2020-09-18

Unit 4. Environmental Assessment and Negative Impact of Development

Monitoring
4.1 Introduction to environmental assessment and activities in Nature or environment
monitoring Development Activities
4.2 Tools of environmental assessment and  Road construction
monitoring (Introduction, significance and  Irrigation cannel
procedures)
 Hydropower
4.3 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
4.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)  High tension electricity line
4.5 Environmental Auditing  Cable car
 linear structure (Road, fence, Cannel, etc)

BY: Shailendra Kumar Yadav

Conservation Officer, NTNC/
NTNC/ACAP

Loss of Forest Due to road

Impact
construction
 Loss of biodiversity
 Road kill increases due to transportation
 Loss of aquatic biodiversity due to
hydropower
 Forest loss due to landslide because of
unplanned road construction
 Many more

Biological barrier for animal

Road Kill
movement

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Impact of Road on wildlife Impact of development activities on

Environment

Impact of Over extraction of 4.1. Introduction to environmental

environmental recourses assessment and monitoring
 Environmental assessment: “It is an
amalgamation of art and science of
identifying/predicting and evaluating the results
of interactions between environmental variables
and human activities in nature.”
An Environmental Assessment (EA):
 Identifies potential adverse environmental effects
 proposes measures to mitigate adverse
environmental effects
 Measure the feasibility of the development
project

4.1. Introduction to environmental 4.1. Introduction to environmental

assessment and monitoring… assessment and monitoring…
 Predicts whether there will be significant adverse  Why do we need EA?
environmental effects, after mitigation measures  To minimize or avoid adverse environmental
are implemented effects before they occur
 Ensures compliance with the policy and legal  To ensures public consultation and participation
provisions of affected community
 Includes a follow-up program to verify the  To help to judge environmental performance of
accuracy of the environmental assessment and any projects/activities
the effectiveness of the mitigation measures  To incorporate environmental factors into
 Monitoring of biodiversity including all decision making and provide inputs into decision-
environmental attributes before and after the making
project implementation

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4.1. Introduction to environmental

assessment and monitoring… Problem due to road
 Environmental Assessment (EA)- Benefits
 Avoidance or minimization of adverse environmental
effects
 Opportunities for public participation and
consultation
 Increased protection of human health
 Reduced project costs and delays
 Reduced risks of environmental harm or disasters
 Increased government accountability and
harmonization
 Lessen probability of trans-boundary environmental
effects
 Informed decisions that contribute to responsible
development of natural resources

Some Benefit from Under pass

4.1. Introduction to environmental 4.1. Introduction to environmental

assessment and monitoring… assessment and monitoring…
 Environmental Assessment (EA)- Principles  Environmental Assessment (EA)- Types of EA
 Principle 1: Focus on main issue
 Principle 2: Involve the appropriate persons and groups
 Principle 3: Link information to decisions about the
project
 Principle 4: Present clear options for the mitigation of
impacts and for sound environmental management
 Principle 5: Provide information in a form useful to the
decision makers
Source (UNEP, 1988)

