Environment Impact Assessment or EIA can be defined as the study to predict the effect of a proposed

activity/project on the environment. A decision making tool, EIA compares various alternatives for a
project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and
environmental costs and benefits.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a
proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and
human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental,
social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making. It aims to predict environmental
impacts at an early stage in project planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse
impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to
decision-makers.

Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986
which contains various provisions on EIA methodology and process.

Objectives of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The general objectives of EIA are as follows:

To ensure that Environmental considerations are addressed properly and incorporated into the decision-
making process.

To avoid, minimize or balance the adverse significant biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of
developmental projects.

To protect the productivity and capacity of natural systems and ecological processes with maintaining
their function.

To promote development that is sustainable and optimize resource use and management opportunities.

The detailed Objectives of EIA are as follows:

Identify Potential Impacts: EIA aims to identify and evaluate the potential environmental, social, and
economic impacts that may result from a proposed project. This includes both direct and indirect
impacts, as well as cumulative effects that can arise from multiple projects or activities.

Predict and Assess Impacts: EIA involves the prediction and assessment of the potential impacts by
analyzing project details, site-specific conditions, and relevant data. It employs scientific and technical
methods to forecast the likely consequences on various environmental components, such as air quality,
water resources, ecosystems, biodiversity, and socio-economic factors.
Mitigation and Alternatives: EIA promotes the identification and evaluation of alternatives to the
proposed project, including the no-action alternative. It also emphasizes the development and
implementation of measures to mitigate or minimize adverse impacts and enhance positive effects.

Stakeholder Engagement: EIA recognizes the importance of engaging and involving stakeholders
throughout the assessment process. This includes the public, local communities, government agencies,
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and experts. Public consultation and the consideration of
stakeholder input are crucial to ensure transparency, participation, and accountability in decision-
making.

Decision Support: EIA provides decision-makers with comprehensive information on the potential
impacts and mitigation measures associated with a proposed project. It assists in making informed
decisions by weighing the environmental, social, and economic considerations and ensuring that the
project aligns with sustainable development principles.

Monitoring and Follow-up: EIA emphasizes the importance of monitoring the implementation and
performance of the project during and after its completion. Monitoring helps verify the accuracy of
predictions made during the assessment and ensures that mitigation measures are effectively
implemented. Follow-up actions may be taken to address any unexpected impacts or to enhance the
project's environmental performance.

Need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Every anthropogenic activity has an effect on the environment in some or the other way. The
environment is typically more negatively impacted than positively.

However, in order to provide for his requirements in terms of food, security, and other things, modern
man cannot survive without engaging in these tasks.

As a result, it's important to coordinate development efforts with environmental considerations.

One method accessible to planners to accomplish the aforementioned objective is environmental

impact assessment (EIA).

It is preferable to guarantee the sustainability of the development choices being considered.

As a result, early in the project cycle, environmental impacts must be identified and taken into
account in the project design.

The goal of environmental impact assessment is to provide information to decision makers about
issues that may arise as a result of decisions relating to a new project, programme, plan, or policy.

Environmental impact assessment must result in decision-making based on inputted information,

including potentially significant factors, and it must benefit both the proponent and the citizens.
 Furthermore, environmental impact assessment is a technique that presents a systematic assessment
of the environmental impacts that the project is likely to cause and explains the significance of predicted
impacts, indicating the scope for modification or mitigation.

Finally, it requires the relevant ministries/agencies to assess the project's potential outcomes before
making a decision.

Because of the complex relationship between the natural and human environments, it is critical to try
to predict the environmental and social impacts of programmes, projects, and planned developments
that may affect environmental quality and well-being.

As the human population grows and natural resources become more scarce, the importance of
improving development sustainability and identifying mitigation measures—and thus the importance of
producing high-quality EIAs—increases.

Importance of EIA

For ecologically safe and sustainable development, EIA connects the environment and development.

EIA is a cost-effective way to eliminate or reduce the negative effects of development initiatives.

EIA allows decision-makers to assess the impact of development activities on the environment long
before the project is executed.

The adaptation of mitigation methods in the development plan is encouraged by EIA.

