Environmental Impact Assessment EIA is a process that

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that examines, in a transparent way, the environmental consequences of proposed development in advance, to inform decision-making Dr Elsa João, University of Strathclyde Slide 1

1. In hundreds of countries around the world, by law, EIA is needed before decisions are made. [according to the law. ] 2. EIA can be (and should be) used as a design tool. [EIA according to best practice. ] Environmental assessment = a proactive agent in development and not just a regulatory hurdle “The focus of environmental assessment cannot be just negative impact mitigation and legal compliance; the potential of enhancement of positive impacts, resilience and use of impact assessment as a design tool should not be ignored” João et al (2011), Emphasising enhancement in all forms of impact assessmet. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 29(3): 170 -180. Dr Elsa João, University of Strathclyde Slide 2

Why are impacts “significant”? • • • Spatial incidence Duration Periodicity Reversibility Probabilities Number of people affected Sensitivity of receiving environment Designated sites and tranquil areas Carrying capacity and sustainability Equity Public opinion Regulations Headington, 2 New High St, installed Sat 9 August 1986 The acceptability of an impact is ultimately a social question, not a scientific one Dr Elsa João, University of Strathclyde Slide 3