Screening and Scoping in Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA)

SCREENING

 Screening is the first step of the EIA process and it is used to determine
whether EIA is required or not. It is intended to ensure that any EIA review
is proportional to the potential environmental impacts of the proposed
project.
 The screening opinion will identify the environmental factors that need to be
considered in EIA, and it may also cover other aspects of the EIA process.
 The requirement for screening and the procedure to be followed is often
defined in the applicable EIA law or regulations. In many cases, the projects
to which EIA applies are listed in an annex and the screening could be done
simply by following this project list.

Once the screening confirms that an EIA is required, it is also important to define
how the EIA and other studies will be incorporated into the different steps. There
are some points to be considered here such as:

 To ensure complementarities and to avoid overlap between the EIA and

other studies, especially if they are not prepared by the same expert.
 To ensure that the studies are based on sufficient technical information
and assessment of realistic options so that they could influence the
selection of project alternatives and the final project design.
 To ensure that the costs of impact reduction, adaptation measures,
residual environmental externalities, and costs associated with potential
climate change risks are being considered.
Screening establishes the basis for scoping which is another stage that refers to the
early, open, and interactive process of determining the major issues and impacts
that need to be addressed in an EIA. Key objectives of scoping are to:

 inform the public about the proposal;

 identify the main stakeholders and their concerns and values;
 define the reasonable and practical alternatives to the proposal;
 focus on the important issues and significant impacts to be addressed in
the EIA;
 define the boundaries for an EIA in time, space, and subject matter;
 set requirements for the collection of baseline and other information; and
  establish the Term of Reference (TOR) for an EIA study.

SCOPING
The steps in the scoping process include:

 preparing and developing the outline through informal consultation with

relevant stakeholders;
 creating a long list of the range of issues and concerns and evaluating
their relative importance and significance to derive a short list of key
issues;
 organizing the key issues into the impact categories to be studied;
 establishing the TOR for the EIA; and
 monitoring the progress against the TOR, making adjustments as needed,
and providing feedback to stakeholders and the public.
The TOR as the final product from the scoping study can refer to some or all of the
following items:

 purpose and application of the TOR;

 statement of need for and objectives of the proposal; project background
and description;
 study area or impact zones;
 applicable policy and institutional considerations;
 EIA requirements and decision-making particulars;
 provisions for public involvement;
 alternatives to be examined;
 the impacts and issues to be studied;
 the studies to be carried out;
 the requirements for mitigation and monitoring;
 the information and data to be included in the EIA report;
 the timeframe for completion of the EIA process; and
  the means for making changes to the TOR if necessary.

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT STUDY

Proposed Terms of Reference Environmental Baseline Study for Terms of

Reference (ToR) will be carried out for Air, Water, Noise and Soil along with
details of Flora, Fauna & Socio-Economic conditions within the study area during
one season. EIA/EMP Report will cover all the environmental aspects

i.e. Air pollution, Noise pollution, water pollution, land environment and solid
waste management etc. in terms of the impacts on the environment due to the
proposed activity and the Environmental Management Plan to reduce the impacts.

The Environmental Impact Assessment document for Proposed Road Project will
comprise of the following study details and related environmental aspects; in
conformity with the prescribed generic structure (Appendix III/MoEF&CC
Notification 14th September 2006).

Terms of References for EIA Study are as follows:

1. Introduction

2. Project Description

3. Description of Environment

4 Anticipated Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures

5. Analysis of Alternatives (Technology & Site)

6. Environmental Monitoring Programme

7. Additional Studies

8. Project Benefits

9. Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

10. Environmental Management Plan

11. Summary & Conclusion

12. Disclosure of Consultant engaged

1.INTRODUCTION:

The introduction chapter will comprise

 Project Background
 Objective of the project
 Environmental concerns
 Potential impacts that may change the environment due to
construction of the project.
 Strategy of Govt. for project implementation.

