Môi trường - Environmental impact assessment

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTEIAEIA is one of the proven management tools for incorporating environmental concerns in development process and also in improved decision making. The growing awareness, over the years, on environmental protection and sustainable development has further given emphasis on sound environmental management practices through preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMPs) for minimizing the impacts from developmental activities.EIA cont’dIt has been recognized that preventive, rather than “react and cure” approaches are more efficient and effective means of managing environmental problems.What is EIA??The EIA concept is a very simple one. It requires a careful assessment of the environmental implications (ecological, social, cultural and economic) of development policies, programmes and projects before irrevocable decisions are made. EIA is the measurement of the likely environmental impacts of a development and how to mitigate theseData used in EIAPrimary dataSecondary dataSecondary Data AnalysisThey attempt to organize and simplify available information and the potential effects on the environment of the proposed project.They usually involve expert opinion and value judgments rather than factual information and analysis of data.Almost all simple EIA methodologies focus on direct environmental impacts. They are not suitable for assessing indirect impacts.Secondary Data Analysis – cont’dMost of the simple EIA procedures do not set time and space boundaries for the assessment, and they seldom encourage the use of monitoring to measure the effects of the project after conservation.THE STEPS IN AN EIAPreliminary activities – understand what is being proposed and why.Impact identification (scoping) - time and spatial boundaries, conceptual boundaryBaseline study – what is the current situation to be measured against impacts?Impact evaluation (qualification) Mitigation measures – measures to reduce or compensate for impactsAssessment (comparison of alternatives) – alternatives to eliminate impactsDocumentation – documenting findings and providing an EIA statement.Decision – making Post - auditing Which projects require EIA?Two categoriesSchedule 1-EA mandatorySchedule 2- EA may be necessary (some discretion)29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department9Schedule 1 Projects23 categoriesExamplesCrude oil refineryNuclear power stationsLong distance railwayAirport runway >2100mMotoway, road 4 lanes and moreIncineration plant>100 tonnes/day29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department10Schedule 2 Projects13 categoriesExamplesCertain agricultural operations (eg intensive fish farming)Food industryInfrastructure projectsWaste disposal/treatmentHoliday villages, marinas, golf courses29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department11Screening criteria for schedule 2 projectsSize of developmentAccumulation with other developmentUse of natural resourcesProduction of wastePollution and nuisanceRisk of accident29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department12Content of an Environmental Statements (ES)A description of the site and adjacent areasA description of development proposedThe data necessary to identify and assess the main effects which the development is likely to haveA description of significant effects, direct and indirectA description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce or remedy the effectsA summary in non-technical language29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department13Information to be providedPhysical characteristics of the whole developmentProduction processesTypes and quantities of residues and emissionsDescription of aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affectedDescription of the likely effects on themDescription of the forecasting methodsInformation of the options consideredMitigating measuresTechnical problems/lack of knowledgeNon-technical summary.29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department14What is meant by the environment? Effects on:Human beingsFloraFaunaSoilWaterAirClimateLandscapeAgriculture 29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department15Typical ES StructureChapters would include:IntroductionEIA MethodologyDesign Evolution and AlternativesDevelopment DescriptionDevelopment programme, construction phasing, activity and effects managementTechnical Assessment chapterscummulative Assessment29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department16Separate and supporting documents to the ES include:Sustainability Appraisal/StatementEnergy Strategy/StatementFlood Risk AssessmentTransport AssessmentHealth Impact Assessment29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department17Mitigation hierarchyAvoidance Timing scrub clearance to avoid impacts on breeding birdsReducing Impact at sourceAcoustic enclosures to attenuate noise sourcesReduce impact at receptorNoise barriers and screening planting along boundary fencesRepair temporary damageEarliest opportunity eg early planting for visual amenity screeningCompensate in kindNew habitat creation to compensate for loss29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department18Who is responsible for mitigation..Consultants and developers try to ensure mitigation measures in ES’s are specific, etc29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department19Public Consultation.When EIA is completed the developer must publish a notice in the local newspaper and post notices on the site20 day period for the public to commentOnly after this time has expired can the developer submit the planning application29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department20Importance to developersMajor cost implications for developers because it is the developer who has to pay for the EIAMajor time implications for the developer because the submission of an EIA with an application for planning permission, extents the time taken to prepare the application, and also the determination29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department21EIA Generates uncertaintyFor developers, for funders and for occupantsAdds huge complexity to the systemRequires specialist consultants to lead the process in most cases29-Mar-20Ports and Shipping Department2223Akpe na mi!