NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
AAR 5105
LECTURER: MR. T. HONDE
Assignment 01
NAME: Courtney Nyamuzuwe
STUDENT NUMBER: N0172460c
a. Define EIA (2)
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010) Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or
development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health
impacts, both beneficial and adverse. In support of this definition the United Nation Environment
Programme (UNEP, 2011) states it is a tool used to identify the environmental, social and
economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making, aiming to find ways and means to
reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and achieve economic
benefits such as reduced cost and time of project implementation and design, avoidance of
treatment/clean-up costs and negative impacts of laws and regulations.
b. What is essential in an EIA? (3)
Figure 1 Shows the procedures followed in the assessment of an environmental component with
the assumption that feasibility studies and screening has already been conducted.
Scoping is essential to identify at an early stage (when the project design is relatively amenable
to modification) what key receptors, impacts and project alternatives to consider. It ensures that
resources and time are focused on important impacts and receptors to provide preliminary
assessment of the project’s potential impacts; impact area/zone; possible mitigation measure; and
potential need for monitoring.
Baseline studies form the backbone of component assessments by providing sound information
on the socio-economic or environmental systems in the impact area that valid impact predictions
can be made on, and effective mitigation and monitoring programmes formulated.
Impact prediction is fundamental since likely impacts of a project should be considered for all
environmental components for both prior to project initiation and after during the projected
building lifetime.
Mitigation measures aim to avoid, minimise, remedy or compensate (in that sequence) for the
predicted adverse impacts of the project. The mitigation measures include selection of alternative
production techniques, and/or locations or alignments; modification of the methods and timing of
construction; modification of design features site boundaries and landscaping; minimisation of
operational impacts such as pollution and waste; and measures to compensate for losses.
Monitoring through continuous assessment of environmental or socio-economic variables by the
systematic collection of specific data in space and time. It involves baseline monitoring which
may be carried out over seasons or years to quantify ranges of natural variation and/or directions
and rates of change, that are relevant to impact prediction and mitigation. Compliance
monitoring aims to check that specific conditions and standards are met for example in relation
to emissions of pollutants. Impact and mitigation monitoring aims to compare predicted and
actual impacts, and hence to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
c. Which type of Project usually requires an EIA and why? (5)
Schedule I projects, these include large scale projects with obvious environmental effects, such
as:
crude oil refineries,
nuclear generating stations and other related nuclear reactors
large-scale quarries and open-cast mines;
Petroleum production, storage and distribution;
Infrastructure-highways, airports, new railway routes and branch lines, new towns or
townships, industrial sites.
Schedule II projects such as
industrial estate development projects (exceeds 0.5 hectare)
an electric line installed above ground with a voltage of more than 132 kilovolts.
d. When is EIA usually required for a development project (list all that apply) (5)
According to Glasson et al (2005) and CEC (1982) EIA is usually required in major projects
based on a combination of factors that include
substantial capital investment;
type and scale of activity,
large land area coverage;
potential environmental impacts;
employment of large numbers of people, either in project construction or operation;
involvement of a complex array of organizational links;
require special procedures such as public inquiries and special bills approved through the
legislative process.
involve certain types of activity, including manufacturing and extractive projects, such as
petrochemical plants, steelworks, mines, and quarries;
service projects, such as leisure developments, and out-of-town shopping centres;
and utilities and infrastructure, such as power stations, roads, reservoirs, pipelines, and
barrages.
anticipate high production levels.
e. Briefly discuss the characteristic of a good EIA
According to Sadler (1999) good EIA:
Facilitates informed decision making by providing clear, well-structured, dispassionate
analysis of the effects and consequences of proposed actions.
Assists the selection of alternatives, including the selection of the best practicable or most
environmentally friendly option.
Influences both project selection and policy design by screening out environmentally
unsound proposals, as well as modifying feasible action.
Facilitates meaningful public engagement and review in at least two stages of the process:
once when scoping the impacts and issues to be considered, and again during the presentation
of initial findings of the EIA, including a non-technical summary.
Encompasses all relevant issues and factors, including cumulative effects, social impacts, and
health risks.
Directs (not dictates) formal approvals, including the establishment of terms and conditions
of implementation and follow-up.
Results in the satisfactory prediction of the adverse effects of proposed actions and their
mitigation using conventional and customized techniques.
Serves as an adaptive, organizational learning process in which the lessons experienced are
fed back into policy, institutions, and project designs.
References
1. Riki Therivel and Peter Morris (2009), Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment – Part
1. ISBN 0-203-89290-9 Master e-book ISBN
2. Brew D and N Lee 1996. The role of environmental management plans in the EIA process.
EIA Newsletter (12), Manchester University EIA centre.
3. Clark BD 1996. Monitoring and auditing in environmental assessment – improving the
process. London: IAE and EARA Joint Annual Conference
