Synopsis EIA Purpose of EIA Origin Key Elements NGO Participation Content Analysis 1

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Environmental Impact 3

EIA a PROCESS for decision-making, NOT a formula for preparing a document. An important procedure for ensuring that the likely effects of new development on the environment are fully understood and taken into account 4

Purpose of EIA “To LOOK before you LEAP!” Influence on the environment Man and environment Strategic Development Allowance of government Alternative processes 5

Origin of EIA First formal system of EIA established in the US following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 EIA is now a required process in more than 100 nations. 6

Key elements EIA must be undertaken early EIA must be an objective, impartial analytical process EIA must analyze all reasonably foreseeable The process of EIA must be open EIA must encourage public participation 7

Screening (does the project require EIA?) Scoping (what issues and impacts should the EIA address?) Baseline studies (establish the environmental baseline) Alternatives (consider the different approaches) Mitigation (what can be done to alleviate negative impacts?) EIS preparation/review (document the EIA findings) Public consultation (consult general public and NGOs) Monitoring (monitor impacts of project) Impact prediction (forecast the environmental impacts) Impact assessment (interpreting the impacts) 8

Participation of NGOs Start with a cooperative attitude Learn as much as possible about the proposal before forming your opinions Identify the responsible persons and agencies Ask them for all available information so that you are well- informed. Identify yourself and your organization Provide officials with specific comments and recommendations from your NGO in writing 9

Content Analysis Physical components: Land Air Water Energy 10

Geology and Soils Assessment of geological value Soil characterisation Site protection 11

Traffic Impact Assessment Traffic flow on roads Cars, taxis, trucks, buses Pedestrian journeys Public/private transport Traffic management Mitigation measures 12

Construction Impacts Light pollution Noise Vibration of piling plant Materials stockpiles Construction sites 13

Forestry and Agriculture Classification of land Isolating buildings from fields etc Opportunities for landscaping on isolated pieces of land 14

Air Quality Looking for – Oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) – Oxides of sulphur (SO x ) – Ozone O 3 – Particulates (dust) – Odour 15

Water Analysis Aquifer protection zones River designations Ecology impacts Hazard assessment from spills etc 16

Bio-Cultural components: Nature Culture People Access 17

References en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_assessment (retrieved on ) (retrieved on ) (retrieved on ) 20Assessment.pdf (retrieved on ) 18

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