UNIT – 1

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Faculty: G. BHOGAYYA NAIDU

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Environmental Impact

 It refers to a positive (beneficial) or negative (adverse) change to ecosystems or human health as a

consequence of human intervention in the environment through proposed public and private
developmental activities such as projects and programs. This type of study is undertaken to
enable environment and heritage protection, and biodiversity conservation in order to avoid or
reduce the significant impacts.

 Ex:- Industrial estate development projects, urban development projects, waste water treatment
plants, oil and gas pipelines, fish meal and fish oil factories, petroleum extraction and refines,
cement manufacturing industries, nuclear power plants, dams, transport in fracture (airport
runway, roads), natural resources exploration (sand extraction).

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Defining Environmental Impact Assessment:

Environmental impact assessment is, in its simplest form, a planning tool that is now generally regarded
as an integral component of sound decision making…As a planning tool it has both an information
gathering and decision making component which provides the decision maker with an objective basis for
granting or denying approval for a proposed development.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be defined as a formal process used to predict the
environmental consequences of any development project. EIA thus ensures that the potential problems are
foreseen and addressed at an early stage in the projects planning and design.

EIA – Three core values

1. Integrity: The EIA process should be fair, objective, unbiased and balanced

2. Utility: The EIA process should provide balanced, credible information for decision making

3. Sustainability: The EIA process should result in environmental safeguards.

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What are the types of EIA:
 EIA can be classified based on the purpose and the theme of development. EIA can be climate
impact assessment, demographic impact assessment, development impact assessment, ecological
impact assessment, economic and fiscal impact assessment, health impact assessment, risk
assessment, social impact assessment, strategic impact assessment, and technology assessment. In
addition to this list, EIA is also categorized based on systematic analysis of environmental
 parameters, geographic region, carrying-capacity limitations, sectoral planning, and line of
activity. They are strategic EIA, regional EIA, sectoral EIA, project-level EIA, and life cycle
assessment (LCA).These are the following types
➢ Strategic EIA (SEIA):
➢ Regional EIA:
➢ Sectoral EIA:
➢ Project Level EIA:
➢ Life Cycle Assessment:
 Strategic EIA (SEIA): Strategic EIA refers to systematic analysis of the environmental effects of
development policies, plans, programs, and other proposed strategic actions. This process extends
the aims and principles of EIA upstream in the decision-making process, beyond the project level
and when major alternatives are still open. Strategic EIA represents a proactive approach to
integrate environmental considerations into the higher level of decision-making, for example, the
EIA related to Hyderabad metro railway project

 Regional EIA: EIA in the context of regional planning integrates environmental concerns into
the development planning for a geographic region, normally at the sub country level. Such an
approach is referred to as the economic-cum-environmental (EcE) development planning. This
approach facilitates adequate integration of economic development with management of
renewable natural resources within the carrying-capacity limitation to achieve sustainable
development. It fulfills the need for macro level environmental integration, which the project-
oriented EIA is unable to address effectively. Regional EIA addresses the environmental impacts
of regional development plans and thus the context for project-level EIA of the subsequent
projects, within the region. In addition, if environmental effects are considered at regional level,
then cumulative environmental effects of all the projects within the region can be accounted.

 Sectoral ElA: Instead of project-level EIA, an EIA should take place in the context of regional
and sectoral level planning. Once sectoral level development plans have the integrated sectoral
environmental concerns addressed, the scope of project-level EIA will be quite narrow. Sectoral
EIA will help to address specific environmental problems that may be encountered in planning
and implementing sectoral development projects. Based on the nature and product, almost all the
projects are categorized into eight sectors. For instance, sand mining can be considered as a
sectional EIA as it involves extraction of sand from the mine

 Project level EIA: Project-level EIA refers to the developmental activity in isolation and the
impacts it exerts on the receiving environment. Thus, it may not effectively integrate the
cumulative effects of the development in a region. This EIA mainly depends on the line of
activity proposed in the project.