2.SCOPE:

 Purpose of the EIA Study.

 Brief description of the nature, size and location of the project and its
importance to the region / locality of the district.
 Identification of the project and project proponents.
 Status of statutory clearances
 Scope of study as per regulatory scoping criteria – EIA requirements.

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

 Summary description of the project site based on the Feasibility Report

(DPR).
 Provide location details through maps showing general location-specific
location & project boundary.
 Based on study of Hydrology, Geology and related benefits supported by
Maps /drawings/Schematic presentations.
 Alternatives considered for selection of site.
 Necessity of the project according to environmental sustainability
related to pre & post project scenario.
  Assessment of land required for various project construction of road,
structures, water conveyance system, staff colony and R&R colony etc

4. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT:

Existing environment of the proposed project:

Description of the study area falling within 1 km on either side of the project
Identification of environmentally sensitive areas:
Such study would include;
 Areas protected under International conventions / National / Local
legislation for their landscape having ecological importance and cultural
heritage.
 Existence of wet lands, forests, mountains, water bodies. Sensitive
manmade land uses-Highly polluting sources / locations.
Bio-diversity at project site
Study comprising of existing species of Flora, Fauna & wild life,
existence of rare and endangered species – wildlife corridors etc.
Policy, legal and administrative frame work:
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study will be undertaken in a
manner that the project will ensure compliance of prescribed environmental
standards and social requirements conforming to the country’s legislative and
administrative frame work including the relevant policy guidelines of the state.

APPROACH FOR EIA STUDY:

 Establishment of Baseline for valued environmental components by
using baseline survey Data, Project records and secondary source
information.
 Relevant maps showing environmental components, i.e. Index Map,
Location Map, Drainage Map & other Maps.

Environmental Base Line Study:

The foremost approach for EIA assessment, deals with the Baseline study of the
existing environment. These are briefed under Land Environment, Air
Environment, Water Environment, Biological Environment and social
Environment.
 3.1 Methodology for Data collection:
 One season (Non-monsoon) Baseline survey will be carried out for Data
collection.
 Sampling locations will be indicated in the Location map.
 Testing methods –methodology- instruments used shall be mentioned.

a) Air Environment:

i. Identify micro-climatic zones depending upon topography and wind pattern and
air pollutant levels.

ii. Meteorological data collection on hourly basis for three months on wind speed,
Wind direction, temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, Pressure and Cloud cover.

iii. Ambient Air Quality data collection for 12 weeks for parameters PM10, PM2.5,
SO2, NOx, CO twice a week at each location for 24 hours.

iv. Prepare inventory of point, line and area sources.

v. Quantity emissions from all existing sources.

vi. Evaluate cumulative effect of point, line and area sources using appropriate
model in preliminary estimation and Gaussian Plume model in subsequent analysis
to establish source-receptor relationship. vii. Delineate environmental management
plan

b) Noise Environment:

i. Noise data collection in dB(A) and calculation of day and night equivalents

ii. Assessment of present and projected noise levels in the region.

iii. Identification of point, line and area sources of noise.

iv. Prediction and evaluation of noise levels.

v. Identification of high noise level zones and suggestions on mitigation measures.

vi. Delineation of Acoustic Environmental Management Plan.

c) Water Environment:
i. Identify water bodies including sea, creeks etc.

ii. Collection and analysis of samples, once in a season as per IS 10500.

iii. Identify present and future designated use in various stretches.

iv. Identifying the possible ways of water pollution from the project activities.

v. Assess surface water qualities

vi. Formulations of water Environmental Management Plan.

d) Land Environment:

i. Collection and Analysis of Soil samples as per BIS specifications

ii. Assessment of existing land use pattern and land quality

iii. Preparation of inventory of waste and reject disposal sites.

iv. Identification of appropriate sites for waste disposal.

v. Estimation of anticipated impacts on soil quality and land use pattern and related
Activities due to proposed project activities and alternatives.