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4.1. Introduction to environmental
assessment and monitoring…
 Environmental Assessment (EA)- Types of EA
 Brief Environmental Study
 Initial Environment Examination (IEE)
 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for a policy or plan
or programs
 Regional Environment Assessment (REA) for proposals on
regional scale
 Sectoral Environmental Assessment (SeEA) for proposal on a
sector e.g. EIA guideline for forestry sector
 Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for proposal on past,
present and foreseeable future actions in given area
 Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for in-depth analysis of social
aspects of a proposal
4.1. Introduction to environmental
assessment and monitoring…
Environmental monitoring:
 Environmental monitoring describes the processes
and activities that need to take place to characterize and
monitor the quality of the environment.
 Environmental monitoring is used in the preparation
of environmental impact assessments, as well as in many
circumstances in which human activities carry a risk of
harmful effects on the natural environment.
 All monitoring strategies and programs have reasons and
justifications which are often designed to establish the
current status of an environment or to establish trends in
environmental parameters.
 In all cases the results of monitoring will be reviewed,
analyzed statistically and published.
4.2. Tools of environmental assessment
and monitoring
 Those instruments (e.g., scales, questionnaires and
checklists) that support an environmental assessment
 Environmental assessment and monitoring tools helps
in estimating and evaluating significant short-
term and long-term effects of a program or project on
the quality of its location's environment.
 It also includes identifying ways to minimize, mitigate,
or eliminate these effects and/or compensate for
their impact.
 The assessment tools differ in terms of which
environmental objectives are included and how
indicators are constructed and interpreted.
2020-09-18
4.1. Introduction to environmental
assessment and monitoring…
 Legal measures
 Forest Act, 1993 (Updated 2019_2076)
 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973
 Water Resources Act, 1993
 Electricity Act, 1993
 Environment Protection Act, 1996 (2018_2075)
 Environment Protection Rules, 1997 (2020_2077)
 Tourism Act, 1978
 Mines and Mineral Rules, 2000
4.1. Introduction to environmental
assessment and monitoring…
Environmental monitoring:
 For example, air quality monitoring, vegetation monitoring,
biodiversity (plant and animal) monitoring, water quality
monitoring, soil quality monitoring
 Pre and post monitoring of Babai-Bheri Diversion (Warm
vs Cold water)
 Monitoring environmental impact gives project managers
and communities critical information on project
performance and should be given the same attention as
social or economic monitoring.
 The monitoring of environmental impacts can be built into
the overall project monitoring process.
4.2. Tools of environmental assessment and
monitoring…
 The Benefits/significance of Environmental
Assessment and monitoring
 Reduced cost and time of project implementation.
 Cost-saving modifications in project design.
 Increased project acceptance.
 Avoided impacts and violations of laws and regulations.
 Improved project performance.
 Avoided treatment/clean up costs.
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4.2. Tools of environmental assessment 4.2. Tools of environmental assessment

and monitoring…
The benefits to local communities from taking part
in environmental assessments include:
 A healthier local environment (forests, water sources,
agricultural potential, recreational potential, aesthetic
values, and clean living in urban areas).
 Improved human health.
 Maintenance of biodiversity.
 Decreased resource use.
 Fewer conflicts over natural resource use.
 Increased community skills, knowledge and pride.
and monitoring…
Conducting an Effective Environmental Assessment:
Key Points to Remember
 Keep environmental assessment in perspective.
 Recognize it as a tool to enhance the decision-making
process, "not the decision making process itself"
 Keep the assessment simple and concentrate on relevant
or pertinent factors and data. It should be “exact or
rigorous but not necessarily laborious"
 Focus time and effort on the most relevant matters.
 Don't invest too much, nor too little, time on an
assessment.The process should be neither
extended/protracted nor hasty/speedy. It is better to take
the time needed to do a proper job than to pay later for
carelessness.

4.2. Tools of environmental assessment  Procedures

and monitoring…
 Tailor each assessment to the particular needs of the project.
Each project has a unique set of environmental, economic and
social characteristics. The values and priorities of the target
population and the extent of their participation and support
will also vary from project to project.
 Be creative/inventive. There is no standard format available for
interpreting the information gathered during an environmental
assessment.
 Be prepared for inexact and suggestive data that call for
gossip/speculation and extrapolation.
 Avoid secrecy. Open communication among all stakeholders
throughout the assessment process not only produces better
results, but also increases the project's credibility and builds
trust and acceptance on the part of the wider community.
 Seek external help and advice in situations that require more
expertise than is available in the project management and
environmental assessment teams.

4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)

Brief Environmental Study (New from 2077 BS)
 Means a report on Screening of project activities whether,
in implementing a proposal listed in Schedule (1) of EPR
(2020_2077), the proposal does have very minimal level of
impact
 low level of development activities

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4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)

Initial Environment Examination (IEE)
 "Initial Environmental Examination" means a report on
analytical study or evaluation to be prepared to ascertain
as to whether, in implementing a proposal listed in
Schedule (2) of EPR (2020_2077), the proposal does have
significant adverse impacts on the environment or not,
whether such impacts could be avoided or mitigated by
any means or not

4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
 "Environmental Impact Assessment" means a report on
detailed study and evaluation to be prepared to ascertain
as to whether, in implementing a proposal listed in
Schedule (3) of EPR (2020_2077), the proposal does have
significant adverse impacts on the environment or not,
whether such impacts could be avoided or mitigated by
any means or not.

