O Processo de Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica: O Caso da Rede Rodoviária na Região do Centro Interior de Portugal

Abstract

The need to support the decision making concerning the choice of the Centro Interior secondary road’s network, through a strategic and comprehensive approach, had been recognized by EP – Estradas de Portugal even before the transposition of Directive 2001/42/EC to the National Law. In fact, EP launched, late 2005, the public tender for the “Study for Strategic Assessment of the National Road Network in the Region of Centro Interior (IC6, IC7and IC37)”. This sustainability study gained new contours with the establishment of the legal framework for the Strategic Environment Assessment, following the publication of Decree-Law No. 232/2007, on June, the 15th which should therefore be subject to the scenarios considered relevant to the (re) definition of the complementary roads network. The “Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Region of Centro Interior National Road Plan” aimed to achieve the best proposal for the development of the complementary roads’ network (IC6, IC7 and IC37) in Serra da Estrela region, having in mind the broader framework of regional accessibilities, and taking into consideration the social, environmental and economic components. Formally framed by Decree No 232/2007, this turned to be a strong opportunity to support a well-informed decision making on the possible amendment of the National Road Plan (NRP 2000).