KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY

School of Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Program: Architecture

Subject: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Report on Environmental Scoping And TOR

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Srestaa Bhattarai Dr. Bikash Adhikari sir
B. Arch IV-II
Roll no: 086
Reg no: 024481-18

Date of submission: 14 May, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING
1. Introduction
Environmental scoping is the process of identifying the key environmental issues and concerns
associated with a proposed project or development. It involves reviewing available
environmental data and information, consulting with stakeholders, conducting site visits and
field studies, and developing a scoping document that outlines the scope and objectives of the
environmental assessment.
The general purpose of environmental scoping is to ensure that all potential environmental
impacts are identified and addressed early in the project planning process, in order to develop
appropriate mitigation measures and ensure that projects are designed and implemented in an
environmentally responsible manner.
.

2. Importance of Scoping
Environmental scoping is a critical component of any environmental assessment or impact study.
It refers to the process of identifying and defining the boundaries of the environmental
assessment or impact study, including the environmental components and issues that should be
considered.
 Environmental scoping ensures that all potential environmental effects of a project or action,
including direct and indirect effects and effects that may occur over the long-term, are taken
into consideration.

 Scope and size of the environmental assessment can be defined with the aid of scoping,
enabling for the effective use of resources and effort. The assessment team can concentrate
on the most crucial and pertinent elements of the project or action by identifying the
significant issues and environmental factors that demand special attention.

 Scoping gives stakeholders the chance to identify issues and concerns that they feel should
be taken into account in the environmental assessment or impact research. This can make
sure that the evaluation considers the worries of all parties involved.

 Project proponents can prevent legal issues and delays that may arise from insufficient or
inadequate assessments by making sure that scoping is carried out in compliance with these
standards.

 An effective scoping procedure can raise the environmental impact study or assessment's
transparency and credibility. The assessment team can demonstrate that the evaluation is

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 comprehensive, objective, and scientifically based by including stakeholders and making
sure that all pertinent problems are taken into account.

3. Process Of Environmental Scoping

 Define the project or action: The first step is to clearly define the proposed project or action
that is being assessed. This includes understanding the purpose of the project, its scope, and
the potential environmental impacts it may have.
 Determine stakeholders: List every party who could be impacted by the project or action that
is being suggested. This includes neighborhood associations, governing bodies, advocacy
organizations, and any other parties having an interest in the project.
 Create a scoping plan: Create a scoping plan outlining the goals and parameters of the
impact study or environmental assessment. The important environmental factors that will be
taken into account, the procedures to be used to evaluate the effects on the environment, and
the completion dates should all be included in the scoping plan.
 Conduct scoping meetings:Hold scoping sessions to collect input and comment from
stakeholders on the proposed project or action. Stakeholders should have the chance to
express their concerns and top priorities during the sessions, which may be held in person or
online.
 Review: Analyze the input that was provided during the scoping meetings. Determine any
fresh issues or worries that were expressed and evaluate their importance in light of the
project.
 Create a scoping report: It highlights the scoping process, the feedback obtained, and the
important environmental factors that will be taken into account in the assessment or impact
study. The methodologies to be utilized to evaluate the environmental implications should be
described in the scoping report as well.
 Get input on the scoping report: Consult with regulatory organizations and stakeholders to
get their opinions on the scoping report. This will make it more likely that the report will
appropriately reflect the priorities and worries of all parties involved.
 Finalize the scoping report: Use the final report as a reference while undertaking the impact
study or environmental assessment.

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4. Scoping Documents
A scoping document typically includes the following information:
 A description of the proposed project or development
 A description of the study area and the potential environmental impacts
 A list of the key issues and concerns identified during scoping
 A description of the methods and approaches that will be used to assess environmental
impacts
 A list of the stakeholders and other interested parties that will be consulted during the
assessment process

5. Benefits Of Environmental Scoping

Environmental scoping provides a range of benefits, including:

 Ensuring that early on in the project planning process, all potential environmental
implications are identified and taken into consideration.
 lowering the danger of damaging environmental effects and related expenditures.
 Utilizing environmental factors to better project design and execution.
 Participating stakeholders in the scoping phase will increase their support and engagement.
 Delivering a thorough and organized approach to environmental evaluation.
 Increasing the possibility of getting permits and regulatory approvals.
 Fostering sustainable growth by minimizing negative effects on the environment and
enhancing positive social and economic effects.
 Assisting the project's long-term viability and success by making sure it is created and
carried out in an ecologically conscious manner.
 Ensuring that projects are effective, sustainable, and backed by stakeholders all depends on
environmental scoping.