EIA ensures that the development plan is environmentally sound and operates within the ecosystem's
capacity for assimilation and regeneration.

Project managers can identify which projects require thorough screening to avoid environmental
harm through environmental impact assessments.

By recommending secure project designs and procedures as alternatives, EIA protects the
environment's biodiversity.

Before making a decision, information is provided illustrating the effects on the environment.

Components of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) -

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a method of assessing the possible environmental

consequences of a proposed project or development, taking into account interconnected
socioeconomic, cultural, and human-health consequences, both positive and negative. The components
of EIA include Air Environment, Noise Environment, Water Environment, Biological Environment, Land
Environment, Socio-economic and Health Environment, EIA Risk Assessment, and Environment
Management Plan. The Environment Protection Act of 1986, which incorporates different rules on EIA
methodology and process, provides legal backing for environmental impact assessments in India.

Components of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Air Environment

Identifying the impact zone (using a screening model) and establishing a monitoring system

Monitoring the current state of ambient air quality within the planned project site's affected zone (7-10
km from the periphery).

Tracking site-specific meteorological data such as wind speed and direction, humidity, ambient
temperature, and environmental lapse rate.

Quantification of air emissions from the proposed project, including fugitive emissions

Identifying, quantifying, and evaluating other potential pollutants (including vehicular traffic emissions)
inside the impact zone, as well as estimating the total of all emissions/impacts

Using appropriate air quality models, predict changes in ambient air quality due to point, line, and area
source emissions.

Assessment of the proposed pollution control devices' ability to meet gaseous emission and air quality
standards.

Determination of mitigating measures at the source, along the course, and at the receptor.

Noise Environment

Monitoring current noise levels in the impact zone, as well as forecasting future noise levels as a result
of the proposed project and related activities, such as increased automobile traffic.

Determination of the environmental effects of any predicted increase in noise levels.

Recommendations for noise pollution mitigating measures.

Water Environment

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of current ground and surface water resources within the
proposed project's effect zone.

Prediction of water resource impacts as a result of the project's proposed water use/pumping

Quantification and classification of wastewater from the proposed activity, including harmful organic
waste.
An assessment of the proposed pollution prevention and wastewater treatment system, as well as
suggestions for changes if necessary.

Using appropriate mathematical/simulation models, predict the effects of effluent discharge on the
quality of the receiving water body.

Assessment of the viability of water recycling and reuse, as well as the development of a thorough plan.

Biological Environment

Survey of flora and fauna clearly outlining season and duration.

An assessment of the flora and fauna found within the project's effect zone.

Assessment of potential harm to terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna as a result of the project's
effluent discharge and gaseous emissions.

Assessment of damage to terrestrial flora and fauna caused by air pollution, as well as changes in land
use and landscape.

Damage to aquatic and marine flora and fauna (including commercial fishing) as a result of physical
disturbances and changes.

Prediction of biological stressors within the planned project's impact zone.

Identifying preventive steps to prevent and/or mitigate the impact.

Land Environment

Within the impact zone, studies on soil properties, existing land use and topography, landscape, and
drainage patterns are being conducted.

Assessment of the project's impacts on land use, landscape, topography, drainage, and hydrology.

Determining the significant potential of treated effluent for land application and the consequences.

Estimation and characterization of solid wastes, as well as the identification of management alternatives
for waste minimization and environmentally friendly disposal.

Socio-economic and Health Environment

Data on demographics and relevant socioeconomic factors are gathered.

Epidemiological data collection, including research on endemic diseases (e.g., fluorosis, malaria, filaria,
malnutrition) and morbidity rates among the population inside the impact zone.

Projection of expected changes in socioeconomic and health outcomes as a result of the project and
related activities, such as traffic congestion, and identification of mitigation strategies.
Evaluation of the impact on important historical, cultural, and archaeological sites and locations in the
area.

Evaluation of the project's economic benefits.

Evaluation of rehabilitation needs, with a focus on any planned areas, if any.

EIA Risk Assessment

Using hazard indices, inventory analysis, dam break probability, Natural Hazard Probability, and other
methods, identify hazards.

