DBREMARKOS University Department of Environmental Science Environmental Impact

DBREMARKOS University Department of Environmental Science Environmental Impact Assessment (En. Sc 5112) Weldlul Ayalew Ph. D in Environmental Management February, 2020 1

Environmental Impact Assessment What is EIA? Environmental Impact Assessment is defined as an activity designed to identify the impact on the biogeophysical environment, on man and well-being of legislative proposals, projects, policies, operational procedures and to interpret and communicate information. EIA is a systematic process of identifying future consequences of a current or proposed action.

Objective of EIA: The objective of EIA is (i) to identify, predict and evaluate the economic, environmental and social impact of development activities (ii) to provide information on the environmental consequences for decision making and (iii) to promote environmentally sound and sustainable development through the identification of appropriate alternatives and mitigation measures. EIA is widely accepted as a tool to ensure sustained development with minimum environmental degradation

Status of EIA: Global and country level(in Ethiopia) • First Environmental Legislation: • The first comprehensive environmental legislation (Section 102) in United States came into force on 1 st January 1970 in the form of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In India, the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests issued a Notification on 27 th January, 1994 making EIA statutory for 29 specified activities falling under sectors such as industries, mining, irrigation, power and transport etc. • This Notification was amended on 4 th May, 1994 and the amended version includes a self-explanatory note detailing the procedure for obtaining environmental clearance, technical information, documents required to be submitted for getting environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Count… • The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia [EPE], which was approved on April 1997, constitutes eleven-sectoral and eleven cross-sectoral policy elements. Its overall policy goal is “to improve and enhance the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians, and to promote sustainable social and • economic development through the sound management and use of natural, human-made and cultural resources and the environment as a whole, so as to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. • EPE emphasize the need for arresting land degradation. The policy's section on Soil Husbandryand Sustainable Agriculture, Forest Wood Land Tree Resource, Genetic Species and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Water Resource, Energy and Mineral Resource address the issue of combating desertification.

Why EIA is important? • EIA can help to achieve the following benefits: 1. Avoiding mistakes that can be expensive and damaging in ecological, social and economic terms 2. Avoiding conflicts and increasing project acceptance 3. Integrating short-term needs with long term gools 4. Adressing Trans boundary issues 5. Improving project design and reducing capital and operating costs 6. EIA is potentially a useful component of good environmental management 7. It is the Government policy that any industrial project has to obtain EIA clearance from the Ministry of Environment before approval by the planning commission

Who gets involved and who should undertake EIA? • The information and outputs provided by the assessment process are readily usable in decision making and planning. • Participants in EIA Process: • 1. Proponent: • Government or Private Agency which initiates the project. • 2. Decision maker: • Designated individual or group. • 3. Assessor: • Agency responsible for the preparation of EIS. • 4. Reviewer: • Individual/Agency/Board. • 5. Expert advisers, Media and Public, Environmental organisations etc.

Guiding principles of EIA • • • • • The entire process of EIA is governed by eight guiding principles. 1. Participation: An appropriate and timely access to the process for all interested parties. 2. Transparency: ADVERTISEMENTS: All assessment decisions and their basis should be open and accessible. 3. Certainty: The process and timing of the assessment should be agreed by all participants in advance. 4. Accountability: The decision makers of all parties are responsible for their action and decisions under the assessment process. 5. Credibility: Assessment is undertaken with professionalism and objectivity. 6. Cost effectiveness: The assessment process and its outcomes will ensure environmental protection at the least cost to the society. 7. Flexibility: The assessment process should be able to deal efficiently with any proposal and decision making situation. 8. Practicality: The information and outputs provided by the assessment process are readily usable in decision making and planning.

Legal framework EIA Identification of needs • Proposal Description Screening /Initial Environmental/ Examination EIA Required No father EIA required Scoping Assessing impacts; Impact identification Impact analysis prediction Impact significance Impact mitigation Redesign planning For impact management Reporting EIA review: Document quality stakeholders, input proposed acceptability Re-submit Decision making Re-design Not approved Approve Post monitoring and Environmental audit

Opportunities for the challenges to EIA in Ethiopia • Opportunities • Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious structural transformation through its successive Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP) and its Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy. • This transformation requires better integration of environmental and sustainability considerations into the country’s policy and institutional frameworks to achieve efficient use of resources that contribute sustainably to economic development, poverty reduction and quality of life

Cont… • Ethiopia is a country well-endowed with natural resources and environmental advantages, and the transformation of this natural capital into other forms of capital is crucial for Ethiopia’s development strategy. The natural wealth constitutes a potentially large pool of resources that is subject to competing uses but can be sustainably channeled to enhance physical and human capital if reinvested wisely. This situation offers both opportunities and challenges that affect the nation’s development pathways. Reaching the shorter-term GTP II targets and the longer-term CRGE goals, given environmental and climate risks, will require strong synergies between sectors and careful management of trade-offs of various sectors’ claims on the same resources.

Count… • The country has prioritized the role of natural capital to drive growth and prosperity, and help manage climate risks for greater resilience. The “degrade now, clean up later” principle is no longer relevant, if it ever was: the stakes are too high in Ethiopia to take this unsustainable path. The country faces high population growth and urbanization; significant vulnerability to climate risks, land degradation, and forest loss; and an agrarian economy that is seeking to diversify in the absence of a sufficiently strong regulatory environment, aligned incentives, or private sector. Ethiopia’s commitment to take a green, clean and resilient path to achieve middle-income status by 2025 makes it a highly ambitious global leader--but with much work to do. This Ethiopia Country Environmental Analysis (CEA) is intended to assist the country to strengthen its progress along this path.

Challenges to EIA in Ethiopia • The CEA assesses the country’s key environmental challenges in this transformation process and the capacity to manage them. It takes a holistic perspective on environmental issues, covering the major sectors of the economy. The CEA focuses on four clusters of sectors that, together, are determining Ethiopia’s development path: (i) resilient rural landscapes, (ii) green industrialization, (iii) sustainable urbanization, transport and living conditions, and (iv) sustainable energy access. Achieving Ethiopia’s CRGE goals requires shifting the trajectory that each cluster is on toward more sustainable options. For each of these clusters, the CEA discusses their current and intended trajectories (environmental trends such as degradation and pollution, and the government plans and strategies to respond to these trends) as well as the policies, incentives, institutions, information (the upstream enabling environment) needed to put the country on a green, clean, and resilient development pathway. The report also highlights practical experiences from Ethiopia and elsewhere

Ethiopia’s development trajectories foe resilient green economy • Development direction for major clusters -Resilient landscapes -Green Industrialization -Sustainable Urbanization transport and living conditions -Sustainable energy production

Challenges facing each cluster’s trajectory • Framework for environmental Management - Institutional issues -Policy issues -Incentives and markets -Information and data -Investment gaps

Pathways for each cluster in terms of: • Institutional and policy enhancement for resilient growth • incentives • information • investment mobilization for impact crowed -in and coordinate

Implementation: • • • Actions , lead actors and sequencing Integrated planning and implementation Evaluation competing uses resources Transparency information provision Consistent implementation regulation