 Life cycle assessment (LCA): A broader approach to deal with environmental impacts in
manufacturing is called life cycle analysis. This approach recognizes that environmental concerns
enter into every step of the process with respect to the manufacturing of the products and thus
examines environmental impacts of the product at all stages of the product life cycle. This
includes the product design, development, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, usage, and
disposal. LCA is concerned with reducing environmental impacts at all these stages and looking
 at the total picture rather than just one stage of the production process. Through utilizing this
concept, firms minimize the life cycle environmental costs of their total product system. LCA
gives sufficient scope to think about the alternatives, which are lower at cost.

 EIA shall be integrated at all the levels, i.e., strategic, regional, sectoral, and project level.
Whereas the strategic EIA is a structural change, the regional EIA refers to substantial
information processing and drawing complex inferences.

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Stakeholders in the EIA Process:
 Those who propose the project
 The environmental consultant who prepare EIA on behalf of project proponent
 Pollution Control Board (State or National)
 Public has the right to express their opinion
 The Impact Assessment Agency
 Regional centre of the MoEFCC
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Participants in EIA Process:
1. Proponent: Government or Private Agency which initiates the project.
2. Decision maker: Designated individual or group.
3. Assessor: Agency responsible for the preparation of EIS.
4. Reviewer: Individual/Agency/Board.
5. Expert advisers, Media and Public, Environmental organizations etc.
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The Need for EIA:
EIA simply means Environmental Impact Assessment; any project that has the potential of affecting the
health of the environment surely requires EIA, conducted and approved by environmental agencies. The
need to carry out an EIA.

An EIA is a part of Resource Management Acts in many countries who are particularly interested in
preserving and maintaining their environment such as Canada and Australia. Some general benefits of an
EIA include cost saving and reduced time of project implementation and adhering of legal regulations.

Environmental assessment (EA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences of a plan, policy,
program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. In this context,
the term "environmental impact assessment" (EIA) is usually used when applied to actual projects by
individuals or companies and the term "strategic environmental assessment" (SEA) applies to policies,
plans and programmes most often proposed by organs of state. It is a tool of environmental management
forming a part of project approval and decision-making. Environmental assessments may be governed by
rules of administrative procedure regarding public participation and documentation of decision making,
and may be subject to judicial review.

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Indian Policies Requiring EIA:

EIA Notification 2006:

Published in the Gazette of India,
Under sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, on 14 September
2006.

Eligible candidates for EC:

All new projects or activities listed in the Schedule to EIA notification 2006
Projects or activities which cross the threshold limits given in the Schedule, after expansion or
modernization.
Any change in product - mix in an existing manufacturing unit included in Schedule beyond the
specified range.

Competent Authority:
Ministry of Environment and Forests for matters falling under Category ‘A’ in the Schedule
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for matters falling under Category ‘B’
in the Schedule.
All projects and activities are broadly categorized in Category A and Category B, based on the
spatial extent of potential impacts and potential impacts on human health and natural and man
made resources.
The EACs at the Central Government and SEACs at the State or the Union territory level shall
screen, scope and appraise projects or activities in Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’ respectively.

Stages in the EC Process:

Stage (1) Screening (Only for Category ‘B’ projects/ activities)
Stage (2) Scoping
Stage (3) Public Consultation
Stage (4) Appraisal

Stage (1) – Screening:

Category ‘B’ projects/ activities
Screening for further level of EIA
Category B1/ B2
EIA is required for all projects in category B1 except Item 8 of the Schedule
(Construction/Township/Commercial Complexes /Housing)
Stage (2) – Scoping:
“Scoping”: refers to the process by which EAC/ SEAC
Determine detailed and comprehensive Terms of Reference addressing all relevant
environmental concerns for the preparation of an EIA Report
Decision making shall be on the basis of the information furnished in the prescribed application
Form1/Form 1A including TOR proposed by the applicant.
All projects/ activities listed as Category ‘B’ in Item 8 of the Schedule shall not require Scoping
and will be appraised on the basis of Form 1/ Form 1A and the conceptual plan.
Applications for EC may be rejected by the EAC/ SEAC at this stage itself. Such decision
together with reasons for the same shall be communicated to the applicant in sixty days

Stage (3) -Public Consultation:

The process by which the concerns of local affected persons and others who have plausible stake
in the environmental impacts of the project or activity are ascertained
All Category ‘A’ and Category B1 projects/ activities shall undertake Public Consultation.
After completion of the public consultation, the applicant shall address all the material
environmental concerns expressed during this process, and make appropriate changes in the draft
EIA and EMP.

