The SEA: opportunity for a strategic solution

by Helen Byron and Małgorzata Górska

In 2003 the Bern Convention (Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, part of the Council of Europe) following an on-the-spot appraisal by an expert, and in view of the well recognized nature values of international importance of the Augustow Forest, the Biebrza Valley and the Knyszyn Forest, recommended that Poland complete a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in conformity with EU procedures in order to minimise as far as possible any deterioration of important areas and take the results of the SEA as a basis to decide about the routing of the international “Via Baltica” road corridor.

An SEA examining the most appropriate route has been underway under the order of the Polish Roads Agency since 2005. The SEA experts’ (international consultants Scott Wilson) finalized a ‘Strategy for Via Baltica expressway development’ and accompanying SEA report in November 2007 and this was accepted by the SEA Steering Committee (which includes NGO representatives) on 12 December 2007. This SEA report, which analysed four possible routes in detail, recommends a route for the Via Baltica corridor through Lomza rather than the Polish authorities’ preferred route on road 8 – the route that will affect at least 3 Natura 2000 sites (Augustow and Knyszyn Primeval Forests and the famous Biebrza Marshes). 

However, the SEA process has slowed down over the last few months and it has only recently been announced by the Road Agency that the next step will be taken soon. The Strategy and SEA are going to be subject to public consultation before a final decision is taken on the route. The NGOs are worried about the real will of the Polish authorities to finish the SEA process. Also that in advance of completion of the SEA process, decisions continue to be taken on a number of road projects on road 8/S-8 and connected road 19/S-19, which is likely to foreclose the proper consideration of alternative routes and frustrate the SEA process.   In fact, Poland is even seeking EU funding for some of these projects – according to the Polish Operational Programme “Infrastructure and Environment” (2007-13).

In relation to this, the September 2007 report of the Petition’s Committee stated ”that EU funding should only be allocated to Via Baltica in North-East Poland if the route is selected on the basis of a properly conducted SEA and is in strict conformity the spirit and the letter with European Directives, bearing in mind the precautionary principle”.

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[1] Bern recommendation on Via Baltica - http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/Conventions/Bern/Recommendations/Rec108_2003_en.pdf