vi. Delineation of land Environmental Management Plan.

e) Biological Environment:

i. Collection of information on flora and fauna in the region,

ii. Collection of ecological information on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

iii. Prediction of impact of proposed project activities and alternative options on

flora and fauna of the region with special reference to biological diversity.

iv. Delineation of biological Environmental Management Plan.

f) Socio-economic Environment:

i. Collection of secondary data on village wise Population, Sex Ratio, Literacy,

Number of Households and Percentage of Main workers. ii. Collection of primary
information on infrastructure facilities in the study area. iii. Assessment of impact
on socio-economic environment in qualitative terms. iv. Delineation of Community
Development Plan and estimation of Budget for Community Development.

g) Occupational Health & Safety:

i. Identification of Occupational risks and health hazards

ii. Baseline health status assessment.

iii. Management Plan for Occupational health & Safety

h) Risk Assessment

i. Identification of preliminary hazards

ii. Consequence analysis of storage of fuel oils

iii. Disaster Management Plan (DMP)

5.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT [EIA]-

PREDICTION OF IMPACTS, EVALUATION AND MITIGATION

MEASURES:

 Both negative & positive impacts will be assessed on the

basis of project activities and components.
 Evaluation of potential Impacts will be carried out
according to their significance by using appropriate
Matrices.
 All adverse impacts (Negative Impacts) will be discussed
in details and mitigation measures/procedure to minimize
negative impacts will be suggested, in the Environmental
Management Plan.

The environmental impact assessment will be conducted in accordance with the

requirement of the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF&CC) norms and
guidelines. The collected primary and secondary data will be compiled and
analyzed to establish a comprehensive database and assess the existing baseline
environmental condition.
The following aspects will be given due importance during assessment of
impacts and recommending remedial measures:

 Alignment of the project road and topographical changes

 Roadside drainage to avoid water logging, erosion & environmental
degradation.
 Impact on soil on both sides of the project road.
 Impact of solid waste generated and solid waste management plan.
 Impact on borrow area and quarries.
 Impact of road safety
 Nature, quantity and disposal of construction spoils, wastes and waste
water.
 Impacts of flora and fauna and ecological resources due to construction
and operation of the project
 Public health & sanitation, and occupational health & safety of
construction workers Impact on safety of local people during
construction and operation phases.
 Road safety features to avoid accidents need of underpass, service road,
etc.
 Population affected and socio-economic impacts.

6.ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES:
In-depth study of related maps, topographic sheets, physical inspection and
environmental and social screening will be carried out in order to find out the
technically and environmentally sound, most feasible and environmental
friendly alignment.
 Alternatives will be compared in terms of their potential environmental
impacts, capital and recurrent costs, suitability under local conditions,
institutional training and monitoring requirements. For each alternative,
the environmental costs and 8 benefits will be quantified to the extent
possible and the basis for the selected alternative will be stated.
 Analysis of alternative will include proper alignment selection to reduce
the cutting of tree and minimizing the demolition of structures, grade
separators, services roads, vehicular, pedestrian and cattle underpass,
quarry materials, road safety, etc.
 7.ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME:
 An effective Monitoring Mechanism will be developed to address
problems/shortfalls/Defect Rectification etc. while implementing the
Management plan/mitigation Measures both during the construction
phase and operation phases.
 Period of Monitoring, staffing pattern, capacity building Budget and
Schedule will be discussed in this section.
8.PUBLIC CONSULTATION/PUBLIC HEARING:
The Public hearing will be conducted as the proposed project Atal Progress
Way passes through three States i.e. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and
Rajasthan. The Public Hearing shall be arranged in a systematic, time bound
and transparent manner ensuring widest possible public participation at the
project site(s) or in its close proximity District -wise, by the concerned State
Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

9.PROJECT BENEFITS:
Improvements in the physical infrastructure, social infrastructure and other
tangible benefits are to be included in the EIA/EMP Report.
10.ENVIRONMENTAL COST ESTIMATE & ANALYSIS OF BUDGET:
 An Environmental cost estimate will be prepared to meet the expenditure
for amelioration of Environment
 Analysis of Budget
 Environmental cost estimate will also reflect the connected expenditures
for each scheduled item, budgetary provision, plan allocation etc as
envisaged in the DPR.

