Lecture 8 Classification of EIA

Question 1

classifications of EIA

Answer 1

On the basis of the purpose, spatial unit and time scale EIA are
classified into following types as given below.
1. Rapid EIA
2. Comprehensive EIA
3. Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA)
4. Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA)
5. Regional and Sectoral EIA
6. Project Level EIA
7. Life Cycle Assessment

Question 2

Rapid EIA

Answer 2

• Rapid EIA is based on preparation of assessment report compiled on the
  basis of one season data.
• Environmental impacts of any proposed development activity as per the
  guidelines and requirement of the concerned departments/ agencies.
  – Agencies include Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
  (MoEF & CC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) .
  – Rapid EIA is speedier process to complete EIA within short period of time.
  – This helps to decide whether, comprehensive EIA is required or not.

Question 3

Comprehensive EIA

Answer 3

– Comprehensive EIA is usually undertaken after the initial screening of
rapid EIA– More than two season data is required for analysis and preparation of
comprehensive EIA.
– The purpose of comprehensive EIA is to access some detrimental effects
on the conservation of environment and identifying potential impacts
– Involves modeling exercise to predict and evaluate impacts.
– Required to prepare management plan to make project eco-friendly and
sustainable.
– The main difference between rapid EIA and comprehensive EIA is the time
scale.

Question 4

Cumulative Impact Assessment

Answer 4

– CIA is the process of systematically analyzing and evaluating
combined socio-economic and environmental changes.
– Basis of the combined effects are from different projects in specific
geographical region.
– It aims to consider the effects of multiple actions or impacts on the
environment.
– CIAs are conducted across the actual and potential impacts of a
number of activities or
– projects that may combine over time and/or space

Question 5

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Answer 5

– “SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental
consequences of proposed policy, plan or programme initiatives in
order to ensure they are fully included and appropriately addressed
at the earliest appropriate stage of decision-making on par with
economic and social considerations” (Sadler and Verheem, 1996)

Question 6

Regional EIA

Answer 6

– Regional EIA fulfills the need for micro-level environmental
integration which may not be able to address at individual projects
or activities.
– Addresses cumulative impacts at regional scale to develop regional
developmental plan in the context of individual project level EIA.
– Regional EIA approach makes possible and appropriate integration
of socio-economic development and management and conservation
of natural resources
– Considers the carrying capacity of the particular ecosystem and
limitations to achieve sustainable development goals

Question 7

Sectorial EIA

Answer 7

– Address specific environmental issues. – Includes problems that may occur during a project planning and
implementation at some specific sector. – Sectoral level development plans can integrate with sectoral
environmental concerns.

Question 8

Project Level EIA

Answer 8

– refers to the developmental activity in isolation and at individual project
level. – It may not effectively integrate the cumulative effects of the development
of a region.

Question 9

Life cycle assessment

Answer 9

– Life cycle assessment is based on the assessment of the impacts
during all stages of a project
– Stages include designing or planning, implementation and
production stages of the project.
– This approach is beneficial to minimize the environmental costs
– Gives options to lower the adverse impacts for the longevity of the
project.
– Involves boundary conditions such as, cradle to gate, cradle to site
and cradle to grave