The sets of questions reveal several recurring themes.

Here are the most frequently asked

questions across the sets, grouped by common topics:

1. Definition and Objectives of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Common Question: Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). What are the
objectives of EIA?
• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

2. Background of EIA in Bangladesh

• Common Question: Describe the background of EIA in Bangladesh.

• Appears in Sets: 1, 3, 4, 5

3. EIA Process and Flowchart

• Common Question: Show the flowchart or flow diagram of the EIA process and its
relation to project planning.
• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

4. Public Involvement in EIA

• Common Questions:
o What are the levels and forms of public involvement?
o What are the benefits and objectives of public participation in the EIA process?
• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

5. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

• Common Questions:
o What is an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)? What are its essential
components?
• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

6. Terms of Reference (TOR) for an EIA Report

• Common Question: What kind of information is included in a Terms of Reference (TOR)

for an EIA report?
• Appears in Sets: 1, 3, 4, 5

7. Scoping in the EIA Process

• Common Questions:
o What is scoping? Why is it done in the EIA process?
o When does scoping begin, and what are its objectives?
 • Appears in Sets: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

8. Reviewing an EIA Report

• Common Questions:
o Why should an EIA report be reviewed? What are the key aspects to address in
the review?
• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

9. Impact Identification and Mitigation

• Common Questions:
o How are impacts identified? What are the main elements of impact mitigation?
• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

10. Elements of an EIA Report

• Common Question: List the typical elements of an EIA report.

• Appears in Sets: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Summary:

The recurring questions indicate a strong focus on understanding the EIA process, public
involvement, management plans, scoping, report reviews, and impact mitigation. These are
foundational aspects of EIA and appear consistently across the provided sets.
1. Definition and Objectives of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Definition: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a formal process used to examine

the environmental consequences of proposed development projects, programs, and
policies. It aims to predict the changes in environmental resources or values due to a
development activity and propose measures to minimize potential negative impacts.
• Objectives: The main objectives of EIA are:
1. To identify, predict, and quantify positive and negative environmental impacts of
a project.
2. To identify critical sources of impacts during construction and operational stages.
3. To set the basis for continuous monitoring of key activities.
4. To present results with suggested mitigative measures.
5. To develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that includes mitigation
measures, enhancement of positive impacts, and monitoring programs.

2. Background of EIA in Bangladesh

• EIA in Bangladesh gained momentum after the enactment of the Environment

Conservation Act (ECA) in 1995. The ECA mandated that no industrial project could be
undertaken without environmental clearance from the Department of Environment
(DOE). The Environment Conservation Rules of 1997 were later established to evaluate
EIAs for different projects, making EIA studies and reporting a requirement for project
proponents.

3. EIA Process and Flowchart

• The EIA process typically includes three tiers: Screening, Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE), and Detailed EIA. The flowchart illustrates the relationship between
project planning and EIA stages, beginning with project identification and including pre-
feasibility, feasibility studies, project design, and implementation. It covers steps like
scoping, mitigation measures, environmental management, and monitoring.

4. Public Involvement in EIA

• Levels and Forms of Public Involvement:

1. Informing: One-way communication where information is shared with the
public.
2. Consulting: Two-way communication that allows the public to express their
views and concerns.
3. Participating: An interactive exchange where the public and proponent work
together, often involving shared decision-making.
4. Negotiating: Face-to-face discussions aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable
resolution on contentious issues(EIA Lecture Notes).
• Benefits and Objectives of Public Participation:
1. Objectives:
▪ To gather local and traditional knowledge useful for decision-making.
 ▪ To consider alternatives, mitigation measures, and trade-offs.
▪ To ensure significant impacts are not overlooked and benefits are
maximized.
▪ To reduce conflicts by identifying contentious issues early.
▪ To provide the public with an opportunity to influence project design
positively.
▪ To improve transparency and accountability in decision-making.
2. Benefits:
▪ Raises awareness about the project's impacts on the environment and
community.
▪ Improves trust and acceptance of the project.
▪ Helps avoid costly delays by resolving conflicts early in the process.

5. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

• Definition: An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a framework designed to

ensure the implementation of mitigation, enhancement, and monitoring measures for
addressing the environmental impacts of a project.
• Essential Components:
1. Impact Mitigation Strategy: Measures to minimize adverse impacts.
2. Enhancement of Positive Impacts: Measures to maximize beneficial impacts.
3. Environmental Monitoring: Systematic collection of data to evaluate the
effectiveness of mitigation measures.
4. Emergency Response Plan: Preparedness for incidents causing unexpected
environmental harm.
5. Institutional Arrangements: Assignment of responsibilities for implementing
the EMP.
6. Schedule of Implementation and Costs: Detailed timelines and budgeting for
implementing EMP measures.

