Project Environmental Impact Assessment Research Articles

Developing environmental management systems to deliver mitigation and protect the EIA process during follow up

Developmental projects are dynamic in the manner in which proponents react to issues or events arising during the conceptual planning, design or construction phases. The basic challenge of integrating environmental impact assessment (EIA) into an existing environmental management system (EMS) is to provide adequate control while allowing flexibility to cope with site-specific project requirements. Environmental management plans (EMP) are one way of controlling the environmental effects of construction projects. These contain project-specific protocols that act as an EMS interface between the EIA and subsequent project planning and development phases. This paper developed from the EIA follow-up session of IAIA 2001 in Cartagena, Columbia outlines the framework for an EMP and its application in respect of the development of an electrical infrastructure project within the UK.

Environment agency scoping guidance on the environmental impact assessment of projects

Scoping the impacts on the environment of proposed development projects is key to the good practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA). The Environment Agency is the most important environmental advisor and regulator in England and Wales and a statutory consultee in the EIA process. It has produced generic Scoping Guidance for its own staff, external developers and their consultants, and other stakeholders. This is intended to help identify opportunities and constraints early in development planning and help avoid inconsistencies in scoping practice. The Guidance addresses specific impacts and associated mitigation measures for 72 different project types and four categories of site operations. In this paper, the development of this Scoping Guidance is discussed and its format explained. The implications for scoping potential impacts on the environment in England and Wales (and elsewhere) are discussed.

Strategic Environmental Assessment and its development in China

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a frontier subject in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This article describes the current situation of SEA in China, discusses major problems with SEA, and then recommends improvements in the system. In the past two decades, but especially in recent years, the inherent limitations of conventional project EIA have come to light. Thus, to pursue a broader course of sustainable development, the Chinese government has attached more and more importance to SEA. Some legislation has been enacted, and some research has been conducted on the topic in China, but most of the research has been focused on the concept, theory, and method of SEA. Comprehensive application of SEA in China has yet to occur, and only a limited number of case studies are available. SEA as applied today in China is confronted with a host of methodological and procedural limitations. Moreover, public participation is often extremely limited, because procedures restrict public participation. Policies and strategies are kept secret from the public. We believe SEA can be improved by the following recommendations: introduction of procedures to ensure the appropriate level of SEA be conducted for strategic proposals, development of strategic evaluation tools and techniques, encouragement of public participation, organization of educational programs, and implementation of SEA “experiments.”

Developing a review package to assess the quality of EA reports of Local Authority structure and local plans in the UK

Through the process of environmental appraisal (EA) of development plans, strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is establishing itself as a component of good planning practice in the UK. However, this application has been mirrored by concerns about quality. This article describes the process of developing and testing a review package to enable the systematic and structured assessment of the quality of EA reports. The review package was initially developed through analyzing the formal requirements of the draft EU SEA Directive, UK Government guidance, and examples of good international practice. These criteria are reflected in a review package similar in structure to the Lee–Colley project environmental impact assessment (EIA) review package. The article concludes that the developed review package is an effective tool for use when reviewing the quality of EA reports, and can also be used as a checklist when preparing EA reports. The need for systematic review and quality control of EA reports is evident.

Life cycle assessment as a tool in environmental impact assessment

Various authors have stated that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) differs fundamentally from product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This paper shows the contrary. LCA is a specific elaboration of a generic environmental evaluation framework. EIA is a procedure rather than a tool, in which LCA certainly may be useful. Particularly in strategic and project EIAs, environmental comparisons of process and abatement alternatives may be relevant. Although these alternatives may lead to different emissions and effects at the location of the process itself (which is usually the focus in project EIAs), they can also influence the demand for activities upstream and downstream in the production chain. Including such secondary effects in an EIA, which may be crucial for a proper comparison of alternatives, requires a system approach that takes into account all relevant effects. This is, in fact, LCA. A review of five case studies shows that it is quite feasible to use elements of LCA in EIA.

A model for sustainable development: integrating environmental impact assessment and project planning

Some shortcomings of the methodology of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and their practical consequences in developing countries are highlighted. The available methods are useful guides to decision-making at individual project level, but are insufficient for assessing cumulative and large-scale impacts. The promotion of sustainability should be clearly distinguished from EIA of individual projects, and should be conducted at a more aggregate planning level. A project planning model that takes into account the cumulative impacts and assimilative capacity of the environment is proposed and a solution procedure developed, which helps in structuring and focusing the environmental analysis of key environmental benefits and costs of possible combinations of projects. Alternative options are compared in an integrated way along with other objectives.

