Conducting Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries (United Nations University, 1999, 375 p.): 7. EIA communication: 7.1 Introduction

Conducting Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries (United Nations University, 1999, 375 p.)

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Preface

Abbreviations

1. Introduction

1.1 The environmental movement

1.2 Tracing the history of environmental impact assessment

1.3 Changes in the perception of EIA

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1.3.1 EIA at the project level

1.3.2 From project level to regional EIA

1.3.3 Policy level strategic EIA

FURTHER READING

2. Introduction to EIA

2.1 What is EIA?

2.2 Who is involved in the EIA process?

2.3 When should the EIA be undertaken?

2.4 Effectiveness of EIA

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2.4.1 Legal regulations

2.4.2 Rational and open decision-making

2.4.3 Project EIA sustained by strategic EIA

2.4.4 Room for public participation

2.4.5 Independent review and central information

2.4.6 Scoping in EIA

2.4.7 Quality of the EIA

2.5 EIA and other environmental management tools

3. EIA process

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Principles in managing EIA

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3.2.1 Principle 1: Focus on the main issues

3.2.2 Principle 2: Involve the appropriate persons and groups

3.2.3 Principle 3: Link information to decisions about the project

3.2.4 Principle 4: Present clear options for the mitigation of impacts and for sound environmental management

3.2.5 Principle 5: Provide information in a form useful to the decision makers

3.3 Framework of environmental impacts

3.4 EIA process in tiers

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3.4.1 Screening

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3.4.1.1 Illustrations of screening

3.4.2 Scoping

3.4.3 The initial environmental examination

3.4.4 The detailed EIA study

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3.4.4.1 Prediction

3.4.4.2 Assessment

3.4.4.3 Mitigation

3.4.4.4 Evaluation

3.5 Resources needed for an EIA

3.6 Some illustrations of EIA processes in various countries

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3.6.1 EIA system in Indonesia

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3.6.1.1 Responsibility for AMDAL

3.6.1.2 Screening: determining which projects require AMDAL

3.6.1.3 AMDAL procedures

3.6.1.4 Permits and licenses

3.6.1.5 Public participation in AMDAL

3.6.2 EIA procedure and requirements in Malaysia

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3.6.2.1 Integrated project-planning concept

3.6.2.2 How is EIA processed and approved?

3.6.3 EIA in Canada

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3.6.3.1 The process

FURTHER READING

4. EIA methods

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Checklists

4.2.1 Descriptive checklists

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4.2.2 Weighted-scale checklists

4.2.3 Advantages of the checklist method

4.2.4 Limitations of the checklist method

4.3 Matrix

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4.3.1 Descriptive matrix

4.3.2 Symbolized matrix

4.3.3 Numeric and scaled matrices

4.3.3.1 Simple numeric matrix

4.3.3.2 Scaled matrices

4.3.4 The component interaction matrix

4.3.5 Advantages of the matrix approach

4.3.6 Limitations of the matrix approach

4.4 Networks

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4.4.1 Advantages of the network method

4.4.2 Limitations of the network method

4.5 Overlays

FURTHER READING

5. EIA tools

5.1 Impact prediction

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5.1.1 Application of methods to different levels of prediction

5.1.2 Informal modelling

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5.1.2.1 Approaches to informal modelling

5.1.3 Physical models

5.1.4 Mathematical models

5.1.5 Modelling procedure

5.1.6 Sensitivity analysis

5.1.7 Probabilistic modelling

5.1.8 Points to be considered when selecting a prediction model

5.1.9 Difficulties in prediction

5.1.10 Auditing of EIAs

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5.1.10.1 Auditing prediction in EIAs

5.1.10.2 Problems in conducting predictive techniques audit

5.1.11 Precision in prediction and decision resolution

5.2 Geographical information system

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5.2.1 Data overlay and analysis

5.2.2 Site impact prediction

5.2.3 Wider area impact prediction

5.2.4 Corridor analysis

5.2.5 Cumulative effects assessment and EA audits

5.2.6 Trend analysis

5.2.7 Predicting impacts in a real time environment

5.2.8 Continuous updating

5.2.9 Multi attribute tradeoff system (MATS)

5.2.10 Habitat analysis

5.2.11 Aesthetic analysis

5.2.12 Public consultation

5.2.13 Advantages of the GIS method

5.2.14 Limitations of the GIS method

5.3 Expert systems for EIA

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5.3.1 Artificial intelligence and expert systems

5.3.2 Basic concepts behind expert systems

FURTHER READING

6. Environmental management measures and monitoring

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Environmental management plan (EMP)

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6.2.1 Issues and mitigation measures

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6.2.1.1 Project siting

6.2.1.2 Plant construction and operation

6.2.2 Illustrations of guidelines for mitigation measures for specific projects

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6.2.2.1 Fertilizer industry

6.2.2.2 Oil and gas pipelines

6.2.2.3 Water resource projects

6.2.2.4 Infrastructure projects

6.2.3 Development of a green belt as a mitigation measure

6.3 Post-project monitoring, post-audit, and evaluation

FURTHER READING

7. EIA communication

7.1 Introduction

7.2 What is expected from the user of EIA findings?

7.3 Communication to the public

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7.3.1 Factors that may result in effective public participation

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7.3.1.1 Preplanning

7.3.1.2 Policy of the executing agency

7.3.1.3 Resources

7.3.1.4 Target groups

7.3.1.5 Effective communication

7.3.1.6 Techniques

7.3.1.7 Responsiveness

7.3.2 Overview of the roles of the public

7.3.3 Public participation techniques

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7.3.3.1 Media techniques

7.3.3.2 Research techniques

7.3.3.3 Political techniques

7.3.3.4 Structured group techniques

7.3.3.5 Large group meetings

7.3.3.6 Bureaucratic decentralization

7.3.3.7 Interveners

7.3.4 Implementing public participation

FURTHER READING

8. Writing and reviewing an EIA report

8.1 Writing an EIA report

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8.1.1 Guidelines for preparing EIA reports

