GROUP 1

METHODS OF INVESTIGATING IMPACTS: MATRICES

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ARC 811)

MARCH 2012

Table of Contents 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRICES OR MATRIX METHOD APPLICATIONS AND USES TYPES OF MATRICES 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 5.0 6.0 Simple Matrices Stepped Matrices Weighted Matrices Advanced Network Matrices Leopold Matrix (LM) Modified Graded Matrix (MGM) Impact Summary Matrix (ISM) Loran Methodology (Matrix) Peterson Matrix Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) 13 15 15 16 13 13 7 8 11 11 2 2 3 4 5 6 7

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

REFERENCES

1.0

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can broadly be defined as a study of the effects of a proposed project, plan or program on the environment. The legal, methodological and procedural foundations of EIA were established in 1970 by the enactment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the USA. (Ogola, P. 2007) Environmental Impact Assessment is a method of analysis that attempts to predict the likely repercussions of a proposed development on the social and physical environment of the surrounding area and (if negative impacts are predicted) to propose alternative methods of carrying out the project that might help to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts. One of the methods of identifying these negative impacts is by using matrices amongst others.

2.0

MATRICES OR MATRIX METHODS In 1971, Leopold, et al. promulgated a simple interaction matrix for usage across the range of actions conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (Leopold, et al, 1971). The Leopold matrix displayed project actions or activities along one axis (typically the xaxis), with appropriate environmental factors listed along the other axis (y-axis) of the matrix. When a given action or activity was expected to cause a change in an environmental factor, this was noted at the intersection point in the matrix and further described in terms of separate or combined magnitude and importance considerations. Many variations in the Leopold matrix have occurred over the four decades of EIA practice. Arguably, matrices have been the most widely used methodology in EIA practice. (Canter, L. W. 2008) Matrix methods identify interactions between various project actions and environmental parameters and components. They incorporate a list of project activities with a checklist of environmental components that might be affected by these activities. A matrix of potential interactions is produced by combining these two lists (placing one on the vertical axis and the other on the horizontal axis). They should preferably cover both the construction and the operation phases of the project, because sometimes, the former causes greater impacts than the latter. However, matrices also have their disadvantages: they do not explicitly represent spatial or temporal considerations, and they do not adequately address synergistic impacts. (Ogola, P. 2007)

Interaction matrices were one of the earliest types of methodologies developed for usage in impact studies. 3.0 APPLICATIONS AND USES The major use of matrices is to indicate cause and effect by listing activities along the horizontal axis and environmental parameters along the vertical axis. In this way the impacts of both individual components of projects as well as major alternatives can be compared. The simplest matrices use a single mark to show whether an impact is predicted or not. However it is easy to increase the information level by changing the size of the mark to indicate scale, or by using a variety of symbols to indicate different attributes of the impact. Matrices are a more complex form of checklist. They can be used quantitatively and can evaluate impacts to some degree. They can be extended to consider the cumulative impacts of multiple actions on a resource. Matrices are similar to checklists in that they use a tabular format for presenting information. The matrix is however, more complex and can best be described as a 2-dimensional checklist. Matrices can be used to evaluate to some degree the impacts of a projects activities on resources, and can also be extended to consider the cumulative and indirect impacts, as well as impact interactions on a resource. Matrices cannot be used in themselves to quantify the actual significance of impacts; this can only be done using other methods. It is however possible to weight matrices to reflect factors such as duration, frequency and extent. They can also be used to score or rank impacts. If weighting or scoring is used, the criteria must be clearly set out. This approach relies on expert opinion to provide ranks/weights for each project with respect to each environmental effect. By looking for patterns in the finished matrix, for example columns or rows with numerous impact strikes, it is possible to develop a clear picture of how impacts combine in a cumulative way on a particular environmental receptor. In doing so, probable impact interactions can also be identified. Matrices can be used during the Scoping stages of impact assessment. They are also useful tools to summarise and present impacts within the Environmental Statement. Developing a matrix will be dependent upon a number of activities. The steps that could be followed are: Consider and list the activities associated with project;

Identify and list the sensitive resources; Select an appropriate matrix depending on the nature of the assessment. A simple matrix may be appropriate for the Scoping stage or alternative site assessment. For a more detailed assessment the sensitivity of the receptors and the nature of the activities associated with the project will be important factors. A complex matrix is unlikely to be appropriate for a simple project. Conversely a project in a particularly sensitive area may benefit from the use of a more complex matrix;

Identify where impacts arising from activities may occur on the matrix; Identify cumulative impacts by identifying if a number of different activities (including those from other developments) impact on a single resource or receptors.

