Abstract
The paper examines how opposing interests (cost effectiveness versus environmental sustainability) are balanced during the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. During an EIA study, it is the Environmental Specialist’s role to conduct an EIA and bridge the gap between the Proponent and Activists. This study involves the developmental impact of coal transportation through a mangrove forest, a sensitive ecosystem. There are three major areas of disagreement among the Proponent and Activist: (i) overall impact on Sundarbans Mangrove Reserve Forests (SMRF); (ii) impact of air emissions; and (iii) impacts due to coal shipment. Assessment showed air quality impacts would be within applicable standards and guidelines. There will be an increase in marine traffic due to coal transportation; however, if the recommended mitigation measures are followed, then the project will have a manageable and limited impact on the SMRF. There will be water quality degradation and coal dust accumulation in the riverbed at the coal trans-shipment point. An aquatic habitat of approximately 290 ha in size is recommended as compensation for degraded land in the study.
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