There is no definitive definition of a positive assessment as determined under the local government system of environmental impact assessment (EIA). In this study, the term is used in the sense of a positive decision when a positive environmental impact is assessed. Two surveys of positive assessment are then conducted on the basis of this definition: a questionnaire for local governments that investigates how positive assessment is applied in actual operations; and a survey of how positive assessment is covered in the regulatory system as published in local government technical guidelines available on the Internet. On the basis of the surveys, usage of positive assessments under the current local government EIA system and related issues are then examined.
