Environmental Impact Assessment

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT
• UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to
identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior
to decision-making.

• It aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project


planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts,
shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions
and options to decision-makers.
• It takes into consideration not only technical and economic considerations but
also, traditional aspects like impact on local people, biodiversity etc.

• Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by the


Environment Protection Act, 1986 which contains various provisions on EIA
methodology and process.
Categorization of projects and activities

• Category A projects require mandatory environmental clearance and thus


they do not undergo the screening process.
• Category B projects undergoes screening process and they are classified
into two types.
• Category B1 projects (Mandatorily requires EIA).
• Category B2 projects (Do not require EIA).
• Thus, Category A and Category B1 projects undergo the complete EIA
process whereas Category B2 projects are excluded from complete EIA
process.
Stages in obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC) for New Projects

The environmental clearance process for new projects will comprise of a


maximum of four stages, all of which may not apply to particular cases as
set forth below in this notification. These four stages in sequential order
are:-
Stage (1) Screening (Only for Category 'B' projects and activities)
Stage (2) Scoping
Stage (3) Public Consultation
Stage (4) Appraisal
EIA Process
EIA involves the steps mentioned below. However, the EIA process is cyclical with
interaction between the various steps.
1. Screening: The project plan is screened for scale of investment, location and type of
development and if the project needs statutory clearance.
2. Scoping: The project’s potential impacts, zone of impacts, mitigation possibilities and
need for monitoring.
3. Collection of baseline data: Baseline data is the environmental status of study area.
4. Impact prediction: Positive and negative, reversible and irreversible and temporary
and permanent impacts need to be predicted which presupposes a good
understanding of the project by the assessment agency.
5. Mitigation measures and EIA report: The EIA report should include the actions and
steps for preventing, minimizing or by-passing the impacts or else the level of
compensation for probable environmental damage or loss.
6. Public hearing: On completion of the EIA report, public and environmental groups
living close to project site may be informed and consulted.
7. Decision making: Impact Assessment Authority along with the experts consult the
project-in-charge along with consultant to take the final decision, keeping in mind EIA
and EMP (Environment Management Plan).
8. Monitoring and implementation of environmental management plan: The various
phases of implementation of the project are monitored.
9. Assessment of Alternatives, Delineation of Mitigation Measures and Environmental
Impact Assessment Report: For every project, possible alternatives should be
identified, and environmental attributes compared. Alternatives should cover both
project location and process technologies.
Once alternatives have been reviewed, a mitigation plan should be drawn up for the
selected option and is supplemented with an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
to guide the proponent towards environmental improvements.
10.Risk assessment: Inventory analysis and hazard probability and index also form part of
EIA procedures.

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