Quality Of Environmental Impact Statements Research Articles

Evaluation of the quality of environmental impact statements in Ethiopia

Environmental impact statement (EIS) is rarely assessed for its quality and thus, poses challenges for rectifying the compromised qualities at earlier time. The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to Addis Ababa Environmental Protection and Green Development Commission (AAEPGDC) in year 2020 and 2021. The article has evaluated the quality of 16 EIS for the year 2020 and 15 for the year 2021 using the modified Lee and Colley review package. The findings revealed that each of the evaluation criteria has shown various degrees of qualities with overall assessment that falls under satisfactory score of 66% (sum of grade A-C). Impact identification & description, monitoring plan and project setting and description were the most described sections of the EIS while baseline assessment and establishment, scoping, alternate consideration were otherwise. Inadequate baseline description was found resulting in compromising impact prediction. Though adverse impact identification and description was the best dealt with section of the EIS, it overlooked describing how impacts affect receptors, undermined occupation health & safety and disregarded project affected people by luring them with job opportunity. In terms of magnitude, positive impacts were presented pretty well than adverse impacts. How long the duration of the impacts last were not dealt by 39%, as to whether the impact were reversible or not were not dealt by 42% and the extent of coverage of the impacts were not discussed by 39% of the reviewed EIS. Energy use was one of the least described EIS section (64.5% score) with gaps of failing to recommend renewable energy for best energy use practices. Comparisons of the EIS quality for 2020 and 2021 using Mann-Whitney U-test had shown that there was no quality difference between them. We thus, generally recommend multi-stage review processes at least every five years to enhance the overall quality of the EIS.

Quality of environmental impact statements (EISs) in Eswatini: 1996 – 2020

ABSTRACT Following the adoption of formal EIA procedures in the mid-1990s, there have been no efforts to assess the quality of EISs in Eswatini. This study was necessitated by an attempt to fill this gap. It did so by systematically analysing 125 EISs, submitted from 1996 to 2020, using the Lee and Colley EIS review method. The obtained results are comparable to previous findings in terms of variations in EIS quality within review areas, increase in the average length of EISs over the years, and the association between better results and the most experienced consultants. However, with regard to the quality of EISs over the years, the outcomes of this study are at variance with previous findings. Based on these observations, it is concluded that the quality of EISs in Eswatini is a result of many years of EIA practice without attendant research, coupled with the absence of capacity-building programmes, absence of requirements for EIA consultants, and inadequate EIA guidelines.

A review of the quality of environmental impact statements with a focus on urban projects from Romania

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has experienced substantial difficulties in effectively achieving its purpose owing to the interplay of political, social, and economic interests, as well as institutional and policy contexts in developing countries such as Romania. This study presents a systematic evaluation of the quality of environmental impact statements (EISs) from seven urban areas in Romania. We followed an updated Lee-and-Colley evaluation approach to assess the quality of 21 EISs in four main categories, namely development and local environment, impact identification and evaluation, alternatives and mitigation, and presentation and communication. Our findings show that the range of impacts studied, the alternatives, and mitigation measures were poorly outlined in the analyzed reports, while the description of the project and the environmental factors were of higher quality. Our study identifies EISs weaknesses, namely insufficient data sources for determining the baseline conditions, poor reliance on rigorous quantitative modelling when predicting the impacts, and unclear monitoring arrangements. It also suggests ways to improve the quality of EISs and to enhance sustainable policy decisions in countries that are struggling with the implementation of EIA depending on the scale of the project and the actors involved.

Linkage of Sustainability to Environmental Impact Assessment Using the Concept of Ecosystem Services: Lessons from Thailand

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) could help Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) contribute toward sustainability goals. This study aimed to systematically analyze the ES contents contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to ascertain whether they included appropriate data as a tool for project implementation in line with sustainability practices. The EISs were analyzed using the review criteria used to assess the criteria of good EIA practice, and these criteria were then integrated and linked to the concept of ES. The results indicated that the treatment of environmental impact studies from the perspective of impact assessment practice was advantageous; however, opposing results of the integration of ES in environmental impact studies were also found. The quality of EISs that reflect ES primarily depended on the project type. The highest quality of content to support ES was for baseline information. The contents in response to biodiversity and the relationship among sustainable indicators in the baseline stage, including the assessment of biodiversity, especially its loss and gain, and the identification of measures focusing on mitigation hierarchy, were inadequate. Consequently, these constraints affect the use of impact assessments as a tool to promote project activities in sustainable ways. An approach to integrate ES in EIAs was developed based on the findings of this study.