Chapter Two The Environmental Impact Assessment Process 1. Screening Determination of the level of environmental impact assessment required for a particular proposed activity/project. This session introduces the initial steps for delineating the level of EIA required Because EIA is best done by the developer as part and parcel of the planning process, it is important that the criteria for determining the level of EIA required are understood by the developer so that he can plan accordingly to meet the requirements of the level of EIA required

. The screening stage is an important step in the EIA process because it determines how much time and resources may be required to fulfill the outcome and recommendations of the screening stage

Count… During this session, participants should be introduced to the range of methods for evaluating activities that should be subject to EIA and determination of the different levels of EIA. This session should also introduce participants to the concept of "impact significance" and the techniques for its determination. Topics to be covered include: i. What is screening, ii. Reasons for screening projects, iii. When is screening done ? iv. Different levels of EIA as determined during screening of proposals,

Count… v. Outline of different categories of projects requiringdifferentlevelsof EIA, including legal requirements for mandatory EIAs and categorical exclusions, vi. Impact significance and its determination: Various tools and criteria for determination of impact significance. vii. The use of different tools for screening, including: • Checklists • field visits • baseline information gathering • expert knowledge and experience • questionnaires.

Count… viii. Type and nature of information required to aid the screening process, including: • description of the project, • characteristics of the proposed project site, • level of public concern about the proposed project, • nature and severity of anticipated impacts. ix. Outcome of the screening process. x. The role of different actors in the screening process: • the developer • Government agencies, • NGOs and other interest groups xi. The distinction between screening, preliminary EIA and detailed EIA. xii. The relationship between screening and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE).

Count… • Basic requirements for comprehensive scoping, including: • • Need for clear understanding of the entire scope of the project under study, including all • its geographical boundaries, • • Need for clear definition of project components, purpose and objectives, • • Need for comprehensive stakeholder identification, • • Need for and value of baseline environmental survey of project area during scoping • process, • • Need for clear identification of the different phases of the activity /project

Count… • viii. Methodology for identification of stakeholder concerns during scoping: Common • methods/techniques and procedures for scoping. • ix. Outcome from scoping process, • x. Roles of various stakeholders in the scoping process • • the developer, • • the environment authorities, • • NGOs, • • the affected communities, • • the wider public, • • EIA Practitioners.

Count… • The relationship between screening and scoping • xii. Various tools that can be used to aid the scoping process, including, among others: • • use of checklists, • • field surveys, • • expert knowledge and experience, • • available literature on related subject. • xiii. Determination of impact significance during scoping. • xiv. Preparation of Terms of reference for EIA study. • xv Nature of information required for defining Terms of Reference for EIAs. • During this session, the trainer can also present to the participants sample scoping documents and • Terms of Reference for specific projects subjected to EIA.

2. 2 Scoping In order to be able to carry out a comprehensive EIA, it is critical that the issues to be addressed during the study are sufficiently defined. The definition of the issues to be ; addressed is what in EIA terms is called scoping. In this session, participants will be introduced to the following topics: i. What is scoping ? ii. The role scoping in EIA, including providing opportunity to: • consider reasonable and practical alternatives, • inform potentially affected people , • identify possible project environmental impacts, • understand local values, • define the boundaries of the EIA study, • give an initial insight into the analytical methods an consultation procedures necessary to accomplish the study, • establish the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the study.

Cont… Any potential environmental issues identified by the proponent (may include a short description of the affected environment). The screening report and accompanying documentation must be submitted to the Competent Agency for review. The Competent Agency shall make its decision within two weeks from the day of receipt of the screening report of the proposed project regarding amendment; exemption or conducting detailed study and notify the proponent accordingly.

Cont… Scoping is the process of identifying and “narrowing down” the potential environmental impacts associated with the development The level of an impact assessment will depend on the nature and scale of the development proposal and its complexity, the sensitivity of the environment; and issues identified during the scoping process The scoping report should be a concise presentation of the major issues identified and the public participation process. As a minimum, the report should reflect the following: A brief description of the project; All the alternatives identified during the scoping process; All the raised issues by IAPs and how these will be addressed; and A description of the public participation process including a list of IAPs, and minutes of meetings

Cont… Environmental Impact Assessment Study It may be useful to present results of the assessment in the form of a matrix summary, whereby the different activities and associated impacts on the environment are weighted with a scoring system. Impacts must be described according to the following criteria. Nature of the impact-describing the effects that a proposed activity will have on the environment. Extent-showing the impacts realized regionally, nationally or even internationally. Duration-reviewing the span of the impact as being short term (0 -5 years), medium term (5 -15 years), long term and permanent. Intensity-here it should be established whether the impact is destructive or innocuous and should be described as low, medium or high.

Cont… Identification of mitigating Measures Mitigation measures aim to minimize or eliminate negative impacts and enhance the benefits wherever possible. The mitigation measures should be prepared as an operational management plan and could include a combination of the following mitigation options: Alternative ways of meeting the needs, Changes in planning and design, Improving monitoring and management, Compensation in different forms (e. g. monetary), Replacing, relocating, rehabilitating, etc.

Cont… Reporting Once impacts have been interpreted and mitigative measures have been set, it is essential that the information be presented in a form that enables non-experts to comprehend Reviewing In completion, the EIS or the EIA report should be submitted to the Competent Agency, the IAPs and a specialist for review. Impacts identified in the document should be reviewed in terms of the EIS, via. Socio-economic context and potential benefits; Effect on public health or risk to life; Scale, geographical extent; duration and frequency Reversibility or irreversibility; ecological context; Regional, national or international importance;

Chapter 3 Checklists of Possible Environmental Impacts and their Mitigation Measures Environmental Impact is the change in an environmental parameter, over a specified period and within a defined area resulting from a particular activity compared with the situation, which would have occurred, had the activity not been initiated. Environmental impacts (negative or positive) resulted from different interventions, can vary in their nature being direct, indirect, etc. Impacts can range from insignificant to highly significant. Their extent could be local, regional or global. Some impacts may be felt immediately or may not be evident for some time. The others may have short term or long term; temporary or permanent impacts. Some impacts can be random or predictable; they may be reversible or irreversible upon the decommissioning of a project.

Cont… The impacts can be on biophysical (soil, water, air, flora and fauna), social, economic, cultural, or health. Mitigative measures can be taken before or after the occurrence of the impacts to rehabilitate or compensate the negative impact already occurred.

