Environmental Impact Assessment EIA 2BGU APES JO 2BGU APES JO Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

2BGU APES JO 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.

2BGU APES JO 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.

Core values of a successful EIA 2BGU APES JO 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

The main steps in the process of an EIA 2BGU APES JO 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

2BGU APES JO 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)

2BGU APES JO Phase 1 Screening

2BGU APES JO 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.

Prediction and Mitigation … 2BGU APES JO Prediction and Mitigation … ….. suggest how an environmental management plan might reduce environmental and community problems.

Environmental Impact Statement …. 2BGU APES JO 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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2BGU APES JO 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.

2BGU APES JO The EIA process

What needs to be known for an EIA? 2BGU APES JO What needs to be known for an EIA? Project Type Size Location Intentions Stake holders

What needs to be known for an EIA? 2BGU APES JO 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

Social factors Positive: 1. New jobs generated, economic growth 2BGU APES JO 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

Social factors Negative: 1. Impacts on health of local population 2BGU APES JO 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

Environmental impacts 2BGU APES JO 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

Benefits of a successful EIA 2BGU APES JO 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