Need for a Robust Review System to Improve the Quality of Environmental Impact Statements: An Indian Case Study Analysis

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, the final output of the EIA process forms the basis for environmental impact statement (EIS) review and decision-making, implying the need for its good quality. This empirical study is based on the literature review, opinions of EIA consultants, and views of experts associated with the EIA system in India. It is inferred that the overall quality of the EIS is below par and there are several inadequacies in the EIA appraisal system. Given the strong correlation between a robust EIS review system and a good quality EIS, a two-tier structured, transparent, and criteria-based review mechanism based on good practices is suggested. Further, it is crucial to adopt a professional approach for appraisal and capacity building of the professionals engaged in conducting the EIA and reviewing the EIS.

Does size matter? An evaluation of length and proportion of information in environmental impact statements

For decades, authors and institutions have argued that the quality of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) is somehow affected by the volume of information they contain. Both too little and too much information can be a problem. However, very few academic studies have addressed the issue of EIS length in detail. The objective of this article was to systematically analyze the volume of information presented in EISs, using Brazil as the empirical context. More specifically, this study evaluated the volume and proportion of information disclosed in 49 Brazilian EISs. This study also tried to identify sectorial variations and whether variables such as project size and number of pages in Terms of References are likely determinants of information volume. >146 thousand pages of EIS information were scrutinized in two rounds of content analysis. Data were organized in spreadsheets and then coded and analyzed through various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Overall, findings corroborate the fact that EISs are now significantly longer than the early ones, and still heavily loaded with baseline information. The average number of pages in EISs and in Non-technical Summaries was found to be 2993 and 94, respectively. Kruskal-Wallis and linear regression tests indicated that EIS length is likely affected by a combination of variables, including project size, territorial and sectorial characteristics. Such findings suggest that the historical approach of setting page limits to EISs through regulations and Terms of References is no longer appropriate for EIA practice in connection with large enterprises in Brazil, and arguably elsewhere. The article discusses its practical and academic implications, and highlights the need to further investigate the actual impacts of EIS length on decision-making.

Benchmarking the effectiveness of mitigation measures to the quality of environmental impact statements: lessons and insights from mines along the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe

The environmental impact statement (EIS) plays an important role in informing decision makers about the likely impacts of development projects on the environment and suggesting mitigation measures for addressing such impacts. Increased effort to improve the quality of EIS has been a focus on its proposed mitigation measures and their likely effectiveness. There is, however, a lack of such studies in Zimbabwe’s mining industry. Following a conceptual framework of EIS quality as an indicator of mitigation effectiveness, this paper assesses the quality of EIS and its likely influence on the effectiveness of its proposed mitigation measures. Twenty-two purposively sampled EISs for mines operating along the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe were reviewed using the modified Lee and Colley (Review of the quality of environmental statements, Manchester EIA Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester 1992) quality review package and Mitchell’s (EA the Magazine of IEA and EARA 28–29, 1997) mitigation hierarchy guidelines. Results show that 77 % of the EISs are of satisfactory quality, while 51 % of the proposed mitigation measures focus on adverse impact reduction. The deficiencies are traced to vagueness in the regulations regarding baseline data collection and analysis and conceptualization of mitigation. Based on the results, it is suggested that more efforts should be aimed at reviewing the EIA regulations in order to improve the quality of EISs.

Sectorial variation in the quality of environmental impact statements and factors influencing the quality

This paper assesses the overall quality of the EISs of four major sectors and the variation in quality of the EISs among the four sectors in Bangladesh. While there are ample studies on the overall quality of EISs irrespective of sectors, there is a lack of research focus in Bangladesh or elsewhere on how the quality of EISs varies by sectors. This study reviews 40 EISs of four major sectors in Bangladesh by using the Lee-Colley method. The review findings indicate that, in general, the quality of EISs in Bangladesh is satisfactory. However, there is a variation in the quality of EISs by sectors where EISs for two sectors are found to be below the satisfactory level. The reasons behind the variation in the quality of EISs by sector are analysed. Furthermore, this paper analyses the factors influencing the overall quality of EISs in Bangladesh as 35% of EISs are still poorly prepared. The factors responsible for the poor performance of EISs include inadequate study time, the lack of baseline data, weak EIA teams, the lack of EIA experts, inadequate funds and weak Terms of Reference.

Aplicação de Métodos para Revisão da Qualidade de Estudos de Impacto Ambiental

The quality of environmental impact statements is a major element for the effectiveness of EIA, prevailing checklists as the main methodological framework in quality reviews. Although most of the tools applied to assess the quality of EISs present similarities, it is necessary to consider their feasibility and utility to EIA processes, thus comparing the performance of different tools. The present paper aims to discuss the applicability and potential contributions of different quality review guidelines considering the main aspects of EIA in Brazil. Two different methods were used to review a EIS randomly selected in order to verify the similarity between obtained results. It was found that the methods conducted to similar conclusions related to the quality of the EIS, also contributing to better identify its deficiencies and positive aspects. The paper concludes for the great potential of quality review methods and tools in order to contribute with EIA objectives, reducing discrepancies between assessments and also being more time-effective.

