1. Environmental
Impact Assessment

2. Table of content
Introduction
History
Reason
Purpose
Philosophy
Key elements
Analysis
Procedure
Shortcomings
ESM 297

3. EIA
Systematic process for identifying and
evaluating the potential effects of proposed
actions on the physical, biological, cultural
and socioeconomic components of the
environment.
EIA is a process for decision-making.
NOT a formula for preparing a document

4. EIA
It intended as an instrument of
preventive environmental
management. It provides a
framework and an information basis
for decision making on activities
affecting the environment

5. EIA
It applies to the assessment of the
environmental effects of those public and
private projects which are likely to
have significant effects on the environment.
Projectmeans:
The execution of construction works or of
other installations or schemes.

6. History
It was first introduced in the USA within
the framework of the National
Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) in 1969, which became law on
January 1, 1971.

7. Reason
Direct and indirect effects of
a project on the following
factors:
Human beings
Soil, water, air, climate and the
landscape
The inter-action between the factors
mentioned in the first and second indents

8. Purpose
To allow government officials,
business leaders, and all concerned
citizens to understand the
environmental consequences of
proposed actions
 To cooperate in making wise
decisions that restore and maintain
the quality of our shared environment
for future generations

9. Purpose
To implement a strategy to prevent
adverse impact on the environment
after the implementation of plans and
construction projects
 Promote coordinated development
of the economy, society, and
environment.

10. Purpose
“To LOOK before you
LEAP!”
EIA is now a required process in
more than 100 nations.
The International Association for
Impact Assessment (IAIA) is a
global network with 2,700
members from more than 80
countries.

11. Philosophy
Impact assessment is designed as a
preventive measure
It should give environmental
considerations equal weight
with technical and economic aspects

12. What changes can EIA bring ?
Before introduction of EIA:
Government planning and decision-making
“D-A-D” ---- “Decide, Announce, Defend”
Role of NGOs, citizens:
“Critics” “Objectors” “Protestors”
Environmental conditions:
Steadily deteriorating

13. What changes can EIA bring ?
After Implementing EIA:
Government planning and decision-making:
“D-D-D” ---- “Discuss, Decide, Deliver”
Role of NGOs, citizens:
“Stakeholders” “Contributors” “Participants”
Environmental conditions:
Deterioration slows; some areas improving

14. Key elements
EIA must be undertaken early in the development of
proposed projects, plans, and programs, and must be
completed before a decision to proceed is made.
EIA must be an objective, Impartial analytical process, not a
way of promoting or “selling” a proposal to decision makers.
It must use accepted scientific principles and methods.

15. Cont…..
3. EIA must analyze all reasonably foreseeable environmental
impacts or effects of a proposed action effects may be short-
term, long-term, direct, or indirect.
4. The process of EIA must be open to government officials at
all levels, to potential stakeholders (those with direct interests
in the proposed action), and to the Public.

16. Analysis
Physical components:
Land
Air
Water
Energy

17. Analysis
Bio-Cultural components:
Nature
Culture
People
Access

18. General Steps in EIA Process
Formulate project
Identify potentially significant
environmental impacts
Evaluate impacts
Develop mitigation measures
Report / Revise
Decision

19. Procedure
Deciding whether an EIA is required (Screening)
Determining the scope of EIA (Scoping)
Preparing of the impact statement (EIS)
Consultations, public participation
Evaluating EIA results and consultations
Reaching a decision
Monitoring impacts after project implementation

20. Procedural steps
 Description of the project
 Description of the environment
 Identification of environmental
impacts
 Evaluation of environmental impacts
 Management and control of impacts
 Presentation of the study
 Public participation
 Judgment by authorities

21. Cont…..
Phase I: Description of
project
Objective: identification and
characterization of the proposed project
Sources: developer, planners
Software: GIS, spreadsheet,
graphics, statistics

22. Cont…..
Phase I: Description of project
Input: project phases, processes,
products and materials, risks
Output: site (alternatives), emissions,
resource consumption,
technical solutions
Problems: uncertainties, technical limitations

23. Cont….
Phase 2: Description of
environment
Objective: identification of affected
environment
Sources: government, public,
specialists
Software: GIS, spreadsheet,
graphics, statistics

24. Cont…..
Phase 2: Description of
environment
Input: local/regional environments,
human concerns, standards
Output: current state, sensitive
elements
Problems: data and resource
limitations

25. Cont…..
Phase 3: Identification of effects
Objective: identification of likely interactions
between project and environment
Sources: specialists, stake holders
Software: expert systems, conceptual and
qualitative models

26. Cont……
Phase 3: Identification of
effects
Input: phases 1 and 2, checklists,
cross-impact analysis
Output: list of potentially important
effects
Problems: criteria, qualitative judgments,
completeness of coverage

27. Cont……
Phase 4: Evaluation of effects
Objective: estimate magnitudes and
characteristics of impacts
Sources: specialists, stake holders
Software: GIS, expert systems,
environmental simulation models

28. Cont……
Phase 4: Evaluation of effects
Input: phases 1,2 and 3, scientific
literature, expert knowledge
Output: description and classification or
ranking of impacts
Problems: criteria, model and data
uncertainty

29. Phase 5: Management and control
of environmental effects
Objective: mitigation, compensation, and
monitoring measures
Sources: specialist, developer, government
Software: GIS, visualization

30. Cont……
Phase 5: Management and
control of environmental
effects
Input: phases 1,2 and 4, standards,
methods and technologies
Output: procedures, measures
(monitoring, plan, mitigation measures)
Problems: criteria, resources, judgments

31. Cont…….
Phase 6: Presentation of the
study
Objective: report preparation
Sources: specialist (risk communication)
developer, government
Software: visualization, GIS,
text processing, multi-media

32. Cont…….
Phase 6: Presentation of
the study
Input: phases 1,2,3,4,5, formal
regulatory
Output: report (consensus)
Problems: communication, vested
interests

33. Cont…….
Phase 7: Public participation
(hearings)
Objective: negotiation with public, interest
groups, stake holders (actors)
Sources: all actors involved, media
Software: visualization, GIS,
text processing, multi-media

34. Cont…….
Phase 7: Public participation
Input: phases 1,2,3,4,5,6
Output: opinions, comments, position
statements
Problems: communication, conflicting
objectives, plural rationalities,
subjectivity, hidden agenda

35. Cont……
Phase 8: Formal decision
making
Objective: decision making, communication,
implementation
Sources: government regulations,
specialists
Software: GIS

36. Cont…….
Phase 8: Formal decision
making
Input: phase 6,7
Output: formal decisions,
commitments
Problems: communication ,
legal challenges

37. Shortcomings of EIA
Environmental issues are dealt with in a
reactive and project focused, rather than
a pro-active way; the main focus is often
on mitigation; non direct effects are
often neglected.
Decisions above the project level at
which EIA is usually applied are made
without an awareness of their
consequences.
Long-term visions of sustainable
development and associated aims and
objectives are not consistently followed
through; short term political interests
and benefits prevail.