An examination of the Maximum Credible Accident (MCA) to identify potentially dangerous

circumstances

Consequence analysis of failures and incidents that result in fires, explosions, hazardous discharges, and
dam breaks, among other things.

Importance of EIA

For ecologically safe and sustainable development, EIA connects the environment and development.

EIA is a cost-effective way to eliminate or reduce the negative effects of development initiatives.

EIA allows decision-makers to assess the impact of development activities on the environment long
before the project is executed.

The adaptation of mitigation methods in the development plan is encouraged by EIA.

EIA ensures that the development plan is environmentally sound and operates within the ecosystem's
capacity for assimilation and regeneration.

The EIA Process/ Stages

EIA involves the steps mentioned below. However, the EIA process is cyclical with interaction between
the various steps.

Screening: The project plan is screened for scale of investment, location and type of development and if
the project needs statutory clearance.

Scoping: The project’s potential impacts, zone of impacts, mitigation possibilities and need for
monitoring.
Collection of baseline data: Baseline data is the environmental status of study area.

Impact prediction: Positive and negative, reversible and irreversible and temporary and permanent
impacts need to be predicted which presupposes a good understanding of the project by the assessment
agency.

Mitigation measures and EIA report: The EIA report should include the actions and steps for preventing,
minimizing or by passing the impacts or else the level of compensation for probable environmental
damage or loss.

Public hearing: On completion of the EIA report, public and environmental groups living close to project
site may be informed and consulted.

Decision making: Impact Assessment Authority along with the experts consult the project-in-charge
along with consultant to take the final decision, keeping in mind EIA and EMP (Environment
Management Plan).

Monitoring and implementation of environmental management plan: The various phases of

implementation of the project are monitored.

Assessment of Alternatives, Delineation of Mitigation Measures and Environmental Impact Assessment

Report: For every project, possible alternatives should be identified, and environmental attributes
compared. Alternatives should cover both project location and process technologies.

Once alternatives have been reviewed, a mitigation plan should be drawn up for the selected option and
is supplemented with an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to guide the proponent towards
environmental improvements.

Risk assessment: Inventory analysis and hazard probability and index also form part of EIA procedures.
Salient Features of 2006 Amendments to EIA Notification

Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006 has decentralized the environmental clearance
projects by categorizing the developmental projects in two categories, i.e., Category A (national level
appraisal) and Category B (state level appraisal).

Category A projects are appraised at national level by Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) and the Expert
Appraisal Committee (EAC) and Category B projects are apprised at state level.

State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Level Expert Appraisal
Committee (SEAC) are constituted to provide clearance to Category B process.

After 2006 Amendment the EIA cycle comprises of four stages:

Screening

Scoping

Public hearing

Appraisal

Category A projects require mandatory environmental clearance and thus they do not undergo the
screening process.

Category B projects undergoes screening process and they are classified into two types.
Category B1 projects (Mandatorily requires EIA).

Category B2 projects (Do not require EIA).

Thus, Category A projects and Category B, projects undergo the complete EIA process whereas Category
B2 projects are excluded from complete EIA process.

Importance of EIA

EIA links environment with development for environmentally safe and sustainable development.

EIA provides a cost effective method to eliminate or minimize the adverse impact of developmental
projects.

EIA enables the decision makers to analyse the effect of developmental activities on the environment
well before the developmental project is implemented.

EIA encourages the adaptation of mitigation strategies in the developmental plan.

EIA makes sure that the developmental plan is environmentally sound and within the limits of the
capacity of assimilation and regeneration of the ecosystem.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Introduction

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a structured analytical report (a document that examines
various issues relevant to a particular topic). It is prepared when a development may significantly impact
the quality of the human environment—the area's air, water, or land environments.

The official definition of an environmental impact statement according to the International Association
for Impact Assessment is “the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the
biophysical, social and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being
taken and commitments made.” Put another way, an environmental impact statement is intended to
indicate how the project will likely affect the environment. If it is realized that the proposed
development could damage the environment, the statement should present alternatives.

