Environmental

Impact
Study
CONTENTS:
▫ Concept of EIA and EIS

▫ Understanding EIA and its

process

▫ Classification of EIA

▫ Objectives of EIA

▫ Importance of EIA

▫ Understanding EIS

▫ Contents of EIS
2
▫ Parameters of EIS
Concept of
EIA
EIS Environment
impact
Environment
impact statement
(EIS) from EIA
results
Projects of assessment
large scale (EIA) of that
project
Concept of EIA & EIS:
▫ Environmental impact assessment
(EIA) is the process of determining
and evaluating the effects that a
proposed action would have on the
environment before the decision is
taken on whether or not to proceed
with it.
▫ This normally includes identification
of ways to minimize those effects,
and may include provisions for
on-going monitoring and
management during implementation
of the proposal.  has been completed, and federal
▫ The environmental impact
statement (EIS) is the most common
name given to the printed report
which documents the results of the
EIA process for consideration by
decision makers. In many, but not all,
nations and states it is available for
public review. Several other names
are also used,
including environmental impact report
and environmental review.
▫ Once an environmental assessment
projects have filed an approved EIS, 4
the project or policy may proceed.
Environmental
Impact
Assessment
What is Environmental Impact
Assessment?
▫ The effects of human activities ▫ The prediction and evaluation of
related to the use of environmental environmental effects of human
resources on the natural activities are collectively called
environment. Environmental Impact
as Environmental Impact
Assessment is the method of
evaluating environmental
Assessment (EIA). The
consequences such as environmental environmental impact
changes, construction of dams, assessment process began with
reservoirs, roads, rails, bridges, the enactment of the National
industrial locations, urban expansion, Environmental Policy Act in
etc. and the maximum possible
1969.   
adverse effects of these
environmental changes due to human
activities 6
The EIA process consists of 8 stages:

Screening Decision-making

Scoping
Monitoring and implementation of
an environmental management
Impact analysis plan

Mitigation
Assessment of alternatives and
Environmental Impact
Reporting Assessment report

Public hearing Risk assessment

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1. Screening:
▫ The project plan is screened for the scale of investment, location, and type of
development and if the project needs statutory clearance screening is
required. It is to determine which projects or development schemes require a
full or partial impact assessment study.

2. Scoping:
▫ This step in EIA process is necessary to establish which potential impacts are related to
assessing (Based on legislative requirements, international conventions, expert knowledge,
and public involvement), to compensate adverse effects on biodiversity (including the
option of not preceding with the development, finding alternative designs or sites which
avoid the impacts or give compensation for adverse & hazardous impacts), and finally to
eliminate terms of reference for the impact assessment.

▫ Scoping is to know the project’s potential impacts, the zone of impacts, mitigation
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possibilities, and the need for monitoring.
3. Collection of Baseline Data:
▫ Baseline details are the environmental status of the study area under the EIA.

4. Impact Prediction:
▫ Predicting and establishing negative & positive, reversible & irreversible, and
temporary & permanent effects are needed which presupposes a good
understanding of the project by the assessment agency. To predict and identify
the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development
scheme, including the detailed elaboration of alternatives.

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5. Mitigation Measures and EIA Report:
▫ The final report of EIA should be consisting of the actions and steps for
preventing, reducing, or bypassing the impacts or else the level of
compensation for probable environmental damages or losses. This report also
includes an environmental management plan and a non-technical summary for
the general public.

6. Public Hearing:
▫ After the completion of the EIA report, public and environmental groups living
close to the project site should be informed and consulted. In a public hearing
review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be done based on
the terms of reference (scoping) and public (including authority) participation
10
 7. Decision Making:
▫ In decision making Impact Assessment Authority along with the experts
consult the project-in-charge along with the consultant to take the final
decision, keeping in mind both Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and
Environment Management Plan (EMP). In this process, it decided whether to
  approve the project or not and if yes then under which conditions.
8. Monitoring and Implementation of an
Environmental Management Plan:
▫ The various phases of implementation and execution are monitored e.g.
planning, surveying, construction, etc. monitor whether the predicted impacts
and proposed mitigation measures occur as defined in the Environment
Management Plan (EMP). Reviewed the conformity of supporter with the EMP,
to make sure that the unpredicted impacts or failed mitigation measures are
identified and addressed in a timely fashion. 11
9. Assessment of Alternatives and
Environmental Impact Assessment Report:
▫ For every project and development scheme, possible alternatives should be identified,
and environmental attributes are compared. Alternatives must be covering both project
location and process technologies. If other solutions have been checked, a mitigation
plan must be drawn up for the selected option and is supplemented with an Environment
  Management Plan (EMP) to guide the proponent towards environmental improvements.