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Soil erosion as a result of different activities. A Loss of nutrients because of different activities Use of mechanization, pesticides and machineries may result in soil compaction. Water logging results from mismanagement of water resources. Occurrence of salinization because of different activities like irrigation with saline water. Soil Acidity Alkilinization of arable land Imbalance of biological activities as a result of contamination of soil with toxic chemicals and loss of organic nutrients due to may be soil erosion. Productive topsoil covered by proposed activities or removal of productive top soil for temporary or permanent purposes Replanting right species of trees, shrubs and grasses in a right time on disturbed areas; Minimize the area of ground clearance; provide good vegetative cover or prevent the raindrops from direct hitting the soil; or reduce the free movement of runoff; control the volume and speed of water flows; Careful design/plan of projects can avoid soil erosion; Carry out soil conservation and or agro-forestry measures. The same as above Reducing harvest removal. Improve the management of irrigation water to reduce the loss of nutrients down the profile. Improving the soil structure through different means. Planting deep-rooted crops, which pump nutrients. Using appropriately machineries/mechanization (when necessary) in appropriate time. Planting leguminous plants improve soil structure. Improve soil structure by planting species that improve soil structure or by adding organic matter. Digging of canals to lower the water table. Use improved farming system. Planting high water consuming species. Careful management of irrigation water reduces the rate of saline. Making underground water drainage systems reduces the saline. Adding organic matter for neutralizing. Planting salt tolerant species Reduce the addition of artificial/organic chemical. Adding alkaline substance like lime. Appropriate use/disposal of chemicals. Avoiding the use of alkaline water for irrigation purposes. Adding organic matter (compost). Appropriate use of wastes/toxic chemicals. And take any measures that are used to minimize loss of nutrients. Adding organic matter (green manuring, compost). Promote cleaner production (preventing/minimizing waste). Decrease the amount/size of the area that will be used for the proposed project. Collect and reuse the excavated top soil to form a superficial layer Conversions of borrow pits and spoil dumpsites into scenic lookouts. Use vertical space than horizontal.

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Flooding, channel modification, river canal siltation. Reduction/lowering of surface or ground water table. Excess increment of nutrients in water bodies (eutrophication). Leaving sufficient enough buffer zones of undisturbed vegetation between the site of the project and water bodies Use water flow speed reduction measures e. g. soil conservation measures Use silting basins to reduce silt, pollutants and debris from runoff before it is discharged to adjacent water bodies Plan carefully to avoid the change/modification of the previous channel flow / natural flow of water Sitting projects far away from susceptible areas Use alternative technologies/techniques/process to minimize the consumption of water Locate those water-consuming projects, if possible, in areas where availability of ground or surface water is not a problem. Ensure that the utilization of ground water is within the capacity of natural system to replenish itself Re-use the recycled wastewater. Sitting projects far away from susceptible areas to erosion in order to reduce chemical pollution of water bodies Carry out soil conservation measures. Leaving sufficient enough buffer zones of undisturbed vegetation between the site of the project and water bodies Avoid direct waste disposal into or near water bodies Reduce the amount of inlet of both chemical and biological fertilizers to water bodies

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Pollution of surface and ground water through direct or indirect addition of toxic chemicals or waste or organic chemicals etc. Increment of suspended solids (turbidity) in water bodies through soil erosion or direct release of waste from different activities. Increment of the amount of silt/sediment in downstream area including agricultural land, reservoirs, etc. Sitting projects far away from susceptible areas to erosion in order to reduce chemical pollution of water bodies Leaving sufficient enough buffer zones of undisturbed vegetation between the site of the project and water bodies. Install silting basins to reduce silt, pollutants and debris from runoff before it is discharged to adjacent water bodies Monitoring, pipeline systems and impoundments for leaks to reduce contamination of ground water. E. g. Preparing waterproof wastewater collectors. Monitor sites even after the project has been closed (as necessary) and train local communities to conduct water quality tests to reduce ground water pollution Recycling of wastes to reduce water pollution Use treatment techniques especially in industrial activities; Choice of the most appropriate technique, replacing processing equipment Dispose Safely/properly expired toxic chemicals; Sitting projects far away from susceptible areas to erosion in order to reduce siltation, turbidity and chemical pollution of water bodies Carry out soil conservation measures Leaving sufficient enough buffer zones of undisturbed vegetation between the site of the project and water bodies. Installing silting basins to reduce silt, pollutants & debris from runoff before it is discharged to adjacent water bodies Minimize the area of ground clearance; provide good vegetative cover or prevent the raindrops from direct hitting the soil; or reduce the free movement of runoff; control the volume and speed of water flows Careful design/plan of projects can avoid soil erosion; Carry out soil conservation measures. Leaving sufficient enough buffer zones of undisturbed vegetation between the site of the project and water bodies.

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Depletion of ozone layer& climatic change due to Control the emission of SOx, NOx, CO and other emission of some gases (SO 2, CO 2, NO 2, fluoride, applicable chemicals by scrubbing with water or CO, CFCs etc. ) to the atmosphere. alkaline solutions, incineration or absorption by other catalytic processes. Recycle wastewater and wastes to reduce the amount of pollutants released to the atmosphere Choose environmentally friendly processes, technologies or raw materials. Treat effluent gases to reduce the amount of pollutants. Affecting human health due to the emission of Establish projects or activities far away from gases like ammonia, methane, etc. population centers; Consider prevailing wind directions from population centers Sitting projects with minimum distance of at least it doesn't create problem to the vicinity area; The use of treatment plants for instance biological methods to reduce bad smell and odours Recycle wastewater and wastes to reduce the amount of pollutants released to the atmosphere Treat effluent gases to reduce the amount of pollutants Planting tall, leafy and dense vegetations between activities and human settlements as a barrier filters pollutants Construction of bio-gas schemes so as to use methane gas for household use,

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Reduction of air quality; endangering of Control particulate matters by scrubbers, life (flora, fauna, human being and fabric filter collectors or electrostatic damage of settlements due to dust. precipitators; Choice of environmentally friendly processes, technologies or raw materials reduce the amount and significance of pollutants Planting tall, leafy and dense/hedge vegetations between activities and human settlements as a barrier filters pollutants Watering of the area from which dust is generated; Use service sharing & reduce extra manufacturing to decrease the impact

Flora, Fauna and Ecosystem Possible Impacts Loss of flora and fauna can be occurred when projects are established at the spot or in vicinity. Stability and health of an ecosystem may be affected when habitat is fragmented. Direct killing of animals like collisions with vehicles Disturbance of ecosystem because of extraction of sand, gravel or rock Some Mitigative Measures Locate projects far away from sensitive areas; Establishment of biotic buffer zones. Carry out necessary rehabilitation measures when phasing out a project Give special consideration to mining operation in particular when located close to vulnerable areas; Plant with native species in vicinity of a project & adjacent areas to wildlife to provide additional habitats & migration routes/corridors for local animals; Fence wildlife areas to avoid people interference If possible also establish a legal protection system/framework; At important areas use of tunnels/bridges reduces interference and collision rates Fencing or plant barriers can reduce the interference of human beings and traffics to wildlife; Take measures, like speed break on roads, to reduce the speed of vehicles where road crosses protected areas. Avoid, if possible, the extraction of sand, gravel etc from river bottom/water bodies. Use alternative sites to exploit the resources Avoid the use of dynamite/explosive in water bodies Avoid construction materials during breading seasons in both water and terrestrial ecosystems

