Environmental Impact Assessment

Question 1

What is an environmental impact assessment?

(4 statements)

Answer 1

The consulting on, publishing, notification and development of an environmental impact statement

A system to ensure environmental impacts of new developments are fully understood and taken into account

A major decision making tool in environmental management

Question 2

What steps are involved in the EIA process?

Answer 2

Information gathering

Screening

Scoping

Study and prep of EIA report

Reviewing EIA report

Decision making

Also important:
Public participation
Impact mitigation

Question 3

What is involved in the study and preparation of an EIA report?

Answer 3

Description of the project and environment

Impact prediction

Impact significance

Mitigation measures

Question 4

What are the benefits of an EIA?

Answer 4

Reduced cost and time of project implementation

Cost-saving modifications in project design

Increased project acceptance

Avoided impacts and violations of laws and regulations

Improved project performance

Avoided treatment / clean up costs

Question 5

What is the difference between schedule 1 and schedule 2 EIA regulations?

Answer 5

Schedule 1 covers larger projects like oil refineries, power stations, waste disposal.

Schedule 2 covers projects deemed to have a lesser impact.

Question 6

What impacts are developments likely to have?

Answer 6

Land based ecology

Freshwater ecology

Coastal ecology

Human health

Soils and geology

Water

Socio-economic

Noise

Transport

Landscape

Archeological, material and cultural assets

Air quality and climate