6. Terms of Reference (TOR) for an EIA Report

• Information Included in TOR: A Terms of Reference (TOR) for an EIA report

specifies the scope and requirements of the assessment. It typically includes:
1. Purpose and Objectives: Outlining the need for the proposal and the objectives
of the EIA.
2. Project Background and Description: Detailing the project, its components, and
location.
3. Study Area or Impact Zones: Defining the geographical scope affected by the
project.
4. Policy and Institutional Considerations: Listing applicable regulations and
guidelines.
5. EIA Requirements and Decision-Making Details: Stipulating specific study
requirements.
6. Public Involvement Provisions: Describing how the public will be engaged
during the process.
 7. Alternatives to be Examined: Considering different approaches to achieve
project objectives.
8. Impacts and Issues to be Studied: Identifying significant environmental and
social effects.
9. Requirements for Mitigation and Monitoring: Specifying the actions needed to
address potential impacts.
10. Study Schedule: Providing timelines for completing the EIA process.
11. Provisions for Making Changes to TOR: Allowing for updates or adjustments
during the study.

7. Scoping in the EIA Process

• Definition and Purpose: Scoping is a crucial step in the EIA process that identifies the
key issues to be studied and determines the scope of the assessment. It aims to ensure that
significant environmental effects are considered, information for decision-making is
obtained, and alternatives to the proposed action are evaluated.
• Timing and Objectives: Scoping generally begins after the screening process and may
overlap with it. Its objectives include:
1. Identifying significant issues for the EIA.
2. Establishing boundaries for the study (e.g., time frame, geographical extent).
3. Specifying the required information and depth of analysis.
4. Outlining feasible alternatives and formulating the Terms of Reference (TOR).

8. Reviewing an EIA Report

• Purpose of Review: An EIA report should be reviewed to ensure that it meets the quality
standards and covers all essential environmental aspects related to the proposed project.
The review assesses the adequacy of the information presented, the credibility of the
methods used, and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures.
• Key Aspects to Address in the Review:
1. Completeness: Checking if all relevant environmental issues are addressed.
2. Accuracy: Evaluating the data quality, assumptions, and methodologies used for
impact prediction.
3. Effectiveness of Mitigation Measures: Assessing whether the proposed
measures are feasible and sufficient to reduce negative impacts.
4. Compliance with Legal Requirements: Ensuring that the EIA conforms to
applicable laws and regulations.
5. Public Concerns: Considering the views and concerns of the affected
community.
6. Clarity and Organization: Ensuring the report is well-structured and clearly
presents the findings.

9. Impact Identification and Mitigation

• Impact Identification: Impacts are identified using various methods, such as checklists,
matrices, networks, overlays, and professional judgment. The process begins during
 screening and continues through scoping to categorize potential impacts, which may
include changes in air quality, water quality, social structures, and ecosystems. It also
involves listing sources of impacts (e.g., emissions, construction activities) and the
possible receptors (e.g., human populations, wildlife).
• Main Elements of Impact Mitigation:
1. Avoidance: Changing the project design or location to prevent negative impacts.
2. Minimization: Reducing the intensity or extent of impacts through improved
practices or technology.
3. Rectification: Repairing or restoring affected areas after the impact occurs.
4. Compensation: Providing alternative resources or monetary compensation for
unavoidable adverse effects.
5. Enhancement: Maximizing positive effects through additional measures.

10. Elements of an EIA Report

• The typical elements of an EIA report include:

1. Introduction: Stating the purpose, scope, and relationship with project feasibility.
2. Project Description: Providing details about the project, including location,
processes, and resource requirements.
3. Environmental Background: Describing the existing environmental conditions
in the project area.
4. Impact Identification and Mitigation: Discussing the potential impacts, their
significance, and proposed mitigation measures.
5. Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Outlining the implementation of
mitigation and monitoring measures.
6. Monitoring Program: Detailing the methods for monitoring environmental
parameters during and after the project.
7. Public Involvement and Consultation: Summarizing the public's input and
concerns.
8. Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizing key findings and
recommending actions.
9. Annexes: Including supporting documents such as data sources, maps, and expert
opinions.