4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE) 4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)
Features of IEE:  Initial Environment Examination (IEE)- Proposals
 It is generally used for small scale project listed in Schedule (2), EPR (2020):
 It is conducted within short time period 1. Forest sector
 It works on some known impacts mainly 2. Industrial sector
 It requires limited budget 3. Mining sector
 It requires small term of human resource 4. Road sector
 It may recommend for further assessment (EIA) 5. Water resources and energy sector
6. Tourism sector
7. Drinking water
8. Waste management
9. Agriculture sector

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4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)…
 Screening: Screening is an initial stage to decide whether
the project requires IEE or EIA or none.
 Saves money and time
 Identification of environmental issues of major concern
 Establishes needs of the projects
 Initial Environment Examination (IEE)-Terms of
Reference and its objectives
 Terms of Reference- contain detailed information on
project and activities to be done during IEE study as
described in Schedule EPR 2020
 Identifying and describing the impacts/issues to be
investigated
4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)…
 Time and Cost of IEE
 Specific impacts of implementation of proposal (Physical
and Chemical, Biological, Socio-economic and cultural)-
Beneficial and Adverse Impacts
 Alternatives for implementation of proposal
Mitigation measures (Protective, Design, Compensatory

and Enhancement)
 Monitoring during implementation of proposal
 Other necessary matters
 References
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4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)…
 Systematizing the working procedure
 Delineating the specific activities to be implemented
 Fitting environment assessment into context of existing
policies, rules and administrative procedures
 Accomplishing work within specified time frame
 Initial Environment Examination (IEE)-Terms of
Reference and its Content- Schedule
 Name and Address of proponent preparing the report
 General Information (Description of proposal and
Relevancy of proposal- EPA, 1996 and EPR,1997)
 Methodology
 Relevant Legal Measures (Interim Constitution of Nepal,
Acts and Regulations, Policies and Plans, Manuals and
Guidelines, Standards, Conventions)
4.3. Initial environmental examination (IEE)…
 Initial Environment Examination (IEE)- Public
Issuance Notice
 The proponent shall publish a notice in any national level
news paper, requesting the local government, RM where
the proposal is to be implemented , as well as the schools ,
hospitals , health posts and concerned individuals or
institutions of the area to offer in writing their suggestions
concerning to the possible impact of the implementation
of he proposal of the environment with giving 15 days of
time period- Section 7 of EPR, 1997
 Proof public notice, opinions and suggestion received if any
must be included in Final IEE report submitted to
concerned Ministry
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4.4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 4.4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)...
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Definition Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Definition
and importance and importance
 EIA is an important preventative environment  Assess whether the adverse impacts can be mitigated
management tool
 Recommend preventive and curative mitigation measures
 EIA is a systematic process that examines the
environmental consequences of development action in  Ensure people’s participation and inform affected parties
advance  Advise whether proposed development projects should
 EIA is an important tool for examining the environmental proceed
implications of any developmental activities that are taken  Provide information to decision makers and interested
into considerations before decision to proceed ahead. parties about implications of projects
 EIA is a planning and management tool for studying and
evaluating potential environmental consequences of
proposed development projects in order to:
 Identify beneficial and adverse environmental impacts
 Examine the significance of environmental implications

4.4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)… 4.4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)…
Objectives of EIA Features of EIA
 To collect the background information on physical,  It is generally used for large scale works
biological, socio-economic and cultural environment  It requires long time period for detail study
 To identify the impacts of proposed actions  It works on both known and unknown impacts
 To balance the interests between environment and  It requires more budget
development  Large term work with subject matter specialist
 To help achieving the goal of sustainability
 To develop an important reference point for
environmental monitoring and auditing
 To suggest the alternatives and other important
information to the decision and policy makers

5.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Procedure 5.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Procedure
Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL)
Yr,, 1st Sem, 2073

Designated Issuance of 15 days public notice in

Project Requiring EIA
Projects national daily newspaper for Issuance of 30 days public
(Schedule 2 of EPR, 1997)
Scoping Approval of EIA report within
notice in daily newspaper for
60 or 90 days upon receipt
public opinions and suggestions
Preparation and
Preparation and submission of
Bsc . 2nd Yr

Submission of TOR
Scoping Document Compliance of EIA report and other
(format of Schedule 4)
conditions during proposal implementation
Science-- Bsc.

