7/12/2011

Module-3
Principles and Features of EIA
Principles & Nature of EIA
Features of EIA
Project Nature Vs EIA
Stages of EIA
Financial Aspects of EIA

Irfan-ul-Haq & Imran-ul-Haq

PRINCIPLES AND NATURE OF EIA

Principles
Basic Principles
Operating Principles
Interdisciplinary Nature of EIA
Input of Multidisciplinary Experts
Selection of Experts
Team Leader/Project Manager
Team Members

7/12/2011

BASIC PRINCIPLES

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

EIA should be applied:

To Projects having significant impacts

As preliminary instrument for EM

On the basis of well defined roles and responsibilities

Should be undertaken

Throughout the project cycle.

With clear reference to the requirements

Consistent with BPEO.

In accordance with established procedures

To provide meaningful public consultation

7/12/2011

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

EIA should address whenever necessary or appropriate:

All related and relevant factors

Design, technological and location alternatives

Sustainability considerations

EIA Should result in:

Accurate and appropriate information about impacts

Presentation of information in clear manner

EIA should provide a basis for

Environmentally sound decision making

Sustainable development

An appropriate followup procedure

STAGES OF EIA
Screening (EIA required or Not
?)

Scoping (Issues and impacts to

be addressed?)

Baseline studies (establish the

environmental baseline)

Alternatives (consider the

different approaches)

Impact prediction (forecast the

environmental impacts)

Impact assessment (interpreting

the impacts)

Mitigation (what can be done to

alleviate negative impacts?)

EIA Preparation/Review
(document the EIA findings)

Decision Making and Public

consultation (can proposal
proceed and consult general
public and NGOs)

Monitoring (monitor impacts of

project)

7/12/2011

INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF EIA

Input of Multidisciplinary Experts

Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Ecologist
Sociologist
Other Members Depending Upon Nature of Project
Selection of Experts
Experience in the related field (Environment)
Experience in the project sector
Project Manager/Team Leader

PROJECT NATURE VS EIA

Strong Relationship of EIA with the Nature of Project

Project Understanding As Key to Successful EIA
Project Type and Capacity
Project Location
Anticipated Project Activities As Triggering Agents
Construction Time and Cost
Information Level Equivalent to Feasibility Stage Required
EIA As a Part of Project Cycle
Integration of EIA throughout the Project Cycle

7/12/2011

PROJECT CYCLE AND EIA

PROJECT CYCLE AND EIA

7/12/2011

FEATURES OF EIA

PROPONENT

Project Affecters

Losers
Beneficiaries

Regulatory Institutions

Carry out EIA

Interdisciplinary Team

Law Enforcement
No Objection Certificate

Funding Agency

Regulatory
Institutions

Proponent

Consultant

Project
Affectees

Funding
Agency

National
International

FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF EIA

Initially EIA is expensive

Total EIA cost is commensurate with

Problem complexity

Problem significance

Level of detail required

Who pays

Project proponent

Authorizing agency

7/12/2011

FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF EIA

SCREENING

Process of determining:

Whether a proposal requires environmental assessment

The level of assessment (Full Scale EIA, IEE or No Environmental Studies)

Most of the proposals requires 1-2 hours for screening purpose

Screening involves the following techniques:

Decision makers discretion

Initial Environmental Examination

Threshold Approach

7/12/2011

SCREENING

Decision makers discretion

Proposal itself and its potential impacts

Level of confidence
Characteristics of receiving body
Existing planning, environmental management and decision making
framework
Degree of public interest

Initial Environmental Examination

Describes the proposal and examine any alternatives

Identify and address the concerns of community
Mitigate the adverse impacts
Environmental monitoring and management plans.