assessment (EIA). We prepare EIA screening documents: we assess the planned activity, its location, potential pollution sources and environmental impact. We submit the documents to the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency, respond to comments and make any necessary clarifications.
How does EIA screening differ from a full EIA?
Since 1 November 2017, EIA screening and the EIA itself have been two separate, independent procedures governed by the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Environmental Impact Assessment of Proposed Economic Activities (the EIA Law):
- EIA screening is mandatory for activities listed in Annex 2 of the EIA Law. Screening determines whether the specific planned activity requires a full environmental impact assessment, or whether permitting procedures can start without an EIA.
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is mandatory for activities listed in Annex 1 of the EIA Law, as well as when the screening conclusion finds that an EIA is necessary, or when the activity may have a significant impact on Natura 2000 sites. If screening finds that a full EIA is required, an EIA programme and an EIA report – the main document of the full EIA procedure – are prepared in later stages.
Amendments to the EIA Law took effect on 1 January 2026: the Environmental Protection Agency now assesses submitted documents (including EIA screening documents) in parallel with other institutions (the Department of Cultural Heritage, the Fire and Rescue Department, the National Public Health Centre and municipalities). As a result, the whole procedure, including the decision, can be shortened by up to two months.
EIA screening stages
The EIA screening procedure includes several main stages – from the initial information about the planned activity to the screening conclusion:
- Collecting initial project data – assessment of the planned activity, its location and potential pollution sources.
- Preparing the EIA screening information – documentation describing the activity, location, pollution sources and potential environmental impact.
- Submitting the documents to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Public notification and collection of comments – responding to comments and making clarifications where needed.
- Screening conclusion – determining whether a full environmental impact assessment is mandatory for the planned activity.
Which activities require EIA screening?
EIA screening is carried out for types of planned economic activity specified by law, as well as in certain cases of change or expansion of existing activities. We prepare EIA screenings for a wide range of planned and expanding facilities, most often:
- waste handling, sorting, recycling and storage facilities;
- manufacturing and industrial companies;
- livestock and agricultural facilities;
- energy facilities;
- infrastructure projects;
- expansion or technological changes at existing companies.
Whether a specific activity requires EIA screening depends on the nature of the activity, its capacity, planned location and other project parameters – we recommend assessing this as early as possible in the project.
What we do when preparing an EIA screening
Depending on the planned activity, the EIA screening documents may need to justify the impact on several environmental aspects. We carry out the necessary studies and calculations in-house:
- Air pollution modelling – calculation and assessment of pollutant dispersion;
- Odour modelling – assessment of odour dispersion around the facility;
- Noise modelling – noise propagation assessment for industry, roads, railways and other sources;
- collection of the required input data and preparation of the EIA screening documentation.
This integrated approach produces consistent, unified documentation instead of coordinating separate contractors for different aspects of the assessment.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
EIA screening is a shorter procedure that determines whether a specific activity requires a full environmental impact assessment. If the screening conclusion finds that an EIA is necessary (or the activity falls directly under Annex 1 of the EIA Law), a separate, much broader EIA procedure follows, with an EIA programme and an EIA report.
The decision is made by the responsible authority – the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency – based on the lists of activity types in Annexes 1 and 2 of the EIA Law and the screening information submitted.
It depends on the complexity of the activity, the scope of studies required and the authorities' review periods. Since 1 January 2026, with institutions assessing documents in parallel, the procedure can be shortened by up to two months compared with the previous rules. Contact us and we will estimate the timeline for your case individually.
The price depends on the type and scale of the activity and the scope of studies required (air pollution, odour and noise modelling). Contact us for an individual quote.
No. Where EIA screening is mandatory, the relevant permits (e.g. a building permit or a pollution permit) cannot be issued until the screening conclusion has been adopted. We therefore recommend addressing this question as early as possible in project planning.
We currently specialise in preparing EIA screening documents. If the screening conclusion finds that a full environmental impact assessment is required, we discuss the next steps individually – contact us to talk about your specific case.
You can place an order:
- by phone: + 370 670 75 215
- by email: info@tyrimulaboratorija.lt