5.

5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES

There are about six methodologies followed in literature for determining the impacts and to adhere
to the stipulations of regulating agencies, which in our case is Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Choice of a Methodology

Choice of methodology will depend on the specific user and project being undertaken. The key
considerations are:
i) Use: Whether the document is for information or a decision document The decision document
requires more details and greater emphasis is on key issues, quantification and comparison of
alternatives.
ii) Alternatives: Much would depend on what alternatives to the project are available since these
would require a more thorough quantification and comparison.
iii) Public involvement: The role of stake holders and their participation may also require issues
which are relevant and need discussion and thus details.
iv) Resources: What resources are available for the document preparation in terms of experts
available, data, time and money.
v) Familiarity: Familiarity with ground conditions will also be a keen element. Greater familiarity
will improve the validity of subjective significance.
vi) Issue significance: If the issues involved are larger than more details are needed,
quantification is important and hence the choice
vii) Administrative: Are the documents being prepared are dictated by procedure of
implementing agency

Methodologies

Based on identified impacts, the methodologies will be

1. Ad-HOC method
This method is only primary and provides impact of the project on larger issues only
(Flora, Fauna, Forest, Lake). No specific parameters are discussed.
2. Over lays method
These methods are graphical and rely on a set of maps of the characteristics of the
project area (physical, social, ecological, aesthetic). These maps are overlaid by projected
alterations of the impacted environment.
3. Check list method
 A common method followed and involves the identification of environmental parameters
for possible impacts. They do not require direct cause effect links to the project activities. They
do not include guidelines about how parameter data are to be measured and interpreted.
4. Matrix method

A method which is widely followed and incorporates a list of activities related to the
project with impacted environmental characteristics. The two lists are related in matrix which
identifies cause effect relationship. The method is able to identify the actions with environmental
characteristics. The matrix method may indicate the actions which need to be taken into
consideration for appropriate mitigation.

5. Network method
These methodologies work from a list of projected activities to establish cause-
condition-effect relationship. They are an attempt to recognize that a series of impacts may be
initiated by a project action. The approach generally defines a set of possible network and allows
the user to identify impacts by selecting appropriate project actions.

AD HOC method

• Simple method based on subjective environment impacts on broad aspects

• Ad hoc method is useful when time constraints and lack of information require that the
EIA must rely exclusively on expert opinion.
• It provides minimal guidance for total impact assessment while suggesting the broad
areas of possible impacts and the general nature of these possible impacts.
• When more scientific methods are available, it is not recommended
Types of Ad hoc method
• Opinion polls.

• Experts opinion.

• Delphi methods (The Delphi method is a forecasting process framework based on the
results of several rounds of questionnaires sent to a panel of experts. Several rounds of
questionnaires are sent out, and the anonymous responses are aggregated and shared with
the group after each round. The experts are allowed to adjust their answers in subsequent
rounds. Since multiple rounds of questions are asked and the panel is told what the group
 thinks as a whole, the Delphi method seeks to reach the correct response through
consensus)

Advantages
• Specialists on a particular area will provide guidance.

Disadvantage
• It require expert.

• Short/long term impact are merely examined on guess basis.

• Identification, prediction and interpretation of impacts are quite poor

Checklist Method
Checklist means a listing of potential Environmental Impacts. This method is done to assess the
nature of the impacts i.e. its type such as adverse /beneficial, short term or long term, no effect
or significant impact, reversible or irreversible etc.

a)Simple Lists

o Presents a list of parameters related to the project

o No guidelines on how to interpret and measure the parameter

o Does not help in decision making

o No info on cause effect relationship

o Strong in impact identification

o No information needed on magnitude or importance of impacts"

o List of parameters without guidelines provided on how to interpret and measure an

environmental parameter

b) Descriptive Checklists.

o Require information on magnitude or importance of impacts as well as indication on prediction

methods and indicators
o Includes identification of environmental parameters and guild lines on how to measure data on
particular parameter

c) Scaling Checklists.

o similar to a descriptive checklist, but with additional information on subjective scaling of the
parameters

o List out environmental parameters+ nature of impact

o Gives textual rating for impacts

o Nature of impact- Direct, Indirect, Cumulative, Long term, short term, severe moderate
insignificant, Reversible, Irreversible

o Not suitable for impact measurement

d) Scaling weighing checklist

o Capable of quantifying impacts

ADVANTAGES
• Simple to understand and use.