For more complex matrices, extend the matrix to give cause and effect relationships or impact chains.

The most efficient way to use the matrix is to check each action (top horizontal list) which is likely to be involved significantly in the proposed project. Generally, only about a dozen actions will be important. Each of the actions thus checked is evaluated in terms of magnitude of effect on environmental characteristics on the vertical axis, and a slash is placed diagonally from upper right to lower left across each block which represents significant interaction. Matrices can be applied to a range of projects and environmental conditions by selecting a matrix which is appropriate; for example, a simple matrix would be suitable for scoping or option assessment. A more complex matrix would be better suited to a larger scale project or a project in a particularly sensitive location. The choice of matrix must therefore be appropriate to the nature of project and the receiving environment. Matrices can be adapted and can be applied to consider both physical and socioeconomic impacts. (Walker & Johnston, 1999) 4.0 TYPES OF MATRICES There are several types of matrices used in Impact Identification in EIA. The simple matrix refers to a display of project actions or activities along one axis, with appropriate environmental factors listed along the other axis of the matrix. When a given action or activity is anticipated to cause a change in an environmental factor, this is noted at the intersection point in the matrix and can be further described in terms of magnitude and

important considerations. Many variations of the interaction matrix have been utilized in EIA. 4.1 Simple Matrices Simple matrices can be organised to cross reference the different phases of a project (e.g. construction, operation and decommissioning) against elements of the environment or sensitive receptors. Cumulative impacts may for example be considered in a separate column by including the effects of past, present and future actions on resources, alongside the range of effects caused by the action of immediate concern. The following is an example of a simple matrix using symbols. Numerical scores could be used equally well to show the approximate scale or magnitude of the impact. (Walker & Johnston, 1999) The figures below are illustrations of a simple matrix.

Source: SARI-ENERGY

Example of a Simple Matrix Source: HYDER

4.2 Stepped Matrices Stepped matrices are a more advanced type of matrix that considers how the various activities of a project relate to the environmental resource or parameter. It shows resources against functions of the environment. This approach therefore shows how one action can impact on a resource, which can then cause changes on another resource. (Walker & Johnston, 1999)

An Example of a Stepped Matrix Developed by Froelich and Sporbeck for a Road Scheme Source: HYDER
4.3 Weighted Matrices By introducing weighting into a matrix it allows the ranking of impacts. It also provides a tool for assessing complex effects. However, use of such complex approaches may make interpretation of the results difficult for others. Weighting an impact will be subjective and it is therefore important that the assessment explains assumptions made and the criteria used. Weighted matrices allow the
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magnitude of impacts to be used quantitatively. A weight is assigned to each environmental component, indicating its importance. The impact of the project on each component is then assessed and scored. Weighting or scoring can also be used to give an overall total score for the project or alternative options. Extreme caution should be practised if these weights are to be used additively during the comparison of project options or to determine combined impact values as the rankings do not work in a strict additive way. (Walker & Johnston, 1999) The following is an example of a weighted matrix developed to compare alternative sites.

Example of a Weighted Matrix Source: HYDER

4.4 Advanced Network Matrices This is a complex method which can be considered as both a stepped matrix and a network. It identifies the activities of the project and assesses the impact on the resource (the matrix part of the method). However this is then considered in greater depth (the network part of the method). It is therefore a tool which is flexible in its use. This tool provides a way of linking the matrix and the cause and effect impact chains. It integrates into one diagram a matrix and a network of consequent impacts. The initial impact can be followed through successive stages of cause and effect until it reaches what is considered the final impact. Although this tool provides a more comprehensive approach to impacts identification than many of the simpler methods, it is still not quantitative. It does not identify the magnitude of the impacts or their interrelationships, and neither does it assess the significance of the impacts. In addition, compilation of such a matrix can be time
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consuming. However, its main advantage is its ability to trace the indirect impacts of proposed developments. (Walker & Johnston, 1999) The figure below is an example of such a matrix.

