Environmental Impact Study

ASSESSMENT1 – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY

(20 points)

Create an Environmental Impact Analysis using our lecture as your guide (From A to F discussed).
Please see what is applicable to your business in terms of environmental issues also.

A. WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)?

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to identify and evaluate the potential
environmental and social impacts of a proposed project or development activity. It is a tool for
predicting and assessing the likely impacts of a project on the natural environment and human
health, and for recommending measures to reduce or mitigate those impacts.

The process involves gathering data on the proposed project or activity and its potential impacts,
assessing the significance of those impacts, and identifying measures to minimize or mitigate
adverse impacts. The goal of an EIA is to ensure that the proposed project or activity is
environmentally and socially sustainable and does not harm the environment or communities in
which it operates.

EIA is typically conducted during the planning phase of a project or development activity and
may be required by law or regulation in many countries. The process typically involves several
steps, including scoping, baseline studies, impact prediction, impact assessment, mitigation
planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

The EIA process is a valuable tool for decision-making, allowing planners, regulators, and
stakeholders to identify the potential environmental and social impacts of a proposed project and
make informed decisions based on the best available information. It is a critical process for
ensuring that development activities are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner, and
that the natural environment and communities are protected.

B. WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS REQUIRE AN EIA?

The types of projects that require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can vary
depending on the country and the specific laws and regulations in place. Generally, projects that
are likely to have significant impacts on the environment or human health will require an EIA.
Here are some examples of projects that commonly require an EIA:

1. Large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, airports, railways, and dams

2. Mining and mineral exploration projects
3. Energy projects such as power plants, wind farms, and oil and gas pipelines
4. Industrial facilities such as chemical plants and manufacturing facilities
5. Agricultural and forestry projects such as large-scale commercial logging and plantation
development
6. Waste management facilities such as landfills and hazardous waste storage facilities
7. Tourism and recreational developments such as hotels and golf courses
 8. Urban development projects such as commercial and residential developments, shopping
centers, and urban renewal projects
In general, any project that involves significant land-use changes, resource extraction, or
emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases is likely to require an EIA. The specific thresholds
and criteria for requiring an EIA can vary depending on the country and the specific laws and
regulations in place.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) SYSTEM

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system is a process used to assess the potential
environmental impacts of proposed projects or activities. The EIS process is often required by
law or regulation in many countries to ensure that development activities are conducted in an
environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.

The EIS process typically involves several steps, including scoping, baseline studies, impact
prediction, impact assessment, mitigation planning, and monitoring and evaluation. The process
is intended to provide decision-makers and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of
the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, and to identify measures to minimize
or mitigate those impacts.

The EIS process typically begins with scoping, which involves identifying the potential impacts
of the proposed project and the scope of the environmental assessment. Baseline studies are then
conducted to gather data on the existing environmental conditions in the project area, including
information on air quality, water resources, wildlife, and human health and safety.

Next, the potential impacts of the proposed project are predicted and assessed, based on the
available data and the results of modeling and other analytical techniques. The impacts are then
evaluated to determine their significance, and measures to minimize or mitigate adverse impacts
are identified.

The EIS document itself is a detailed report that describes the proposed project and its potential
environmental impacts, and provides an analysis of the impacts and the measures to mitigate
them. The report typically includes a summary of the scoping, baseline studies, impact
assessment, and mitigation planning, as well as a monitoring and evaluation plan.

The EIS process is intended to be a transparent and participatory process, allowing stakeholders
and the public to provide input and feedback on the proposed project and the environmental
assessment. The EIS document is typically subject to public review and comment before a
decision is made on whether to approve or deny the proposed project.

D. MAJOR SECTIONS OF THE EIS

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) typically includes several major sections that provide
information on the proposed project and its potential environmental impacts. The specific
contents of an EIS can vary depending on the project and the specific regulations governing the
EIS process in the jurisdiction where the project is located. However, the following sections are
typically included in an EIS:

1. Purpose and Need: This section explains the reasons for the proposed project and
identifies the specific goals and objectives that the project is intended to achieve.

2. Alternatives: This section describes the range of alternatives that were considered in the
planning process, including the proposed project and other options that were evaluated.

