Lesson 4 - IEM EIA

Question 1

What is meant by “integrated” in IEM?

Answer 1

1. All phases of the project (“cradle to grave”): 
• Pre-feasibility 
• Feasibility 
• Design 
• Construction 
• Operation 
• Closure/ De-commissioning 

2. Expertise – all aspects, e.g. air pollution, etc.
3. Stakeholder groups – authorities, trade unions, industry, NGO’s, etc.
4. Decision-making processes – use all available processes to obtain an answer

Question 2

Name 5 of the 19 integrated environmental management principles.

Answer 2

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Alternatives
• Empowerment
• Continuous improvement
• Conflict management
• Environmental equality/justice
• Fair access to resources
• International responsibilities
• Inclusive decision-making
• Informed decision-making
• Institutional cooperation
• Integrated approach
• “Polluter pays”
• Precautionary approach
• Thoroughness
• Stakeholder groups
• Sustainability
• Transparency

Question 3

What are the 3 IEM tools?

Also, discuss them.

Answer 3

1. Environmental impact assessments EIA
   – Establish beforehand positive and negative impacts expected during project execution
2. Strategic environmental assessment SEA
   – High level decision making processes
   – How does the environment influence development?
3. Environmental management plan EMP
   – How should an action be managed to limit environmental damage?

Question 4

Draw the IEM Tools pyramid:

Answer 4

TOP: SEA -> Plans and programs (least detail)
MID: EIA’s -> Project design (Medium detail)
BOT: EMP’s -> Project implementation and monitoring (Most detail)

Question 5

What is the objective of an EIA?

Answer 5

1. Application of general principle to distinguish between emotion and practicalities
2. EIA is the process that aims to identify, predict and assess potential impacts that may flow from an activity, such as a policy, program or project

another definition in the slides:

The objective of an EIA is to promote sustainable development through effective management of Social, environmental and economic impacts, so that:

– valuable environmental resources are safeguarded by avoiding negative irreversible changes;
– human health and safety is protected; and
– the social and economic dimensions of the proposed development are enhanced.

Question 6

What are the important aspects of an EIA?

Answer 6

• Data collection (comprehensive, scientific)
• Analysis and interpretation of data (objective, reliable)
• Identification of impact (relevant, only project, no prejudice)
• Communication
– Key aspects
– The institution that may be affected
– Location of the project in relation to the environment
– Reason for project
– Understandable for broad public
– Steps for reparation of damage to be indicated

Question 7

What is an EIA?

Answer 7

Evaluates the impact of human actions on the receiving
environment characterized by
– very high socio-economic needs,
– limited resources and
– a degrading biophysical environment

Question 8

What are the steps in an EIA process?

Answer 8

1. Screening
2. Scoping
3. Specialist studies;
4. Integration and Assessment; and
5. Authority review and decision making.

Question 9

What are the key phases in an EIA process?

Answer 9

Environmental screening and pre-application consultation –> Scoping phase –> Environmental Impact Assessment Phase –> Decision making Phase

This all is public participation processes and must have a minimum of 30 days commenting period on reports.

Authority consultation and decision making run alongside these processes. Time frames are determined according to the regulations.