Lecture Marine environmental studies Topic Environmental impact assessment

Lecture Marine environmental studies Topic: Environmental impact assessment. In this chapter, the following content will be discussed: EIA, what is EIA? Data used in EIA, secondary data analysis, the steps in an EIA, which projects require EIA?...

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT EIA   EIA is one of the proven management tools for incorporating environmental concerns in development process and also in improved decision making The growing awareness, over the years, on environmental protection and sustainable development has further given emphasis on sound environmental management practices through preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMPs) for minimizing the impacts from developmental activities EIA cont’d  It has been recognized that preventive, rather than “react and cure” approaches are more efficient and effective means of managing environmental problems What is EIA??   The EIA concept is a very simple one It requires a careful assessment of the environmental implications (ecological, social, cultural and economic) of development policies, programmes and projects before irrevocable decisions are made EIA is the measurement of the likely environmental impacts of a development and how to mitigate these Data used in EIA   Primary data Secondary data Secondary Data Analysis    They attempt to organize and simplify available information and the potential effects on the environment of the proposed project They usually involve expert opinion and value judgments rather than factual information and analysis of data Almost all simple EIA methodologies focus on direct environmental impacts They are not suitable for assessing indirect impacts Secondary Data Analysis – cont’d  Most of the simple EIA procedures not set time and space boundaries for the assessment, and they seldom encourage the use of monitoring to measure the effects of the project after conservation THE STEPS IN AN EIA          Preliminary activities – understand what is being proposed and why Impact identification (scoping) - time and spatial boundaries, conceptual boundary… Baseline study – what is the current situation to be measured against impacts? Impact evaluation (qualification) Mitigation measures – measures to reduce or compensate for impacts Assessment (comparison of alternatives) – alternatives to eliminate impacts Documentation – documenting findings and providing an EIA statement Decision – making Post - auditing Which projects require EIA?    Two categories Schedule 1-EA mandatory Schedule 2- EA may be necessary (some discretion) Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Schedule Projects 10         23 categories Examples Crude oil refinery Nuclear power stations Long distance railway Airport runway >2100m Motoway, road lanes and more Incineration plant>100 tonnes/day Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Schedule Projects 11        13 categories Examples Certain agricultural operations (eg intensive fish farming) Food industry Infrastructure projects Waste disposal/treatment Holiday villages, marinas, golf courses Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 12 Screening criteria for schedule projects       Size of development Accumulation with other development Use of natural resources Production of waste Pollution and nuisance Risk of accident Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 13 Content of an Environmental Statements A description of the site and adjacent areas (ES) A description of development proposed       The data necessary to identify and assess the main effects which the development is likely to have A description of significant effects, direct and indirect A description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce or remedy the effects A summary in non-technical language Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Information to be provided 14           Physical characteristics of the whole development Production processes Types and quantities of residues and emissions Description of aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected Description of the likely effects on them Description of the forecasting methods Information of the options considered Mitigating measures Technical problems/lack of knowledge Non-technical summary Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 15 What is meant by the environment? Effects on:          Human beings Flora Fauna Soil Water Air Climate Landscape Agriculture Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Typical ES Structure 16        Chapters would include: Introduction EIA Methodology Design Evolution and Alternatives Development Description Development programme, construction phasing, activity and effects management Technical Assessment chapterscummulative Assessment Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 17 Separate and supporting documents to the ES Sustainability Appraisal/Statement include:      Energy Strategy/Statement Flood Risk Assessment Transport Assessment Health Impact Assessment Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Mitigation hierarchy Avoidance  18   Reducing Impact at source   Noise barriers and screening planting along boundary fences Repair temporary damage   Acoustic enclosures to attenuate noise sources Reduce impact at receptor   Timing scrub clearance to avoid impacts on breeding birds Earliest opportunity eg early planting for visual amenity screening Compensate in kind  New habitat creation to compensate for loss Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 19 Who is responsible for mitigation  Consultants and developers try to ensure mitigation measures in ES’s are specific, etc Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Public Consultation……… 20    When EIA is completed the developer must publish a notice in the local newspaper and post notices on the site 20 day period for the public to comment Only after this time has expired can the developer submit the planning application Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Importance to developers 21   Major cost implications for developers because it is the developer who has to pay for the EIA Major time implications for the developer because the submission of an EIA with an application for planning permission, extents the time taken to prepare the application, and also the determination Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 22 EIA Generates uncertainty……    For developers, for funders and for occupants Adds huge complexity to the system Requires specialist consultants to lead the process in most cases Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 23 ... Strategy/Statement Flood Risk Assessment Transport Assessment Health Impact Assessment Ports and Shipping Department May 18, 2017 Mitigation hierarchy Avoidance  18   Reducing Impact at source  ... proposed and why Impact identification (scoping) - time and spatial boundaries, conceptual boundary… Baseline study – what is the current situation to be measured against impacts? Impact evaluation... compensate for impacts Assessment (comparison of alternatives) – alternatives to eliminate impacts Documentation – documenting findings and providing an EIA statement Decision – making Post - auditing