Environment Impact Assessment EIA Definition of EIA EIA

Environment Impact Assessment ( EIA)

Definition of EIA �EIA is an interdisciplinary objective decision making tool. � The International Association for Impact Assessment defines EIA as, “the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken or commitment made”.

Basic Principles of EIA 2 types of EIA principals are – Precautionary principles & Polluter pays principle Precautionary principle – when an activity rais threats of harm to human health or the environment precautionary measures should b taken even if some cause effect relationship ar not fully established scientifically. Polluter pay principle - where the party responsible for producing pollution shoul also be responsible for damages done to the environment.

Guiding Principles of EIA �Participation- The process should include adequate participation of all stakeholders. �Transparency - EIA should be conducted through an established process. All elements of the process should be clearly understood by all participants. �Certainty - The process should have clear objectives, consistent, and be conducted within agreed time-frames.

�Integrity -Decisions need to be based on the best available information, and all relevant factors need to be taken into account by decision-makers. Where impacts are uncertain, outcomes should rely on sound risk assessment and management. �Cost-effectiveness - The process should meet its objectives while imposing the least cost to participants. � Practicality -The process should recognize community concerns, commercial realities,

�Accountability - Decision makers within government need to be able to provide clear and detailed reasons for their decisions to all stakeholders. Appeal provisions to a independent authority should exist. Ø The EIA process should cover the life of the proposal, through project design, construction, operation and finally commissioning of the project. Ø project operators must be accountable for commitments made during project

�Flexibility - The process should be able to accommodate proposals varying in type, scope of impact, and complexity. Flexibility is desirable in terms of the form of EIA process, issues to be addressed, process time-frames, and degree of public participation. �Precautionary - Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Goals /Roles of EIA �EIA is intended to prevent , minimize potentially adverse environmental effects & enhance the overall quality of the project. The main goals/ benefits are as follows Ø Lower the project cost in long term Ø Increased the project acceptance Ø Improved project design Ø Improved decision making

Ø Environmentally sensitive decision Ø Increased accountability & transparency Ø Reduced environmental damage Ø Improved integration of projects into their environmental and social settings.

Status of EIA in India � EIA first started in 1977 – 78, when Depts. of Science & Technology was responsible to undertake it to find out the impact of River valley projects on environment. � Till 1994 Environmental clearance from Central govt. was an administrative which lacked legislative support. � On 27 th Jan 1996 Union Ministry of Environment & Forest , GOI , promulgated EIA notification making Environment Clearance mandatory for expansion, modernization of any activity or setting up new projects listed in Schedule 1 of 1994 notification. � It was amended more than 12 times. � Presently MOEF is the Impact Assessment Agency( IAA) in India.

Projects appraised by Mo. EF �Industrial projects cost more than 50 crores and those enlisted in category 1 of Mo. EF Notification of 1994. �Small scale industrial projects of investment more than Rs. 1 crore, �Projects in sensitive or environmentally degraded area. �Projects which require approval of Public investment Board/ Planning Commission.

Stages in Prior Environmental Clearance Process for new projects Screening Scoping Public Consultation Appraisal of the project

�Look at basic concept of EIA to understand the EIA process