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Exploitation of natural resources (flora and fauna) Before the establishment of projects planting because of immigrants to project area appropriate tree species, which can be used for different purposes, to minimize burden on the existing natural resources; Use alternative energy resources and construction materials. Use proper waste management not to affect the resources Make clear demarcation between the resources and project. . Flora and fauna in wetlands are affected Avoid the excessive clearance of vegetation from stream banks. Locate projects as much as possible far from wetlands Avoid the release or minimize the use of hazardous chemicals in the catchments of vulnerable wetlands; If possible, the project should not modify water flow/course Use soil & water conservation measures in the catchment to reduce siltation. Introduction of new species or change of If needed research on invasive exotic species cultivation may cause for development of pests, should be carried out in enclosed areas diseases or weeds. Avoid the use of invasive exotic species for landscaping, reforestation, or for other purposes; Control the importation of uncertified seed or germ plasm to the region to avoid import of plant pests/diseases;

Directly or indirect killing of aquatic and terrestrial animals Spreading of pesticide/insecticide for different purposes. Contamination or use of polluted water may affect wildlife and nearby communities to the project area. Improper use of modern biotechnology or introduction of genetically modified varieties to the region may lead to genetic erosion Change of the living condition of fish when its migration route is blocked by constructions e. g. dams/reservoirs Use Integrated Pest Management to avoid mass killing of animals; The concentration and length of time of chemicals should be to the level of the standard. Use appropriate and trained man power for application of chemicals Avoid the use of very poisonous pesticides in particular, on fields sloping down to watercourses during rain seasons with heavy precipitation. Apply pesticide, when a number of fauna are at the side. e. g. timing. Use of chemicals or disposal of wastes in a proper way reduce the impact; Handling of unused/used poisonous chemicals until they are treated and disposed properly Be sure that effluents are treated to the standard before joining water bodies. Avoid the use of very poisonous pesticides in particular on fields sloping down to watercourses during seasons with heavy precipitation. Proper disposal of expired chemicals prevents the potential impacts on flora and fauna. Proper disposal of wastes reduces siltation and pollution of water Regulate/control importation of varieties to avoid genetic erosion; Regulate import of species to avoid the spoiling of the natural means of existence of existing fauna. Avoid the use of invasive exotic species for landscaping, reforestation, research or for other purposes; Design carefully diversion wears, dams/reservoirs etc. to allow aquatic species to swim against the current; Use filters not to get away fishes to irrigation canals Construct ladders so that the fishes jump and migrate against the flow of the water.

Socio-Economic Impact Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Destruction of resources in downstream areas Consider mitigative mentioned under section by activities undertaken in upstream areas. (3. 2, 3. 3, 3. 5) Lifestyles, travel patterns and social as well as Sitting the project far from human settlement economic activities etc. are affected by the area to reduce disruption of social and cultural intervention of projects. way of life; and disturbance, nuisance from noise, dust etc; Implementation of appropriate technology that reduce disruption. Ensure that project site is not located in sensitive areas like major flood plains; inundation areas; etc; Health and social problems like disease, Sitting the project far from human settlement alcohol abuse and unemployment are often area reduces disruption of social and cultural brought with new settlers way of life; and disturbance, nuisance from noise, dust etc; Employing the local people to reduce the number of immigrants Conduct awareness raising programme Establishment of health centers Loss of traditional sense of self-identity can Locate as much as possible Projects in areas occur because of new settlers where encroachment up on the productive resources, sacred sites, and burial grounds is less; Aware the project so that it can keep the

Possible Impacts Inundation of farmlands like loss of agricultural, forest or grazing lands by huge amount of waste generated from the project, for example from mine tailings. Destruction of resources by fire, which can be generated from an activity land use and tenure conflict may occur when the area is occupied Physical conflict may breakout between settler and the indigenous people as the latter try to reclaim their heritage. Some Mitigative Measures Wastes generated from the project have to be properly disposed. Minimize the amount of wastes released to the area by using alternative technologies, processes etc. Ensure that project site is not located in sensitive areas. Giving due attention to blasting and combustible raw materials that generate fire preventive measures have to be in place. Provide fireproofing structures, safety buffer zones around the plant boundary, escape routes and others. Provide fire protective instruments. Fire brigade has to be in place Precaution measures as fire proofing instruments have to be used. When it is mandatory compensation may need to be considered for those whose housing, land resources, welfare or livelihood are directly affected by projects, Use integrated and intensive utilization of land. Give employment opportunity Provide short-term support and/or skills or an alternative livelihood to minimize the effect. Aware the project so that it can keep the norms/bylaws of indigenous people.

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures The increased competition between indigenous Allow sufficient time and money for public & the project for existing resources affect the participation to ensure the planning of a indigenous people at disadvantage. project; Increase the supply of resources and services. Use of alternative technologies that efficiently utilize the resources People are exposed to further social and economic crises when they are resettled to new area as their original place is occupied by project Preconditions have to be fulfilled for settlers when resettlement is found to be mandatory; Conducting awareness raising program on the resettlement program. Involve/participate the community in the whole process of the project

Impacts on Cultural Heritages Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Historical relics, burial sites and other objects Consider alternative sites for project may be affected when the area is occupied by establishment to avoid the impact projects. Avoid establishment of projects across or in known cultural, historical sites or landscapes having /considerable/scenic value; Scenic value or the appearance of landscape Avoid the damages of historical relics, burial may be impaired because of different sites, other objects, and landscapes; activities for instance massive excavation of Relocate artifacts or ruing from a site when it sand etc. is mandatory and possible; If possible avoid the natural landscape disturbance, if not compensate by rehabilitation measures; Cultural monuments and archeological sites Involving the indigenous people in the whole may be damaged by different activities process of planning and implementation of projects. Maintaining or repairing with out changing its original design; Honoring norms and taboos before the implementation of projects Subsequent breaching of dams may also result for Structural, soil and rock stabilization; control of local earthquake. or ground water levels, vegetative stabilization, Landslides/unsuitability or danger of rock falling and site surveillance is required; at the faces etc. may lose scenic values Daily follow up of sensitive has to be carried out; Establish projects in relatively stable areas.

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Spoiling of landscapes or Appropriate site for waste disposal recreational areas could occur when has to be selected and dispose projects are established in the properly; vicinity area Conduct reuse and recycling methods. Change of channeling of waterway Water flow modification should not may result in loss of aesthetic value affect the scenic value of landscape/cultural heritages in down stream areas. Consider alternative site for project establishment Loss of scenic value of an area due Take the advantage of natural to deforestation. openings in the existing vegetation; or use bare areas

Noise Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Continuous noise exposure creates communication Establish the project far away from noise- sensitive problem, behavioral and health effects. areas; Provide protective measures for workers in the rpejct Keep the noise at a standard level Use of noise barriers are among the most common mitigative measures Install sound dampers in ventilation systems in stationed sources. Enclose machine or use sound barrier walls to reduce the effect of noise. Consider wind direction at the design stage in terms of sources of noise to minimize its effect; Reduce noise at the sources to minimize its effect on wildlife and people living along or around the project; Vibration cause detrimental effect on structures Establish the project far away from noise- sensitive particular to cultural heritage sites, standing near the areas (buildings) project Install sound dampers in ventilation systems in stationed sources. Enclose machine or use sound barrier walls to reduce the effect of noise. Reduce noise at the sources to minimize its effect on wildlife and people living along or around the project; Noise can cause wild animals to leave their original Establish the project far away from noise- sensitive habitat that may exposes them to further danger areas; Use of noise barriers are among the most common mitigative measures Consider wind direction at the design stage in terms of sources of noise to minimize its effect. Reduce noise at the sources to minimize its effect on wildlife and people living along or around the project;