11.ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

After detail analysis of all the environmental impacts and issues, a proper and
adequate Environmental Management Plan will be prepared with the aim to
avoid, mitigate or eliminate the adverse impacts due to the project. This will
cover all the aspects of construction including roles and responsibilities for
mitigation operations, emergency response procedures, supervision, financing,
monitoring and reporting.
The following issues will be addressed in the EMP:
  Preventive, mitigation, compensatory & enhancement measures for
minimization & abutement of the undesirable impacts caused during the
construction and operation stage.
 Details of management plans (compensatory plantation, solid waste
management plan, borrow area management plan, occupational safety and
health plan etc.) including their implementation schedule and supervision
program.
 Identified/recommended institutional set up for implementation of the
EMP
including institutional requirements, staffing and training.
 Environmental monitoring program during construction and operation
phase
including performance indicators, monitoring mechanisms, implementation
program and cost. Resettlement action plan for affected families as per NHAI
Policy.
 Environmental Management Budget: The preliminary environmental budget
considering the environmental aspects for the project.

12.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

 Executive summary of EIA& EMP

 Overall justification for implementation of the project
 . Conclusion

13.DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS ENGAGED:

The EIA consultant shall have accreditation with Quality Control of India
(QCI)/National Accreditation Board of Education and Training (NABET) as per
office memorandum dated 2nd December 2009 of MoEF&CC. This chapter
shall include the names of the consultants engaged with their brief resume and
nature of consultancy rendered. The consultants should include the copy of the
accreditation certificate and data provided by the other organizations/
laboratories including their status of approvals etc.

EIA METHODOLOGIES
2.1 Criteria for selection of EIA Methods
I. General
a) Simplicity: The methodology should be simple so that the available
manpower with limited background knowledge can grasp and adopt it without
much difficulty.
b) Manpower time and budget constraints: The methodology should be applied
by a small group with a limited budget and under time constraints.
c) Flexibility: The methodology should be flexible enough to allow for
necessary modifications and changes through the course of the study.

II. Impact Identification

a) Comprehensiveness: The methodology should be sufficiently comprehensive
to contain all possible options and alternatives and should give enough
information on them to facilitate proper decision-making.
b) Specificity: The methodology should identify specific parameters on which
there would be significant impacts.
c) Isolation of project impacts: The methodology should suggest procedures for
identifying project impacts as distinguished from future environmental changes
produced by other causes.
d) Timing and duration: The methodology should be able to identify accurately
the location and extent of the impacts on a temporal scale.
III. Impact measurement
a) Commensurate units: It should have a commensurate set of units so that
comparison can be made between alternatives and criteria.
b) Explicit indicators: It should suggest specific and measurable indicators to
be used to qualify impacts on the relevant environmental parameters.
c) Magnitude: It should provide for the measurement of impact magnitude,
defined as the degree of extensiveness of scale of the impact, as distinct from
impact importance, defined as the weighing of the degree of significance of the
impact.
d) Objective criteria: It should be based on objective criteria and the criteria
should be stated explicitly.