• Checklists provide all possible relationships and impacts, out of which a set tailored
for the specific assignment may be chosen.

• Checklists help people in responsible positions to become more aware of what they
should be looking for when assessing a proposed project.

• Checklists may also help to produce a higher degree of awareness of the

environmental aspects of a project.

• Quantification of impacts is possible using the weighted-scale method

DISADVANTAGES
• Do not distinguish between direct and indirect impacts.

• Do not link action and impact.

• They are too general or incomplete

• They do not illustrate interactions between effects

• The number of categories to be reviewed can be immense, thus distracting from the
most significant impacts

• The identification of effects is qualitative and subjective.

Eg. Simple Checklist

Descriptive checklist
Scaling Weighing checklist
• Can be used for decision making- Comparing alternatives

• Impact identification, Impact measurement and evaluation

Steps involved:
• Factors are considered

• They are scaled from 0 (worst) to 1 (best)

• Weighting (importance) for each factor is given as per expert judgement

Types of scales used in EIA methods

Matrix Method
• Identifies interaction between Project actions- Environmental Parameter

• Gives info on cause effect relationship

• Environmental items (Y axis) and Project actions (X axis)

• The relationship between Action & Env. Parameter will be given at the intersection
Advantages

• It presents an easily understood summary of a large number of primary impacts.

• It is a generalized but well defined approach, forcing a comprehensive consideration of

environmental components and primary impacts.

• It is an easily performed process which can specify the overall character of a project
early in the design phase.
• In an extended form, the method can include information about many impact attributes,
and clarify the assumptions supporting the assessments.
• Matrices have low resource requirements.

Disadvantages
• Difficult to distinguish direct and indirect impacts

• Significant potential for double-counting of impacts

• Qualitative

Types of matrix
1. Simple Interaction Matrix Method

• Example is Leopold Interaction Method

• 100 specified actions and 90 existing environmental conditions (Can be increased or decreased
as per requirement)

• Environmental items (Y axis) and Project action (X axis)

• When an action is expected to cause an impact, the interaction box is marked with a diagonal
line

• Magnitude (1 to 10)-Above the diagonal line

• Significance (1 to 10)- Below the diagonal line

• Can identify beneficial and adverse impacts by using + or –

The Leopold matrix is the best known matrix methodology available for predicting the
impact of a project on the environment.
It is a two dimensional matrix cross-referencing:
 • the activities linked to the project that are supposed to have an impact on man and the
environment.

• the existing environmental and social conditions that could possibly be affected by the
project.
The activities linked to the project are listed on one axis: raw material production,
building construction, water supply, energy supply, raw material preparation, pulp and paper
mills processing, gaseous emissions, liquid effluents, cooling water discharges, noise, solid
wastes treatment and disposal, transportation.
The environmental and social conditions are listed on the other axis, and divided in three
major groups:

• physical conditions: soil, water, air…,

• biological conditions: fauna, flora, ecosystems…,

• social and cultural conditions: land use, historical and cultural issues, populations,
economy…

The Leopold matrix proposes a three-step process to estimate the impact

First step :
for all the interactions considered significant by the authors, the first step is to mark the
corresponding boxes in the matrix with a diagonal line.
Second step :
once the boxes with supposed significant interactions are slashed, the author evaluates each box by
applying a number from 1 to 10 (1 is the minimum and 10 the maximum) to register the magnitude
of the interaction. This number is transferred to the upper left hand corner. It represents the scale of
the action and its theoretical extent.
Third step :
the final step for this method is to mark (from 1 to 10), in the lower right hand corner, the
real importance of the phenomenon for the given project. It then gives an evaluation of the extent of
the environmental impact according to the assessor's judgement
Stepped Matrix Method

• Also called cross impact matrix, can be used to address secondary and tertiary impacts of
initiating actions
• Environmental factors displayed against project actions as well as other environmental
factors
• Helps is identifying secondary impacts
Network Method

