1. Environmental Impact Assessment EIA
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Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

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An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is an assessment of the possible positive or negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment, considering natural, social and economic aspects.
The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made.

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EIA’s were first used in the 1960’s because of a need to rationalise decision making which affected people and their environment.
EIA’s are technical evaluations that lead to objective decision making.
EIA was made legislation in the US in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 1969.

4. Core values of a successful EIA
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Core values of a successful EIA
Integrity - the EIA process will conform to agreed standards
Utility - the EIA process will provide balanced, credible information for decision-making
Sustainability - the EIA process will result in environmental safeguards

5. The main steps in the process of an EIA
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The main steps in the process of an EIA
Screening - an IEE
Scoping – defining what needs to be considered
Prediction and Mitigation
Environmental Impact Statement
Management and Monitoring
Audit - evaluation

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Screening  ….
…. often results in a categorization of the project and from this a decision is made on whether or not a full EIA should be carried out. This is sometimes called an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE)

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Phase 1
Screening

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Scoping ….
…. is the process of determining which are the most critical issues to study and should involve the participation of communities and stake holders. It is at this early stage that EIA can most strongly influence the outline proposal.

9. Prediction and Mitigation …
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Prediction and Mitigation …
….. suggest how an environmental management plan might reduce environmental and community problems.

10. Environmental Impact Statement ….
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Environmental Impact Statement ….
…. Is the main output report and contains a detailed plan for managing and monitoring environmental impacts both during and after implementation.

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Audit ….
…. of the EIA process is carried out some time after implementation. The audit serves a useful feedback and learning function. It is an evaluation of the EIA recommendations.

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The EIA process

14. What needs to be known for an EIA?
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What needs to be known for an EIA?
Project
Type
Size
Location
Intentions
Stake holders

15. What needs to be known for an EIA?
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What needs to be known for an EIA?
Area of potential impact
Physical resources
Biological resources
Economic development resources
Quality of life
Other existing and planned projects

16. Social factors Positive: 1. New jobs generated, economic growth
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Social factors
Positive:
1. New jobs generated, economic growth
stimulated
2. Growth of local business enterprises
supported
3. Development of supporting and
complementary industries
4. Influx of capital and disposable income

17. Social factors Negative: 1. Impacts on health of local population
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Social factors
Negative:
1. Impacts on health of local population
2. Increase in crime and deviant behaviour
3. Additional pressure on the existing physical
infrastructure (sewage, water supply etc.)
4. Decline in community cohesion
5. Changed cultural values

18. Environmental impacts
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Environmental impacts
1. Depletion of natural resources
2. Destruction of habitats
3. Loss of biodiversity
4. Change in ph, oxygen level, toxicity of
water, air and soil
5. Global warming and other wider impacts

19. Benefits of a successful EIA
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Benefits of a successful EIA
Environmentally sound and sustainable design
Better compliance with standards
Savings in capital and operating costs
Reduced time and costs for approvals
Increased project acceptance
Better protection of the environment and human health