The purpose of an environmental impact statement is to allow agencies that are responsible for
approving the particular project to have a clear understanding of how the project will influence the
environment. With this information in hand, they then make their decision to approve the project, reject
it, or call for modifications that will help safeguard the environment. Human development changes the
environment. A well-prepared environmental impact statement helps guide the development so that
damage is minimal. Development in the absence of this reasoned consideration of the adverse effects
can be disastrous.

The environmental impact statement must discuss all aspects that could potentially impact the
environment. This would include indirect effects of a project. For example, if a forest is cut down to
make room for a hydropower plant, how could the economy and health of the local population be
indirectly affected?

EIA methodology is a structural approach developed to identify, predict and value changes of an action.
Changes are reflected to the sequence of activities, steps regarding the environmental issues (physical,
chemical, biological, socioeconomic, cultural, landscape values and processes).

Criteria for selection of EIA Methodology

Simplicity: The methodology should be simple and based on available manpower & background
knowledge. It can be adapted without much difficulty.

Budget and Time: The methodology should be applied by small group with under approve budget and
limited time span.

Flexibility: The method should be flexible and allow the modifications and changes during course of
study.

1.3. Choosing a Method

The methodology of EIA ranges from simple to complex and requires different kinds of data, several
data formats, expertise and technological skill for their interpretation. Their analyses produce differing
levels of precision and certainty. All of these factors should be considered for selecting a suitable
methodology.

1.4. Objectives of methodologies:

1. Understand the nature and location of the project and possible alternatives

2. Identify factors of analysis and assessment objectives

3. Preliminary identification of impacts and scoping

4. Baseline studies and evolution in the absence of projects

5. Prediction and assessment of impacts and alternatives comparison

6. Mitigation

7. Monitoring and impacts management

Major Methodologies for EIA

Following are the 5 major methodologies of EIA.

a) Ad Hoc

b) Checklists

c) Matrices

d) Networks

e) Overlays

a) Ad Hoc Method: This is a simple method and based upon broad environmental impacts aspects. This
method is very useful whenever time period is limited with lack of require scientific information. In such
situation, EIA depends exclusively on background, expertise and experience of experts. This method is
not recommended, when more scientific methods are available.

Types of Ad Hoc Method

Opinion polls

Expert opinion

Delphi methods etc.

Advantages

Simple and easily understandable.

The experts of a respective areas guide EIA.

Overall environmental components are enlisted.

Disadvantage:

It required expert person.

The identification and prediction of short & long term impacts are poor because it examined on guess
basis.

It provides minimal guidance for impact analysis, while suggesting subjective area of impacts

Not good for organizing, reviewing and interpreting data

b) Checklists:
Checklists are standard lists of the types of environmental potential impacts, which may be associated
with respective project. The lists are prepared with highly structured approaches and involve
importance with weighing of factors and ensure that no potential impact is overlooked. Checklists are
very effective in impact identification and capable to spread awareness & attention for respective
people.

Checklists should enable identification of impacts on Soil, Water, Atmosphere, Flora, Fauna, Resources,
Recreation and Cultural etc. status.

A typical checklist might contain entries such as:

Earth: Mineral Resources, Construction Material, Soils, Land form, Force fields and Background
Radiation, Unique physical features

Water: Surface water like rivers, lakes and reservoirs, estuaries, coastal seas and ocean, Groundwater
quality, Snow, Ice

Atmosphere: Quality regarding gases & particles), Climate, Temperature

Flora: Trees, Shrubs, Grass, Crops, Micro & Macro flora, aquatic plants; endangered species; barriers;
corridors

Fauna: birds; land animals including reptiles; fish and shellfish; benthic organisms; insects; micro
fauna; endangered species; barriers; corridors

Land Use: Wilderness and open space, Wetlands, Forestry; Grazing, Agriculture, Residential,
Commercial, Industrial, Mining and Quarrying

Recreation: Hunting; Fishing; Boating, Swimming, Camping and Hiking, Picnicking,Resorts

Types of Checklists

(i) Simple Checklist

(ii) Descriptive Checklists

(iii)Scaling Checklist

(iv) Scaling Weighting Checklist

(v) Questionnaire Checklist

(i) Simple Checklist

Simple checklist consist simple list of environmental parameters and no information needed on the
magnitude or importance of impacts.Checklist can recognize resource/environmental component, which
affects by particular activities.

