INTRODUCTION TO

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT
(EIA)
Defining EIA
EIA is an analytical procedure that
systematically predicts and examines
all the effects likely to happen as a
result of the implementation of a
proposed project, policy or
programme.
EIA deals with physical environment,
ecological aspects, peoples
livelihoods and development issues
EIA has components from both social
and natural/hard sciences.
EIA relates to a process aiming at
improving decision-making.
1. Project-level Impact Assessment
(EIA)

2. Policy-level Impact Assessment or
Strategic Envtal Assessment (SEA)

Note:-
Strategic issues related to the proposed
undertaking(s) are also studied in
project-level assessment.
An overall objective is to ensure dev.
undertakings appraised are socially
desired, technologically acceptable,
economically viable, ecologically sound
To promote peoples participation in
project design and appraisal process.
To avoid/reduce project adverse impacts
and enhance the positive ones.
To promote environmental concerns &
monitoring
To promote sustainable development
Early 1970s - initial development
1970s to 1980s - trend to
integration
Mid to late 1980s - cumulative
effects and policy integration
Mid 1990s - towards
sustainability (i.e. great
emphasis on SEA, biodiversity
issues)

Major reforms to well established
systems
Implementation of EC directive of
1985 (1987-1990s)
World bank and other agencies
introduced EIA policies
Convention on EIA in a
Transboundary context 1992 (Rio
Summit)
Conventions on Climate change and
Biological diversity
Envnt is the source of livelihoods
Envnt is a pivot to the economy
Humans are central to the envntal
changes (master of molding the envnt)
EIA is a tool for ensuring rational use of
natural resources and effective envntal
mgt.
Assignment: Read on Sustainable
Development.
Major roles of EIA:
EIA serves as an appropriate project
planning tool i.e.
Acceptance;
J ustification;
Cost-effectiveness;
Participatory decision-making.
Sustainability;
EIA is an effective environmental
management tool i.e.
Balance
Wise use of natural resources,
Environmental impacts [(+ve) & (-ve)],
Mitigation Measures (MMs),
Environmental monitoring
:
1. Modifies and improves project designs
and reduces costs
2. Integrates short-term and long-term
development goals
3. Facilitates informed decision-making
4. Promotes accountability & transparency
5. Improves institutional coordination, inter-
agency cooperation & technical capability
6. Avoids/minimizes conflicts
7. Facilitates compliance to policies & laws
8. Suggests necessary adjustments to
existing policies and legislation
1. Is a set/series of processes (e.g.
procedural steps; participation;
studies involved; communication;
decision-making; etc.)
2. Is a documentary tool (i.e. reports;
recorded decisions; monitoring
data; all relevant communications;
practical experiences; etc.)

1. sustainability - the EIA process will
result into cost-effective
environmental safeguards.
2. integrity - the EIA process will
conform to the agreed policies,
legislation, procedure, guidelines,
standards,etc.
3. utility - the EIA process will provide
balanced credible information for
decision-making.
EIA guiding principles(1):
Win-win principle: (balance of
development and environmental mgt)
Participation : (timely access,
adequate involvement)
Transparency: (open process,
adequate communication)
Certainty: (agreed process/timing be
adhered to)
accountability: (responsible to all
actions, decisions, etc).

Credibility: (professionalism,
objectivity & multidisciplinarity).
Cost-effectiveness: assessment at
the least cost possible)
Flexibility: (able to adapt, to deal
effectively and efficiently).
Practicality: (usefulness of
generated information)
Continuity: (integration to the project
cycle)
Design &
Engineering
Feasibility
Pre-feasibility
Project Concept
Monitoring &
Evaluation
Implementation
Site selection,
engineering, initial
assessment, scoping of
significant issues.
Detailed design and
mitigation measures.
I mplementation
of mitigation
measures and
environmental
strategy.
Changes in project
management and
lessons for future
projects.
Monitoring and Post-
auditing.
Detailed assessment of significant
impacts, identification of
mitigation needs and input to
cost/benefit analysis
Integrating EIA into the project cycle
The std. EIA procedure:
Registration
Screening
Scoping
Impact Assessment
Identification, Analysis & Evaluation of impacts
Mitigation measures
Tentative monitoring programme
Reporting (EIA Report)
Review
Decision-making
Follow-up to Monitor, Manage, Audit
impacts of project implementation.
Decommissioning
Possible EIA procedures likely to be
found in any country, include:
1. Country-based: Common national
EIA frameworks (procedures &
guidelines)
2. Sector-based: Sector specific &
detailed EIA procedures & guidelines
3. Financiers based:- EIA procedures
& guidelines by donors and financial
institutions.
Common myths in EIA (1)
EIA is anti-development: (EIA is for
sustainability)
EIA delays development: Delays during
EIA is when:-
the EIA started too late in the project
cycle
the ToR are poorly drafted.
the EIA is not managed to a schedule
the EIA report is inadequate
there is a lack of important technical
data.
there is lack of transparency or/and
participation
EIA is costly: (See examples below)
Multipurpose projects from Thailand
Source: UN ESCAP (1990):



Name of project
Project cost
(million baht)
EIA cost
(million baht)
EIA cost as
percentage of total
project cost
Pattani 2737.10 3.1 0.11
Que Noi (Khao Laem) 9110.00 0.7 0.01
Chiew Larn 7035.10 3.7 0.05
Upper Quae Yai 10953.00 4.5 0.04
Nam San, Nam Man, Nam Loei 7612.00 5.3 0.07
Kud 8092.00 5.0 0.06
Lang Suan 6248.00 2.4 0.04
Ma Pong 60000.00 18.0 0.03

Major benefits of using EIA
The earlier start of EIA process in
the project cycle, the greater the
potential gains.
Potential savings over the life of a
project through use of EIA can
repay the investment many times
over.
Environmentally friendly (sound)
and sustainable designs


Better compliance with standards
Better protection of the human
health and livelihoods
Reduced time and costs for
approval
Publish EIA procedures, guidelines &
checklists (ERB).
Prepare and up-date a register of
consultants and their profile (ERB)
EIA reports should contain names of
consultants, their expertise and ToR
used (Developer/Consultants)
Make EIA reports available to the
public (ERB & Developer)
Communicate publicly and document
final decisions along with conditions
for approval (ERB).