Role Of Environmental Impact Assessment Research Articles

The role of environmental impact assessment in the sustainable artificial island development: A Qatar's Island case study

The role of environmental impact assessment in the sustainable artificial island development: A Qatar's Island case study

The Role of Environmental Impact Assessment as a Tool that Aids Decision Making in Achieving Sustainable Development: Perspectives on its Evolution in Cameroon

The objective of this article is to conduct a critical reflection on the role of EIA as a tool that aids decision making in achieving sustainable development. Despite the fact that there is a host of legal and institutional mechanisms ranging from global, regional, sub regional right down to the national level that regulate environmental policies in Cameroon, sustainable development is still a major challenge to policy makers. The major problem that Cameroon is facing is that of implementation of the available legal instruments coupled with the institutional problems that are mostly characterized by overlapping of functions, corruption, nepotism, mediocracy, irrelevant administrative tolerance among others, thus making it difficult to apportion blames on any institution that fails to carry out its task. Broadly based on the reading of records, interviews as well as observation as main research methods, the results obtained are to the effect that there is an antagonistic relationship between economic development and environmental protection in Cameroon. This is against the backdrop of the fact that proceeds that are gotten from the exploitation of natural resources in Cameroon are hardly redeployed for the purposes of environmental protection to be able to stabilize the rate at which the environment is degraded during such exploitation. The study reveals that sometimes the results of EIA are not respected. Among the plethora of recommendations made, it is recommended that special attention should be given to the ESIA such that any results that come from such an assessment should be respected.

Water Temperature Prediction Using Improved Deep Learning Methods through Reptile Search Algorithm and Weighted Mean of Vectors Optimizer

Precise estimation of water temperature plays a key role in environmental impact assessment, aquatic ecosystems’ management and water resources planning and management. In the current study, convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network-based deep learning models were examined to estimate daily water temperatures of the Bailong River in China. Two novel optimization algorithms, namely the reptile search algorithm (RSA) and weighted mean of vectors optimizer (INFO), were integrated with both deep learning models to enhance their prediction performance. To evaluate the prediction accuracy of the implemented models, four statistical indicators, i.e., the root mean square errors (RMSE), mean absolute errors, determination coefficient and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency were utilized on the basis of different input combinations involving air temperature, streamflow, precipitation, sediment flows and day of the year (DOY) parameters. It was found that the LSTM-INFO model with DOY input outperformed the other competing models by considerably reducing the errors of RMSE and MAE in predicting daily water temperature.

The Role of Environmental Impact Assessment in Aquaculture (Case Study: Application of Mathematical Matrices to Assessment of Sturgeon Farming Project in the Golestan Province Coastal Area)

The Role of Environmental Impact Assessment in Aquaculture (Case Study: Application of Mathematical Matrices to Assessment of Sturgeon Farming Project in the Golestan Province Coastal Area)

The consideration of waste management in environmental impact assessment (EIA) for developments in protected areas

ABSTRACT Waste management is an important consideration for developments within protected areas (PAs). With the growing demand for mainly tourism-related infrastructure in PAs, more urgent and innovate ways of dealing with waste management are required. Internationally environmental impact assessment (EIA) is considered a key policy instrument to inform waste management-related decision-making for new developments. The EIA process makes provision for the identification of waste-related impacts and mitigation measures during the construction-, operation- and decommissioning phases of a development. However, there has been scant reflection on the role of EIA in dealing with waste management decision-making in PAs. Therefore, this research aims to review the extent to which waste management measures are considered in EIAs for developments in PAs. The results show that waste management measures are, for the most part, poorly considered. For example, EIAs failed to provide estimates of expected waste types and quantities and mostly failed to consider the waste management hierarchy. Recommendations are made towards improving the consideration of waste management measures in EIAs for developments within PAs. These include the drafting of guidelines for waste management in protected areas; training relevant roleplayers on waste management measures; and promoting specialist input on waste-related matters for EIAs in PAs.