The example given below (Table 1) for construction sites, the tick mark confirm that impact is there,
where no tick mark or leaving the box means no impact.

(ii) Descriptive checklist

Descriptive checklist is extension of simple checklists and adds background information of each aspect. It
also includes guidelines on the measurement of parameters.Simple checklist consist only aspects,
whereas descriptive checklist give both aspect and their background information.

Descriptive checklists are strong for impact identification of environmental parameters and also
incorporate to measurement of impact measurements, interpretation &evaluation of impacts as well as
in decision making process. It guides mainly how to impacts assess and include data requirements,
information sources and predicted techniques as in Table 3.
(iii) Scaling Checklist

Scaling checklists are similar to the descriptive checklist with additional information of subjective scaling
of the impacts on the environmental parameters.

The meaning of scaling is rating or grading system. Example: The rating of Water Quality, i.e. best is 5
and 1 for worst. In case of school, generally follows A+, A, B+, C etc. A representative example is given
below for scaling of parameters in Table 5:
(iv) Scaling Weighting Checklist

Scaling Weighting Checklist represent scaling checklists with information provides as to subjective
evaluation of each parameter with respect to every other parameter. Scaling weighting checklists
employ both magnitude and importance factor.

In this checklist method, give weightage to specific parameter on the scale and evaluate the Parameter
Importance Value for the environmental components and parameters. The structured equations are
used to weigh of the environmental parameters. Weighting means give importance to some specific
parameter, example water quality is prime important in one project in comparison to land area. So with
scaling, give weight to water parameter, so it becomes more important in evaluation.

(v) Questionnaire Checklist

The checklist is prepared on the basis of questions for Public Consultation (Table 7). It gives information
about the stakeholder’s awareness and responses for their proposed project.The questionnaire is
further evaluated in spread sheets to find the scale of impacts and weight of parameters based on public
opinion.
Advantages

§ Simple to understand and use

§ Good for site selection and priority setting

§ Impacts can see on past, present & future

Disadvantages

§ Do not distinguish between direct and indirect impacts.

§ Do not link action and impact.

§ Sometime it is a cumbersome task.

2.3 Matrix
Matrix method provides a framework forinteraction between project activities and their environmental
impacts. It can evaluate degree of impacts of project activities on environmental resources. It is a grid
like table that one axis displayed project activities and other axis displayed environmental
characteristics. It can also evaluate the cumulative and indirect impacts as well as interaction with
resources.

Observed as two-dimensional checklist:

Axis of actions

Axis of environmental components

The intersections are the impacts

Functions:

Preliminary identification of impacts (scoping)

Comparative analysis of alternatives

Impact assessment

Presentation of evaluation results

Leopold Matrix

The Leopard Matrix provides a framework for the analysis and numerical weighting of probable impacts.
It is a simple way to summarize & rank environmental impacts and to focus on that impact, which is
considered to be greatest. Matrix method is pioneered by Leopold et al (1971), enlisted about 100
project actions and 88 environmental characteristic or parameter. It delivers a total of 8,800
interactions. Each action and their impact potential are considered.

The magnitude of the interaction (extensiveness or scale) is described by assigning a value ranging from
1 (for small magnitudes) to 10 (for large magnitudes). The assignment of numerical values is based on an
evaluation of available facts and data. Similarly, the scale of importance also ranges from 1 (very low
interaction) to 10 (very important interaction).

The impact associated with the project action columns and their environmental condition row is
described in terms of its magnitude (M) and significance (I) (Figure 3).
Each impact is described by two factors:

1. Significance: Indicates the theoretical importance of the impact (eg. The spatial extension) and Varies
between -10 and 10

2. Magnitude (size or importance): how much the impact is present in this case? It varies between -10
and 10

Each individual impact is estimated by the product of significance and magnitude

In Leopard matrix: On horizontal axis – The actions cause environmental impact

On the vertical axis – The existing environmental conditions affected by actions