The quality of environmental impact statements and environmental impact assessment practice in Bangladesh

This paper investigates the quality of environmental impact statements (EISs) and gives us an understanding about the performance of environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice in Bangladesh. EIA has been formally practised in Bangladesh since 1995.However, no study has yet been conducted on the quality of EISs. This study fills this gap. This empirical study shows that the quality of EISs in Bangladesh is ‘just satisfactory’ only. A significant proportion of EISs (34%) are still unsatisfactory. Finally, possible factors affecting the quality of EISs are examined and measures to improve the quality of EISs are recommended. The findings will be useful to EIA practitioners and other stakeholders in Bangladesh. This study will also provide a general guideline for other developing countries with similar socio-economic context.

A critical review of checklist-based evaluation of environmental impact statements

Most of the research on environmental impact assessment quality has been focused on the quality of environmental impact statements (EIS), if they supplied important information about the components of the assessment process. This paper highlights some topical methodological issues concerning the two most widely used checklists — the Environmental Statement Review Package and the European Commission's EIS Review Checklist. Both were found to be neglecting several important aspects, such as quality of information, uncertainty and probability of predictions, consideration of alternatives, and public participation. This causes overvaluation of EISs that inadequately address these aspects. An empirical study of inter-individual variations in judgements of 41 evaluators revealed significant divergence at all stages of the review process. The frequency of two-grade differences in the evaluation outcomes was about 25%. Highlighted inadequacies in two popular tools, along with variation in application due to user subjectivity, indicate that these tools should be applied with considerable care and caution, especially for research and monitoring of EIS quality.

Quality of environmental impact statements and variability of scrutiny by reviewers

Adequate provision of information is essential for decision making. This paper provides the results of the quality assessment of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), documents prescribed by EIA Directive (337/85/EEC). The assessment was completed by several categories of reviewers in Estonia, which has been an EU member state since 2004. The quality assessment of EIS was based on the EC Guidance on EIS Review (2001). Firstly, the quality assessment of 50 randomly selected EIS was carried out by a single reviewer. Secondly, the individual grading among 24 independent reviewers of a single EIS was tested. Thirdly, a comparison of the results of 15 individual and 5 group assessments of the same EIS was conducted. The results from the quality assessment of the selected EIS demonstrate a satisfactory level of information provided for decision making; 68% of the sample EIS were positively graded. However, more than half of the 50 EIS were graded as “just satisfactory”. Comparison between the individual and group assessment of the same EIS demonstrates that the group assessment is more critical than the individual assessment. This possibly results from a wider technical expertise and balancing of subjective values and perspectives among group members. Arguably, the current practice of EIA competent authorities assessing the quality of EIS with individuals could be revised. We discuss the effect of the group assessment on expanding the narrow technical expertise and the subjectivity of a single expert.

Improving quality

Reviews of environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice, particularly by industrial proponents, have highlighted common shortfalls. EIA would benefit from more ‘common sense’, which is not very common. For example, issue scoping usually includes too many inconsequential factors, and issues not directly affecting project decisions. Consideration of significance is often vague, misleading or inconsistent. Quality of environmental impact statements (EISs) leaves much to be desired, with EIS documents of little use to stakeholders. EIA guidance is a possible solution but is not always focused or applied sensibly. While we suggest more effective signals from government EIA regulators to project proponents to overcome these difficulties, our primary intention is to evoke discussion and provoke practitioners to take up the fight to improve the quality and integrity of EIAs.

Issues and dilemmas in ecological scoping: scientific, procedural and economic perspectives

Prior research has shown that ecological scoping is the most important factor in determining the quality of environmental impact statements in Israel. Hence, improved ecological scoping has been called for. This paper identifies and discusses four fundamental dilemmas that need to be addressed in the ecological scoping process: biodiversity assessments, appropriate spatial and temporal scales, and cumulative ecological effects. The scientific, procedural and economic aspects of these dilemmas are discussed and practical suggestions for scoping presented: a modular ecological scoping process for early identification of the most detrimental projects, and a generic blueprint for ecological scoping, to help craft case-specific ecological guidelines.

Quality of environmental impact statements in Portugal and Spain

One of the key steps of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process, defined by Directive 337/85 “on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects” is the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of a Project. The quality of the EIS is of great importance to properly inform the public and the decision makers about the significant environmental effects of the project. Using the “Guidance on EIA-EIS Review” 2001 report, produced with the support of the European Commission, this paper analyses the overall quality of 46 recently elaborated EIS from Portugal and Spain (1998–2003). It also analyses the quality of the various chapters of the EIS and the Non-Technical Summary. A comparison is made between the quality of the EIS from Portugal and from Spain. The results for Portugal are also compared with those of other European countries (Ireland and United Kingdom) in similar periods. Finally it presents overall conclusions and suggestions for improvement.

