Impact study: establishing the initial state

The impact of an activity on a given environment is assessed by taking into account its effects in relation to the situation as it existed prior to its operation. For a planned installation, it is therefore essential that you know the state of the environment in its initial situation.

You'll need to study a wide range of themes (natural resources, natural agricultural, forestry, maritime or leisure areas, material assets, cultural heritage, etc.).

• What are the key factors behind all these themes?

• Are they all to be treated in identical detail?