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6. Challenges Of Environmental Scoping

 Complexity: Environmental scoping can be complex, especially when dealing with large and
complex projects that involve multiple stakeholders and environmental considerations.
 Data availability: Sometimes, there may be a lack of data and information about the
environment in the study area, which can make it difficult to identify potential
environmental impacts.
 Time and resource constraints: Environmental scoping can be time-consuming and resource-
intensive, which can be a challenge for project proponents who may be working on tight
schedules and budgets.
 Stakeholder engagement: Involving stakeholders in the scoping process can be challenging,
as different stakeholders may have different opinions and interests that need to be taken into
account.
 Regulatory requirements: There may be regulatory requirements that need to be met during
the scoping process, which can add additional challenges to the process.
 Technical expertise: Environmental scoping requires technical expertise and knowledge of
environmental science and regulations, which may not be readily available to project
proponents.
Overall, addressing these challenges requires careful planning and management of the scoping
process to ensure that all potential environmental impacts are identified and addressed in an
efficient and effective manner.

7. Example
 Wind Farm Development
The environmental scoping process would involve identifying potential impacts on wildlife,
including birds and bats, as well as assessing the visual impact of the turbines on the
surrounding landscape.

 Mining Operations
The environmental scoping process would involve identifying potential impacts on water
resources, such as rivers and groundwater, as well as assessing the potential for land
degradation and loss of biodiversity.
 Transportation Projects

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 The environmental scoping process would involve identifying potential impacts on air and
water quality, as well as assessing the potential for noise pollution and habitat fragmentation.

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

1. Introduction
Terms Of Reference (TOR) acts as a fundamental document in project management, offering a
precise structure for efficient project execution. It serves as a manual that describes the goals,
priorities, boundaries, and roles of a project.
It acts as a legal agreement or contract between the project's stakeholders, outlining what must be
done and how it will be carried out. The project's goal is defined in the TOR, along with the
project's primary stakeholders and expectations for deliverables, deadlines, and resources.

2. General Content Format

A generic content format of Project Terms of Reference includes the following:
 Project Background
 Project Objectives
 Issues to be explored and analyzed against certain criteria
 Implementation Methodology to be applied
 Expertise required
 Reporting requirements
 Work plan, including activity schedules

2.1 Project Background

A project's background gives a general summary of its historical context. The reader will receive
a concise justification of the project's requirement in this paragraph.A ToR template's
Background section often has multiple paragraphs that cover the following issues:
 Indicate the project's relationship to a relevant business need.
 Give an overview of the stakeholders' role in the project's overall activities.
 Highlight a quick synopsis of the project so far.

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2.2 Project Objective
 A project's objectives are those intended results that may feasibly be achieved after project
completion, with the use of available resources, and within the anticipated timeline.
 What is anticipated of the project and who the target audience is should be distinctly
identified and defined.
 A Terms of Reference template's Objectives section should outline intended outcomes at
various phases of the project lifecycle.
 It needs to list the main goals of the project, which must be accomplished for it to be
successful.

2.3 Issues
Key problems that need to be examined and debated at each step of the project lifecycle should
be highlighted in the problems section of a TOR template. A variety of assessment criteria that
may be utilized for problem analysis and solution are often included in TOR. For most projects,
the following generic problem evaluation standards apply:
 Efficiency
 Relevance
 Effectiveness
 Impact
 Sustainability

2.4 Methodology:
A project's implementation methodology offers a collection of general guidelines and rules from
which particular processes will be deduced in order to specify how to complete the project in a
way that is cost-effective. It outlines the primary approaches to project execution.
A description of the following items should be included in the Methodology section of a Project
Terms of Reference template:
 Phases that are important for project implementation
 The amount of stakeholder participation necessary to achieve effective execution

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 Project activities and duties, including their nature and length
 The information gathering instruments to be utilized for project monitoring throughout

2.5 Expertise
A set of professional standards for the individuals and teams participating in project
implementation are defined by the competence required to complete the project. It will serve as
the foundation for team development activities including training and skill evaluation.
A Project Terms of Reference template's Expertise section should list the following:
 The nature of the work on the project.
 The kinds of skills and knowledge needed for project work The precise number of
participants, together with a description of their training, experience, and other professional
qualities.
 The duration of each team member's involvement.
 A breakdown of each teammate's responsibilities and tasks.
 The dynamics of the team, especially leadership positions.

2.6 Reporting:
A Terms of Reference template should clearly state the reporting requirements in the part under
"Reporting Requirements." This section should contain information like:

 Reports on projects' tables of contents.

 Guidelines for writing annexes.
 Report formats.
 Reporting language to be utilized.
 Programs for computers to be utilized.
 Submittal deadlines.
 Individuals in charge of reporting and approving.

2.7 Work Plan

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The Work Plan section of a Project Terms of Reference template should set out the activities and
necessary resources required for achieving the project’s results and purpose. It should therefore
include a summary of the anticipated work and time schedule, which are based upon the
following:

 An analysis of the issues, in terms of the evaluation criteria.

 The proposed implementation methodology.
 The reporting requirements.
 The finance resources allocated to the project.