Impacts on Human Health and Safety Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Transmission of disease between human and Sanitary or Precaution measures can be from plants/animals to humans accomplished through a comprehensive health awareness campaign. Curative measures should be in place. Fire, explosions, emission of toxic gases, Establishing projects far away from vapors, dust, emission of toxic liquid, radiation settlements and their cumulative effects badly affect Curative measures have to be in place if human health in and around the project accidents from different activities can happen; Provide fire proofing of structures, safety buffer zones around the plant boundary, escape routes and others; Store properly easily flammable/explosive gases or toxic chemicals. Preventive/protective instruments have to be provided Occupational health effects on workers due to Prevent accidents through proper design of fugitive dust, material handling, noise, projects mechanical or chemical contact can be Train responsible personnel how to properly occurred. handle chemicals; Use protective measure, for example ear/eye masks etc. Transmit patterns may be disrupted, noise and Site selection can be taken as a preventive congestion may be created and pedestrian measures. hazards could be aggravated by heavy trucks

Possible Impacts Some Mitigative Measures Death and injuries to human beings and Facility should implement a safety and health damages to property could be happened in program designed to identify, evaluate, factories, roads etc. monitor and control health hazards Site selection can be taken as a preventive measures to minimize risk of accidents especially in road projects. Prevent accidents through proper design of projects Use protective measure, for example ear/eye masks etc. Extraction of sand, gravel or rock may form Sanitary or Precaution measures can be unnecessary pond, which creates suitable accomplished through a comprehensive health condition for malaria and water vector borne awareness campaign. disease Avoid stagnating water and give consecutive awareness to reduce the occurrence of malaria and other related diseases. In mining activities workers are injured when Proper design has to be done well in such rocks/soils are collapsed, away that rocks doesn't collapse. Curative measures have to be in place

Chapter Four Environmental Impact Assessment Report Writing The EIA report should contain a brief introduction explaining the need for and context of the project Executive Summary Introduction/Background Approach to the study Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework Baseline Information on Bio-Physical and Socio-Economic Situation Description of the Proposed Project and its Alternatives Significant Environmental Impacts Mitigation Action Environmental Management Plan Environmental Monitoring/auditing Programme Conclusions and Recommendations List of References Appendices including Reference documents, photographs, unpublished data Terms of Reference Consulting team composition Notes of public consultation sessions

Cont… Executive Summary Important part of the report that enables the reviewers to have very clear view of the intended project The summary should provide brief, accurate, clear and concise information about the project, in particular highlighting the main findings and recommendations that are relevant for decision-making title and location of the project; name of the proponent; name of the consultants and/or organization preparing the EIS report; a brief project description; project alternatives; the major impacts; recommendation for mitigation/compensation; proposed monitoring activity, and implementation strategy.

Cont… Introduction/ Background information that can be used for the project proposal or the study in context; An outline of the proposal (e. g. objectives, location; proposed alternatives in terms of location, design, process, input, etc, input and resource requirement, life-span of development); The structure of the report concerning the location of the TOR, summary, conclusions and recommendations; Methodologies employed, by how many specialist and which disciplines

Cont… Approach to the Study The methodologies to be used for identifying, predicting and evaluating of the impacts (both positive and negative), alternatives, mitigating measures and public participation are required to be described. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework describes the policy and legal basis within which the project may be implemented. Regulations and standards applicable to the project should be referred to Identification of planning and administrative procedures followed and the relevant legislations;

Cont… Baseline Information on Bio-Physical & Socio-Economic Situation The socio-economic characteristics of the existing location should be identified. The impacts of the proposed project on the socio-economic environment should then be analyzed. The analysis should include the use of land, the main economic activities e. g. tourism, agriculture, the social level within nearby communities, employment levels and the existence of archaeological or historical sites. Impacts should be categorized in terms of positive and negative

Cont… Description of the Proposed Project and its Alternatives This is a detailed statement of all the critical activities which will be involved in the proposed project including construction phase, start-up and commissioning through to operational phase of the facilities Size and nature of the development; Brief description of project alternatives and its analysis; Sources, types, characteristics, and volume of raw materials; Time schedule for phasing of development (i. e. construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning); Description of technological process; Output volume (byproducts and products of the raw materials); Removal and disposal waste; Human and resources materials cost

Cont… Significant Environmental Impacts Impact identification is a critical step in an EIA. The process usually consists of two stages. First an exhaustive list of all impacts including minor, short term, moderate, direct and indirect, is drawn up. Then the manageable, significant impacts are selected, based on magnitude, significance, extent and special sensitivity, for further study

Cont… Mitigation Measures It is recognized that it is seldom possible to eliminate an adverse environmental impact altogether, but it is often feasible to reduce its intensity. This reduction is referred to as mitigation For each potential adverse impact the plan for its mitigation at each stage of the project should be documented and its cost assessed This is very important in the selection of the preferred alternative. In the case of beneficial impacts it should be demonstrated how these can be maximized.

Cont… Environmental Management Plan This section should document how the environment will be managed during the implementation of the project both construction and operational phases No. Environmental/ Social Issue/ Impact Significance Pre-construction phase 1 2 Construction Phase 1 2 Commissioning Phase 1 Main Mitigation Measures/ Management Activities Timing of Implementat ion of Mitigation Impleme nting Organiza tion Monitori ng Organiz ation Cost Estimate

Cont… Environmental Monitoring/Auditing Programme A detailed environmental monitoring programme/plan should be described institutional arrangements for carrying out the work and methods to be employed; parameters to be monitored and standards or guidelines to be used; evaluation of the results and schedule and duration of monitoring; initiation of action necessary to limit adverse impacts disclosed by monitoring; Format and frequency of reporting.

Cont… Ser. Environmental/ No Social issues Indicators/Par Location/ Frequency ameters to be Project Measured/ Component Monitored I. Pre-construction Phase 1 2 II. Construction Phases 1 2 III. Operation phase 1 Responsible Cost body Estimate in Birr

Cont…. Conclusions & Recommendations This section is important to highlight key issues, which are relevant to decision making. Especially the main reasons for selecting the recommended alternative need to be clearly stipulated. Brief discussion of key issues; Statement of adverse impacts and the suggested measures to compensate them; Identification of management and monitoring needs and additional recommendations; Net benefits, which justify the project by indicating of both positive and negative impacts; Explanation of how adverse effects have been mitigated; Explanation of use or destruction of any irreplaceable components; Provisions for follow-up surveillance and monitoring.