An Advanced Stepped Matrix used for a Hypothetical Port Development. (Adapted from Sorenson 1971) Source: HYDER
Other types of matrices include: 4.5 Leopold Matrix (LM) This matrix is used to identify potential impacts associated with a project or alternatives. It assists performing a comprehensive review of the variety of interactions between project elements and environmental parameters to identify important environmental factors, data needs, and less damaging alternatives. (ELAW, 1998) It was developed by Leopold et al. (1971), and it has been used for the identification of impacts. It involves the use of a matrix with 100 specified actions and 88 environmental items. In constructing the matrix, each action and its potentiality for creating an impact on each environmental item must be considered. Where an impact is anticipated, the
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matrix is marked with a diagonal line in the interaction box. The second step in using the Leopold Matrix is to describe the interaction in terms of its magnitude (M) in the upper section and importance (I) in the lower section of each box. The magnitude of an interaction or impact is represented by numerical scale; it is described by the assignment of a numerical value from one to ten. The value, ten represents the largest magnitude and the value, one represents the lowest magnitude, whereas values near five represent impacts of intermediate magnitude. Assignment of a numerical value for the magnitude of an interaction is related to the extent of any change (for example, if noise levels in a village were expected to increase by 20 dB(A), this is a large increase at night and may score 8 or even 9). The scale of importance also ranges from one to ten. The higher the value, the higher the importance; the lower the value, the lower the importance. Assignment of a numerical value for importance is based on the subjective judgement of the multi-disciplinary team working on the EIA. Plus (+) or minus (-) can be used to show whether an impact is beneficial or adverse. (SARI-ENERGY ?)

Example of a Leopold Matrix Showing Magnitude and Significance on a Scale of 1-10 Source: SARI-ENERGY

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A Leopold Matrix Source: Prof. S. Chieng

A Section of the Leopold Matrix Source: Prof. S. Chieng

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4.6

Modified Graded Matrix (MGM) Lohani and Thanh (1980) used another grading system in which relative weights are assigned to each development activity. If the relative priority of development activity is determined, the total value of a particular activity is the sum of the vertical column represented by that in the matrix, multiplied by the priority value. Finally, the total value of all the interactions is the sum of all horizontal values in the matrix. This method is particularly helpful in identifying major activities and in defining areas where attention is mostly needed in the process of analysis. (SARI-ENERGY ?)

4.7

Impact Summary Matrix (ISM) An impact summary matrix can clearly identify the potential impact areas, predict the impact severity, specify the corresponding mitigation measures, and help in identification of agencies responsible for implementing mitigation measures. This kind of matrix is simple, covers all the aspects, and provides a complete overview of EIA in summary form. Additionally, it provides an easy guide for decision-makers. (SARIENERGY ?)

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A Sample of an Impact Assessment Matrix Source: Prof. S. Chieng

Part of an Environmental Impact Summary Matrix of Arun III Hydropower Project Source: SARI-ENERGY

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A Three-Dimensional Impact Matrix Source: Prof. S. Chieng

4.8 Loran Methodology (Matrix) This method uses a matrix of 234 project activities and 27 environmental features to critical environmental areas. Each element in the matrix is scaled and results input to an algorithm that aggregates impact scores. It is used to identify critical environmental areas. (ELAW, 1998) 4.9 Peterson Matrix Peterson Matrix is a modified version of the Leopold matrix. This matrix relies directly on the multiplication properties of matrices. An ordinal scale is used to evaluate individual impacts, and separate matrix layers are produced for physical and human impacts. The matrices are also multiplied to find the effect of the casual elements on human environment while the resulting product is weighed according to the significance of the human impact. (Akintunde & Olajide, 2011) 4.10 Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) The rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM), which was developed in Denmark, is a new tool for the execution of environmental impact assessments. RIAM is quite flexible,

