1. Environmental Impact Assessments
EIA’s
Environmental Impact Assessments

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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?

11. 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

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

13. 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.

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

15. 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.