Environment Impact Assessment

Definition: One way to define it is that it is the process of evaluating the likely
environmental impacts of a proposed project or development. United Nations
Environmental Programme (UNEP) defines Environmental Impact Assessment as a tool
used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to
decision-making.
Aims: EIS aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and
design, find ways and means to reduce harmful impacts, shape projects to suit the local
environment, present the predictions and options to decision-makers.
Procedure: How the EIS is conducted may vary from country to country but there are some
important concepts which is present in most (if not, all EIS). The fundamental steps are:
1.) Screening: Local planning authority determines which projects or developments require
a full or partial impact assessment study. There are two types of projects which are
evaluated: 1.) Annex 1/Schedule 1. 2.) Annex 2/Schedule 2. Annex 1 projects are ones
which require an EIA because of their nature as large scale developments (also, they exceed
the criteria of an Annex 2 such as affected population, type of project, etc. More
information can be found in [1]). While Annex 2 projects may or may not need an EIA,
depending on the local authority. Examples of Annex 1 projects would be crude-oil
refineries, waste water treatment plants with a capacity exceeding 150,000 population,
dams and other installations designed for the holding back or permanent storage of water.
Examples of Annex 2 projects would be Projects for the use of uncultivated land or seminatural areas for intensive agricultural purposes, underground mining, and surface storage
of natural gas.
2.) Scoping: In this step, the stakeholders (Non gov orgs, biologists, engineers, public
admin, etc) are consulted on the relevant impacts, alternatives, and if possible, mitigation.
The relevant impacts are not limited to environmental issues but also social and engineering
related issues. Another required output is the Terms of Reference (TOR). TOR is a
document which serves as guidance and direction to the proponent. It may also include
details about project management. Some of the things contained in a TOR are: a.) purpose
and application of the Terms of Reference b.) Statement of need for and objectives of the
proposal. c.) Project background and description.
3.) Assessment and evaluation of impacts and development of alternatives: In this step, it is
necessary to collect data from the area surrounding the project such that once the project is
underway, the changes can be monitored. This process is called collection of baseline data.
The current situation of the area is examined (Existing gas lines, rivers, etc) which would
be used as reference for comparison at the monitoring stage of the EIA. Before, several
different maps were needed to get accurate data, but with modern technology available
today, data collection can now be possible through the Geographic Information System
(GIS) or Satellites. Then, the alternatives are developed and compared to each other as to

which would cause the least damage the environment. From there, proposals are made for
the project whether it will proceed with changes due to the impacts or whether it will be
scrapped due to the impacts.
4.) Reporting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or EIA report: Including an
environmental management plan (EMP), and a non-technical summary for the general
audience.
5.) Review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Based on the terms of reference
(scoping) and public (including authority) participation.
6.) Decision-making
7.) Monitoring, compliance, enforcement and environmental auditing: Monitor whether the
predicted impacts and proposed mitigation measures occur as defined in the EMP. Verify
the compliance of proponent with the EMP, to ensure that unpredicted impacts or failed
mitigation measures are identified and addressed. The monitoring process happens during
and after the project is being done. And the auditing is done once the programme
implementation is done. It takes after the analysis of the technical, procedural and decisionmaking aspects of the EIA. Lessons learnt and formally described in an audit can greatly
assist in future EIAs and build up the expertise and efficiency of the concerned institutions.

References:
1.] http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/environmental-impact2.] assessment/considering-and-determining-planning-applications-that-have-been-subjectto-an-environmental-impact-assessment/annex/
3.]
http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/environmental-impactassessment/screening-schedule-2-projects/
4.] [1] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1824/schedule/1/made
5.]
http://sustainability-research.mcgill.ca/documents/EIA%20readings/eialocal/page144.htm
6.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_assessment
7.]
http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/environmental-impactassessment/considering-and-determining-planning-applications-that-have-been-subject-toan-environmental-impact-assessment/annex/