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transparent and leaves a permanent record, which can be independently checked, validated or updated. The Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) was originally developed for carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Pastakia, 1998). RIAM has an advantage over the existing EIA methods. In particular, it minimizes the element of subjectivity and introduces some degree of transparency and objectivity. It also provides a transparent and permanent record of the analysis process while at the same time organizing the EIA procedure, which in tum considerably reduces the time taken in executing EIAs (Pastakia, 1998). The simple, structured form of RIAM allows reanalysis and in-depth analysis of selected components in a rapid and accurate manner. This flexibility makes the method a powerful tool for both executing and evaluating EIAs. The scales in RIAM allow both quantitative and qualitative data to be assessed. RIAM, which is used in several impact studies, was therefore the preferred method and subsequently selected because of its flexibility and the numerous advantages over the known EIA methods as outlined by Pastakia and Jensen (1998). In the RIAM process the impacts of project activities are evaluated against the environmental components, and for each component a score (using the defined criteria) is determined, which provides a measure of the impact expected from the component. The important assessment criteria fall into two groups: A. Criteria that are of importance to the condition, that individually can change the score obtained; and B. Criteria that are of value to the situation, but should not individually be capable of changing the score obtained. For group A, the overall quotation system consists in multiplying the marks attributed to each criterion. The principle of multiplication insures that the weight of each criterion intervenes directly. For group B, the overall quotation system consists in adding the marks attributed to each criterion. This insures that a mark taken in isolation cannot affect much the overall result. The process is thus expressed by the following set of equations (Jensen, 1998):

(al) X (a2) = aT (bl) + (b2) + (b3) = bT (aT) X (bT) = ES

(1) (2) (3)

(al) and (a2) are individual criteria scores that are of importance to the condition
(group A), and which can individually change the score obtained; (bl) to (b3) are the

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individual criteria scores that are of value to the situation (group B), but individually should not be capable of changing the score obtained;

aT is the result of multiplication of all (A) scores; bT is the result of summation of all (B) scores; and
ES is the assessment score for the condition. (Kankam-Yeboah et al, 2004) The rst step in the RIAM is to set up a number of dierent options for the assessment in question, and the RIAM program will individually process these. These options should be saved in the program. Then, the component screen records the results of the scoping of the assessment. All four types of components in the RIAM system are catered, and each component is individually coded. The component list displays all the elected components for each option. Under these components RIAM allows automatic recording of the criteria values given by the user for each component. The scales for each cell are displayed to allow rapid and easy checking of attributed values. After completing the RIAM analysis, the RIAM report shows the actual values attributed to each component, as well as a summary of the scores. Moreover, from the RIAM report it is possible to view the result of the analysis as a histogram for each option and corresponding components. The ranges were not expressed as 5, but as A to E (with N representing the zero range). The histograms provide comparative pictures of positive/ negative impacts between options, to identify important negative components. (El-Naqa, A. 2004) 5.0 ADVANTAGES A more detailed approach is given in matrices, where project activities are crosstabulated with environmental components. Also matrices can be made quite simple or be developed into a stage with a large amount of information. The strength of the matrix approach is the usefulness in designing further studies, the inexpensive nature (also true for checklists) and their comprehensiveness. Using a standard matrix format will help to ensure that potential impacts are not overlooked. Matrices provide a good visual summary of impacts. They can be adapted to report indirect and cumulative impacts as well as impact interactions in a comprehensive format.

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Matrices are a useful tool for presenting results, for example from subjective assessments, or from numerical modelling. This is because they are easy to interpret.

Matrices can be designed to include the potential for interactions and can combine the impacts from various actions or from a number of projects. They can also be used to compare alternative options.

6.0

Matrices can be adapted to identify and evaluate to some degree indirect & cumulative impacts and impact interactions. Matrices can be weighted/ impacts ranked to assist in evaluation. Matrices can however be complicated and cumbersome to use. Limitations may be an inability to handle indirect impacts and temporal aspects, a potential rigidity of categories, and a difficulty to get an overview when many variables are included.

