Environmental Impact Assessments EIA’s Environmental Impact Assessments

EIA’s Required in many countries before any kind of development takes place Determines The type and degree of impact on the environment Potential modifications to the developments design The feasibility of introducing these modifications This information is needed before governments will approve the development

Types of developments that require EIAs Resource exploitation Mining, forestry, smelting Transport Roads, rail, airport Establishing industry Factories, processing plants, oil refineries Urban development Buildings, subdivisions, infrastructure (electricity, water, sewer) Waste disposal

Investigation Conducted by government approved and independent environmental consulting firms that are hired by the company proposing the development.

Problem with EIAs Governments are responsible for their implementation The issue may become politically charged where human concerns and interests override those of the environment. This makes the process open for corruption.

What is included in an EIA? An EIA must establish the conditions of the environment before the development has a chance to change things.

Step 1 Baseline study Establishes the natural conditions present in the ecosystem before the proposed development is constructed.

Step 1 The following variables are established All aspects of the biosphere Direct methods Known pollutants Nitrates from sewer Noise from traffic Indirect Methods Biodiversity

Step 1 Sampling methodology Frequency Number of samples Location and distribution of the sampling Purpose is that establish a clear picture of initial conditions and show how the environment will change

Step 1 Environmental Considerations Waste disposal Establish what kind of features will be incorporated into the development to minimize the impact of the development. Waste disposal How will waste generated during the construction and use phase of the project be disposed of?

The baseline study is normally the most intensive aspect is an EIA as its scope is larger in area and types of samples analyzed than future sampling programs which are normally more specific as the known impact of the development is clearer

Step 2 Ongoing monitoring during construction and use of the development plan Used to prove that the development is not impacting the environment

Step 3 Site remediation Often forgotten when designing a new development is what will happen to the site once the development has outlived its use.

Step 3 Some EIAs will be required to suggest how the development will be reclaimed and returned to its natural habitat. Eg. mining

Step 3 If this step does not meet the government requirement, the project may still be refused even though steps 1 and 2 have been met.