An environmental impact statement (EIS) is a public document presenting the results of an environmental impact assessment (EIA). An EIS is an often lengthy and technical document that describes a proposed public or private development or undertaking and reports on its potential environmental effects and prescribed impact management and monitoring programs. Numerous countries have laws requiring the preparation of an EIS whenever an EIA is completed, including Canada and the United States. The EIS is the primary means of communicating the potential environmental impacts of a project to the public and decision makers such that an informed decision on the proposal can be made.