This page contains information about making requests for environmental
information, including the Environmental Information Regulations and how
they differ from the Freedom of Information Act.
The Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) implement a European Directive arising from an international Treaty signed at Aarhus in Denmark. They provide a separate right of access to environmental information, in addition to the other rights you have under the FOI Act.
Under the EIRs, everyone has the right to access information about the environment - this includes information about the air and atmosphere, water, soil, land, landscape, substances, energy, noise, radiation or waste, emissions, discharges etc., as well as information about policies which affect these things.
You can request this information in writing, in person or over the telephone. You don't have to mention the EIRs, but there is no reason not to if you want to.
Unlike the FOI Act, EIR requests cannot be refused just because of what it would cost the public authority to comply.
The exceptions to the duty to disclose information also differ slightly from those under the FOI Act.
However, both the EIRs and the FOI Act are enforced by the independent Information Commissioner. If you feel that you request for Environmental Information has been wrongly handled, you should first ask the public authority to review their decision. If you are still unhappy, then you may ask the Information Commissioner to investigate.
More information about the Environmental Information Regulations (Defra website)