Incorporating cleaner production analysis into environmental impact assessment in china

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) system was established in 1979 in China. Although EIA was designed as a tool for pollution prevention, in practice it has been based on end-of-pipe (EOP) treatment control since it was first introduced. This approach has ensured an overwhelming focus by enterprises on the use of EOP treatment, rather than pollution prevention, to meet environmental standards, and it has produced a low rate of operation for EOP facilities. The low operation rate for EOP facilities can be traced to the traditional EIA system: it leads project proponents to develop large EOP treatment facilities, but once the main production lines are put into operation, proponents rarely have sufficient funds to operate the treatment facilities. This paper analyzes problems that exist in the EIA system in China, and it describes the Cleaner Production Index and Evaluation System, which is being proposed by environmental authorities in China to evaluate EIA projects based on cleaner production criteria. The paper also suggests how cleaner production analysis can be integrated into the EIA system to improve it.

A review of the quality of environmental impact assessments in the Scottish forest sector

The Environmental Assessment (Afforestation) Regulations 1988 became effective on 12 July 1988. In Scotland, between 1988 and 1996 a total of 160 applications for grant assistance for afforestation proposals received by the Forestry Commission have been subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Of these, 81 had been completed by 1996 and the assessment process concluded. In common with other EIA legislation in the UK there is no mandatory review stage in the assessment process. This paper presents a review procedure tailored for use in the UK forest sector. Using this procedure, a 20 per cent sample of completed Environmental Statements (ES), was reviewed, and the results presented. In addition, statistics of the total forest sector EIA activity during the period 1988-1996 are presented, describing the number of assessments requested by conservancy, current status and, the reasons why the assessments were initially requested. Although there were instances of good practice in the assessment process, the review highlighted the overall poor quality of EIA and ES production. The recurring elemental failure, which subsequently led to additional difficulties, was the absence of a full scoping phase. Assessments were therefore unfocused, did not adequately investigate the key issues and wasted effort on irrelevancies. This in turn led to the collection of inadequate baseline data, which later made the task of assessing the magnitude and significance of impact extremely difficult. The review also noted that only one Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) application was rejected following EIA, and that none of the ESs reviewed found any significant impacts. In light of the poor coverage of mitigation methods this suggests that both project screening and EIA practice require strengthening. The authors wish to thank the Forestry Authority for the assistance given while carrying out the background research for this paper.

Local Planning and National Environmental Assessment Procedures: The Developer's Mitigated Role in Disjointed Negotiation Processes

Brief analyses are made of both the Portuguese planning system and the project environmental impact assessment (EIA) system. Major trends in planning practice are characterised and the scope for bargaining processes is critically addressed. The procedural and institutional separation between these systems is emphasised. A contrast is made between the localised nature of planning practice and the independent centralised approach to environmental assessment in Portugal. In this context, a case study of the planning application for a large tourism development condominium, involving the preparation of an environmental assessment, is presented. A contradictory framework for bargaining emerges out of this case. The search for scientific evidence to support the decision-making process is impaired by changing environmental arguments throughout a long administrative process. Diverging local development interests versus national conservation interests are explored and a strong case for a collaborative approach is justified. Finally, evidence is gathered to support the view that the separation between the planning system and the EIA system create a disjointed framework for bargaining, in which the developer is bound to perform a difficult and somehow secondary mitigated role.

Integrating gender assessment study into environmental impact assessment

This article focuses on (i) strengthening the socio-economic component (including gender relations) in environmental impact assessment (EIA) by integrating into it the strategy and methodology developed by gender assessment study (GAS) and (ii) presenting the approach used in a study that resulted in an integrated environmental impact statement in which the impacts for the natural environment and the socio-economic environment (gender relations) of the intended activity and alternatives are compared In the Netherlands there has been no practical experience yet with such integration. However, it seems that the strategy and methodology developed by GAS can strengthen the socio-economic component of EIA for projects in water and sanitation, waste disposal, agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Gender and Environmental Impact Assessment

SIMON GOUDIE and DARRYLL KILIAN explore the constraints on women's involvement as managers and consultants in the profession of impact assessment. They argue for greater gender sensitivity in environmental impact assessment project and policy work

The Feasibility Studies and Design of a Public Sewage Collection, Treatment and Outfall Scheme for the South Coast of Barbados

In 1988, as part of commitment to maintain and improve the quality of beaches and nearshore waters along Barbados' densely populated south and west coasts, the Government of Barbados commissioned Reid Crowther International to carry out feasibility studies and the detailed engineering design of a public sewage collection, treatment and outfall scheme for the south coast. The studies and designs were completed in 1990 and the Government is now negotiating with the Inter-American Development Bank for funding to pay for the construction of the project. The paper describes project background, estimation of design flows and loads, and treatment plant/outfall design including the detailed marine studies undertaken for the project. Interesting aspects of the sewage collection system design, including the proposed use of “No-Dig” trenchless sewer technology and the project's environmental impact assessment are also described.

