ISSN : 2348-0033 (Online) ISSN : 2249-4944 (Print) IJEAR Vol.

10, Issue 2, July - Dec 2020

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Payal Sunil Pawar, Kedar Laxman Gaikwad
1
V.V.P.I.E.T., Solapur, India
2
Dept. of Technology, Kolhapur, India

Abstract 2. To aid in the Formation of Development

This paper includes the principle, objective and steps involved As EIA provides a framework for considering location and
in EIA process. The Environmental audit is the important factor design issues and environmental issues that gives great benefit to
to all human beings which helps to reduce the pollution of the developers. It can be an aid to the formulation of developmental
surrounding and keep nature green. In this paper the benefits and actions, indicating areas where the project can be modified to
motivation to EIA process is explained in detail. minimize or eliminate altogether the adverse impacts on the
environment. The consideration of EIA in the planning can lead
Keywords to environmentally sensitive development and improves relations
Environmental Audit, Environmental Impact Assessment, Life between the developer, the planning authority and the local
Cycle Analysis, Energy Analysis communities; to a smoother planning permission process and
sometimes gives financial return on the expenditure incurred.
I. Introduction
EIA means Environmental Impact Assessment. It is a process 3. To be an Instrument for Sustainable Development
of evaluating environmental impact of various projects and The key characteristics of sustainable development include
development considering inter-related socio-economic, cultural maintaining the overall quality of life, maintaining continuing
and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.It will access to natural resources and avoiding lasting environmental
help to keep environment free of pollution and reduces cost of the damage. Institutional responses to sustainable development are
projects. If EIA is not properly done for a certain projects, then therefore, required at several levels. [3] the first is to give a
it will harm the surrounding environment and also there will be formal model of requirements in EIA-632 standards and then
risk to human beings [1]. propose an approach for emergent properties analysis. The formal
model is built upon existing best practice in systems engineering
A. Principle of EIA by mapping Pre-Post conditions for each requirement mainly
It is important to recognized that there is a general principle of the technical requirements. The emergent property as safety
assessment that applies to EIA, and to other assessment processes issues, as assumption in the model as an identified property
[2]. There are a few different procedures that relate near the audit that can be generated either through the process or through non
of natural effects that may result from a proposed projects. reliable component. The process can be either a transformation
(machining
The following are well recognized processes:-
1. Social Impact Assessment C. Steps in EIA process
2. Risk Assessment EIA is representation of a systematic process that examines
the environmental consequences of the development actions,
3. Life Cycle Analysis
in advance. The EIA is important of a EIA for prevention and,
4. Energy Analysis therefore, is more proactive than reactive in nature [4].
5. Health Impact Assessment
6. Regulatory Impact Assessment The EIA process involves a number of steps, some of which
7. Species Impact Assessment are listed below:
8. Technology Assessment
1. Project Screening
9. Economic Assessment
This entails the application of EIA to those projects that may
10. Cumulative Impact Assessment have significant environmental impact. The screening is done
11. Strategic Environmental Assessment partly by the EIA regulations, operating in a country at the time
12. Integrated Impact Assessment of assessment.

B. Purposes of EIA 2. Scoping

EIA is a process with several important purposes, which can be The identification of significant environmental issues from
categorized as follows: among the host of possible impacts of the projects are takes
place in this step of EIA.
1. To Facilitate Decision-making
It provides a systematic examination of the environmental 3. Consideration of Alternatives
implications of a proposed action, and sometimes alternatives The other feasible approaches, including alternative project
to the decision maker like local authorities before a decision is locations, scales, processes, layouts, etc. are included in this
taken. The decision-maker can consider the environment impact step.
statement (EIS) along with other documentation relating to the
planned activity. 4. Description of the Project/Development Action
In this step we clarify the purpose and rationale of the project.

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Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3702152
IJEAR Vol. 10, Issue 2, July - Dec 2020 ISSN : 2348-0033 (Online) ISSN : 2249-4944 (Print)

It helps to understand its various characteristics, including the

stages of development, location and processes.

5. Description of the Environmental Baseline

The establishment of both the present and future state of the
environment, in the absence of the project, taking into account
the changes resulting from natural events and from other human
activities are done in this step of EIA.

6. Identification of Key Impacts

In this step of EIA we can ensureall significant environmental
impacts and taken into account in the process.

7. The Prediction of Impacts

The objective of this step is to identify the likely magnitude of
the change (i.e., impact) in the environment when the project is
implemented in comparison with the situation when the project
is not carried out.

8. Evaluation and Assessment of Significance

This aims to assess the relative significance of the predicted
impacts to allow a focus on key adverse impacts. Formal
definition of significance is the product of consequence and
likelihood as:
Significance =consequence X Likelihood

9. Mitigation Fig. 1: Illustrates the Steps Involved in the EIA Process

This involves the introduction of measures to avoid, reduce,
remedy or compensate for any significant adverse impacts. D. Environmental Impact Assessment & Environmental
Audit (EIA&EA)
10. Public Consultation and Participation
This aims to assure the quality, comprehensiveness and 1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
effectiveness of the EIA, as well as to ensure that the public’s Laboratory Services for Carrying out EIA and REIA for project
views are adequately taken into consideration in the decision- sites. These involve evaluation of air, water, Noise, land and
making process. biological environment. These are then integrated with socio-
economic and cultural aspects of the related industrial activities
11. EIS presentation at the proposed site. This in turn leads to the selection of
This is important step in EIA. We have to present the good work environmentally compatible project sites, process technologies
done in respective projects. as also evaluation of other environmental safeguards [5].

12. Review The salient features and CEIA and REIA studies.
This involves a systematic evaluation of the quality of the EIS, • Methodology, assessment of ambient air quality and
as a contribution to the decision-making process. identification, evaluation of emission sources and Noise
pollution assessment.
13. Decision-making • Assessment of water environment viz. hydrology, water and
The decisions are made by the relevant authority of the EIS wastewater quality.
(including consultation responses) together with other material • Assessment of solid waste generation, characterization and
considerations as to whether to accept, defer or reject the disposal.
project. • Assessment of Socio-economic and Cultural aspects.

14. Post-decision Monitoring Also undertake the Baseline Environmental data collection studies
This involves the recording of outcomes associated with for ECA/EDD/EIA
development impacts, after the decision to proceed with the
project. It can contribute to effective project management. 2. Environmental Statement / Audit (EA)
Environmental Audit/Statement is an objective assessment
15. Auditing by independent and unbiased investigators of the extent of
This follows monitoring and involves comparing actual outcomes compliance by the industry with the various Environmental rules
with predicted outcomes, and can be used to assess the quality and regulations. The audit is based upon the review of technical
of predictions and the effectiveness of mitigation. It provides a data required to be monitored, recorded and steps to be taken for
vital step in the EIA learning process. pollution abatement and control as per Government / Pollution
Control Board’s regulations.

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Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3702152

ISSN : 2348-0033 (Online) ISSN : 2249-4944 (Print) IJEAR Vol. 10, Issue 2, July - Dec 2020

E. The Benefits of Environmental Assessment

1. Reduced cost and time of project implementation [6]. Ms. Payal S. Pawar received her B.E.
2. Cost-saving modifications in project design. from Govt. College of Engg, Karad
3. Increased project acceptance. in Electrical Engineering in 2017, the
4. Avoided impacts and violations of laws and regulations. M. TECH at Depat. of Engg., Shivaji
5. Improved project performance. University, Kolhapur in Energy
6. Avoided treatment/clean up costs. technology in 2019. She is currently
working as an Assistant Professor with
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Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3702152