Exceptions:
Modernization of irrigation projects
Projects or activities located within industrial estates or parks approved by the concerned
authorities, and which are not disallowed in such approvals.
Expansion of Roads and Highways which do not involve any further acquisition of land.
All Building /Construction projects/Area Development projects and Townships
All Category ‘B2’ projects and activities.
All projects or activities concerning national defense and security

Stage (4) –Appraisal:

Appraisal means the detailed scrutiny by the EAC/ SEAC of
The application
The Final EIA report
Outcome of the public consultations including public hearing proceedings,
Applications by the applicant to the different regulatory authorities for permissions.
The appraisal of all projects/ activities which are
not required to undergo public consultation,
or submit an Environment Impact Assessment report,
The appraisal shall be carried out on the basis of
the prescribed application Form 1 and Form 1A as applicable, any other relevant
validated information available and the site visit wherever the same is considered as necessary.
Outcome :
Appraisal Committee concerned shall make categorical recommendations to the regulatory
authority concerned
Either for grant of prior environmental clearance on stipulated terms and conditions,
or rejection of the application for prior environmental clearance, together with reasons for
the same.

Grant or Rejection of Prior Environmental Clearance (EC):

The regulatory authority shall consider the recommendations of the EAC or SEAC concerned
and convey its decision to the applicant within forty five days of the receipt of the
recommendations.
In cases where it disagrees with the recommendations of the EAC/SEAC concerned, the
regulatory authority shall request reconsideration

Validity of Environmental Clearance (EC):

The prior environmental clearance granted for a project or activity shall be valid
for a period of ten years in the case of River Valley projects
project life as estimated by EAC/ SEAC subject to a maximum of thirty years for mining
projects and five years in the case of all other projects and activities.
However, in the case of item 8(b), the validity period shall be limited only to such
activities as may be the responsibility of the applicant as a developer.

Post Environmental Clearance Monitoring:

It shall be mandatory for the project management to submit half-yearly compliance reports in
respect of the stipulated prior environmental clearance terms and conditions
All such compliance reports submitted by the project management shall be public documents.

Transferability of Environmental Clearance (EC):

A prior environmental clearance granted for a specific project or activity to an applicant may be
transferred during its validity to another legal person entitled to undertake the project
On the same terms and conditions under which the prior environmental clearance was initially
granted, and for the same validity period.

EIA in India : Strengths

Well-defined legal structure
Well-knitted regulatory structure for proper execution of EIA:
CPCB/ MoEF/ State DoE/ SPCB
Transparent Decision Making Process
 Report kept on MoEF site for one month.
RTI Act 2005.
Contribute transparency in process
Accreditation and endorsement of consultant.
Aims to bring in professionals
Public Hearing.

EIA in India : Weaknesses

Screening and scoping exercises are not well defined
Allows proponent to split project
Insufficient baseline data,
leading to Inadequate/ unnecessary information
Improper monitoring and implementation
No provision for third party evaluation
Poor quality EIA reports and non-accountability of EIA professionals
Effluent Standard:
Total pollution load/ carrying capacity not considered
Infeasible treatment
No well defined standards, eg for reuse of treated wastewater
Inconsistent application of evaluation and predictive tools:
Lack of knowledge
Missing guidelines for use of tools
Inadequate public participation:
One time process
Out of reach for many of the affected individuals/communities
Influenced by project proponent
Even orchestrated.

Opportunities:
Increasing public awareness
Information in public domain increases transparency and accountability
The demand for better environment is forcing a policy shift
Growing consciousness through Non Governmental Organizations
Self-regulation in industrial sector:
CSR activities, Public image, and Economic benefits to industry
Funding agency criteria:
Forcing proponents to take measures
International convention
Amendments in the Acts
Threats:
Political Influence
Poor Governance & Corruption.
Conflict of Interest.
Possibilities of biased public hearing.
Globalization of tools for impact prediction.
Preference of Economic Development over environment protection

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The EIA Cycle and Procedures: (Life cycle assessment (LCA)

 A broader approach to deal with environmental impacts in manufacturing is called life cycle
analysis. This approach recognizes that environmental concerns enter into every step of the
process with respect to the manufacturing of the products and thus examines environmental
impacts of the product at all stages of the product life cycle. This includes the product design,
development, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, usage, and disposal. LCA is concerned with
reducing environmental impacts at all these stages and looking at the total picture rather than just
one stage of the production process. Through utilizing this concept, firms minimize the life cycle
environmental costs of their total product system. LCA gives sufficient scope to think about the
alternatives, which are lower at cost.