MANAGING LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

This report describes management techniques of environmental impact assessment projects. Document preparation and review is briefly discussed. (CBS)

The adequacy of training for EIA in the United States of America

The well-established environmental impact assessment requirements in the United States have given rise to a number of training needs within federal and state agencies. Requirements for training vary for EIA project managers, technical specialists, senior managers and others involved in EIA. Information needs about EIA vary also, but include general awareness, procedural knowledge, substantive methodological knowledge and technical knowledge. While EIA training is provided in short courses, on the job, and in universities there remain deficiencies in the training of specialists, senior managers, and others. Proposals are made here to help overcome these. This paper examines the needs and provisions for training in environmental impact assessment (EIA) in the USA federal system and in the system created by the California Environmental Quality Act. The investigation is based on the very limited literature on training, on responses to letters, on the printed material requested from agencies and, most importantly, on the results of a series of interviews of personnel in various federal agencies at central and regional levels, in California, and elsewhere. A recent report by the Environmental Law Institute (1981) furnished invaluable background information on EIA training in the federal agencies. The list of liaison officers printed by the Council on Environmental Quality (1982a) was used to request interviews and information.

Waste disposal in New Zealand—Applying the environmental procedures

A recent survey has shown that some 2 million tonnes of refuse are being disposed of each year to landfill in New Zealand. One-quarter of this refuse is industrial waste, whereas refuse from households accounts for nearly half of the total. Pilot surveys have produced preliminary figures leading to an estimate that there may be about 23,000 tonnes per year of wastes which could be regarded as hazardous. Statutes which provide for the management and disposal of wastes, the planning of refuse facilities, and the handling of hazardous materials are listed together with environmental enhancement and protection procedures which require a process of environmental impact assessment for projects, such as new landfill sites which will have significant environmental impacts. The way that wastes are managed is illustrated by examining the disposal of three different types of solid wastes: metropolitan refuse wastes arising from a new petrochemical industry based on natural gas and waste polychlorinated biphenyl oils.

Waste Disposal in New Zealand—Applying the Environmental Procedures

A recent survey has shown that some 2 million tonnes of refuse are being disposed of each year to landfill in New Zealand. One-quarter of this refuse is industrial waste, whereas refuse from households accounts for nearly half of the total. Pilot surveys have produced preliminary figures leading to an estimate that there may be about 23,000 tonnes per year of wastes which could be regarded as hazardous. Statutes which provide for the management and disposal of wastes, the planning of refuse facilities, and the handling of hazardous materials are listed together with environmental enhancement and protection procedures which require a process of environmental impact assessment for projects, such as new landfill sites which will have significant environmental impacts. The way that wastes are managed is illustrated by examining the disposal of three different types of solid wastes: metropolitan refuse wastes arising from a new petrochemical industry based on natural gas and waste polychlorinated biphenyl oils.

The application of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to UK mineral planning

The part played by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in UK planning is slowly increasing as the potential advantages become more widely recognized. The proposed EEC directive will impose a requirement on Member states to undertake EIAs on certain classes of development, mineral developments included. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the aims and objectives of EIA in relation to mineral planning and also to discuss the possible issues that may arise. The paper provides a brief description of EIA, its objectives and advantages, before discussing how EIA might be integrated in mineral planning especially in terms of the distinction between Plan and Project EIAs. An assessment of the role and benefits of public participation is also given. The paper concludes that the introduction of Plan EIAs and Project EIAs is the most appropriate system for mineral planning.

Linking policy or program impacts to decisions through value systems

The increasing awareness of the findings of policy and decision making theory in the environmental assessment community has recently led to an intensifying debate on the theoretical foundations and the appropriate practical use of strategic environmental assessment (SEA). In this context, most of the recent suggestions on how to improve practice have been influenced—consciously or sub-consciously—by the post-modernist paradigm, focusing particularly on a better integration of SEA into ‘real’ decision making and procedural flexibility. There have also been suggestions that traditional project environmental impact assessment (EIA)-based SEA approaches are generally inadequate. Reacting to the latter criticism, this paper aims at defending ‘traditional’ systematically structured and normative approaches to SEA. While it is acknowledged that a purely professional and technological paradigm to SEA is something of the past, it is proposed that leaving the design of ‘flexible’ SEA to the will of proponents and stakeholders might ultimately render it incapable of protecting the environment.

The environmental impact assessment project

The environmental impact assessment project