3. Affected Environment: This section provides a description of the existing environmental

conditions in the project area, including air quality, water resources, wildlife, and human
health and safety.

4. Environmental Consequences: This section describes the potential environmental impacts

of the proposed project, including both direct and indirect impacts, and identifies any
potential adverse effects on the environment.

5. Mitigation Measures: This section describes measures that will be taken to minimize or
mitigate any potential adverse environmental impacts of the proposed project.

6. Cumulative Impacts: This section describes the potential combined effects of the
proposed project and other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions that
may affect the environment in the project area.

7. Consultation and Coordination: This section describes the process for consultation and
coordination with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as with tribal governments
and other stakeholders.

8. List of Preparers: This section provides a list of the individuals and organizations that
contributed to the preparation of the EIS.

9. References: This section includes a list of all the sources cited in the EIS.

10. Appendices: This section includes any additional information that is relevant to the EIS,
such as maps, technical reports, and public comments.

E. MAIN COMPONENTS OF AN EIA PROCESS

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process typically includes several main
components, which are designed to assess the potential environmental impacts of proposed
projects or activities. The specific components of an EIA can vary depending on the jurisdiction
and the type of project being proposed. However, the following are some of the main
components that are typically included in an EIA process:

1. Scoping: This is the initial stage of the EIA process, during which the scope and level of
detail of the assessment are defined. This stage involves identifying the environmental
issues that are likely to be affected by the proposed project, and determining the extent of
the analysis that will be required.

2. Baseline studies: This involves collecting and analyzing data on the existing
environmental conditions in the project area. This includes information on air quality,
water resources, soil quality, wildlife, and other aspects of the natural and human
environment that may be impacted by the proposed project.

3. Impact assessment: This involves predicting and assessing the potential environmental
impacts of the proposed project. This may include assessing the impacts of the project on
air and water quality, wildlife habitats, soil quality, and other environmental factors.

4. Mitigation planning: This involves identifying measures to minimize or mitigate any

adverse environmental impacts of the proposed project. This may include changes to the
project design, the use of alternative materials or methods, or the implementation of
mitigation measures such as pollution control or habitat restoration.

5. Public consultation: This involves engaging with stakeholders and the public to obtain
feedback on the proposed project and the environmental assessment process. This may
include public meetings, workshops, and the distribution of information materials.

6. Review and approval: This involves reviewing the environmental assessment and
deciding whether to approve or reject the proposed project. This may involve regulatory
agencies, government bodies, or other decision-makers.

7. Monitoring and follow-up: This involves monitoring the implementation of the proposed
project and the effectiveness of any mitigation measures. This may include ongoing
monitoring of environmental impacts, as well as the implementation of any follow-up
actions that may be required.

F. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (ECC)

An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is a document that is issued by regulatory agencies or
government bodies to certify that a proposed project or activity has undergone an environmental
impact assessment (EIA) process and has been found to be in compliance with applicable environmental
laws and regulations.

The ECC serves as proof that the project or activity has been thoroughly evaluated for potential
environmental impacts, and that any identified impacts have been mitigated or minimized to the extent
possible. It is a requirement for many projects and activities that have the potential to impact the
environment.

The ECC typically includes information on the project or activity, the environmental impacts that were
identified, the mitigation measures that were implemented, and any other relevant details related to
the environmental assessment process. The issuance of an ECC is usually subject to conditions or
requirements that must be fulfilled by the project proponent or activity operator in order to ensure
ongoing compliance with environmental regulations.

The ECC is an important tool for promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. It
provides assurance to regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the public that proposed projects or
activities are being conducted in a manner that is environmentally responsible and compliant with
applicable laws and regulations.

Rubric for Assessment 1: Environmental Impact Study Study

CRITERIA EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR
Multiple Gave one way Mentioned Lacked any
presentation of of minimizing environmental mention of
efforts to negative elements in environmental
minimize environmental discussion but impacts
negative impacts did not give
environmental specific 1-7
impacts 16 - 22 examples of
23 -30 how the study
considered
environmental
impacts

8-15
Environmental impact
assessment