INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

(EIA)

Defining EIA• EIA is an analytical procedure that

systematically predicts and examines all the effects likely to happen as a result of the implementation of a proposed project, policy or programme.

• EIA deals with physical environment, ecological aspects, people’s livelihoods and development issues

• EIA has components from both social and natural/hard sciences.

• EIA relates to a process aiming at improving decision-making.

Branches of EIA1. Project-level Impact Assessment

(EIA)

2. Policy-level Impact Assessment or Strategic Env’tal Assessment (SEA)

Note:- Strategic issues related to the proposed

undertaking(s) are also studied in project-level assessment.

Objectives of EIA :• An overall objective is to ensure dev.

undertakings appraised are socially desired, technologically acceptable, economically viable, ecologically sound

• To promote people’s participation in project design and appraisal process.

• To avoid/reduce project adverse impacts and enhance the positive ones.

• To promote environmental concerns & monitoring

• To promote sustainable development

Evolution of EIA:

• Early 1970s - initial development • 1970s to 1980s - trend to

integration • Mid to late 1980s - cumulative

effects and policy integration • Mid 1990s - towards

sustainability (i.e. great emphasis on SEA, biodiversity issues)

Developments in the 1990s:

• Major reforms to well established systems

• Implementation of EC directive of 1985 (1987-1990s)

• World bank and other agencies introduced EIA policies

• Convention on EIA in a Transboundary context 1992 (Rio Summit)

• Conventions on Climate change and Biological diversity

EIA and sustainable development:

• Env’nt is the source of livelihoods

• Env’nt is a pivot to the economy• Humans are central to the

env’ntal changes (master of molding the env’nt)

• EIA is a tool for ensuring rational use of natural resources and effective env’ntal mgt. Assignment: Read on Sustainable Development.

Major roles of EIA:• EIA serves as an appropriate project

planning tool i.e. – Acceptance; – Justification; – Cost-effectiveness; – Participatory decision-making. – Sustainability;

• EIA is an effective environmental management tool i.e. – Balance – Wise use of natural resources,– Environmental impacts [(+ve) & (-ve)],– Mitigation Measures (MMs),– Environmental monitoring

Other roles of EIA:1. Modifies and improves project designs

and reduces costs2. Integrates short-term and long-term

development goals3. Facilitates informed decision-making4. Promotes accountability & transparency 5. Improves institutional coordination, inter-

agency cooperation & technical capability6. Avoids/minimizes conflicts7. Facilitates compliance to policies & laws8. Suggests necessary adjustments to

existing policies and legislation

Main characteristics of EIA :

1. Is a set/series of processes (e.g. procedural steps; participation; studies involved; communication; decision-making; etc.)

2. Is a documentary tool (i.e. reports; recorded decisions; monitoring data; all relevant communications; practical experiences; etc.)

Core values of EIA: 1. sustainability - the EIA process will

result into cost-effective environmental safeguards.

2. integrity - the EIA process will conform to the agreed policies, legislation, procedure, guidelines, standards,etc.

3. utility - the EIA process will provide balanced credible information for decision-making.

EIA guiding principles…(1): • Win-win principle: (balance of

development and environmental mgt) • Participation : (timely access,

adequate involvement) • Transparency: (open process,

adequate communication)• Certainty: (agreed process/timing be

adhered to)• accountability: (responsible to all

actions, decisions, etc).

EIA guiding principles…(2):

• Credibility: (professionalism, objectivity & multidisciplinarity).

• Cost-effectiveness: assessment at the least cost possible)

• Flexibility: (able to adapt, to deal effectively and efficiently).

• Practicality: (usefulness of generated information)

• Continuity: (integration to the project cycle)

Design &Engineering

FeasibilityPre-feasibility

Project Concept

Monitoring & Evaluation

Implementation

Site selection, engineering, initial assessment, scoping of significant issues.

Detailed design and mitigation measures.

Implementation of mitigation measures and environmental strategy.

Changes in project management and lessons for future projects.

Monitoring and Post-auditing.

Detailed assessment of significant impacts, identification of mitigation needs and input to cost/benefit analysis

Integrating EIA into the project cycle

The std. EIA procedure:• Registration • Screening• Scoping• Impact Assessment

– Identification, Analysis & Evaluation of impacts– Mitigation measures– Tentative monitoring programme– Reporting (EIA Report)

• Review• Decision-making• Follow-up to Monitor, Manage, Audit

impacts of project implementation.• Decommissioning

TZ -

EIA

Pro

cedu

re

Types of EIA proceduresPossible EIA procedures likely to be found in any country, include:

1. Country-based:– Common national EIA frameworks (procedures & guidelines)

2. Sector-based:– Sector specific & detailed EIA procedures & guidelines

3. Financiers’ – based:- EIA procedures & guidelines by donors and financial institutions.

Common myths in EIA …(1)• EIA is anti-development: (EIA is

for sustainability)• EIA delays development:

Delays during EIA is when:-– the EIA started too late in the project

cycle – the ToR are poorly drafted. – the EIA is not managed to a schedule – the EIA report is inadequate – there is a lack of important technical

data. – there is lack of transparency or/and

participation

Common myths in EIA…(2)• EIA is costly: (See examples

below) Multipurpose projects from Thailand

Source: UN ESCAP (1990): Name of project

Project cost

(million baht)

EIA cost

(million baht)

EIA cost as percentage of total project cost

Pattani 2737.10 3.1 0.11 Que Noi (Khao Laem) 9110.00 0.7 0.01 Chiew Larn 7035.10 3.7 0.05 Upper Quae Yai 10953.00 4.5 0.04 Nam San, Nam Man, Nam Loei 7612.00 5.3 0.07 Kud 8092.00 5.0 0.06 Lang Suan 6248.00 2.4 0.04 Ma Pong 60000.00 18.0 0.03

Major benefits of using EIA• The earlier start of EIA process in

the project cycle, the greater the potential gains.

• Potential savings over the life of a project through use of EIA can repay the investment many times over.

• Environmentally friendly (sound) and sustainable designs

Other benefits of EIA • Better compliance with standards• Better protection of the human

health and livelihoods• Reduced time and costs for

approval

Making EIA fair and effective

• Publish EIA procedures, guidelines & checklists (ERB).

• Prepare and up-date a register of consultants and their profile (ERB)

• EIA reports should contain names of consultants, their expertise and ToR used (Developer/Consultants)

• Make EIA reports available to the public (ERB & Developer)

• Communicate publicly and document final decisions along with conditions for approval (ERB).