Principles of environmental impact assessment

Mass Communication topic

1. Definition of EIA EIA is 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”. NEPA of USA (1969) first incorporated the requirement of EIA.

2. Scope of EIA EIA process, initially laid emphasis on evaluating the adverse / beneficial effects of development project on Physical factors – air quality, water quality, solid waste disposal etc. Then it started including biological / ecological factors which are difficult to quantify . Presently EIA include socio- economic factors like creation of employment opportunities, recreational factors, cultural impacts etc.

3. 2 types of Principles

4. Role of EIA Purpose of EIA is to provide environment its due place in decision making process. It may prevent the use of developmental activity for political benefits. Provide a procedure for full consideration of the possible adverse environmental impacts of policies, programmes, activities, projects before any decision being taken. Prevents “behind closed door” process of decision making.

5. Opportunity to present recommendations to the decision maker on the suitability of the project. Alternate approach, choice of technology and sites can be thoroughly examined. The public can contribute to the decision making process through written and oral contributions or by appearances at public enquiries and hearing etc.

6. Status of EIA in India EIA first started in India in 1977-78 when Planning Commission advised DST to take up environmental appraisal of river valley projects. Presently MoEF is the IAA in India

7. Projects appraised by MoEF Industrial projects of public/private sector which cost more that 50 crores and belong to category specified in schedule 1of MoEF Notification 1994. SSI projects of investment more than Rs. 1 crore Projects which are sensitive and are located in environmentally degraded area. Projects which require approval of the public investment board/ planning commission/central electricity board.

8. Projects referred to MoEF by other Ministries.

9. Guiding Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment 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.

10. 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, best practice technology, and scientific uncertainties.

11. 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. The EIA process should cover the life of the proposal, through project design, construction, operation and finally commissioning of the project. project operators must be accountable for commitments made during project approval.

12. 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.