IV. Impact interpretation and Evaluation

a) Significance: The methodology should be able to assess the significance of
measured impacts on a local, regional and national scale.
b) Explicit Criteria: The criteria and assumptions employed to determine impact
significance should be explicitly stated.
c) Portrayal of “with” and “with out” situation: The methodology should be
able to aggregate the vast amounts of information and raw input data.
d) Uncertainty: Uncertainty of possible impacts is a very real problem in
environmental impact assessment. The methodology should be able to take this
aspect into account.
e) Risk: The methodology should identify impacts that have low probability of
occurrence but a high potential for damage and loss.
f) Depth of analysis: The conclusions derived from the methodology should be
able to provide sufficient depth of analysis and instill confidence in the users,
including the general public.
g) Alternative comparison: It should provide a sufficiently detailed and
complete comparison of the various alternatives readily available for the project
under study.
f) Public involvement: The methodology should suggest a mechanism for
public involvement in the interpretation of impacts and their significance.
V. Impact Communication
a) Affected parties: The methodology should provide a mechanism for linking
impacts to specific effected geographical or social groups.
b) Setting description: It should be provide a description of the project setting to
aid the users in developing an adequately comprehensive overall perspective.
c) Summary format: It should provide the results of the impact analysis
summarized in a format that will give the user, who range from the lay public to
the decision makers, sufficient details to understand it and have confidence in
its assessment.
d) Key issues: It should provide a format for highlighting the key issues and
impacts identified in the analysis.
e) Compliance: One of the most important factors in choosing a methodology is
whether it is able to comply with the terms of reference established by the
controlling agency.

2.2 Objectives of Methodologies

Understand the nature and location of the project and possible alternatives
 Identify factors of analysis and assessment objectives
 Preliminary identification of impacts and scoping Baseline studies and
evolution in the absence of projects
 Prediction and assessment of impacts and alternatives comparison
 Mitigation of impacts management.

2.3 Requirements of EIA Methodologies

The EIA Practitioner faces vast varieties of raw and unorganized information
that must be collected and analyzed in preparation of an EIA report.
The best methods should be able to
Organize a large mass of heterogeneous data
 Allow summarization of data
 Aggregate the data into smaller sets with least loss of information
 Display the raw data and the derived information in a direct and relevant
fashion
 Target audience should also be considered (if not educated use color codes,
size etc.)

2.4 Major Methodologies for EIA

The methodologies can be broadly divided into five types on the basis of impact
identification strength.
1. Adhoc methods
2. Matrices methods
3. Network methods
4. Overlays methods
5. Environmental index using factor analysis
6. Cost/benefit analysis

1) 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
Descriptive checklist delivers more information about the nature and magnitude
of the impacts rather than just identification, whether it occurs or not. Table 4 is
an example of a descriptive checklist and includes past, present and future
actions.The checklist can also discuss the cumulative impacts due to past
activities, project and other nearby sources.
 iii) Scaling Checklist
Scaling checklists are similar to the descriptive checklist with additional
information of subjective scaling of the impacts on the environmental parameters.

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
 (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.

Example: Environment Evaluation Value System such as Battelle

Environment Evaluation System.

The Environmental Evaluation System (EES) is a methodology, which conducts

environmental impact analysis.The EES evaluates environmental impact in four
major categories such as ecology, environmental pollution, esthetics and human
interest.

Major features of the EES are:

1. Its hierarchical classification system;

2. Its commensurate unit of measure (EIU)
3. Its flaging of environmentally sensitive areas.

(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.
 Matrices Method
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

This methodology provides a framework of interaction of different activities

of a project with potential environmental impacts caused by them. A simple
interaction matrix is formed when project actions are listed on one axis
(usually vertical) and environmental impacts are listed along the other axis.
This technique was pioneered by Leopold et al in 1971. It lists about 100
project actions and about 88 environmental characteristics and conditions.
An example of this matrix is shown below:

Importance of Matrices
 Matrices are two dimensional tables.
 These facilitate the identification of impacts arising from the
interaction between project activities and specific environmental
components.

 The entries of the cell of the matrix can be either qualitative or

quantitative estimates of impact.

i)Simple Matrix

ii) Leopold Matrices

 Identify all actions that are part of the proposed project

 Under the each of the proposed actions, place a slash at the inter-
section with each item on the side of the matrix if an impact is
possible.

