Conducting Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries (United Nations University, 1999, 375 p.): 8. Writing and reviewing an EIA report: 8.1 Writing an EIA report: 8.1.1 Guidelines for preparing EIA reports

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

3.4.1 Screening

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

3.6.1 EIA system in Indonesia

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

3.6.2.1 Integrated project-planning concept

3.6.2.2 How is EIA processed and approved?

3.6.3 EIA in Canada

(introduction...)

3.6.3.1 The process

FURTHER READING

4. EIA methods

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Checklists

4.2.1 Descriptive checklists

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

5.1.1 Application of methods to different levels of prediction

5.1.2 Informal modelling

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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)

(introduction...)

6.2.1 Issues and mitigation measures

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

7.3.1 Factors that may result in effective public participation

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

9.2.1 Concepts and principles relevant to CEA

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

9.5.1 Need for EHIA

9.5.2 Potential methodologies and approaches for addressing health impacts

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

(introduction...)

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

8.1.1 Guidelines for preparing EIA reports

Each individual EIA report should ideally be tailored to fit the circumstances of the project. However, it is useful to follow certain general guidelines to fit together the essential components of the study so as to generate a coherent advisory report helpful to the decision makers as well as the general public. A brief description of the typical contents of each section of an EIA report is given below.

Chapter 1 Introduction

This chapter would be introductory in nature and should provide a background of the project. It presents a review of the existing situation and demonstrates the need for the proposed project. Details regarding the composition of the EIA study team, the budget adequacy (in professional person months), work plan, and the report organization should also form a part of this chapter.

Chapter 2 The site and surroundings

The site and surrounding areas should be described in this chapter, in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. Published literature and educational and government agencies can be the major source of information for this chapter. This information can be augmented by field studies. The chapter should include the following information.

• A description of the location and layout, including a vicinity map.
• Existing land use patterns should be described. Emphasis has to be on existing agriculture activities, presence of forest land, habitations, etc.
• Existing water use in the area is to be identified.
• Demographic profile which includes population density, population centres, and employment statistics.
• Soil profiles, including identification of soil types.
• Hydrology and water quality, which should include surface and groundwater resources, hydraulic, and water quality characteristics. Water quality parameters can be based on drinking water quality standards. Data on groundwater quality and the profile of the groundwater table, etc., should also be provided.
• Meteorology and air quality; meteorological data such as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and air quality data such as levels of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc.
• Ecology; ecological data will include a description of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the area. Rare and endangered species, if any, will be identified.
• All the baseline information to be included in this chapter would be one year of monitoring data in the case of a detailed EIA.

Chapter 3 About the project

This chapter should describe the relevant systems of the proposed project. This should include the plant layout, inclusive of the drainage system, description of materials utilized and produced (mass balance), design criteria adopted, and the access ways to be used. Project information should be described in terms of the following activities, such as site preparation, construction, operation on site, transportation, welfare, and closure.

Amongst this classification, all major activities should be identified and shown in the form of a bar chart to convey the implementation as well as operation of the project. Any potential as well as non-routine or less frequent activities should also be paid attention to. Examples are the storage facilities, start-up, and shut down of the plant, etc.

Attributes of all the major activities should be described so as to appreciate their size and duration.

Chapter 4 Environmental effects of project operation

The anticipated impacts of the project operation on the environment should be described in this chapter. Impacts on air quality, water quality, agriculture, and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have to be stressed. A logical use of the information presented in Chapters 2 and 3 should form the crux of Chapter 4. EIA methods such as matrix and network, together with tools such as prediction models, may be useful at this stage. All direct and indirect (first order and higher order) impacts should be speculated at this stage. To assist in this exercise, tools of prediction modelling may also be used, if necessary.

Chapter 5 Evaluation and analysis of impact

The type of evaluation method or tool, for example, weighted/scaled matrix, network, GIS, index method, cost-benefit analysis, etc., used to quantitatively evaluate the impact due to the proposed action, should be highlighted in this part of the report. Expert systems may also be useful for this evaluation.

Chapter 6 Environmental management plan (EMP)

This chapter should describe in detail the implementation plan to be adopted by the proponent during plant operation for the mitigation, protection, or enhancement measures which are recommended in Chapter 5. The EMP documents should contain an implementation plan for each of the selective mitigative protection and enhancement measures. The chapter may be structured as follows:

• objective;
• work plan;
• implementation schedule;
• manpower requirements;
• budgetary provision for EMP.

This chapter is the most crucial and significant part of the entire EIA report. It is therefore essential that this chapter be presented with precision and clarity. It might be useful in this case to identify issues of significance due to the project and specify the corresponding mitigation measures. Representation of this in a tabular form may be useful.

Chapter 7 Environmental monitoring programmes

The proposed monitoring programmes to be implemented to monitor environmental impacts due to the operation of the project should be described in this chapter. The programmes should be initiated prior to the commencement of the construction activities. The following sections have to be discussed:

• surface water;
• groundwater;
• air quality;
• ecological - aquatic and terrestrial;
• socio-economic condition.