 EIA shall be integrated at all the levels, i.e., strategic, regional, sectoral, and project level.
Whereas the strategic EIA is a structural change, the regional EIA refers to substantial
information processing and drawing complex inferences.
The EIA processes in India is made up of eight phases (Life cycle assessment
(LCA)

Phase I Screening:

Screening is done to visualize whether a project requires Environmental Clearance or not as per
the statutory notifications (as per Environment Protection Act (1986) MOEF Notification on EIA
dated January 27, 1994 and July 7, 2004).
a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action.
Screening is needed on the part of proponents and regulating agencies vis-a vis scales of
investment, type of development and location of development. A project requires statutory
environmental clearance only if the provisions of EIA notification cover it in as much as:
having come to be required or expected through being done or made
➢ Prohibiting locations of industries except those related to tourism in a belt of 1.0 km from
regularly.
high tide mark from the Revdanda Creek upto Devgarh point (near Shrivardhan) as well
as in 1.0 km belt along the banks of Rajpure Creek in Murud Janjira area in the Raigarh
district of Maharastra (6th January 1989) ƒ
➢ Restricting locations of industries, mining operations and other activities in Doon Valley
(Uttaranchal) (1st February 1989) ƒ
 ➢ Regulating activities in the coastal stretches of the country by classifying them as coastal
regulation zone and prohibiting certain activities (19th February 1991) ƒ
➢ Restricting location of industries and regulating other activities in Dhonu Taluka in
Maharashtra (6th January 1991) ƒ
➢ Restricting certain activities in specified areas of Aravalle Range in the Gurgaon district
of Hayana and Alwar district of Rajasthan (7th May 1992)

➢ Regulating industrial and other activities, which could lead to pollution and congestion in
an area north west of Numaligarh in Assam (5th July 1992)

Phase II Scoping and consideration of Alternatives:

Scoping is an important consideration of detailing terms of reference of EIA. The project

proponent either by a team of experts (scientist and engineers) or consultants so appointed should
work it out or may also be referred to the Environment Impact Agency.

The MOEF has published guidelines for different sectors signifying issues to be addressed in
EIA studies. Quantifiable impacts are to be assessed on the basis of magnitude, prevalence,
frequency and duration and non quantifiable impacts (such as aesthetic or recreational value).
Significance is determined by socio-economic criteria.

After the area is identified, the base line data should be obtained and likely changes predicted for
important attributes during construction and operation.

Phase III Base line data:

Base line data denotes the existing conditions and environmental status of the identified area.
The site specific primary data should be collected for identified attributes and supplemented by
secondary data if available.

Phase IV Impact Prediction:

Impact prediction is a way of mapping the environmental consequences of selected significant

attributes of the project and its alternatives. The prediction can not be absolute and therefore it
would be prudent to consider all the possible factors and take all precautions for reducing the
degree of uncertainty
skill and good judgment in the use of resources. 4 : caution or circumspection as to
danger or risk.
The following impacts of the project should be assessed:

ƒ Air – Changes in ambient levels and ground level conc. from point, line and area sources.
Effects on soil, materials, vegetation and human health. ƒ

Noise – Changes in ambient levels due to noise produced from equipment, DG sets and
movement of vehicles. ƒ
Water – availability to competing users, changes in quality, sediment transport and ingress of
saline water.

ƒ Land – Changes in land use, drainage pattern, changes in land quality including effects of
waste disposal. ƒ

Biological – Deforestation, tree felling and shrinkage in animal habitat. Impact on flora and
fauna (including aquatic), impact on rare, threatened or endangered species endemic sp. or
migratory animals. Impact on breeding on nesting sites. ƒ

Socio-economic – Impact on local community including demographic changes, economic status,

human health and increase traffic.