The role of environmental impact assessment in achieving sustainable development

The role of environmental impact assessment in achieving sustainable development

River water quality modeling as a supporting tool of river management in Indonesia

Many urban river water qualities in Indonesia have decrease due to both domestic and non-domestic wastewater discharges. One effort in restoring the river quality is by modeling of the river to determine the most appropriate actions to take. At present many river modeling have been carried out in order to restore river water quality. However, implication of modeling utilization is still insignificant. This study aims to investigate the application of water quality modeling in Indonesian urban rivers. Methods used in this study including expert interviews, previous research review, and data analysis. The research result gives condition that modeling is merely applied in limited function. Stakeholders sometimes doubt the modeling results. It is caused by several aspects of uncertainty, such as river discharge fluctuation, unstable pollution concentration, etc. In addition, the model used is often obtained from sub-tropical area, so there is a disparity of conditions with the environment in Indonesia. Nevertheless, water quality modeling plays an important role in environmental impact assessment as a prediction tool in Indonesia.

The prevailing wind: recent developments, challenges and future prospects for wind energy in the coastal zone in key jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region

This article provides an update on recent developments in wind energy use in the coastal zone (both onshore and offshore) in the Asia-Pacific region with a particular focus on China, South Korea, Japan and Australia. The focus of the article is on legal and policy measures in these jurisdictions relevant to recent developments in wind energy in the coastal zone. It argues that a range of policy measures, especially market-based mechanisms built around obligations to purchase renewable energy, including portfolio standard or quota systems, feed-in tariffs and renewable energy targets have been central to the promotion of renewable energy more broadly, and wind energy in the coastal zone in particular. However, all jurisdictions have experienced some measure of policy inconsistency as significant changes or abolition of various marketplace mechanisms have occurred over the past decade. This is contrary to industry demands for policy certainty. The article also examines the central role of environmental impact assessment in development of renewable energy projects in the coastal zone.

The role of environmental impact assessment in protecting coastal and marine environments in rapidly developing islands: The case of Bahrain, Arabian Gulf

Bahrain, a group of islands, is facing several environmental challenges, including degradation of coastal and marine environments due to intensive dredging and reclamation activities. Presently, reclamation activities have resulted in adding around 110 km2 representing an increase of 14% of the total land area of Bahrain. Recognizing the role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in protecting environment from degradation and pollution associated with coastal developments, Bahrain formally adopted EIA in its environmental system in 1998. The present study investigated the practice and effectiveness of EIA in protecting coastal and marine environments in Bahrain by reviewing selected EIA reports and soliciting views of EIA experts, consultants, academics and other relevant bodies. Shortcomings in environmental and ecological assessment practices related to coastal and marine developments were recognized and constrains that restrict the effectiveness of EIA in protecting coastal and marine environments in Bahrain were identified. Maintaining a sustainable use of coastal and marine natural resources in Bahrain requires measures to holistically address the interactions among the several dredging and reclamation projects and their additive and cumulative impacts. This could be achieved through enhancing the current practice of EIA process and adopting Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for dredging and reclamation activities.

Strengthening the role of science in marine governance through environmental impact assessment: a case study of the marine renewable energy industry

This paper explores the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in advancing the ‘Blue Economy’. The ability of EIA frameworks to act as the interface between science and regulation and advance scientific knowledge is assessed. This paper examines how regulators and regulatory frameworks can best use available science, as well as facilitate the generation and sharing of new scientific knowledge on environmental impacts, using the emerging Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) industry as a case study. Some reforms to traditional EIA frameworks are considered. In particular this paper represents the first contribution to the literature on the ‘Deploy and Monitor’ and ‘Rochdale Envelope’ approaches to EIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is also considered in the MRE context. It is argued that some simple reforms to EIA processes, as well as well-planned SEA, can augment the role of science, and contribute to a supportive regulatory environment that facilitates innovation whilst also protecting the environment.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); A Useful Tool to Address Climate Change in Ghana

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since its inception in 1994 has been responsible for the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulation in Ghana. Many EIA have been performed on major projects such as mining, dams, gas projects but much has not been done in the mitigation of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions which is said to be the main driving force of climate change. This reviewed paper therefore proposes the extension of the EIA regulations to small projects or activities such as deforestation, extensive land clearing, small scale mining and emissions from vehicles that have the potential of influencing climate change. The research was carried out by an extensive review of literature, reports, interaction with opinion leaders, lecturers, colleagues and students. The paper has attempted to explain the use of EIA in addressing the numerous environmental challenges by outlining the effect of climate change, EIA procedure in Ghana, the role of EIA in addressing climate change especially the emission of CO2. It was also established that the principle of EIA could be used to regulate pollution abatement, wastes management, conservation of natural resources, proper agricultural practices, development of clean and efficient energy sources. This application of EIA in climate change mitigation will safeguard the environment and improve the standard of living of the people. The paper concludes with some suggested recommendations.