 In the upper left hand corner of each box with a slash, place a number
from 1 to 10 which indicates the MAGNITUDE of the possible
impact.
 10 represent the greatest magnitude of impact.

 1 is the least magnitude of impact (no zero es).

 Before each number place + (if the impact would be beneficial).

 In the lower right hand corner of the box place a number from 1 to 10 which i ndicates the
IMPORT ANCE of the possible impact (Eg. Regional vs. Local).

 10 represents the greatest importance and 1 the least (no zeroes ).

 10 represent the greatest magnitude of impact.

 1 is the least magnitude of impact (no zero es).

 Before each number place + (if the impact would be beneficial).

 In the lower right hand corner of the box place a number from 1 to 10 which i ndicates the
IMPORT ANCE of the possible impact (Eg. Regional vs. Local).

 10 represents the greatest importance and 1 the least (no zeroes ).

 Advantages:

 10 represent the greatest magnitude of impact.

 1 is the least magnitude of impact (no zero es).

 Before each number place + (if the impact would be beneficial).

 In the lower right hand corner of the box place a number from 1 to 10 which i ndicates the
IMPORT ANCE of the possible impact (Eg. Regional vs. Local).

 10 represents the greatest importance and 1 the least (no zeroes ).

1.The matrix method is that it links action
to impact 2.This is a very good method
for displaying EIA result.

Disadvantages:

o It is difficult to distinguish between direct and indirect impacts

using this method. oThere is potential for double-counting of

impacts.

o It is qualitative in nature and does not refer to quantity of impact.

2.4.3.Network Method

 This method uses the matrix approach and extends it to include

both the primary as well as the secondary impacts.
 It is shown in the form of a tree called impact tree. This diagram is
also called as reference or sequence diagram.
 Identification of direct, indirect along with short, long term impact
is a crucial and basic step of making an impact tree.
 The impact tree is used to identify cause-effect linkages.The
impact tree is a visual description of linkages.Network Model
Example

Advantages:

 It links action to impact.

 It is useful to check second order impacts in a simplified form.

 It handles direct and indirect impacts.

Disadvantages:

 It becomes overly complex if used beyond simplified version.

 It is completely qualitative in nature.

 2.4.5.Cost – Benefit Analysis (CBA)

1. Cost benefit analysis is a systematic process for identifying,

valuing and comparing costs and benefits of a project.
2. It is a systematic approach to estimate the strengths and weakness
of alternatives (for ex. In transactions, activities, functional
business requirements or project investments)
3. It is used to determine options that provide the best approach to
achieve benefits while preserving savings.
4. CBA is a standard tool for evaluating the economic analysis or
trade of analysis, investment of development projects.
5. Economic analysis takes into account the opportunity costs of
resources employed and attempts to measure in monetary terms the
private and social costs and benefits of a project to the community
or economy.

CBA Purposes

Broadly CBA has two main purposes

1. To determine if an investment/decision is sound (justification or

feasibility) verifying whether its benefits outweigh the costs, and by
how much.

2. To provide a basis for comparing projects which involves comparing

the total expected cost of each option against its total expected
benefits.

CBA Process:
 Define the goals and objectives of the activities.

 List alternate projects /programs.

 List stakeholders.

 Select measurement and measure all cost/benefit elements.

 Predict outcome of cost and benefits over relevant time period.

 Convert all costs and benefits into a common currency.

 Apply discount rate.

 Calculate net present value of project options.

 Perform sensitivity analysis to identifying the key variables that are

major influence in the cost and benefits of the project.

 Adopt recommended choice.

**Cost Benefit analysis is carried out for the selected EIA report

 The cost-benefit analysis of the highway road project enables to make

a comparison of the individual-projects and give priority to the
competing projects on a monetary basis.

 The Road Authority and Transport Department must use the available
resources efficiently, keeping in mind the welfare of the environment
and its inhabitants.