10. Risk assessment:

▫ Inventory analysis and impacts probability & index also form part of EIA
procedures.

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The EIA is classified into four parts

Strategic Environmental Assessment

Regional Environmental Assessment

Sectoral Environmental Assessment

Project level Environmental Assessment

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1. Strategic Environmental Impact
Assessment:
▫     SEA is methodical to systematic approach analysis of the environmental
hazard & effects of development policies, plans, programmed, and other
proposed strategic actions.

▫ SEA gives a proactive approach to integrating environmental considerations

into the higher levels of decision-making–beyond the project level when major
alternatives are still open.

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2. Regional Environmental Impact
Assessment:
▫ Regional environmental assessment is referred to as the
economic-cum-environmental development planning. This approach enables
adequate integration of economic development with the management of
renewable natural resources within the carrying capacity limitation to achieve
sustainable development.

▫ It fulfills the requirements for macro-level environmental integration, which

the project-oriented EIA is unable to address effectively. Regional EIA
establishes the environmental impacts of regional development plans and
thus, the context for project-level EIA of the subsequent projects, within the
region.
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3. Sectoral Environmental Impact
Assessment:
▫ As an alternative to project-level-EIA, an EIA should take place in the context
of regional and sectoral level planning. One time sectoral level development
plans have the integrated sectoral environmental concerns addressed, the
scope of project-level EIA will be quite minimal.

▫ Sectoral EIA will come to the aid in addressing specific environmental

problems that may be encountered in planning and implementing sectoral
development projects.

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4. Project Level Environmental Impact
Assessment:
▫ In many countries in the world where EIA is in place, developmental projects
such as the construction of highways and expressways, ports and harbors,
hydropower projects, manufacturing industries, mining projects, etc., undergo
an environmental examination before being given clearance to establish and
operate. The EIA study then recommends appropriate mitigation measures or
monitoring and management plans in the project itself. Examples of such
modifications include:

▫ Change in the alignment of a highway

▫ Reducing the height of a dam

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▫ Providing for resettlement of affected people
OBJECTIVES
▫ To predict, evaluate, and identify the economic, environmental, and social
impacts of development activities.

▫ To provide information on the environmental consequences for decision

making.

▫ To encourage environmentally sound and sustainable development through

the identification of appropriate alternative solutions and mitigation measures.

▫ EIA ascertains the cumulative impacts of the multiple developments in the

region. It establishes priorities for environmental protection.
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▫ It also identifies the positive and negative aspects of any project as well as
assesses the policy options and analyzes the impact on the environment.
Importance of EIA
▫ EIA links the environment with development for environmentally safe and
sustainable development.

▫ EIA gives a cost-effective method to eliminate or reduce the adverse impact of

developmental projects and schemes.

▫ It is the government policy that any industrial projects have to obtain EIA clearance
from the Ministry of Environmental before approval by the planning commission.

▫ EIA is potentially a necessary component of good environmental management &

prediction of it.

▫ EIA enables the decision-makers to analyze the effects of developmental activities 19

on the environment well before the developmental project is implemented.

▫ EIA encourages the adaption of mitigation strategies in the developmental plan.

▫ EIA makes ensures that the development plan is environmentally good and within
the limits of the capacity of assimilation and regeneration of the ecosystem.

▫ EIA is a tool to anticipate the possible damage to the environment caused by

development projects and schemes.

▫ It creates efforts to prevent or minimize damage to the environment and the

biosphere, and stimulate the health and welfare of man.

▫ EIA seeks to increase the understanding of the ecological system and the
importance of natural resources to the nation and to provide for the appropriate
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institutional structure to carry out the objectives.
Environmental
Impact
Statement
What Is an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS)?
▫ An EIS is a document that describes the impacts on the environment as a result
of a proposed action. The environmental impact statement (EIS) is the most
common name given to the printed report which documents the results of the
EIA process for consideration by decision makers. In many, but not all, nations
and states it is available for public review. Several other names are also used,
including environmental impact report and environmental review.

▫ Once an environmental assessment has been completed, and federal projects

have filed an approved EIS, the project or policy may proceed.

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Purpose of an EIS
▫ An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document prepared to describe
the effects for proposed activities on the environment. "Environment," in this
case, is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship
of people with that environment. This means that the "environment"
considered in an EIS includes land, water, air, structures, living organisms,
environmental values at the site, and the social, cultural, and economic
aspects. An "impact" is a change in consequence that results from an activity.
Impacts can be positive or negative or both. An EIS describes impacts, as well
as ways to "mitigate" impacts. To "mitigate" means to lessen or remove
negative impacts.

