3. EIA
Systematic process for identifying and
evaluating the potential effects of proposed
actions on the physical, biological, cultural
and socioeconomic components of the
environment.
EIA is a process for decision-making.
NOT a formula for preparing a document
4. EIA
It intended as an instrument of
preventive environmental
management. It provides a
framework and an information basis
for decision making on activities
affecting the environment
5. EIA
It applies to the assessment of the
environmental effects of those public and
private projects which are likely to
have significant effects on the environment.
Projectmeans:
The execution of construction works or of
other installations or schemes.
6. History
It was first introduced in the USA within
the framework of the National
Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) in 1969, which became law on
January 1, 1971.
7. Reason
Direct and indirect effects of
a project on the following
factors:
Human beings
Soil, water, air, climate and the
landscape
The inter-action between the factors
mentioned in the first and second indents
8. Purpose
To allow government officials,
business leaders, and all concerned
citizens to understand the
environmental consequences of
proposed actions
To cooperate in making wise
decisions that restore and maintain
the quality of our shared environment
for future generations
9. Purpose
To implement a strategy to prevent
adverse impact on the environment
after the implementation of plans and
construction projects
Promote coordinated development
of the economy, society, and
environment.
10. Purpose
“To LOOK before you
LEAP!”
EIA is now a required process in
more than 100 nations.
The International Association for
Impact Assessment (IAIA) is a
global network with 2,700
members from more than 80
countries.
11. Philosophy
Impact assessment is designed as a
preventive measure
It should give environmental
considerations equal weight
with technical and economic aspects
12. What changes can EIA bring ?
Before introduction of EIA:
Government planning and decision-making
“D-A-D” ---- “Decide, Announce, Defend”
Role of NGOs, citizens:
“Critics” “Objectors” “Protestors”
Environmental conditions:
Steadily deteriorating
13. What changes can EIA bring ?
After Implementing EIA:
Government planning and decision-making:
“D-D-D” ---- “Discuss, Decide, Deliver”
Role of NGOs, citizens:
“Stakeholders” “Contributors” “Participants”
Environmental conditions:
Deterioration slows; some areas improving
14. Key elements
EIA must be undertaken early in the development of
proposed projects, plans, and programs, and must be
completed before a decision to proceed is made.
EIA must be an objective, Impartial analytical process, not a
way of promoting or “selling” a proposal to decision makers.
It must use accepted scientific principles and methods.
15. Cont…..
3. EIA must analyze all reasonably foreseeable environmental
impacts or effects of a proposed action effects may be short-
term, long-term, direct, or indirect.
4. The process of EIA must be open to government officials at
all levels, to potential stakeholders (those with direct interests
in the proposed action), and to the Public.
18. General Steps in EIA Process
Formulate project
Identify potentially significant
environmental impacts
Evaluate impacts
Develop mitigation measures
Report / Revise
Decision
19. Procedure
Deciding whether an EIA is required (Screening)
Determining the scope of EIA (Scoping)
Preparing of the impact statement (EIS)
Consultations, public participation
Evaluating EIA results and consultations
Reaching a decision
Monitoring impacts after project implementation
20. Procedural steps
Description of the project
Description of the environment
Identification of environmental
impacts
Evaluation of environmental impacts
Management and control of impacts
Presentation of the study
Public participation
Judgment by authorities
21. Cont…..
Phase I: Description of
project
Objective: identification and
characterization of the proposed project
Sources: developer, planners
Software: GIS, spreadsheet,
graphics, statistics
22. Cont…..
Phase I: Description of project
Input: project phases, processes,
products and materials, risks
Output: site (alternatives), emissions,
resource consumption,
technical solutions
Problems: uncertainties, technical limitations
24. Cont…..
Phase 2: Description of
environment
Input: local/regional environments,
human concerns, standards
Output: current state, sensitive
elements
Problems: data and resource
limitations
25. Cont…..
Phase 3: Identification of effects
Objective: identification of likely interactions
between project and environment
Sources: specialists, stake holders
Software: expert systems, conceptual and
qualitative models
26. Cont……
Phase 3: Identification of
effects
Input: phases 1 and 2, checklists,
cross-impact analysis
Output: list of potentially important
effects
Problems: criteria, qualitative judgments,
completeness of coverage
27. Cont……
Phase 4: Evaluation of effects
Objective: estimate magnitudes and
characteristics of impacts
Sources: specialists, stake holders
Software: GIS, expert systems,
environmental simulation models
28. Cont……
Phase 4: Evaluation of effects
Input: phases 1,2 and 3, scientific
literature, expert knowledge
Output: description and classification or
ranking of impacts
Problems: criteria, model and data
uncertainty
29. Phase 5: Management and control
of environmental effects
Objective: mitigation, compensation, and
monitoring measures
Sources: specialist, developer, government
Software: GIS, visualization
30. Cont……
Phase 5: Management and
control of environmental
effects
Input: phases 1,2 and 4, standards,
methods and technologies
Output: procedures, measures
(monitoring, plan, mitigation measures)
Problems: criteria, resources, judgments
31. Cont…….
Phase 6: Presentation of the
study
Objective: report preparation
Sources: specialist (risk communication)
developer, government
Software: visualization, GIS,
text processing, multi-media
32. Cont…….
Phase 6: Presentation of
the study
Input: phases 1,2,3,4,5, formal
regulatory
Output: report (consensus)
Problems: communication, vested
interests
33. Cont…….
Phase 7: Public participation
(hearings)
Objective: negotiation with public, interest
groups, stake holders (actors)
Sources: all actors involved, media
Software: visualization, GIS,
text processing, multi-media
35. Cont……
Phase 8: Formal decision
making
Objective: decision making, communication,
implementation
Sources: government regulations,
specialists
Software: GIS
36. Cont…….
Phase 8: Formal decision
making
Input: phase 6,7
Output: formal decisions,
commitments
Problems: communication ,
legal challenges
37. Shortcomings of EIA
Environmental issues are dealt with in a
reactive and project focused, rather than
a pro-active way; the main focus is often
on mitigation; non direct effects are
often neglected.
Decisions above the project level at
which EIA is usually applied are made
without an awareness of their
consequences.
Long-term visions of sustainable
development and associated aims and
objectives are not consistently followed
through; short term political interests
and benefits prevail.