Preparation and Structure of Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) under Mexican Regulations

• Basic understanding of environmental management or sustainability concepts
• Familiarity with regulatory or compliance processes
• Experience in project planning or technical documentation is an advantage

Audience

• Environmental professionals and consultants
• Project managers responsible for compliance documentation
• Public officials or technical staff involved in environmental assessment and regulation

Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) are essential instruments for assessing, mitigating, and communicating the environmental implications of projects. This course provides a practical understanding of how to prepare and structure EIRs in accordance with Mexican federal (SEMARNAT) and state (Aguascalientes) environmental legislation.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at intermediate-level professionals who wish to develop or refine their ability to produce compliant, high-quality Environmental Impact Reports aligned with current national and local environmental standards.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing Environmental Impact Reports in Mexico.
• Structure and develop EIRs that comply with SEMARNAT and Aguascalientes state requirements.
• Identify and assess environmental impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply best practices for impact mitigation, documentation, and presentation.
• Ensure reports effectively communicate findings to regulators and stakeholders.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Document review and analysis of case studies.
• Hands-on exercises for report structure and drafting.

Course Customization Options

• This course can be adapted to focus on specific sectors or state regulations as required by the organization.

1. Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Purpose and importance of EIA in sustainable development
• National and international context of environmental evaluation
• Key differences between EIA, EIR, and environmental audits

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework in Mexico

• Overview of SEMARNAT’s regulatory scope and procedures
• State-level environmental authority in Aguascalientes
• Applicable legislation: LGEEPA, REIA, and related regulations

3. Types and Scope of Environmental Impact Reports

• Preventive, specific, and regional Environmental Impact Reports
• Determining project categories and reporting requirements
• Key evaluation criteria and approval process

4. Structure and Content of an Environmental Impact Report

• Cover page, summary, and general project description
• Environmental baseline and data gathering methodologies
• Identification and description of potential environmental impacts

5. Methodology for Impact Identification and Evaluation

• Qualitative and quantitative assessment methods
• Significance criteria and evaluation matrices
• Mitigation, prevention, and compensation measures

6. Compliance with SEMARNAT and State Requirements

• Key administrative and technical requirements for submission
• Common errors and omissions to avoid in EIR preparation
• Coordination between federal and state environmental agencies

7. Presentation, Review, and Follow-up of Environmental Reports

• Preparing executive summaries and public consultation sections
• Process of evaluation, feedback, and revision by authorities
• Monitoring, verification, and compliance reporting post-approval

8. Practical Workshop: Building an Environmental Impact Report

• Analyzing a sample project and identifying required EIR components
• Developing a draft structure and impact identification matrix
• Discussion and group feedback on draft submissions

Summary and Next Steps

• Review of main EIR components and regulatory alignment
• Practical recommendations for improving report quality
• Guidance on continuous professional development in environmental assessment