Phase V Assessment of alternatives, delineation of mitigation measures and Environmental

Impact:

For every project, alternatives should be identified and environmental attributes compared. This
should include location, and technologies. One of the alternative could be no project.
Alternatives should than be ranked in terms of predicted impacts, mitigation and socio-economic
costs.

Once the alternative has been chosen, a mitigation plan be drawn with Environmental
Management Plan (EMP). Risk factor should also be discussed.

Phase VI Public Hearing:

The law requires that public must be informed and consulted in the proposed development after
the completion of EIA report.

The stake holders are entitled to have access to executive summary of EIA. They may include:

➢ bonafide local residents ƒ

➢ local associations ƒ
➢ environmental groups ƒ
➢ any other person located at the site/site of displacement

The State Pollution Control Board shall cause a notice for environmental public hearing
(published in at least two news papers, one of them should be in local language) mentioning date,
time and place. Suggestions, views, comments shall be invited within 30 days from the date of
publication.
Phase V Decision making:

Decision making process involve consultation between the project proponents (assisted by
Technical experts/consultants/and the impact assessment authority (assisted by an expert
group/committee if necessary). The decision is arrived at through evaluation of EIA and EMP.

Phase VI Monitoring the Clearance conditions:

Monitoring should be done during construction and operation phases of a project. This is to
ensure that:

a) Commitments made are complied,

b) observe that whether the predictions made in the EIA reports were correct or not,

c) corrective measures have been made or not,

d) Environmental Management Plan is in place or not.

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STAGES OF THE EIA PROCESS:

The EIA process, while not uniform from country to country, generally consists of a set of procedural
steps culminating in a written impact assessment report that will inform the decision-maker whether to
approve or reject a proposed project.

Identifying and Defining the Project or Activity: Although this step may seem relatively simple,
defining a “project” for the purposes of an EIA can become complex and even controversial if a mining
project is large, has several phases, or involves multiple sites. The goal of this step is to define the project
with enough specificity to accurately determine the zone of possible impacts and to include activities that
are closely connected with the proposal so that the entire scope of environmental impacts is evaluated.
Screening: The screening process determines whether a particular project warrants preparation of an EIA.
The threshold requirements for an EIA vary from country to country – some laws provide a list of the
types of activities or projects that will require an EIA, others require an EIA for any project that may have
a significant impact on the environment or for projects that exceed a certain monetary value. In some
cases, particularly if the possible impacts of a project are not known, a preliminary environmental
assessment will be prepared to determine whether the project warrants an EIA.
Scoping: Scoping is a stage, usually involving the public and other interested parties, that identifies the
key environmental issues that should be addressed in an EIA. This step provides one of the first
opportunities for members of the public or NGOs to learn about a proposed project and to voice their
opinions. Scoping may also reveal similar or connected activities that may be occurring in the vicinity of
a project, or identify problems that need to be mitigated or that may cause the project to be canceled.

Preparing Terms of Reference: The Terms of Reference serve as a roadmap for EIA preparation and
should ideally encompass the issues and impacts that have been identified during the scoping process.A
draft Terms of Reference may be made available for public review and comment. Public review at this
early stage of the process provides a key opportunity to ensure that the EIA is properly framed and will
address issues of community concern

Preparing Draft EIA: A draft EIA is prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference and/ or the
range of issues identified during the scoping process. The draft EIA must also meet the content
requirements of the overarching EIA law or regulations. This step will ideally engage a wide range of
technical specialists to evaluate baseline conditions, predict the likely impacts of the project, and design
mitigation measures.

Public Participation: Best EIA practice involves and engages the public at numerous points throughout
the process with a two-way exchange of information and views. Public participation may consist of
informational meetings, public hearings, and opportunities to provide written comments about a proposed
project. However, there are no consistent rules for public participation among current EIA systems. Even
within a particular country, there can be variations in the quality and extent of public involvement in the
EIA process, depending on the type of project being considered, the communities that may be affected, or
government agencies that are overseeing the project.

Preparing Final EIA: This step produces a final impact assessment report that addresses the viewpoints
and comments of the parties that reviewed the draft EIA. These comments may prompt revisions or
additions to the text of the draft EIA. In some cases, the final EIA will contain an appendix summarizing
all of the comments received from the public and other interested parties and provide responses to those
comments.