• It uses the matrix approach by extending it take into account primary as well the secondary
impacts.
• Shown in the form of tree called as Relevance/Impact tree/Sequence diagram.
• Identification of direct, indirect /short and long term environment impact is a crucial and
intact basic step of making Impact tree.
• Used to identify cause-effect linkages
• Visual description of linkages
Advantages:
• Presentation matrices can only clearly show the primary or first-order impacts within any
particular activity-component framework. It is possible, however, to investigate higher order
linkages in two dimensions by using networks.
• It is possible to translate networks into mathematical models for a more quantitative judgement.
The network method structures the relationships implied in qualitative simulations.
Disadvantages:
• One of the main limitations of the network method is that since impacts are not scored in any
quantitative way, the comparison of project alternatives is not readily achieved.
• Spatial representation of impacts is not possible.
Overlays method

It is based on a set of transparent maps, each of which represents the spatial variation of
an environmental parameter (e.g., susceptibility to erosion or recreational value). The maps are
shaded to show three degrees of parameter compatibility with the proposed project. A composite
picture of the overall social cost of affecting any particular area is approximated by
superimposing all the transparent maps. Any number of project alternatives can be located on
the final map to investigate the degree of associated impacts. The validity of the analysis is
related to the type and number of parameters chosen. Parameter maps present data in a
summarized and easily interpreted form, but are unable to reflect the possibility of secondary
impacts. They also rely heavily on cartographic skills and their effectiveness depends to a large
degree on cartographic execution.
This method is easily adaptable for use with a computer programmed to perform the tasks
of aggregating the predicted impacts for each geographical subdivision and of searching for the
areas least affected. Automated procedures are also available for selecting sequences of unit areas
for routing highways, pipelines, and other corridors. The computer method is more flexible, and
has an advantage whenever the reviewer suggests that the system of weights be changed.
The overlay approach can accommodate both qualitative and quantitative data. The weakness
of the overlay approach is that it is only moderately comprehensive, because there is no mechanism
that requires consideration of all potential impacts. When using overlays, the burden of ensuring
comprehensiveness is largely on the analyst. Also, the approach is selective because there is a limit
to the number of transparencies that can be viewed together. Finally, extreme impacts with small
probabilities of occurrence are not considered. However, a skilled assessor may make indications in
a footnote or on a supplementary map.
5.1 SOCIO- ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Socio-economic impacts are the influence of projects and/or programmes or policies on the
human values, culture, living standard. Institutions undertaking large investment projects such
as highways, air ports, sewerage systems, water resources projects (DOMS, reservoirs, water
relating systems, diversions, canals) stimulates secondary impacts in the form of associated
investments and changes in socio-economic activities. These effects include changes in the
existing community facilities and activities, induced new facilities in the next round and changes
in natural conditions. All such effects may be substantial than the primary impacts of the original
actions.
(Displacement of people from a project area → reduction in permanent population from the
project area → displaced people resettlement somewhere requiring economic cost, housing,
water power, public services at new place, with cultural and psychological adjustments (Tehri
Dam project, Narmada project). During construction of project temporary population (labourers
and their families) will come to the project area. Such persons will be accommodated in the
project area. They will need all kind of services for living. The area will undergo changes by the
temporary population.
All such changes will come under socio-economic changes of the project or Socio-economic
Impacts Assessment (SIA). The following should always be taken care of:

a) Demographic impacts: Labour force, population shift, employment and multiplier effects,
displacement and relocation and change in population make up
b) Socio-economic Impacts Includes income and multiplier effects, employment rates and
patterns, prices of local goods and services, taxation effects and property value
c) Institutional Impacts: Demands on Government and Social Services NGO’s in the areas,
housing, schools, policing, justice health and welfare
d) Cultural Impacts: Such as those on traditional patterns of life and work, family structure,
authority, religion, tribal factors, archaeological features and social work, community cohesion
e) e)Gender Impacts: Implications of development projects on women’s role in society, income
generating opportunities access to resources and employment opportunities

Along with changes in physical environment due to a development project, there will be
changes in Socio-economic environment. Social Impact Assessment should pay special attention
to vulnerable sections of population (elderly, poor, children, minorities)
Some of the variable have measurement dimensions (both positive and negative) with increasing
size of the variables population size, growth, rate of population growth, age dependency on
community; job opportunity, job distribution, employment level, participation in labour force,
price level, educational attainment, socio-economic status, housing availability public services;
social well being; collective response). These are cumulative effects. These impacts can be put
in (i) Social impacts and (ii) Public Services impacts
A very important aspect is displacement of population. They will have all types of
problems and should go hand in hand with rehabilitation and resettlement policy of state and
Central Government

5.2 TYPES OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

1. Physical Environment
• Land use- type of development, density, building height, design, intensity, etc.

• Infrastructure and public services like water supply, waste disposal, energy resources etc.
2. Social Environment
• Community facilities like location and capacity of school, neighbourhood, community,
recreational and cultural activities, public transportation, etc.

