Lecture(9)Lecture(9)

Instructor : Dr. Abed Al-Majed Nassar

2009-2010

Environmental impact assessment

DefinitionDefinition

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an assessment of the possible impact—positive or negative—that a proposed project may have on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an assessment of the possible impact—positive or negative—that a proposed project may have on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects.

Purpose of EIA

The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing environmental impacts to decide whether to proceed with the project. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "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.

The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing environmental impacts to decide whether to proceed with the project. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "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.

Social Impact assessment (SIA)

Social impact assessment includes the processes of analyzing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions.

Social impact assessment includes the processes of analyzing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions.

SIA Purpose

Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment.

Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment.

Action have a significant Effect on the Environment

Nature of an environment

With project

Environmental Impact

Without project

Time

Project initiated

Factor for determining whether an impact is

significant

Stakeholders in the ESIA

Specialist Related to Environmental Assessment

Natural ResourcesSpecialist

Air•Air quality/pollution analyst•Air pollution control engineer•Noise expert

land•Soil engineer•Engineering geologist

Water•Hydrologist•Civil/sanitary engineer•Chemist

Human•Social planner•Economist•Transportation planner•Urban planner

Environmental categories for Bureau Projects

Relationship between land and water quality

Comparison of project alternatives involving

environmental and social impact

Environmental criteria relevant to irrigation projects

Factors in selection of method for comparing Environmental

Impacts of alternatives