Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – Process and Benefits

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an indispensable part of any proposed project be it governmental or non-governmental. Environmental Impact Assessment is the method of assessing the possible environmental consequences of a proposed project or development.In this blog I will show you what is EIA, its procedure, benefits and shortcomings.

Read on to know more details.

What is Environmental Impact Assessment?

Goals of Environmental Impact Assessment

Following are the goals of an EIA process:

• Forecast environmental impacts early in the project planning and design process 
• Identify ways to mitigate negative effects 
• Tailor projects to suit the local community 
• Present the predictions and options to decision-makers. 

Also read: Sustainable Cities -Features Full Guide

History of Environmental Impact Assessment in India

Environmental Impact Assessment has been practised in India for over 20 years. It began in 1976-77. In September 2006, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) announced new EIA legislation. The following projects require environmental clearance under the notification:

• Mining
• Thermal power plants, 
• River valleys, 
• Infrastructure (roads, highways, ports, harbours, and airports) 
• Factories, including very small electroplating or foundry units

EIA Process

The steps outlined below are part of the EIA method. The EIA mechanism, is cyclical, with interactions between the various phases.

Screening: 

The project plan is scrutinised for its size, location, and form of construction, as well as whether it requires legislative approval.

Scoping: 

The project’s possible effects, impact zones, mitigation options, and monitoring requirements.

Collection of baseline data: 

Baseline data refers to the state of the environment in the study region.

Impact Prediction: 

Positive and negative, reversible and irreversible, transient and permanent effects must all be forecast. This requires the evaluation agency to provide a thorough understanding of the project.

Mitigation measures and the EIA report: 

The EIA report should provide actions and steps for avoiding, mitigating, or transferring the impacts, as well as the extent of compensation for likely environmental harm or loss.

Public Hearing: 

After the EIA report is completed, the public and environmental organisations residing near the project site will be advised and consulted.

Decision Making: 

The Impact Assessment Authority, in consultation with experts, consults the project manager and a consultant to make a final decision, holding EIA and EMP in mind (Environment Management Plan).

Monitoring and implementation of EMP: 

The various phases of implementation of the project are monitored.

Alternatives Evaluation and Environmental Impact Assessment Report:

 Alternatives should be defined for each project, and environmental attributes should be compared. Both the project site and the process technology should be seen as alternatives.

Following the evaluation of alternatives, a mitigation plan for the chosen choice should be created, which should be supported by an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to direct the supporter toward environmental improvements.

Risk Assessment: 

Inventory analysis and hazard likelihood and index are also used in EIA procedures.

Ever thought why all the projects must undergo the lengthy procedures of EIA? I have the answer for you. 

Benefits of Environmental Impact Assessment

Ever thought why all the projects must undergo the lengthy procedures of EIA? I have the answer for you. 

• Connects the environment and development for environmentally friendly and sustainable growth.
• A cost-effective way to mitigate or reduce the negative effects of infrastructure projects.
• Allows decision-makers to assess the impact of construction activities on the ecosystem well before the project is implemented.
• Encourages the adaptation of mitigation techniques in the growth plan EIA ensures that the development strategy is environmentally sustainable and operates within the ecosystem’s capacity for assimilation and regeneration.

Shortcomings of Environmental Impact Assessment

1. Applicability: 

Many projects with major environmental impacts are exempted from notification, either because they are not included in schedule I or because their expenditures are less than what the notification allows.

2. Expert committee composition and standards: 

It was discovered that the team created to perform EIA studies lacked expertise in a variety of fields, including environmentalists, wildlife experts, anthropologists, and social scientists.

3. Public Hearing:

• Public input is not taken into account at an early stage, which often leads to controversy at a later stage of project approval.
• The obligatory public hearing process has been waived for a variety of initiatives with major environmental and social implications. 
• Local people’s indigenous knowledge is not respected by data collectors.

4. Quality of Environmental Impact Assessment reports: 

One of the most serious questions about the environmental clearance process is the quality of the EIA reports that are being completed.

5. Lack of credibility: 

• Firstly, there have been several instances of false EIA studies in which incorrect data has been used.
• Secondly, for political and administrative reasons, EMPs are often kept secret, particularly in strategic industries like nuclear energy projects. 
• Frequently, information about the efficacy and execution of preventive strategies is withheld. 
• Emergency preparedness plans aren’t addressed deep enough.
• Also, the public doesn’t get access to such information.

Shall we wrap up?

Conclusion

To sum up, EIA ensures that decision-makers consider the environmental consequences when determining whether or not to continue with a project. An EIA if conducted properly in accordance with the guidelines can become an excellent tool in ensuring sustainable development.