Cont… Appendices These are separate documents to be used as references for the reviewers. They enable reviewers to reach at appropriate decision-making. Examples of documents that may be provided as appendices are: A glossary and an explanation of acronyms (Terms of Reference); Endorsement letter from the concerned relevant environmental agency or local administration; Safety or product quality certificate and Health and product quality assurance certificates as the case may be; detailed technical reports, flow charts, site maps and brief corporate environmental policy; approved minutes of public involvement process; List of members of the study team (names, qualifications, etc. ).

Chapter 3 Environmental Impact Assessment Tools and Techniques • Desirable of EIA methodologies • Methods based on equality, openness, costeffectiveness and efficiency approach and should also be: • Comprehensive: Recognize intricate systems bound complex interrelation ships; • Selective: Pinpoint critical (significant) impacts and eliminate as early as possible unimportant impacts;

Cont… • Comparative: Determine environmental changes resulting from the project compared by that occur under existing conditions; • Objective: Provide unbiased measurements free from political and external influences.

Cont… • • Commonly Used EIA Tools Checklists Matrices Networks Map overlays Geographic information systems (GIS) Task specific computer modeling Expert systems

Successfulutilizationofanalyticaltools • Successful utilization of analytical tools depends on: • Nature of the project and competence the users. • Scale and scope of anticipated impacts For example, the use of costly GIS technology and expertise may not be justified for a small project of limited environmental scope.

• Some simple EIA tools used for Scoping, Prediction and Evaluation • 1 -Checklists • Checklists. Types: • Simple Checklists • Descriptive Checklists • Questionnaire Checklists • Threshold of Concern Checklists

What are Checklists? • Structured list to identify relevant environmental factors for consideration in EIA, • Encourage discussion during the early stages Represent the collective knowledge • Represent the collective knowledge and judgment

Cont. What are Checklists? • Ensure nothing has been left out; • Do not require the clear establishment of direct cause effect links to project activities. Checklists cannot represent the interdependence connectivity or , synergism between interacting environmental components.

Checklists Advantages 1. Can structure initial stages of assessment 2. Help to ensure that vital factors are not neglected 3. Easy to apply, particularly by non experts

Cont… • Simple checklists : offers simplicity for gathering and classifying information, do not provide information on specific needs for data

Proposed activities Clearing X Cut/fill X Dredging X Blasting _ Environmental Components Physical Air quality X Water flow X Biological Spawning habitat X Rearing habitat X Socio-economic

Give guidance how to assess impact Data required Information sources, predictive techniques Nuisance Change in occurrence of odour , smoke, haze, etc, and number of people affected Expected industrial processes and traffic Volumes, citizen surveys Water quality For each body of water, changes in water uses, and number of people affected Current water quality, current and expected effluent Noise Change in noise levels frequency of occurrence, and number of people bothered Current noise levels , changes in traffic or other noise sources, changes in noise mitigation measures , noise propagation model, citizen surveys (Adapted from Schaenman 1976)

Questionnaire checklists: Disease vectors A) Are these known disease problems in the Yes project are transmitted through vector species such as mosqitoes, flies, snalis, etc No not known B)Are these vector species associated with: -aquatic habitants ? Yes No not known -Forest habitants ? Yes No not known Agricultural habitants? Yes No not known C)Will the project provide opportunities for the vector control through improved standards of living? Yes. High Estimated impact on disease vectors? High adverse Insignificant benefit not known

Threshold of Concern (TOC) checklists: Environmenta Criterion l component TOC Air quality Emission standards 1 Economics benefit: Cost ration 1: ! Endangered species No, pairs of spotted owls 35 Water quality standards 1 Recreation No. comping sites 5000

Matrices Most Commonly used Method of Impact Identification • • • Matrices Types: Simple Matrices Time Dependent Matrices Magnitude Matrices Quantified Matrix (Leopold Matrix) Weighted Matrices

What are Matrices? • Matrices are two-dimensional tables which facilitate the identification of impacts arising from the interaction between project activities and specific environmental components • The entries in the cell of the matrix can be either qualitative or quantitative estimates of impact.

Cont… Environmental Components Water quality Biodiversity Standard living Air quality Phase I Project activities Phase II

Matrices advantages: • Visually describe relationship between two sets of factors, • Expanded or contracted to meet needs the proposal being assessed, • Identify impacts of different phases of project, construction, operation • Help separate site-specific impacts from impacts affecting region

Simple Metrics Project action Environmental component Soil &Geology Flora Fauna Air quality Water quality Population density Employment Traffic Housing Construction Operation Utilities Residential & Commercial buildings Residential Commercial Park & buildings open X X X X X space X X X X X

Time Dependent Matrices: Environmental Component Soil and Geology Flora Fauna Air quality Water quality Population density Employment Traffic Housing Community Project action Construction (3 years) Operation (25 years, events out after 4 years) Utilities Residential &Commerci al buildings Residential buildings Commercial buildings Park and open space 211 221 000 010 321 422 311 000 022 0000 1223 1100 0123 1223 0000 1111 1100 0034 0111 0001 1123 1122 0011 0000 O 11 120 220 010 112 342 332 121 2344 1111 2333 23444 0222 1334 2333 0000 0011 1111 0000

Magnitude Metrics Project action Environmental component Soil &Geology Flora Fauna Air quality Water quality Population density Employment Traffic Housing Construction Operation Utilities Residential & Commercial buildings Residential Commercial Park & buildings open a a A a B a space a b a B a b B B B b

Simple Metrics Project action Environmental component Soil &Geology Flora Fauna Air quality Water quality Population density Employment Traffic Housing Construction Operation Utilities Residential & Commercial buildings Residential Commercial Park & buildings open X X X X X space X X X X X

Cont… • • a-small negative impact A-large negative impact b- small negative impact B-large negative impact

How to use a Leopold Matrix • Anumberfrom 1 to 10 whichindicatesthe. MAGNITU DEof a number from 1 to 10 which indicates the MAGNITUDE of the possible impact; 10 represents -the greatest magnitude of impact and 1, the least (no zeroes). Before each number place p, ()p + (if the impact would be beneficial!). 9 In the lower right hand corner of the box place a number from 1 to 10 which indicates the IMPORT ANCE of the possible impact (e. g. regional vs. local); 10 represents the greatest': importanceand 1 theleast(nozeroes)

Environmental (a) component Weighted Matrices Alternative sites site B Site A Site C ( c) ( axc) (axc) (c ) (axc) Air quality 21 3 63 5 105 3 63 Water quality 42 6 252 2 84 5 210 Noise 9 5 45 7 63 9 81 Ecosystem 28 5 140 4 112 3 84 Total 100 500 364 438

Cont… • (a)-relative weighting of environmental component (total 100) • (c) Impact of project at particular site on environmental component (0 -10)

cont. Weighted Matrices Importance Treatme Pumping weighting nt plant station (a) Interceptor Out fall Total Air 21 quality 10(b) 8(c) 0 - 50 7 40 8 15, 750 Water 42 quality 100 9 0 - 0 - 37, 800 Noise 0 - 100 3 0 - 2700 10 5 20 4 40 8 30 8 19, 320 9 Ecosys 28 tem total 100 75, 570

Cont… • (a)-relative weighting of environmental component(total-100) • (b) relative weighting of project component(total-100) • ( c)-impact of project on environmental component (0 -10) • A weighted matrix: weighted project components. Based on Wenger Rhyner(1972)

Network s • Matrices are limited to identifying cause-effect linkages (direct impact). • Network diagram visually describes these linkages providing some these linkages, providing some indication of how an ecosystem operates. • Different levels of information can be displayed in a network diagram to study the.