A Qualitative Decision Support for Environmental Impact Assessment Using Fuzzy Logic

In environmental impact assessment (EIA), experts produce conclusions not only according to scientific data but also political factors and social values. Subjective judgment plays a significant role in EIA. Traditional multi-criteria decision-making methods cannot provide best decision support because they are incapable of modeling qualitative human thinking process. On the other hand, fuzzy logic is widely recognized as a tool with the ability to compute using words to model qualitative human thinking processes in the analysis of complex systems and decisions. This study attempts to utilize fuzzy logic as a decision-support approach for EIA. The evaluation knowledge represented by "if-then" fuzzy rules is employed to measure the significance of environmental impacts. In this paper, 10 indicators and 28 subindicators are considered in the assessment framework using the Taiwan High-Speed Rail System as the case study.

Environmental and ecological hydroinformatics to support the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive for river basin management

Research and development in hydroinfomatics can play an important role in environmental impact assessment by integrating physically-based models, data-driven models and other Information and Communication Tools (ICT). An illustration is given in this paper describing the developments around the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to support the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. SWAT operates on the river basin scale and includes processes for the assessment of complex diffuse pollution; it is open-source software, which allows for site-specific modifications to the source and easy linkage to other hydroinformatics tools. A crucial step in the world-wide applicability of SWAT was the integration of the model into a GIS environment, allowing for a quick model set-up using digital information on terrain elevation, land use and management, soil properties and weather conditions. Model analysis tools can be integrated with SWAT to assist in the tedious tasks of model calibration, parameter optimisation, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis and allows better understanding of the model before addressing scientific and societal questions. Finally, further linkage of SWAT to ecological assessment tools, Land Use prediction tools and tools for Optimal Experimental Design shows that SWAT can play an important role in multi-disciplinary eco-environmental impact assessment studies.

BIODIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS IN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE NEPAL WATER PLAN

Biodiversity conservation has been promoted in Nepal (within and outside protected areas) over the last three decades through relevant policies and legislations. The government has encouraged the participation of people through community user groups in managing the biodiversity and sharing the benefits. About 50 percent of the total revenue generated in protected areas is provided annually to such groups for resource management and community development activities. Forests are also managed by involving community users. Recently, attempts were made to manage biodiversity through an environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. The Nepal Biodiversity Strategy (2002) and Water Resources Strategy (2002), under implementation, recognise the role of EIA in mainstream biodiversity conservation in development programmes. However, biodiversity is under immense pressure due to infrastructure, water resources and socioeconomic development programmes and projects. His Majesty's Government of Nepal has made a policy commitment in its Tenth Plan (2002–2007) to carry out strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of development plans and programmes. Pursuant to this plan, an SEA has been carried out for the 25-year Nepal Water Plan. This plan is designed to, inter alia, promote the development of hydropower, irrigation, water-induced disaster management and drinking water programmes. This paper outlines the general understanding and knowledge of SEA in Nepal and examines how the SEA of the Nepal Water Plan addresses biodiversity aspects. It also outlines problems faced, and challenges and opportunities for strengthening SEA and its use to conserve biodiversity in Nepal.

From Poole to Fulham: A Changing Culture in UK Environmental Impact Assessment Decision Making?

This paper examines the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in project authorization decision making and the way in which the courts have interpreted its role. The purpose of the paper is to establish whether or not that role has changed over the period between the introduction of EIA in 1988 and 2001. From the evidence reported here, it is argued that while the procedural stages of EIA have been very much strengthened over that period, the importance of EIA as a tool to aid planning authorization decision making remains largely peripheral.

Unresolved Issues and Management Problems in the Canadian Water Export Debate

In this paper we examine three unresolved issues surrounding the Canadian water export debate: the pressures behind export proposals, pricing structures and related features, and the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA). The pressures behind export proposals involve a myth of Canadian water abundance, supply and exportable surplus, the perceived marketability of Canadian water and the view that other countries need to augment their existing water supplies.In this paper we establish criteria for evaluating the merits of an export proposal: demonstration that a surplus of water is available for export, the completion of an EIA in Canada and the importing country, an adequate pricing system that produces benefits for the exporting basin, a complete market analysis, and a credible business plan. Any water export proposal must take into account the full costs and the type of pricing structure to be employed in the contract. With full cost accounting applied to the price of Canadian water, demand will remain small and larger diversion proposals will remain uneconomical compared with alternatives. With export proposals raising major scientific and technical questions, the benefits of an EIA are invaluable to governments and proponents. An EIA should address the following questions. Is there an exportable surplus that can be removed without causing unacceptable environmental, socio-economic and cumulative impacts? Will water transported between basins have an unacceptable negative impact on ecosystems, including instream flow in the donor basin and the transfer of exotic species? We conclude that a water export proposal could meet the stated criteria and obtain approval, provide benefits to Canada and the local exporting communities, without incurring unacceptable environmental and socio-economic impacts.