 Provision for service roads/alternate road connectivity, two-laning/

four-laning/ sixlaning, riding quality, bypasses and over-bridges,
bridges amenities. Based on these factors, the investment needs can be
calculated.

Methods of Impact Identification, Prediction andSignificance of

Impacts

Methods of Impact Prediction

There are many potential methods available for predicting impacts on a

variety ofresources. No prediction methods are perfect and new or improved
methods areconstantly being developed.
Predictive methods areextrapolative and/orNormative

Extrapolative Methods
are those in which the predictions are made on the basis of pastand present data
and which include trend and scenario analysis (the common senseforecast of the
future), analogies (transferring experience from elsewhere), and
intuitiveforecasting from group consensus (Delphi Method).
Normative Methods
examine how the fulfillment of a desired target is achieved. Forexample, if in one
construction project, a target set is to employ 50% of the local populace. Meeting
this target, may require changing the project and associatedemployment policy.In
general, the prediction methods are divided into the following six types described
below.

1)Mathematical Model

Such models are based on cause-effect relationships usually expressed in the form
ofmathematical functions. They may be simple input-output models or of complex
dynamictypes.

Such models are primarily used for predicting the impact only partially
(e.g.,model for phosphorus retention in a lake, or model to predict the economic
multiplier in a particular area). Models which are comprehensive and provide a
holistic approach areoften rare, except in some cases of land-use planning.
Mathematical models are divided into two types.
•deterministic
models are usually derived through fixed relationships. They are morecommonly
used in socioeconomic impact prediction. For example, the economicmultiplier in
a project where injection of money in the project area takes place and theimpact on
the economy of the project area is examined, and
 The stochastic model is a probabilistic type in which the prediction depends
upon thedegree of probability of occurrence of a number of events in a given
area and time.A simple model termed a 'mass balance model' is usually
applied for indicating the inputfrom one compartment resulting in the output
for another. If the inputs are water, food,and chemicals in one compartment,
the outputs would be water and wastes flowing outinto another
compartment..
2) Statistical Models
Statistical techniques such as regression or component analysis are sometimes used
toindicate the relationship between the data and test hypothesis, for example, in
predictingflood frequencies.
3) Geography Information System (GIS)
Satellite images, physical maps and aerial photographs provide information on
existingresources. Prediction of impacts of the development project can be made
by analysingthe effect of project activities on the resources present in the location
by using GIStechniques.
4) Field and Laboratory Experimental Methods
Field inventory carried out prior to project implementation provide the
baselineinformation of resources. For example, a fish resource survey in the River
of Nepalindicated that a long-distance migratory fish species are existing in the
river. It could then be determined that the construction of a dam in the upstream
part of the river might createan obstruction for their upstream migration of the fish
for breeding. Such an impactwould lead to the decline of the fish population in
upstream of the dam unless mitigationis planned to deal with the problem.

5) Physical Models
These models are closely linked to field and laboratory experiments making critical
engineering and other decisions on site. Basically, a model of an area likely to be
impacted is constructed but on a smaller scale. For example, it could show the
physical parameters of a Run-of-river hydropower project. Both natural features
such as
topography and socio-cultural features such as villages, schools and bridges are
included.In the case of rivers, the effect of impoundment on flow can
be calculated..
6) Expert Judgement
 Expert judgement refers to an event occurring due to certain activities in
a particularlocation that may be analogous to other locations of similar
conditions with similaractivities.
 The experience of one place could very well be utilised for similar places
elsewherewhere the environmental impacts are unknown.
 For example, many irrigationdevelopment projects produce effects of
salinisation. Decisions on anticipated impact based on past experience are
the result of conceptual models often referred to as 'expert judgements'.
Acquisition Process
Analysis Of Alternatives(AOA)

An Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is an analytical comparison of the operational

effectiveness, suitability, and life-cycle cost of alternative material solutions that
satisfy an established capability need to be identified in an Initial Capabilities
Document (ICD). It focuses on the identification and analysis of
alternatives, Measures of Effectiveness (MOE), schedule, Concepts of Operations
(CONOPS), and overall risk. An AoA also assesses Critical Technology Elements
(CTEs) associated with each proposed material solution, including; technology
maturity, integration risk, manufacturing feasibility, and technology maturation
and demonstration needs.