Investigation of Scoping document and forward to Determination of Scoping

Environmental monitoring and inform MoEST
Environmental Science

MOEST with opinions and suggestions document as proposed or

amended on directive issued to proponent

Public hearing in Drafting of EIA report Approval of TOR as proposed Environmental Auditing after 2 years after the
project site as in Schedule 6 or in revised form commencement of the services of the
proposal

Preparation of Final EIA report Investigation and forward Issuance of 30-days

and submission to concerned 10 copies of EIA report to public notice in
body MOEST within 21 days of newspaper
receipt 55

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5.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Scoping

Scoping is to ensure that EIA study addresses all relevant issues and
provide sound basis for decision making
• Identify concerns and issues for consideration
• Identify all affected parties and involve them in determining
factors to be assessed
• Identify possible alternatives and impacts of different activities
• Facilitate agreement on contentious issues
• Establish terms of reference for EIA study
• Save time and money

Mechanism of Scoping:
1. Opening Scoping: public meetings, workshop and seminars
2. Closed Scoping: letters, interviews 57

5.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Scoping 5.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Scoping

List of Participants for Scoping Methods of Scoping Format of Scoping document

• Proponent (Consultancy) • Literature review • Introduction
• Review agency (departments • Map interpretation • Scoping methodology: Literature review, map interpretation,
and ministries) reconnaissance survey, issues prioritization methods
• Field observation
• Licensing agency (MOEST) • Existing environmental conditions: Physical-chemical, biological,
• PRA/RRA
Socio-economic, cultural
• Other relevant agencies (VDC, • Issues prioritization
DDC) • Environmental issues identified: suggestions, public demand and
concerns
• NGOs
• Issues prioritized for EIA study
• Public, local political parties
• Work Schedule
• References
• Annexes

4.5. Environmental Auditing 4.5. Environmental Auditing…

 It is a regulatory measure carried out after the  Environmental impact assessment: review committee
operational stage of a project which evaluates the 1. Join-Secretary, Environment Division, MoEST:
pre and post‐project state of the environmental Chairman
parameters/resources. It is undertaken by the
MOEST two years after the commencement of 2. Representative of the concerned ministry: Member
the services of the project. 3. Experts (Maximum 3): Member
 Assesses the effectiveness of EPMs (benefit 4. Representatives from government organization and
enhancing and impact mitigating), and monitory Or NGOs (Maximum 3): Member
mechanisms including the accuracy of the
5. Under-Secretary (Law), MoEST: Member
predictions.
6. Under-Secretary, EA Section, MoEST: Member-
 Compares the environmental quality (Biophysical,
socioeconomic and cultural) before and after the Secretary
implementation of project

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4.5. Environmental Auditing… 4.5. Environmental Auditing…

Contents and grading of an EIA Report
 Executive summary‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 5 points
Acronyms
 Project Description‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 5 points
 Policy, laws, Standards, guidelines & Institutions‐‐‐‐ 5 points
 Existing Environmental Conditions‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 10 points
 Alternative Analysis‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 5 points
 Environmental Impacts & Protections Measures‐‐‐‐ 40 points
 Environmental Management Plan‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 20 points
 (Environmental monitoring, auditing, organizational plan
with allocation of responsibilities, budgeting)
 Conclusions and recommendations‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 5 points
 References‐‐‐‐‐‐ 5 points
 Annexes
Approaches to Report review : Grading and
weighing
 Acceptable (A): SD, TOR and the EIA reports
contain adequate information to accept the proposal
(over or equal to 80 points)
 Acceptable with conditions (B): contains
incomplete information and some discrepancies
which can be corrected and thus the proposal is
accepted with some conditions (60‐ 79 points)
 Inadequate (C): not adequate information and
contains major discrepancies.The issues need to be
resolved before any decision is made on the
proposal (equal to or below 59 points)

4.5. Environmental Auditing…

 Types of Environmental Audit (EIA Guideline 1993)

 Decision point Auditing: effectiveness of EIA as a decision

making tool
 Implementation Auditing: focuses on the implementation
of the EPMs, their effectiveness and compliance;
 Performance Auditing: audits the responses of the
stakeholders.
 Project impact Auditing: audits the environmental effects
arising from the project activities,
 Predictive technique auditing: examines the utility and
accuracy of predictive techniques applied as EPMs
 EIA procedure Auditing: critically examines the methods
and approaches used in preparing the EIA report

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