3. Importance And Purpose Of TOR

 Clarity and Alignment: The aim, goals, and parameters of the project are distinctly stated in
the TOR, which offers clarity.

 Scope Management: By clearly outlining the project's limits and what is included and
excluded, TOR helps avoid scope creep. This ensures that no new activities or deliverables
are introduced to the project without adequate review .

 Roles and Responsibilities: Members of the project team are given distinct roles and tasks by
TOR.

 Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: The project's stakeholders are identified in

the TOR, which also specifies the routes of communication, reporting procedures, and
frequency of updates.

 comprehensive, objective, and scientifically based by including stakeholders and making

sure that all pertinent problems are taken into account.

 Performance Measurement: To keep the project on schedule and within budget, it enables
tracking and monitoring the accomplishment of milestones.

 Resource Planning and Management: It helps with resource demands estimation and makes
sure that the appropriate resources are allocated at the appropriate times and in the
appropriate amounts.

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 Risk Management: A section on risk management that lists potential hazards and mitigation
techniques can be included in the TOR.

 Governance and Decision-making: TOR establishes project governance by defining the roles
and responsibilities of key decision-makers and stakeholders.

4. Key Components Of TOR

a) Background Information
 Background information and an explanation of the project's context
 establishing the project's requirement
 Giving a description of any current issues or problems

b) Project Objectives
 Clearly stating the intended outcomes of the project
 Aligning objectives with organizational goals
 Identifying specific targets or milestones

c) Scope of Work
 Setting the project's parameters
 Describing the project's inclusions and exclusions
 Finding any restrictions or limitations

d) Final Products
 A list of the deliveries or anticipated results
 Defining acceptable deliverable standards
 Defining the standards for each deliverable's acceptance
e) Timeline and Milestones

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 Establishing a project timeline
 Identifying key milestones and deadlines
 Providing a schedule for reporting and review

f) Roles and Responsibilities

 Clearly outlining the obligations of project team members
 Naming a responsible party for each task or deliverable
 ostering efficient cooperation and collaboration

g) Reporting and Communication

 Defining the format and frequency of reporting
 Determining the parties involved and their communication requirements
 Describing the communication routes and procedures

h) Budget and Resources

 Allocating resources required for the project
 Defining the project budget and financial constraints
 Addressing any resource-related risks or dependencies

5. Considerations In Developing TOR

a) Stakeholder Engagement
 Identifying and involving key stakeholders
 Incorporating their perspectives and requirements
 Ensuring stakeholder buy-in and support

b) Flexibility and Adaptability

 Allowing for changes and adjustments during the project lifecycle

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 Incorporating contingency plans and risk management strategies
 Balancing flexibility with the need for project control

c) Specificity and Clarity

 Speaking in a clear and straightforward manner
 avoiding ambiguity and imprecise language
 ensuring well stated expectations

e) Matching Organizational Policies

 Making certain that the TOR complies with the organization's rules and procedures
 obeying the law and any regulations
 the discussion of moral issues

8. Challenges Of TOR
While Terms of Reference (TOR) are crucial for effective project management, they can also
present certain challenges. Here are some common challenges associated with TOR:
 Lack of Clarity: Due to misconceptions and misinterpretations, project results may be
impacted.
 Scope Creep: Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of project requirements beyond
the initial scope, leading to increased costs, delays, and challenges in meeting project
objectives.
 Changing Project Dynamics: Projects often encounter changing circumstances, such as
evolving priorities, resource constraints, or external factors.
 Limited Stakeholder Involvement: Challenges may arise when stakeholders are not
adequately engaged, resulting in a lack of ownership and commitment to the TOR.
 Managing Expectations: Stakeholders may have varying interpretations of the TOR, and it is
essential to continuously communicate and align expectations to avoid dissatisfaction or
conflicts.
 Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensuring that the TOR is effectively monitored and evaluated
throughout the project can be challenging.

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 Balancing Flexibility and Control: TOR should provide a framework for project
management, but it should also allow for flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

REFERENCES

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https://mymanagementguide.com/terms-of-reference-tor-template/
https://www.hashmicro.com/blog/tor-advantages/
https://www.projectengineer.net/how-to-write-a-powerful-terms-of-reference/
extension://elhekieabhbkpmcefcoobjddigjcaadp/https://southasia.iclei.org/wp-content/uploads/
2023/05/TOR-for-development-of-Miyawaki-Forest.pdf
https://www.consultingedge.net/business-communications/terms-of-reference-tor/
extension://elhekieabhbkpmcefcoobjddigjcaadp/https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/eia/
documents/EaP_GREEN/Moldova_scopingworkshop_30-
31_07_2014/30.07_MUSIL_SEA_Scoping_what_is_scoping_and_why.pdf
extension://elhekieabhbkpmcefcoobjddigjcaadp/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/296952/geho0411btrf-e-e.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
222559819_Scoping_in_environmental_impact_assessment_Balancing_precaution_and_efficien
cy

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