Definition: The Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is a documented evaluation of the

performance, operational effectiveness, operational suitability, and estimated costs
of alternative systems to meet a capability need that has been identified through
the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development Systems (JCIDS) process.

When is the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Conducted

The AoA is conducted during the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA)

Phase before Milestone A. The final AoA supporting a Milestone A decision is
provided to the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (DCAPE)
not later than 60 days prior to the milestone decision review meeting. The DCAPE
normally develops and approves AoA Study Guidance. [1]

How the Analysis of Alternative (AoA) Supports Materiel Solution Analysis

(MSA) Phase

The AoA process greatly aids the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) Phase. The
AoA process is required to define better the trade space between cost, schedule,
and performance after a program has an approved Materiel Development Decision.
This will help the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) and Service Sponsor
choose a preferred materiel solution addressing the capability gaps in the
approved Initial Capabilities Document (ICD).
Steps to Conducting an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)

DoD Components should make sure that the AoA is conducted with transparency.
More openness makes it easier to understand the analysis and helps leaders focus
on what the analysis means because they know where it came from. It also lets
Components deal with any problems that might arise before they waste time and
effort and do more work. The typical steps in conducting an AoA include:

 Step 1 Plan: Determine the goals, schedule, stakeholders, funding, team, and
deliverables.
 Step 2 Establish analysis foundation: Determine the problem and scope
being addressed and the ground rules and assumptions.
 Step 3 Identify and Define Alternatives: Identify the alternatives to the
problem set.
 Step 4 Assess Alternatives: Assess each of the alternatives identified
 Step 5 Compare Alternatives: Determine the pros and cons of alternative
solutions
 Step 6 Report results: Document results for decision-makers
 Step 7 Follow-up: Conduct a follow-up analysis on any chosen alternative

Analysis of Alternative (AoA) Outline

An AoA will normally include the following sections, although it can (and should)
be tailored or streamlined to support the given situation. An outline is provided in
the AoA Main References Section below. The normal AoA sections are:

 Capability Need, Deficiencies, and Opportunities

 Program Description
 Threats
 Operational Environments
 Operational Concept
 Operational Requirements
 Status Quo (Baseline) and Alternatives
 System Design, Performance, and Measures of Effectiveness
 Life-Cycle Costs of Baseline and each alternative
 Life Cycle Cost per unit system
 Life Cycle Cost per specified quantity of systems
 Analysis of Alternatives
  Trade-off Analysis
 Sensitivity Analysis
 Recommendations and Conclusions

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Reporting and Certification

For Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) at Milestone A, the Milestone

Decision Authority (MDA) must certify in writing to Congress that the Department
has completed an AoA consistent with study guidance developed by the Director
of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (DCAPE). For MDAPs at Milestone
B, the MDA must certify in writing to Congress that the Department has completed
an AoA with respect to the program. [1]

When is the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Updated

An AoA should be updated and performed in each acquisition phase and

throughout the lifecycle of a program to guarantee that the correct material solution
is being developed. The update should be used to refine the proposed material
solution and reaffirm the rationale in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Input into the Technology Development

Strategy (TDS)

The Technology Development Strategy (TDS) should highlight how the risks
identified in the AoA areas are going to be addressed and minimized in
the Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction (TMRR) Phase and on the path to
full manufacturing capability in the Production and Deployment (PD) Phase.

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) Input into an Alternative Systems Review

(ASR)

Completion of the Alternative Systems Review (ASR) should provide a

comprehensive rationale for the proposed material solution(s), based upon the AoA
that evaluated relative cost, schedule, performance (hardware, human, software),
and technology risks.