▫ Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, is a document that

describes the impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed action. It 23
also describes impacts of alternatives as well as plans to mitigate the impacts.
 Components of EIS:
Most of the information and analysis developed through the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) process is presented in a single document.
The actual organization of the EIS varies from project-to-project and from
Region-to-Region. Some key components of the EIS are described below:

▫ Summary

▫ Purpose and Need

▫ Proposed Action and Alternatives

▫ Affected Environment

▫ Expected Impacts 24

▫ Consultation and Coordination

Summary
▫ The summary presents an overview of the contents of the EIS and a
comparison of impacts expected for the proposal and alternatives.

Purpose and Need

▫ This section explains the purpose and need for the proposal and our authority
for taking action on the proposal.

▫ The section may also describe the relationships between our authority to
consider the proposal and the other legal and regulatory authorities that apply
to the activities that might result.

▫ We include a summary of the scoping process here (or in the section on

consultation and coordination below) that identifies the concerns, alternatives, 25
and mitigation measures that are considered in detail in subsequent sections
of the EIS.
Proposed Action and Alternatives
▫ Scenarios are presented that describe the activities assumed for the proposal and
each alternative. The description details any mitigation measures, such as lease
stipulations for lease sale EISs, that are being considered for adoption.

▫ This section also summarizes the impacts expected to result from the proposal and
each alternative, including no action.

Affected Environment
▫ This section describes the elements of the natural, social, and economic
environments that might be affected by the proposal or the alternatives. Emphasis
is placed on the current status of each element and any trends that may be evident.
For example, a potentially affected bird might be described in terms of its
population, distribution, habits, and current condition. 
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▫ This section provides a baseline against which changes that might be caused by the
Expected Impacts
▫ This section presents our assessment of the impacts that might be expected if
the activities presented in the scenarios occur.

▫ A separate analysis is presented for the proposal and each alternative. Direct,
indirect, and cumulative impacts are evaluated.

▫ Each analysis describes the nature, severity, and duration of estimated

impacts. If the project could result in oil spills, the EIS also describes the risk
of spills occurring or contacting particular resources.

▫ A conclusion about predicted impacts is also presented for each concern

analyzed

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Consultation and Coordination
▫ This section documents how we consulted with government, public, and
individual interests during preparation of the EIS. The principal emphasis of
this section is a summary of the public comments that we received on the
draft EIS and our responses to those comments. Other types of information
included in this section are:

▫ Results of any consultation with the appropriate Federal Agencies about the
possible impacts of the proposal on endangered or threatened plant or animal
species.

▫ Descriptions of the public participation process, including the details of

scoping meetings and public hearings.

▫ Listings of the persons or groups that were provided copies of the EIS.
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▫ We have established formal agreements with the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to cooperate in preparing some EISs. The EPA normally prepares
or assists with the water quality analysis and air quality analysis because they
regulate air emissions and discharges into marine waters from OCS
operations. We may also be a cooperating agency on an EIS prepared by
another Federal Agency, such as the Army Corps of Engineers, for proposed oil
and gas activities.

▫ During development of the EIS, we also consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service about the potential effects
of oil and gas activities on species protected under the Endangered Species
Act.

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Appendices
▫ This section contains a variety of technical reports that support the analysis of
expected impacts.

▫ Normally included among those reports are: our assessment of amounts of oil
and gas resources that might be discovered in and produced from the area
covered by the proposal (program and leasing EISs); our assessment of the
probabilities that oil spills might occur and the possible movements of spilled
oil; and a description of equipment and procedures that would be used to
respond to an oil spill

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Parameters of Environmental Impact
Statement
▫ Land Ownership: Specifics related to land ownership, tenure, and existing
land use are an important basis of the EIS. The ownership of traditional land
and archaeological sites of significance must be reviewed when an area is
identified as a project site. Two areas which require particular investigation
and identification are:

▫ Anthropological land ownership regions.

▫ Archaeological sites of significance.

▫ Climatic Data: A climatic database should be made through collecting the

data consisting of parameters such as precipitation, maximum/minimum
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temperature, wind speed and wind direction, evaporation, relative humidity,
barometric pressure, etc.
▫ Flora (Vegetation): A comprehensive flora study including an inventory of
terrestrial & aquatic flora; population along with density data for vegetation
species; identification of any rare or endangered species, etc. should be done.