DISADVANTAGES

In many cases numbers of magnitude and severity of impact are included on a very poor basis ("this feels larger than the other"). Thus many matrices used give much less and lower quality information than thought on first impression. (Anderson, K. 2000)

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REFERENCES Anderson, Karin (August 4, 2000). Environmental Impact Assessment. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.entek.chalmers.se/~anly/miljo/EIA.pdf Akintunde, M. A. & Olajide, A. (2011). Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigerian National

Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Awka Mega Station. Mechanical Engineering

Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. American Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.scihub.org/AJSIR/PDF/2011/4/AJSIR-2-4-511-520.pdf Canter, L. W. (November 2008). Conceptual Models, Matrices, Networks, and Adaptive

Management Emerging Methods for CEA. Presented at Assessing and Managing

Cumulative Environmental Effects, Special Topic Meeting, International Association for Impact Assessment, November 6-9, 2008, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.iaia.org/iaia08calgary/documents/Conceptual%20Models%20Paper%201 2-08.pdf Chieng, S. (?). Environmental Impact Assessment EIA. Civil Engineering UBC. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.ece.ubc.ca/~leos/pdf/a230/notes/t2/EIA.pdf Dougherty, T. C. & Hall, A. W. (1995). Environmental Impact Assessment of Irrigation and

Drainage Projects. 53FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper. Wallingford HR, UK: National
Resources Management and Environment Department. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.fao.org/docrep/V8350E/v8350e00.htm#Contents http://www.fao.org/docrep/V8350E/v8350e07.htm El-Naqa, Ali. (2004). Environmental Impact Assessment using Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix

(RIAM) for Russeifa Landfill, Jordan. Springer-Verlag. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from
http://www.eis.hu.edu.jo/Deanshipfiles/pub101172493.pdf ELAW (1998). Appendix B: Environmental Impact Assessment Methodologies. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.elaw.org/system/files/8+APPENDIX+B.pdf Kankam-Yeboah, K., Asare, E. B., Gyau-Boakye, P., & Nishigaki, M. (November 24, 2004). Rapid

Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) - An Analytical Tool in the Prioritization of Water Resources Management Problems in Ghana. Journal of the Faculty of Environmental
Science and Technology, Okayama University. Vo1.10, No.1, pp.7581, February 2005.

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Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://ousar.lib.okayamau.ac.jp/file/11501/20071019000000/010_075_081.pdf Leopold, L.B., Clarke, F.E., Hanshaw, B.B., and Balsley, J.R. (1971). A Procedure for Evaluating

Environmental Impact. Geological Survey Circular No. 645, 1971. U.S. Geological Survey,
Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://eps.berkeley.edu/people/lunaleopold/(118)%20A%20Procedure%20for%20Ev aluating%20Environmental%20Impact.pdf Ogola, P. F. A. (November 2007). Environmental Impact Assessment general Procedures. Presented at Short Course II on Surface Exploration for Geothermal Resources, organized by UNU-GTP and KenGen, at Lake Naivasha, Kenya, 2-17 November, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.os.is/gogn/unu-gtp-sc/UNU-GTP-SC-0528.pdf Pastakia, C. M. R. and Jensen, A. (1998): The Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) for

Environmental Impact Assessment. In: Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) - An Analytical Tool in the Prioritization of Water Resources Management Problems in Ghana. (Kankam-Yeboah et al) Journal of the Faculty of Environmental Science and
Technology, Okayama University. Vo1.10, No.1, pp.7581, February 2005. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://ousar.lib.okayamau.ac.jp/file/11501/20071019000000/010_075_081.pdf Walker, L. J. & Johnston, J. (May 1999). Environment, Nuclear Safety & Civil Protection: Guidelines for the Assessment of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts as well as

Impact Interactions. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European

Communities. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/eia-studies-and-reports/guidel.pdf SARI-ENERGY (?). Matrices for Impact Identification. Retrieved March 29, 2012 from http://www.sarienergy.org/training/eia/course_files/MIIPSI/MIIPSI%20_Matrices_for_Impact_Identific ation.pdf

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