Cont… • “Holistic" characteristic approach of network is to recognize series of impacts may be activated by a single project action. • This method provides a guide to identification ofsecond and third order effects (indirect impact).

Limitations of Networks • A network may be an unnecessary and generalization of reality unless relationships between individual ecosystem components are adequately understood. • Individual ecosystem or social system elements may not be easily recognized or found in the diagram, especially as the level of detail increases. • Networks cannot describe temporal aspects of ecosystem dynamics.

Sorensen Network as an Example • Sorensen network is probably the best known approach for investigating higher order impacts. • It identifies feasible mitigation measures. Structure/ content of the network must be pre defined for aparticular EIA. • Its application is limited by adequate data availability and reference networks relevant to the local environment

4 -Map Overlays (Overlay. Maps) • An effective visual aid, • Useful as documentation of environmental conditions existing before project implementation • May describe both biophysical and social aspects of area under study.

The overlay method is effective in considering: • Sensitive and requiring protection from • Sensitive lands, requiring protection from human activity (e. g. , shorelines, wetlands, etc. ), • Hazard lands, requiring protection from the environment (e. g. , floodplains, unstable slopes, volcanic slopes, etc. ), • Renewable resource areas, where the environment needs to be protected from human activities (e. g. , aquifer recharge zones, , fish and wildlife habitat, etc. ) • Cultural heritage (areas of scientific/ educational value, historical, architectural resources).

Limitations of Map overlays • Maps tend to over simplify. • Specific interrelationships between environmental factors are not readily obtainable. • Although "before" and "after" conditions is possible, it cannot , describe ecosystem dynamics through time.

Cont… • In the past, manual overlay techniques have been applied and continue to be used for analyzing small projects. For large projects, geographic information systems GIS arecurrently favored

Quantitative methods • Advanced anal y tical tool s y • Quantitative methods, Advanced analytical tool system These tools are useful in early stages for identification environmental factors and processes to be included in more advanced analysis. • As Example , Battelle Environmental Evaluation system was designed to assess the impacts of water resource developments water quality resource developments, water quality management plans, highways, nuclear power plats and other projects. • The system is sophisticated checklist.

Major concerns are separated in to four categories • • 1. Ecology 2. Physical/Chemical 3 -Aesthetics 4. Human Interest and Social

How to use Battelle system: • Each category is broken down into number of environmental components. • For each component an index of environmental quality, normalized to a scale ranging from 1 to 10 is developed. • Environmental indicator defined as difference in environmental quality between "before" and "after" impact states. • Each environmental component has weighting factor (relative importance).

Cont… • How to use Battelle system : • Weights are fixed and overall impact of project alternative is calculated by summing the weighted impact indicators.

Battelle system advantages: • Has high capability for identification and prediction of impacts and good replicability of results. • Provides high level of detail for assessment and documentation purposes. • Basis for the development of environmental indicators and associated weights is fully documented.

Limitations of Battelle System: • System is applicable only to projects for which was designed; development additional indicators is demanding. • System has no mechanism for estimating or displaying interactions between environmental components. • System does not link impacts to affected parties or to dominant issues. • The system has very high resource requirements • (money, time, manpower skills).

Geographic information systems • Geographic information systems (GIS)- GIS is computer-based system incorporating collection, storage, recovery, transformation and display of spatial data

Cont… • • Social Factors Biodiversity Engineering Land. Use Environmental Considerations Data Layers Store Information

Geographic information systems (GIS ) 1. Have potential for storing and accessing large 2. Can combine data from many different sources for use in geographic analysis, 3. Are efficient at performing multiple map overlays 4. Can generate descriptive and analytical statistics 5. Allow number of different scenarios to be investigated quickly and efficiently 6. Can generate maps for output

Limitations of geographic information systems in El. A • Many commercial GISs are expensive and require highly trained personnel • • GISs are not specifically structured for EIA • Digital data is costly and often difficult to acquire • A full scale GIS is likely to contain many expensive analysis capabilities

-Task -specific computer model s • Computer model is designed for a specific purpose. This type of modeling is most effective when environmental factors are easily quantifiable. • While it is possible to develop such a mo del within a GIS, it may be more cost effective to adopt the task -specific modeling approach

Expert systems • 1. Expert systems are also task specific. They may not be computer based. Expert systems incorporate the knowledge and experience of experts from relevant disciplines into a structured decision making analytical tool. • 2. In this respect expert systems attempt to mimic the human decision-making process, in which decisions must often be made on the basis of incomplete information

Chapter Four: Impact identification, prediction and analysis • EIA-Methodology means the structural approaches for doing one or more activities of EIA. • There are some specific characteristic which an EIA methodology should depict. • There are : (1)It should be appropriate to the necessary task of EIA process such as impact identification/ comparison of alternatives • (2) It should be significantly free from assessors bias • (3) It should be economical in terms of costs, and its requirement of data, investigating time, personnel, equipment and facilities

Impact Analysis • The stage of EIA identifies and predicts and likely environmental and social of the proposed project and evaluates the significance

Methods for impact analysis • 1 -Impact identification • 2 -Impact predication • 3 -Impact evaluation

Proposal • EIA required Screening scoping N O EIA Initial Environmental examination Impact analysis Mitigation and impact management Public involvement resubmit EIA report Redesign review Not approved Decision making Approved Implementation and Post EIA Monitoring

• • • Impact identification Warner, 1973 Ad hoc method Checklists Matrices Overlays Networks

• Ad hoc method • Simple method based on subjective environment impacts on board aspects • Ad hoc method is useful when time constraints and lack of information require that the EIA must rely exclusively on expert opinion • It provides minimal guidance for total impact assessment while suggesting the board areas of possible impacts and the general nature of these possible impacts • When more scientific methods are available, it is not recommended

• Types of ad hoc methods • Opinion polls • Experts opinion • Delphi methods etc

Ad hoc • Ad hoc is a Latin phrase meaning literally "to this". In English, it generally signifies a solution designed for a specific problem or task, non-generalizable, and not intended to be able to be adapted to other purposes. • Common examples are ad hoc committees, and commissions created at the national or international level for a specific task. In other fields, the term could refer, for example, to a military unit created under special circumstances, a tailor-made suit, a handcrafted network protocol (e. g. , ad hoc network), a temporary banding together of geographically-linked franchise locations (of a given national brand) to issue advertising coupons, or a purposespecific equation. • Ad hoc can also be an adjective describing the temporary, provisional, or improvised methods to deal with a particular problem, the tendency of which has given rise to the noun adhocism

Types of Ad hoc methods • Opinion polls • Experts opinion • Delphi methods etc

• An opinion poll, often simply referred to as a poll or a survey, is a human research survey of public opinion from a particular sample. Opinion polls are usually designed to represent the opinions of a population by conducting a series of questions and then extrapolating generalities in ratio or within confidence intervals.