▫ Fauna (Animals): A comprehensive fauna study including an inventory of

terrestrial, aquatic and avifauna and bats; habitat; population and density of
animal species; permanent or migratory populations (along with identification
of trans-migratory routes); identification of any rare or endangered species
should be done.

▫ Terrain Analysis: This study should address geographical parameters such as

geomorphology; geology; drainage (natural); hydrogeology; erosion potential;
soil classification etc.

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▫ Air Quality: Air quality studies and analysing those with climatic data and
projected emission data from the mining/mineral processing or extraction
activities to forecast expected levels of particulate matter; noxious fumes;
dust containing silica/silicates and concentration of sulphur dioxide and other
harmful gases.

▫ Water Quality: Water quality studies along with its analysis on hydrology and
hydrogeology data coupled with projected discharge data (chemical waste)
from the mining/mineral process to develop profiles for groundwater & surface
water quality.

▫ Waste Disposal and Chemical Safety: Identification of chemicals that will be

used on the site, i.e., a possible inventory; proposed storage & handling
procedures; and waste disposal arrangements should be considered from an
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early stage. (UNEP Guidelines (EIS))
Environmental Impact Statement
Qualitative Parameters Quantitative Parameters
▫ Land ownership ▫ Climate data

▫ Terrain analysis ▫ Flora

▫ Air quality ▫ Fauna

▫ Water quality

▫ Water disposal and

Chemical safety

34
 

Analysis:
EIA report on NH-9
and NH-211 in India
Rehabilitation and up-gradation
From existing 2 lane to 4 lane from Solapur to Yedeshi section of
NH-211 from km 0.000 to km 100.000 and from km 249.000 to km
255.00 of NH-9 in the state of Maharashtra

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Scope of the Study
▫ Environmental assessment is a detailed process, which starts from the
conception of the project and continues till the operation phase.

▫ The steps for environmental assessment are therefore different at different

phases.

▫ The present report details the environmental setting of the project zone,
collects the baseline data and then identifies the anticipated environmental
impact and finally suggests appropriate mitigation measures and mechanism
for ensuring effective implementation of the environmental safeguard
measures at different stages of the project..
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Objectives of the Study
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study includes:

▫ Establishment of the present environmental scenario

▫ Study of the specific activities related to the project

▫ Evaluation of the probable environmental impacts

▫ Recommendations of necessary environmental control measures.

▫ Preparation of Environmental Management Plan

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EIA process requirements
SPCB arranges
Start Site Selection Conduct EIA Apply for NOC public nearing

Project proponent apply for the environmental

clearance, submitting required documents
(EIA reports. NOC from SPCB, etc)

Review by Environmental Appraisal Committee

Changes
Accepted Rejected
suggested

39
Project description 
▫ The project includes sections of two National Highways, Namely NH-211 and
NH-9 which converge at Sholapur town in the state of Maharashtra.

▫ The proposed project is widening of highway section from existing 2 lane to

4-Lane dual carriageway configuration from Km 0.000 to Km 100.00 of
NH-211 and from Km 249.000 to km 255.000 of NH-9 covering a total length
of 106 km.

▫ The proposed project also includes 2 bypasses and 7 major realignments 

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41
 Project Objective
The main objective of the project is to prepare a detailed project report for rehabilitation and
Upgradation of existing 2-lane to 4-lane cross section in a manner which ensures:

▫ Enhanced safety of the traffic, the road users and the people living close to the highway.

▫ Enhanced operational efficiency of the highway.

▫ Fulfilment of the access needs of the local population.

▫ Minimal adverse impact on the road users and the local population due to construction.
Feasible and constructible options for the project with least cost options.

▫ This Detailed study will be used as a planning tool for integrating objectives of
sustainable development with economic growth and social development to facilitate 42

decision-making.
Project Approach for Environmental
Studies
The main approaches are:

▫ Identification, appraisal and division between positive and negative impacts, direct and
indirect impacts, and instant and long-term impacts likely to result from the proposed
bypass;

▫ Identification of unavoidable or irreversible impacts;

▫ Explanation of the impacts quantitatively, in terms of environmental costs and benefits,

if possible;

▫ Characterization of the extent and quality of available data;

43
▫ Identification of significant information deficiencies;
▫ Identification as well as estimation of any uncertainties associated with
predictions of impacts;

▫ Identification of un-mitigated negative impacts;

▫ Exploration towards the opportunities for environmental enhancement; and

▫ Identification of feasible and cost effective mitigation measures to minimize

negative impacts and enhance positive impacts by incorporating in the
preliminary engineering design.

