Approaches of screening to EIA

Most countries focus on identifying the types of projects, their size and potential
impacts to determine the need for an EIA. Overall, we can distinguish two different
.approaches to screening

Prescriptive or standardized approaches: Categories for different types of

development proposals are outlined in legislation and regulations. Proponents can
often decide whether their project will need an EIA based on these standardized
:approaches. These could include
.Legal (or policy) definitions of proposals to which EIA does or does not apply -
Inclusion lists of projects (with or without thresholds) for which an EIA is -
.automatically required
Exclusion lists of activities that do not require an EIA because they are insignificant -
.or are exempt by law (e.g., national security or emergency activities)
Customized approaches: Proposals are screened on an individual or case-by-
.case base, using indicative guidance with categories
Different countries and international agencies combine these types of screening
procedures. Most often, a simple categorization (such as A – C or 1 – 3) is used.
These categories help proponents and licensing agencies decide when a full EIA is
.needed
For high-impact projects: A full EIA is required because these are likely to have -1
significant serious adverse environmental impacts (i.e., result in irreversible damage,
affect vulnerable ethnic minorities, involve involuntary resettlement, or affect
:cultural heritage sites). These often include
.Dams and reservoirs
.Forestry and production projects
.Industrial plants (large-scale)
.Irrigation, drainage, and flood control (large-scale)
.Mining and mineral development (including oil and gas)
.Port and harbor development
.Reclamation, resettlement and new land development
.Thermal and hydropower development
Manufacture, transportation, and use of pesticides and other hazardous and/or toxic
.materials
For medium-impact projects (those likely to have adverse environmental impacts -2
that are less significant than those of in the previous category): Normally a limited
EIA will be undertaken to identify suitable mitigation and management measures
:and incorporate them into the project. These often include
Agro-industries, Electrical transmission; rural electrification
Aquaculture, irrigation and drainage (small-scale), Renewable energy, Tourism, Rural
.water supply and sanitation
For low-impact projects (Those that are likely to have minimal or no adverse
environmental impacts): No EIA is required. For example
Construction of small buildings, Community garden development, Development of
.wells in a community, Outdoor recreation
:Advantages of screening approaches

 Timesaving for local authorities and developers;

 Cost reduction to local authorities and developers;
 Reducing unnecessary EIAs.
 Alternative option of submitting screening direction through the secretary of state.
 Avoided impacts and violations of laws and regulations.
 Avoided treatment/cleanup costs.

Disadvantages of screening approaches

 There is no distinction between urban and rural areas, despite the qualities of the
areas being are significantly different;
 The increase in hectares was too large, particularly in urban areas;
 Subjectivity to housing size and height;
 Smaller projects collectively can account for larger impacts, which may eventually
become detrimental.
 Smaller projects are now overlooked

Screening Approaches to EIA in Egypt: The system encompasses a

flexible screening system and projects are classified into three groups or
classes reflecting different levels of environmental impact assessment
according to severity of possible environmental impacts.

The List Approach (Customized) in Egypt:

The list approach depends on screening projects into three categories based on different levels
of EIA required according to severity of possible environmental impacts as follows:

1. The "A" list projects for establishments/projects with minor environmental impact.
2. The "B" list projects for establishments/projects which may result in substantial
environmental impact.
3. The "C" list projects for establishments/projects which require complete EIA due to
their potential impacts.

4.Projects that have Special Conditions