Decision: A decision to approve or reject a mining project is generally based on the final EIA, but in
some instances, an environmental clearance may be just one step in the mine permitting process. The
decision may be accompanied by certain conditions that must be fulfilled, such as posting a reclamation
bond or filing an Environmental Management Plan.

Administrative or Judicial Review: Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be opportunities for a
party to seek administrative and/or judicial review of the final decision and the EIA process. An appeal
may address procedural flaws in the EIA process, such as a failure to hold any required public hearings,
or may point to substantive issues that the decision-maker failed to consider. A country’s judicial review
or administrative procedure act, or sometimes the EIA law itself, will usually identify the kinds of issues
that can be raised in an appeal and the type of relief that may be granted.
Project Implementation: Provided all regulatory requirements are met and permits are obtained, mine
development will proceed following the project decision and once opportunities for administrative and/or
judicial review are exhausted.

Monitoring: Monitoring is an important part of project implementation. Monitoring serves three

purposes: (1) ensuring that required mitigation measures are being implemented; (2) evaluating whether
mitigation measures are working effectively; and (3) validating the accuracy of models or projections that
were used during the impact assessment process.

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EIA BASELINE DATA:

SCOPE OF WORK:

This section of the report gives description of the existing Environmental conditions within the project
area, which constitutes the baseline for the study. Natural conditions are often critical when designing
and constructing infrastructure works The assessment of baseline studies of the appropriate
environmental parameters, which may be affected by the project implementation, is a pre-requisite for
any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study The purpose of describing the environmental settings
in the study area is:

➢ To assess the existing environmental quality, as well as study the environmental impacts due
to the proposed project
➢ To identify environmentally significant factors or geographical areas that could prelude any
future development.

METHODOLOGY OF CONDUCTING STUDIES:

M/s NETEL (India) Ltd., MoEF approved laboratory were engaged to carry out environmental monitoring
and analysis. The monitoring surveys of the study area (project area) were carried out for one season i.e.
from 4 th September 2016 to 4 th December 2016. Environmental monitoring data of J N port form Jan
2015 to September 2015 was collected and summarized for consideration. Field monitoring for
meteorological conditions, ambient air quality, water quality, noise quality, etc. was carried out, which
constitutes major portion of the baseline environmental studies

The impact due to the setting of incineration plant on existing baseline of environmental parameter will
be restricted and of temporary in nature these are further controlled and minimized by adopting various
mitigative measures. Even during operational phase the impact on environmental settings will be
negligible and will be controlled by adopting proper environment management plan (EMP) These
aspects have been studied with reference to the proposed project and baseline data has been presented
in this chapter. These details have been given in the following sections
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS:

In order to assess the existing environmental status in the project area, primary and secondary data on
various environmental attributes viz. air quality, noise levels, water quality, soil, ecology, land use etc.
have been collected and presented in the following paragraphs. The entire project area is divided in to
various environmental segments in order to establish baseline environmental study

Location:

JNP is located in the Mumbai estuary on the west coast of India at 18o 56.43’ N latitude and 72o 56.24’ E
longitude in Sheva, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra The location of JNP is shown in Drawing I-514/JNPT/101.

Meteorology:

The data below is from the secondary sources.

Topography:

The entire area near the site is almost barren with little vegetation along the slope. Land use
classification of the project area and its surroundings was undertaken using digital satellite data of IRS
IC, LISS III sensor The satellite data was procured from National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA),
Hyderabad and was processed at WAPCOS using image processing software. Ground truth verification
studies were conducted in the month of April/May 2003, and the digital satellite data was processed for
the land use classification.

Geology:

The region is seaward part of the geology of the Deccan traps that formed by the eruptions to rapidly
cover a large part of the Indian Peninsula (at present extends over 500,000 sq. kms.) the volcanic
eruptions around the Mumbai area occurred in shallow lagoon conditions and thus most of the lava
flows. Due to sub-aqueous eruptions of the lava, the basalt was converted to spilite, as a result of the
metasomatic changes. Some of the lava flows developed pillow structure and some became brecciated
to form volcanic breccia. Such sub-aqueous volcanic breccia may be described as Hyaloclastic There
were intermediate and acid rocks formed as trachyte intrusive and rhyolie flows.

