Environmental Impact Assessment
We predict environmental impact at an early stage in project planning and design, find ways to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision makers regarding the project success. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an importantregulatory tool that ensures the new development triggered by the above mentioned initiatives has less to minimum impact on the environment and resources. EIA involves the steps mentioned below. However, the EIA process is cyclical with interaction between the various steps.
- Screening
- Scoping
- Collection of baseline data
- Impact prediction
- Mitigation measures and EIA report
- Public hearing
- Decision making
- Monitoring and implementation of environmental management plan
- Risk assessment
The EIA process
Screening
Screening
The project plan is screened for location and type of development and if the project needs statutory clearance.
Workspace design
Scoping
The project’s potential impacts, zone of impacts, mitigation possibilities and need for monitoring.
Collection of baseline data
Collection of baseline data
Baseline data is the environmental status of study area
Mitigation measures and EIA report
Mitigation measures and EIA report
Includes the actions and steps for preventing, minimizing or by passing the impacts or else the level of compensation for probable environmental damage or loss.
Public hearing
Public hearing
On completion of the EIA report, public and environmental groups living close to project site may be informed and consulted.
Decision making
Decision making
Impact Assessment Authority along with the experts consult the project-in-charge along with consultant to take the final decision, keeping in mind EIA and EMP (Environment Management Plan).
Implementation
Monitoring and implementation of environmental management plan
he various phases of implementation of the project are monitored.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment
For every project, possible alternatives should be identified, and environmental attributes compared. Alternatives should cover both project location and process technologies. Once alternatives have been reviewed, a mitigation plan should be drawn up for the selected option and is supplemented with an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to guide the proponent towards environmental improvements.