THE CONSIDERATION OF IMPACTS UPON THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES

Considerable research has been undertaken on the quality of Environmental Impact Statements as an indicator, albeit superficial, of the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practices. Yet there remains a paucity of empirical data on practices at the more detailed level (e.g., for the consideration of certain environmental components and stages of the EIA process), despite the importance of such analyses for the development of grounded measures for enhancing effectiveness. This study contributes to the development of a detailed empirical understanding of EIA practices by examining analyses of impacts upon the aquatic environment (Water Impact Assessment (WIA)) for a sample of 50 development proposals in England and Wales. The research results indicate that WIA practices have improved over time, but a significant proportion of assessments remain unsatisfactory, and the quality of core elements of WIA (e.g., the consideration of alternatives and impact prediction) is particularly problematic. It is suggested that changes made to the EU EIA legislation have not significantly affected WIA practices in England and Wales. However, practices are not as problematic as research indicates is the case for ecological, socio-economic and cumulative impact assessments. Further strengthening the legislative provisions for EIA would partially address a number of specific problems (e.g., inadequate scoping and provision for monitoring). Nevertheless, a comprehensive and concerted strategy for enhancing effectiveness will be required if WIA is fulfil its potential for contributing to the management maxim of sustainable development.

AN EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation was first adopted in Greece in 1979. In the intervening 23 years, competent authorities, practitioners, and developers have gained considerable experience in the practice of EIA. A previous research study conducted for the European Commission indicated, on the basis of the quality of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) produced, that overall the nation's EIA system was performing satisfactorily. This research builds on the previous study by examining a considerably larger sample (72) of EISs produced for a diverse range of project types. Only 40% of EISs sampled were found to be of a satisfactory quality (compared to 75% in the previous study). An assessment of the performance of different elements of the EIA process indicates that descriptive tasks are, on average, performed better than scientific tasks. Consultation with stakeholder groups and their participation appears to be particularly problematic. Variables that influence the quality of EISs are identified and a number of broad recommendations are made for improving the effectiveness of the EIA system in the short and long term.

EIA-Learning from Experience: Changes in the Quality of Environmental Impact Statements for UK Planning Projects

This paper draws on a research report recently produced (1996) by the authors for the UK Department of the Environment. The principal aim of the research was to establish clearly what changes, if any, there have been in the quality of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) since the inception of mandatory EIA in 1988, and to explain reasons for the changes. The paper provides a critique of the meaning of 'quality' in an area such as this. Quality relates both to the EIS and to the EIA process. EIS quality can be assessed against various review frameworks in a structured and systematic way; quality can also be assessed according to the perspective of the individual participant in the EIA process. The findings of both macro and micro studies of quality are discussed. The macro study uses a range of review frameworks (minimum regulatory requirements, an EU framework, and comprehensive frameworks developed by EIA academics at UK universities, including Oxford Brookes University) for a large sample of EISs. The micro study uses a structured questionnaire of the participants (local planning officers, developers, consultants and others) involved in a smaller set of detailed case studies. The findings reveal that there has been a learning from experience and an improvementin quality, but they also highlight a number of problems in the EIA process. The paper outlines some of the determinants of the changes in quality, and concludes with recommendations for developments in EIA in response to particular issues raised. These recommendations are set in the context of European Commission amendments to the EC EIA Directive.

The quality of environmental impact statements: a review of those submitted in Cork, Eire from 1988–1993

A total of 44 environmental impact statements (EIS)submitted to planning authorities in Cork, Ireland from 1988 to 1993 were evaluated using a technique developed at the EIA Centre, University of Manchester, UK. This package was very useful as a framework for EIS assessment, but requires further development for successful application to specific project types. A substantial proportion of recent Irish EISs are unsatisfactory and weaknesses identified in earlier reviews remain. The current situation is influenced by the lack of scoping guidelines, deficiencies in legislation, and poor perceptions among developers and consultants of what constitutes an adequate EIS. It is hoped that new guidance produced by the Environmental Protection Agency will help to improve statement quality. This review can be used as a baseline against which to judge the effectiveness of the new guidance.

The quality of environmental impact statements in Ireland and the United Kingdom: a comparative analysis

The quality of EISs produced in Ireland and the United Kingdom is assessed and compared, using the same Environmental Statement Review Package. In both countries, high percentages of EISs were unsatisfactory in the late 1980s but, subsequently, considerable improvements have been achieved. The sources of unsatisfactory quality are investigated and proposals to achieve further improvements are made.