Methodology of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) is a comprehensive and detail examination of a proposed
development initiative and the environment in which it is to be conducted and
operated. EIA will be carried out in relation to legislative framework relevant
to the environmental studies. Baseline environmental conditions around the
project site will be established during this stage of the study. The potential interaction
between the project and its environmental and social setting will be established,
involving identification, characterization and evaluation of all potential
impacts.
A comprehensive checklist of all possible
impacts associated with the pre-construction, construction and operational
stages of the project will be prepared, and will form the basis for a simple
matrix table showing for each impact:
• The
environmental components or values likely to be effected
•Characterization
in terms of major parameters (beneficial/adverse, direct/indirect, duration,
areal extent, effect on baseline conditions, etc.
•Evaluation of the
significance of each impact taking into account the principal characteristics.
•Brief comments
as necessary to support assessment of significance.
The key impacts identified during the scoping phase will then be investigated and described in detail. A comparison of alternatives to the scope and form of the project, including the no-action case, will also be carried out, covering key impacts only. An environmental and social comparison of relocation of alternatives will be prepared, so that these matters can be given due consideration in selection of the most appropriate. Uncertainties in impact assessment will be identified and evaluated in terms of their likely effect on the validity of conclusions regarding the overall environmental performance of the project. Practical and cost-effective measures to enhance beneficial impacts and to avoid creation of adverse impacts or to minimize or offset them will be identified and recommendations made for their incorporation in designs, contract documentation etc. This aspect will cover all impacts, but will concentrate on key impacts, for which an assessment of residual impact will be made, assuming that all proposed enhancement or mitigation measures are fully adopted. Wherever possible, mitigation will be based on the principle of planning and shaping the project in such a way as will avoid creation of adverse impacts. This is a significantly better and more cost-effective approach than allowing an impact to arise and then having to develop mitigation measures which may only be partially successful in minimizing problem.
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