• Employment centres and commercial facilities

• Community life, population size, housing conditions, etc.

3. Aesthetic Environment
• Scenic areas, natural land scape

• Architectural character of existing building

• Proximity to significant historic, archeologic and architectural properties

4. Economic environment
• Employment and unemployment level

• Level and source of income

• Economic base of the area

• Land ownership including private, local, state, etc.

• Land value

5.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The general methodology will include the following
Step 1. Identification of potential socio-economic impact assessment.
This is to identify the basic indicators to assess the environmental impacts of all kinds (air
pollution, water pollution, noise pollution) which will effect human quality of life Other important
factors will be
a) demographic factors – population, density, literacy
b) economic variables – land use patterns, income levels, price levels,
employment/unemployment level, commercial activities
c) social variables – patterns of life and work, ethnic composition, religious and tribal factors,
public utilities
d) project specific variables – displacement, business, recruitment of manpower, project
technology

Step 2. Description of existing socio-economic or human environment of the project area

Developing a social profile based on siting of projects
Step 3. Procurement of relevant standards, criteria and guidelines
There are direct effects of pollutants/emissions on the public and whenever people are affected,
health and welfare socio economic considerations become important
Step 4. Prediction of Socio-economic Impacts
Prediction of Socio-economic Impacts with or without the project is an important technical
exercise. There is no unique method for predicting the impacts yet four approache are indicated:
a) qualitative description
b) quantitative description
c) application specific prediction technique (may involve survey from secondary sources or
qualitative descriptive approach like Delphi method or Historical analogies
d) comparison of the effects of alternatives
Step 5. Assessment of Socio-economic Impact
Assessment of socio-economic impacts with or without project in its surrounding areas is
difficult as there are no established standards for these. Some impacts may be clearly visible
and assessable such as:
a) generation of employment for local people (+ve impact)
b) increase in earnings of people (+ve impact)
c) pressure on local services (-ve impact)
d) increase in business and trade (+ve impact)
e) increase in crime rate in the region (-ve impact)
f) interaction with outside people (+ve impact)
g) opening of attitudes of people (+ve impact)
There are no threshold levels of comparison for such impacts. They may be perceived on the
basis of experience gained elsewhere about similar projects (historical analogy). Professional
judgment may also be important. Some projects might have broader impacts on National economy
(Tehri Dam, Narmada, Bhakhra Nangal) rather than local level impacts. The significance of such
impacts may be judged by National goals, such as power generation, employment generation, income
generation, irrigation, provision of food.

Step 6. Mitigation Measures

Though there is very little in the form of mitigation measure to reduce the adverse socio-economic
impacts of the project. However, Some local benefits, particularly employment of the local people,
rehabilitation and resettlement of project affected people will be mandatory by law. The project is a
user of local resources and in lieu it has to give back some benefits to the local population otherwise
they resent its activities and the project functioning is jeopardized. Mitigation measures will include,
providing housing schools, colleges, hospital, power and other social services.
Socioeconomic impacts of AIRPORT project
Social impacts:
• Increase in traffic flow and congestion around airport

• Land use change due to construction

• Increased demand for public transportation facilities

• Need of housing for new employees

• Increased crowd near airport

• Increased floating population

• Potential removal of business and homes

• Displacement of people

• Change in character of neighbourhood

• Change in accessibility to schools and community services

Economic Impacts:
• New jobs created which may be short term (during construction) and long term.

• Growth of commercial and industrial activity

• Loss of taxable properties by the acquisition of private land

• Increased cost for public services like police, fire protection, traffic control, street expansion,
etc.

• Change in adjacent property values

• Increased energy consumption

• Increase in tourist oriented revenues and local sale tax revenues.