The scientific principles underlying the monitoring of the environmental impacts of aquaculture

This paper provides a critical review of the main issues regarding the scientific principles underlying environmental monitoring of marine aquaculture operations and makes recommendations relevant to the implementation of best practice for the management of aquaculture in Europe. Given that a variety of cultured species and approaches are adopted in Europe, it is not possible, or indeed desirable, to devise prescriptive guidelines. Instead, this paper reviews how science informs monitoring and provides a framework for the development of a monitoring strategy of marine aquaculture operations that is flexible enough to be applicable to a variety of locations, species and situations. Traditionally environmental monitoring has concentrated on a few key physical and chemical variables and organisms. The trend now, however, is towards whole-system environmental assessment (e.g. CEC 2000; Osparcom 1998), including considerations of the assimilative capacity of specific systems and their ability to absorb and dilute perturbations. Against this background this paper addresses the following specific objectives: • review of the rationale and scientific principles underlying current environmental monitoring with specific reference to marine aquaculture; • evaluation of the links between monitoring and regulatory criteria, specifically consideration of environmental quality objectives and environmental quality standards, and the role of environmental impact assessment; • assessment of the role of codes of best conduct and practice, and environmental management systems in the management of aquaculture operations. The paper concludes by proposing a set of recommendations which will contribute towards the sustainable management of aquaculture operations, through the implementation of a more focused approach to environmental monitoring.

Identification and classification of key variables and their role in environmental impact assessment: methodology and software package INTRA.

There is, as yet, no proven methodology to enable, objectively, the identification of key parameters out of a large number one normally encounters during any EIA. As EIA is a costly and time-consuming exercise, it is necessary to separate the man from the boys--so to speak--in order to optimize costs and efforts. In this paper a methodology for distinguishing the more important parameters from the less important ones, developed by us, is described. The methodology aims at identifying and shortlisting the key parameters which ought to be studied in a given EIA situation, thereby helping in reducing time, effort, and cost of EIA. With this methodology a system structure is developed which gives hierarchical pattern of inter-parameter interaction, and reveals several distinguishing features of each parameter. A software package INTRA (INTer-parameter Relationship Analysis) based on this methodology, has been developed. The paper also describes a case study in which INTRA has been used to study the environmental impacts of urbanization of a typical third world town (Roorkee).

Integrated Computational Life-Cycle Assessment of Buildings

A computational tool has been developed for the environmental evaluation of building designs. Construction and operation of buildings is a major cause of resource depletion and environmental pollution. Computational performance evaluation tools can support the decision making in the area of environmentally responsive building design and play an important role in environmental impact assessment, especially when a life-cycle assessment approach is used. For comprehensive environmental impact analysis to be realized in a computational support tool for the building design domain, such tools must have the following three characteristics: (1) An analysis method that considers the life cycle of building construction, operation, and decommissioning; (2) a representation that is able to accommodate the data and computability requirements of the analysis method and tool; and (3) be integrated within a multiaspect design analysis environment that can provide data on environmentally relevant building operation criteria. This paper describes a computational tool, ECOLOGUE, developed in response to these requirements. However, limitations remain in terms of data availability and the precision of the environmental impact assessment methods.

Transport Infrastructure Investment and Environmental Impact Assessment in Sweden: Public Involvement or Exclusion?

In this paper we discuss whether environmental impact assessment (EIA) can serve as an arena for including citizens in the decisionmaking process. Through a case study of a proposed extension of a regional airport in Sweden, the role of EIA, and to what degree different actors and arguments influenced the decision, is analysed. It is found that there are serious problems concerning public participation when it comes to projects which extend beyond the local level and which play an important part in the regional economy. In these cases there is a risk, despite the aims of EIA, that the process will be characterised by public exclusion rather than by public involvement.