A New EIA Method Applied On CoastalReclamation Projects

Abstract

A system called Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) has been developed to organise Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). RIAM brings together the individual multi-disciplinary parts of an EIA in a transparent and semiquantitative manner. RIAM allows a holistic and coherent anticipation of problems, and can assist in the repeated assessment of alternatives and project details during the planning phase. In coastal regions, numerical models are also important tools in the impact assessment process. Some advantages are provided by the combined use of the RIAM and the MIKE21 model system. RIAM defines the important assessment criteria and environmental components as well as a means by which values for each of these criteria can be collated to provide an accurate and independent score for each condition. The MIKE21 model supplies the scientific base for the assessment, evaluating the physical, chemical and ecological impacts of project activities. RIAM, and MIKE models for hydrography, water quality and ecology, have been used in a dredging and reclamation project in Sabah, Malaysia. The result of the RIAM analysis in combination with MIKE modelling gave a direct quantification of the benefits and disadvantages of different designs of the reclamation options. This combination strongly facilitated the minimisation of environmental impact and the future decision making. Transactions on Ecology and the Environment vol 18, © 1998 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541