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:

The historical data collected from India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other secondary sources
to represent the metrological conditions of the project area has been reviewed and presented below for
various attributes such as Temperature, Wind, Cloud cover, Humidity, Rainfall, Cyclone, and Visibility
The nearest IMD observatory to JNP is Mumbai, which is located at 18o 54’ N latitude and 72o 49’ E
longitude and details of the same are presented below.

Climate:

➢ The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate and has four distinct seasons as follows:
➢ Southwest monsoon season (June to September) - Main rainy season with very high humidity,
low clouds and several spells of moderate to heavy rains
➢ Post-monsoon season (October to November) - Frequency of severe cyclonic storms is the
highest during this season.
➢ Winter season (December to February) - Fine weather and occasional morning mist or fog
➢ Summer season (March to May) - A rise in air temperature with incidence of thunderstorms and
cyclonic storms during the later part of the season.

Temperature:

India Meteorological Department (IMD) records indicate that the area experiences tropical coastal
climate The moderating effects of the nearby sea and the fairly high amount of relative humidity in the
atmosphere have restricted the variability The seasonal variations of temperature follow closely the
course of the sun. January is invariably the coldest month and May the warmest. With the onset of
monsoon in early June there is a reversal of the temperature curve and the temperature during the
period of monsoon remains very nearly uniform at about 270C The slight rise in temperature in October
falls gradually till it reaches the coldest month in January

Offshore Wind:

Latitude 15o N to 20 o N and longitude 70 o E to 75 o E Offshore wind data has been compiled by the
IMD, based on ship observations in the area enclosed by Latitude 15o N to 20 o N and longitude 70 o E
to 75 o E for the period 1986 to 2001 The yearly wind rose diagram based on these observations is
presented in figure below.

Humidity:

The humidity is moderate to high throughout the year with the mornings being more humid than
evenings The mean relative humidity for each month in a year measured during mornings and evenings
is as tabulated below:
Cloud Cover:

The average number of days in each month with clear and overcast skies, the mean cloud amount and
the mean number of hours of bright sunshine per day for each month of the year are as follows:

Rainfall:

Monsoon generally sets in around the second week of June and continues till late September. July and
August are the wettest months all over the region. There is hardly a day without rain, in these two
months. Towards the later part of the season, there are breaks in between, when the oppressive hot
weather is associated with high humidity along the coast. The average annual rainfall in the region is
about 1800 mm. The month-wise distribution of the average rainfall recorded for each month in a year
is as follows:

Visibility:

The visibility in the project area is generally good throughout the year, except for a few days during the
winter season and during periods of heavy rain. On an average, the visibility is less than 4 km for about
18 days in a year.

Oceanographic Information:

Waves: The wave climate in the region has been established based on the studies carried out by the
CWPRS The findings of these studies are summarised hereunder The complete reports are available for
reference with JNPT.

Offshore Wave Climate: The offshore wave climate for normal wave conditions has been determined
based on analysis of IMD’s ship observed wave data (1968 to 2000) in the area enclosed between Lat.
15oN to 20o N and Long 70o E to 75o E The IMD data was analysed to arrive at the percentage of wave
heights from different directions and the wave rose based on this analysis is shown in figure below.

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Classification and Prediction of Impacts:

