IN ADVANCE: ENVIRONMENTAL (AND SOCIAL) IMPACT ASSESSMENT
We conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before every new deployment of our technology in oceans and rivers, and continuously re-assess for every new iteration of our technology. In rivers, we conduct a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), recognizing that social aspects form a crucial element of our operations on land. All impact assessments are based on recognized international standards.
As well as investigating the particular geography and wildlife in the area, the EIA considers any other potential adverse impact of our technology, such as whether materials or malfunctions may be dangerous or harmful to the environment and people. The EIA further sets out Environmental Management Plans that guide monitoring of our work and handling potential environmental emergencies.
Our decision to conduct EIAs for our ocean technology was initially a voluntary one, formalized in our 2018 Covenant with the Government of the Netherlands. By choosing to place our GPGP operation under government responsibility, we signed up to the highest levels of scrutiny and accountability – with the EIA and incidental catch reporting obligations as first steps. We are pleased to see that EIAs are increasingly required by law in other marine and riverine environments, and we hope to see this continue.
We collaborate with authorities, communities, and individuals to ensure that we understand their sensitivities or priorities, and make sure our operations work around them.
We also engage on a societal level, demonstrating the economic and social benefits of clean waters to those most affected by this pollution. Ongoing study and dialogue ensures that medium- and long-term effects are considered from all angles prior to deployment. This holistic approach gives us the best chance of tackling plastic pollution around the world while ensuring benefits at both global and local levels.
The pre-deployment EIAs and (ESIAs in rivers) identify areas where mitigation and monitoring of impacts are needed. Based on this, we develop environmental and social management plans specific to each technology deployment.
