Memo Report

To:
Amanda Haruch
From: Kaitlin Huelse
Date: 12/10/15
Subject: Technical Definition and Description
The following is in response to your request for a technical definition and description of a word or phrase that is
parallel with my major. I chose to define and describe what the Environmental Impact Assessment is (EIA).
Throughout this memo I will go into depth about how the Environmental Impact Assessment is a tool to predict
and analyze consequences of a project on environment.
Audience
The intended audience for the definition and description of the Environmental Impact Assessment
are people interested in understanding the different repercussions of a project (on the environment,
human well-being and safety) and to be informed of the alternatives that can be chosen.
Purpose
The environmental impact assessment anticipates the effects a proposed development could
potentially have on the environment. In order to assure the safety of the environment decision makers
consider all possible consequences. Although this process is useful to engineering and consulting firms
this process is not popular knowledge to the public even though it effects our everyday lives. This may
cause controversy among the general public because they are unaware of everything that goes into
making such a heavy decision the definitions and descriptions I have included in this memo will
explain in detail the efforts that are put into making these decisions.
Placement
The placement of the definition and description of what an Environmental Impact Assessment would
be most easily accessible through a web page. Although the Environmental Impact Assessment of a
particular development or project in close proximity to a particular person would be most useful
through direct email to the people it could possibly effect in that area.

Technical definition: What is the Environmental Impact Assessment?

The goal of an Environmental Impact Assessment is to predict possible outcomes of a project on the
environment (positive or negative consequences) by doing this we are ensuing optimal use of our
natural resources sustainable development.
The purpose of the environmental assessment process is:

To support the goals of environmental protection and sustainable development.

To integrate environmental protection and economic decisions at the earliest stages of
planning an activity.
To predict environmental, social, economic, and cultural consequences of a proposed activity
and to assess plans to mitigate any adverse impacts resulting from the proposed activity, and
To provide for the involvement of the public, department of the Government and
Government agencies in the review of the proposed activities. Alberta Environmental Assessment
and Enhancement Act (38)

To put it simply the EIA has three main functions: To predict problems, find ways to avoid them, and
to enhance positive effects.
To predict problems
This processes includes obtaining and evaluating environmental information. Public involvement and
participation in the decision-making procedures relating to projects with potential environmental
damage has become a useful positive tool. Predicting changes in the environment due potential
project gives decision makers an opportunity to come up with alternatives before a project is
implemented. By anticipating consequences the EIA can help in making decisions in the development
processes.
Find ways to avoid them
Once information is gathered an Environmental Management plan gives clear recommendations and
procedures for a particular project. In order to avoid damage to the environment decision makers
propose alternatives by designing environmental monitoring requirements. By implementing an
environmental safeguard issues can be mitigated, reduced or managed.
Enhance positive effects
The EIA provides an opportunity to improve the environment during the development of a particular
project. By raising awareness of the depleting renewable resources the EIA has successfully
implemented a system in which the environment is the priority.
Why Continue with EIAs?
In order to contain environmental damage and pollution environmental impact assessments are
crucial. By enforcing environmental safeguards we can reduce the irreversible damage to our natural
resources.

December 10, 2015

Technical Description: How does the Environmental Impact Assessment work?

In order for the decision maker to approve or reject a project he must look over the impact
assessment, which consists of procedural steps.
The following flow chart demonstrates the basic elements of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Identifying and Defining the
Project or Activity:
The ultimate goal of this initial step is to
define the project with enough specify to
accurately determine the zone of possible
impacts and include activities involved with the
proposal that can environmental impacts.
Scoping:
This process involves assessment of the identified
impacts. This stage also gives the public an opportunity
to voice key environmental issues that could have a
negative impact. Screening often unveils issues that
are occurring within the vicinity of a project directly
affecting the public.
Report Preparation:
This step includes preparing terms of reference which
beset all impacts that have been established
throughout the scoping process. Preparing a draft is
crucial to this step this encompasses all
content requirements and ideally
incorporates design mitigation
measures. Although public
participation is not required in an EIA
report it is best to include public
opinion about a proposed project
EIA Review
The final EIA should include a final
impact assessment report that
addresses all viewpoints. A Judicial or
Administrative party will then review
the report. This leaves room for an
appeal if there are any flaws in the EIA process. If all requirements are met the project will then be
implemented.
Monitoring
This step is essential to project implementation. Monitoring is the auditing of impacts and
environmental management, it ensures that required mitigations are being implemented and validates
accuracy of models or projections that were used during impact assessment process.

Sources
"Defining Impact Assessment." Defining Impact Assessment. Web. 30 Sept. 2015
"Environmental Impact Assessment - What Is It?" Environmental Impact Assessment - What Is It? Web. 30
Sept. 2015.
Ron Bisset, Environmental Impact Assessment: Issues, Trends and Practice, prepared for the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), June 1996.
"Environment: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Review Process." Environment: Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) Review Process. Web. 30 Sept. 2015.
"Chapter 3: EIA Process." Chapter 3: EIA Process. Web. 30 Sept. 2015.
"EIA Process - Environmental Impact Assessment." EIA Process - Environmental Impact Assessment. Web.
30 Sept. 2015.
"1.7 Overview of the Stages of the EIA Process." 1.7 Overview of the Stages of the EIA Process. Web. 30
Sept. 2015.
Picture Found:
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/SEA/eng/file/No8English.htm