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Impact Identification
Nature Types Timings Extent
Direct Environmental Immediate Local, Regional
Indirect Social Long Term Transboundary , Global

Severity Reversibility Occurance Duration

High Reversible Low Probability Temporary
Moderate Ireversible High Probability Permanent

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Impacts during preconstruction
phase:
The environmental impacts associated with the pre construction stages mainly include impacts
due to design and location of the project as well as site preparation for construction.
The main issues involve in the preconstruction stage are:

▫ Acquisition of land and properties

▫ Tree felling

▫ Diversion of forest land,

▫ Encroachment of water tanks & ponds,

▫ Acquisition of common property resources, 46

▫ Relocation of public utilities etc.

Impact during construction and
operation phase:
 During construction period the major
environmental issues will be related to:
▫ Dust generation,
▫ Emission of gaseous emissions,
▫ Borrow area and quarry operations,
▫ Pollution due to operation of plants
and equipment,
▫ Contamination of land and soil,
▫ Contamination of water bodies and
public as well as workers health and
safety.
Contamination of water bodies and public as
well as workers health and safety.
These anticipated impacts will mainly temporary
and localized in nature and are likely to persist
for short duration till the construction activities
are over in a particular area.
However there are some long term adverse
impacts due to construction.
These impacts however can be mitigated
effectively through proper planning, scheduling
and by application of environmental friendly
construction practices.
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Environmental monitoring
programme
▫ Monitoring of environmental quality during construction and operation stages
reflects the success of implementation of the mitigation measures.

▫ •Also it provides a chance to review the suggested measure and improve upon the
measures.

▫ •To ensure the effective implementation of the Environmental Management Plan

(EMP), it is essential that an effective monitoring plan be designed and carried out.

48
▫  The environmental monitoring plan covering various performance indicators,
frequency and institutional arrangements for the project in the construction
and operation stages has been formulated for the project.

▫ •Environmental Monitoring of performance indicators will be conducted by the

project authority .

▫ •The monitoring plan has been suggested with performance indicators to be

monitored, locations, frequency and timeframe of monitoring.

▫ Periodical monitoring of air, water, noise quality and survival rate of plantations
also has been suggested. 49
Analysis of Alternatives
▫ An analysis of “With” and “Without” Project scenario reveals that the positive
impacts outnumbered the negative impacts due to the proposed development.

▫ The negative impacts are envisaged only during the construction period which
will be temporary in nature and of short duration.

▫ Further mitigation measures will be adopted to limit the impacts during the
construction phase.

▫ The proposed expansion will aid in infrastructure development and will act as
a catalyst to boost the economic progress.
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▫ It was revealed during discussions with various stakeholders that safety is a
major concern along the existing highway section
The safety aspect will be enhanced considerably with the provision of

▫ Service lanes

▫ Pedestrian crossings

▫ Street lights

▫ Additional systematically designed bust stands,

▫ Rest areas Bus bays and truck lay byes

▫ Service roads 51

This will ensure smooth traffic, it is envisaged that commercial establishments will
Environmental management plan
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the key to ensure effective
implementation of environmental safeguard measures during different stage of the
project.
Environmental Management Plan includes

▫ EMP Implementation Framework

▫ Supervision monitoring and

▫ Reporting requirements

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PRECONSTRUCTION STAGE DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE

▫ The responsibility of the ▫ The primary responsibility of implementing

implementation of mitigation environmental safeguards measures is with
measures is mainly Project Concessionaire which will design, construct and own
Implementation Unit of NHAI the project till concession period.
which is the Project Proponent
for the project.
▫ The NHAI will be overall responsible for EMP
implementation.

▫ A budgetary cost estimated for environmental

management activities is Rs. 9.65 crores for the
project, which includes various mitigation costs during
preconstruction, construction and operation stages,
environmental enhancement measures, Corporate
Social Responsibility as well as environmental
monitoring cost. 53
Conclusions
▫ The proposed expansion will aid in infrastructure development and will act as
a catalyst to boost the economic progress of the state.

▫ Benefits of the project will be the reduction in air pollution due to better
service levels of the road, reduction in travel time and accidents, better
connectivity. This will definitely encourage the economic along the project
stretch, thereby improvement of socio-economic condition of the area along
the project corridor.

▫ With best management practices and a proper environmental management &

monitoring plan in place during construction and operation stages, the
proposed project is not expected to cause any significant adverse effects on
the surrounding environment. 54
Thank You !!