8.1.2 Comparison of guidelines of suggested/required components of an EIA report

8.2 Review of an EIA report

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8.2.1 Purpose of the review

8.2.2 Information and expertise needed for review

8.2.3 Strategy of the review

8.2.4 Approach

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8.2.4.1 Independent analysis

8.2.4.2 Predetermined evaluation criteria

8.2.4.3 Ad hoc review

8.2.5 Specific document review criteria

8.3 Preparing terms of reference for consultants or contractors

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8.3.1 Checking out the consulting organization

8.3.2 Strategy for formulating TOR

FURTHER READING

9. Emerging developments in EIA

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Cumulative effects assessment

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9.2.1 Concepts and principles relevant to CEA

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9.2.1.1 Model of causality

9.2.1.2 Input-process-output model

9.2.1.3 Temporal and spatial accumulation

9.2.1.4 Control factors

9.2.2 Conceptual framework

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9.2.2.1 Sources of cumulative environmental change

9.2.2.2 Pathways of cumulative environmental change

9.2.2.3 Cumulative effects

9.2.3 Conclusion

9.3 Sectoral environmental assessment

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9.3.1 Need for SEA

9.3.2 Differences between project level EIA and SEA

9.3.3 Methodologies for SEA

9.3.4 Status of SEA

9.3.5 Effectiveness of SEA

9.4 Environmental risk assessments

9.4.1 What is environmental risk assessment?

9.4.2 Terminology associated with ERA

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9.4.2.1 Hazards and uncertainties

9.4.3 ERA and the project cycle

9.4.4 ERA builds upon EIA

9.4.5 Basic approach to ERA

9.4.6 Characterization of risk

9.4.7 Risk comparison

9.4.8 Quantitative risk assessments

9.4.9 Risk communication

9.4.10 Risk management

9.4.11 Guidelines for disaster management planning

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9.4.11.1 Specification

9.4.11.2 Plot plan

9.4.11.3 Hazardous area classification

9.4.11.4 P & I diagrams

9.4.11.5 Storage of inflammable liquids

9.4.11.6 Risk assessment

9.5 Environmental health impact assessment

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9.5.1 Need for EHIA

9.5.2 Potential methodologies and approaches for addressing health impacts

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9.5.2.1 Adapt EIA study activities

9.5.2.2 Integrate health impacts into EIA

9.5.2.3 Use a targeted approach

9.5.2.4 Probabilistic risk assessment

9.5.3 Proposed methodology

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9.5.3.1 Determining the need for health impact assessment

9.5.3.2 Identify health impacts

9.5.3.3 Prediction of health impacts

9.5.3.4 Interpreting health impacts

9.5.3.5 Mitigation, monitoring, and reporting

9.6 Social impact assessment

9.6.1 What is SIA? Why SIA?

9.6.2 Identifying social impact assessment variables

9.6.3 Combining social impact assessment variables, project/policy stage, and setting

9.6.4 Steps in the social impact assessment process

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9.6.4.1 Public involvement

9.6.4.2 Identification of alternatives

9.6.4.3 Baseline conditions

9.6.4.4 Scoping

9.6.4.5 Projection of estimated effects

9.6.4.6 Predicting response to impacts

9.6.4.7 Indirect and cumulative impacts

9.6.4.8 Change in alternatives

9.6.4.9 Mitigation

9.6.4.10 Monitoring

9.6.5 Principles for SIA

9.6.6 TOR for consultants

FURTHER READING

Annex 9.1: Case study for risk assessments

10. Case studies to illustrate environmental impact assessment studies

Case study 10.1 Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant, Leyte, Philippines

Case study 10.2 Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme

Case study 10.3 Tin Smelter Project in Thailand

Case study 10.4 Thai National Fertilizer Corporation Project

Case study 10.5 Map Ta Phut Port Project

Case study 10.6 EIA at Work: A Hydroelectric Project in Indonesia

Case study 10.7 The Greater Cairo Wastewater Project

7.1 Introduction

Communication of EIA findings to policy and decision makers is difficult because they are often not technically trained. The task of communication is one of translation and interpretation from the language of the scientist into a clear and concise summary that matches the client's constraints and timetables. Another problem in using research results is the gap between the expectations of decision makers for certainty and the probabilistic realities of science. If a scientist reveals this uncertainty, the client may reject the findings as unhelpful, whereas disguising the uncertainty may cause the scientist to lose credibility when unpredictable results do occur.

Prediction should be straightforward, logical, and systematic regardless of the completeness or accuracy of the data available. All assumptions must be explicitly stated. The users of the assessment can follow the predictive method and, if they wish, substitute alternative assumptions where factual information is lacking.

A four-part format in reporting predictions is helpful in avoiding misunderstanding by the users about the uncertainty that inevitably accompanies EIA results.

First, the prediction should state what is known and with what confidence (a narrative statement of the statistical reliability). For example, "With the chance of being wrong one time out of ten, we believe that the increase in turbidity will result in a 25 to 50% lower catch of fish.''

Second, state what is not known and why. For example, "Tests have been run only on species A and B so we cannot be sure of the response of other organisms.''

Third, explain what could be learned from further investigation if more time and money were available.

Fourth, indicate what should be known in order to proceed in a prudent manner, that is the risk of going ahead based on present knowledge as opposed to the risk of delaying the project.

To summarize, the EIA predictions should state what we do know, do not know, could know, and should know.