Public authority approval in Denmark
The Danish Parliament passed a planning law in March 2009, adopting the state treaty between the Ministers of Transport of the two nations. The planning law simultaneously forms the basis for the preparation and financing of the project, including the environmental impact study (EIS).
A construction act has to be passed by the Folketing before construction work can commence.
The preparation of an EIA report is an important part of public authority approval in Denmark.
EIA stands for Environmental Impact Assessment. This is performed to identify and assess the environmental impacts and consequences that can be expected in connection with construction projects.
In the EIA report, Femern A/S charts all relevant environmental conditions and assesses how any negative impact on the environment can be avoided or limited as far as possible. If there is a major impact on the environment, alternatives are investigated and the impacts are compared.
Citizens consulted
The general public is involved in the EIA process. This takes place at public consultations and by the material and the EIA study being made available to the public.
The EIA process for the coast-to-coast project is generally divided into the following three phases:
1) EIA scoping process/ideas phase
2) Supplementary ideas phase for production site and raw material extraction
3) EIA report
Phase 1: EIA scoping process/ideas phase
In 2010, Femern A/S prepared a proposal for the environmental investigation programme for the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link itself (including the ramp and approach areas on either side) – a so-called scoping report.
The purpose of the scoping report was partly to establish the framework for the studies of natural and environmental conditions to be carried out in connection with the planning of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, and partly to invite ideas and proposals for use in determining what to include in the EIA report.
The scoping report was subject to public consultation in Denmark from 21 June 2010 to 6 September 2010. The comments from Danish public authorities and NGOs can be read on this page.
Consultation memo
Femern A/S prepared a consultation memo in which the Danish comments are commented on.
At the same time, the proposal for the environmental investigation programme was subject to consultation with relevant German public authorities and organisations entitled to comment. The countries around the Baltic Sea and Norway were also consulted, cf. the Espoo Convention.
- "Proposal for the environmental investigation programme for the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link (coast-to-coast)" (Summary)
- "Proposal for the environmental investigation programme for the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link (coast-to-coast)" (Report)
- Danish responses to the consultation
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Consultation memo (only available in Danish and German)
- You can find further reports in the publications archive
Phase 2: Supplementary ideas phase for production site and raw material extraction
On the basis of the requirement to integrate the production site and raw material extraction in the overall EIA report for the coast-to-coast project, Femern A/S held a supplementary ideas phase.The supplementary idea phase took place from 3-31 October 2011. Femern A/S received a total of 11 responses over the period.
Femern A/S has prepared a consultation note in which the responses are commented upon. The consultation note and the responses are provided below.
Discussion paper (only available in Danish)
Consultation responses (only available in Danish)
Consultation note (only available in Danish)
Phase 3: EIA report
On the basis of the environmental studies carried out, Femern A/S will prepare an EIA report.
After the consultation, a consultation memo will be prepared.
The EIA report, the comments and the consultation memo from the EIA consultation will be available on this site.
