Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that examines, in a transparent way, the environmental consequences of proposed development in advance, to inform decision-making

1. In hundreds of countries around the world, by law, EIA is needed before decisions are made. [according to the law.] 2. EIA can be (and should be) used as a design tool. [EIA according to best practice.] Environmental assessment = a proactive agent in development and not just a regulatory hurdle “The focus of environmental assessment cannot be just negative impact mitigation and legal compliance; the potential of enhancement of positive impacts, resilience and use of impact assessment as a design tool should not be ignored” João et al (2011), Emphasising enhancement in all forms of impact assessmet. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 29(3): 170-180.

Why are impacts “significant”? Spatial incidence Duration Periodicity Reversibility Probabilities Number of people affected Sensitivity of receiving environment Designated sites and tranquil areas Carrying capacity and sustainability Equity Public opinion Regulations The acceptability of an impact is ultimately a social question, not a scientific one Headington, 2 New High St, installed Sat 9 August 1986