Experts opinion • An expert is someone who has a broad and deep competence in terms of knowledge, skill and experience through practice and education in a particular field. Informally, an expert is someone widely recognized as a reliable source of technique or skill whose faculty for judging or deciding rightly, justly, or wisely is accorded authority and status by peers or the public in a specific well -distinguished domain. An expert, more generally, is a person with extensive knowledge or ability based on research, experience, or occupation and in a particular area of study. Experts are called in for advice on their respective subject, but they do not always agree on the particulars of a field of study.

Delphi method • • The Delphi method or Delphi technique (/ˈdɛlfaɪ/ DEL-fy; also known as Estimate. Talk-Estimate or ETE) is a structured communication technique or method, originally developed as a systematic, interactive forecasting method which relies on a panel of experts. [1][2][3][4] The technique can also be adapted for use in face-toface meetings, and is then called mini-Delphi or Estimate-Talk-Estimate (ETE). Delphi has been widely used for business forecasting and has certain advantages over another structured forecasting approach, prediction markets. Delphi is based on the principle that forecasts (or decisions) from a structured group of individuals are more accurate than those from unstructured groups. [6] The experts answer questionnaires in two or more rounds. After each round, a facilitator or change agent[7] provides an anonymised summary of the experts' forecasts from the previous round as well as the reasons they provided for their judgments. Thus, experts are encouraged to revise their earlier answers in light of the replies of other members of their panel. It is believed that during this process the range of the answers will decrease and the group will converge towards the "correct" answer. Finally, the process is stopped after a predefined stop criterion (e. g. , number of rounds, achievement of consensus, stability of results), and the mean or median scores of the final rounds determine the results.

Ad hoc method • Advantage • Specialists particular area will provide guidance Disadvantage It require expert, short/long Impact are merely examined on guess basis (2) Identification predication and interpretation of impacts are quite poor

Checklists method • A checklist is a type of job aid used to reduce failure by compensating for potential limits of human memory and attention. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task. A basic example is the "to do list". A more advanced checklist would be a schedule, which lays out tasks to be done according to time of day or other factors. A primary task in checklist is documentation of the task and auditing against the documentation.

Cont. . • Checklist means a listing of potentional environmental impacts • This method is done to assess the nature of the impacts i. e its type such as adverse /beneficial short term or long term, no effect or significant impact, reversible or irreversible etc

Types of checklists method: • • Simple lists Descriptive checklists Scaling checklists Questionnaire checklists

Cheklists • Advantages -Simple to understand use -Good for site selection and priority setting Disadvantages Do not distinguish between direct and indirect impacts Do not link action and impact some time it is cumber some task.

Matrices • Matrix and its variants provide us a framework of interaction of different actions/activities of a project with potential EI Caused by them § A simple interaction matrix is formed where project actions are listed along one axis i. e. vertically and EI are listed along the other side i. e. horizontally § It was pioneer by Leopold et. al (1971) § It lists about 100 project actions and about 88 environmental characteristic and condition

Matrices method : • Advantages Disadvantages • Link action to impact Difficult to distinguish • Good method for direct and indirect displaying results impacts Significant potential for double-counting of impacts

Network method: • It uses the matrix approach by extending it take into account primary as well the secondary impacts • Shown in the form of tree called as relevance/impact tree /sequence diagram • Used to identify cause-effect linkages • Visual identification of linkages

Cont… • Advantages Disadvantages • Link action impact Can become overly • Useful in simplified complex it used beyond From in checking for simplified Second order impacts Qualitative • Handles direct and indirect • impacts

Overlays Mc Harg (1968, 69) • Rely on a set of maps of project area’s environmental characteristics covering physical, social, ecological, aesthetic aspects • Separate mapping of critical environmental features at the same scale as projects site plan e. g wet lands steep slopes, soils, flood plans, bedrock, out crops, wildlife habitants, vegetative communities, and cultural resources… Older Technique: Evironmental features are mapped on transparent plastic in different colors. Newer Technique: Geographic information systems (GIS)

Cont… Advantages Disadvantages • to understand use Address only direct impacts • Good display method Do not address impact duration or • Good for site selection probability setting

Types of impacts • • A-Biological and physico-chemical impacts B- Social impacts C-Health impacts D-Economic impacts

A-Biological and physico-chemical impacts • It relate to effects on biological resources such as vegetation, wildlife, crops and aquatic life. • Interaction with physical elements take air, water, soil, rocks and solar radiation • Chemical impacts like chemical change in air , water, soil quality etc

B- Social impacts • Demographic – Displacement and relocation effects and changes in population characteristics • Cultural-Traditional patterns , family structure , religious, archaeological features, social networks • Gender-implication of projects on roles of women in society. employment opportunity and equality • Institutional-Housing , schools, criminal justice, health, welfare

C-Health impacts • Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a set of techniques that is used to examine the potential health effects of a proposed policy, program, or project which has globally generated significant interest over the past decade. It is a strong strategy for …

Economic impacts • Duration of constriction and operation workforce requirements for each period • Skill requirements (local availability) • Earning • Row material and other input purchases • Capital investment • Outputs • The characteristics of the local economy

Impact prediction • The accumulated knowledge of the findings of the environmental investigations from the basis for the predications of impacts • Once a potential impact has been determined during scoping process , it is necessary to identify which project activity will cause impact, and its magnitude and extent

Methods of impact predication: • • Best estimate professional judgment Qualitative mathematical models Experiments and physical models Case studies as analogues or references

Points to consider for impact predictions • • • Baseline condition un certainty Spatial limits Temporary boundaries International conditions Quantitative and qualitative materials

Impact evaluation • Its purpose is to assign relative significance to predicated impacts associated with the projects and to determine the order in which impacts are to be avoided , mitigated or composted.

Criterion for evaluating potential effects • • • Importance of affects resource Magnitude and extent of disturbance Duration and frequency Risk /Likelihood of occurrence Reversibility Contribution to communicative impacts

Evaluation of EIA system effectivness • Be considered effective if • Information generated in the EIA contributed to decision making • Prediction were accurate • proposed mitigatory and compensatory measured achieved management objectives. • Efficiency criteria are satisfied if • EIA decisions timely relative to economic or other factors determine project decisions

Continued…. • Costs of conducting EIA can be determined and are reasonable.

Five step process for evaluation of cumulative effects • The area in which the effects of the proposed action will occur • The impacts that are expected in that area from the proposed action • Other past , present, and reasonable for seeable actions that have or are expected to have impacts in the area • The impacts or expected impacts from those other actions • The over all impacts that can be expected if the individual impacts are allowed to accumulate

Impact mitigation Review applicable standards Extractable environmental impact Design environmental protection measures

Mitigation development Develop alternative environmental protection measures Evaluate implementation test Assers environmental effective ness Select final environmental protection measures

Conclusion • The above simple techniques of EIA such as impact identification are used for measuring environment variable and construction of a number of indices to describe the changes in environment inventory. • Reference • Wikipedia • EIA books