Impact Types
Environment impacts arising from any development projects fall into three categories
(i) Direct impacts,
(ii) Indirect impacts; and
iii) Cumulative impacts.
These three groups can be further broken down according to their nature, into
❖ Beneficial or detrimental
❖ Naturally reversible or irreversible
❖ Repairable via management practices or irreparable
 ❖ Short term or long term
❖ Temporary or continuous
❖ Occurring during construction phase or operational phase
❖ Local, regional, national, or global
❖ Accidental or planned (recognized before hand)
Direct Impacts
 Direct impacts are caused by the road itself- that is to say, by road building processes
such as land consumption, removal of vegetation, and severance of farmland. For
example, the removal, of gravel material from a borrow pit, for use in surfacing the
road, is an obvious direct impact of road construction. In this case, the land area in
which the pit site is located has been directly affected by activities associated with the
road project.
 Direct impacts are generally easier to inventory, assess and control than indirect
impacts, since the cause effect relationship are usually obvious.
Indirect Impacts:
Indirect impacts (also known as secondary, tertiary, and chain impacts) are usually linked
closely with the project, and may have more profound consequences on the environment than
direct impacts. Indirect impacts are more difficult to measure, but can ultimately be more
important. Over time they can affect largest geographical areas of the environment than
anticipated. Examples include degradation of surface water quality by the erosion of land
cleared as a result of a new road Fig. 1.2 and urban growth near a new road. Another common
indirect impact associated with new roads is increased deforestation of an area, stemming from
easier (more profitable) transportation of logs to market, or the influx of settlers. In areas
where wild game is plentiful, such as Africa, new roads often lead to the rapid depletion of
animals due to poaching.
Cumulative impacts:
Cumulative impact consists of an impact that is created as a result of the combination of the
project evaluated in the EIA together with other projects causing related impacts. These
impacts occur when the incremental impact of the project is combined with the cumulative
effects of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. For instance,
expansion of the production capacity in any cement plant and establishment of captive power
plant on the same premises requires an EIA report/ statement on cumulative impacts of
existing and the expansion projects.
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Different Types of Impact Assessments:

➢ Climate Impact Assessment
➢ Demographic Impact Assessment
➢ Development Impact Assessment
➢ Ecological Impact Assessment
➢ Economic and Fiscal Impact Assessment
➢ Environmental Auditing
➢ Environmental Impact Assessment
 ➢ Environmental Management Systems
➢ Health Impact Assessment
➢ Project Evaluation
➢ Public Consultation
➢ Public Participation
➢ Risk Assessment
➢ Social Impact Assessment
➢ Strategic Impact Assessment
Technology Assessment

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Assessment of Alternatives:
The quality of a decision depends on the quality of alternatives from which to choose. A first step in
the EIA process is “alternatives development”: the creation, identification, and selection of
alternatives that will be considered for detailed analyses in EIA. Even though alternatives are the
“heart” of environmental impact assessment (EIA) (Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), 1987),
alternatives development suffers from a lack of exercise. Practitioners and researchers have focused
more on analyzing the alternatives in a given set, rather than on developing good alternatives for that
set. By the time EIA begins, analysts often face a narrow set of alternatives, determined by earlier
decisions that often did not consider environmental effects. Thus, lengthy and costly EIAs may fail to
illuminate crucial tradeoffs, incorporate public values, and explore more environmentally sound
approaches.

Alternatives development in EIA

Alternatives are options, choices, or courses of action; they are means to accomplish ends. From the
perspective of EIA, these ends include not just a particular agency's goals, but also broader societal
goals such as the protection and promotion of environmental quality. Arguably, the most important
part of the EIA process is developing the set of alternatives that become the choice set and the center
of analyses. But what are good alternatives? This article investigates this question, and its

Research approach

This research explored how alternatives are developed for EIA, and the strengths and shortcomings
of that process. To do this, a two-phase study was performed. The first phase involved an exploratory
analysis of 142 EISs prepared in the US.23 This phase identified key issues in the development and
analysis of alternatives, and led to research questions for the second and more detailed investigation
of EISs. In the

Problems with alternatives development in EIA

The problems — whether procedural, institutional, judicial, or analytical — are considered as such
because they undermine the goals of EIA. Three general categories of problems emerged from the
research.

First, alternatives can be subject to agency agendas, path dependencies, and analytic biases. The
project objectives can be defined so narrowly as to limit and exclude reasonable competing
alternatives. Agencies often view — and can create — alternatives as less attractive options to their

Conclusions and recommendations

Results of this study emphasize the importance of alternatives, and the need to improve alternatives
development and the EIA process. Four main recommendations are provided below.

First, environmental considerations need to be incorporated earlier in the EIA process, and EIA needs
to be incorporated earlier in the agency planning process. As it is now, the final set of alternatives
can be biased toward the proposed action, previous approaches, and agency agendas. Even though
the EIS rigorously

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Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (EIA Report)

The outcome of an EIA is usually some formal document. This report has a variety of names throughout
the world, although the term ‘environmental impact statement’ (usually abbreviated to EIS) is most
widely known and carries the least scope for confusion. ‘Environmental assessment’ and ‘environmental
appraisal’ are commonly adopted synonyms. Despite minor differences throughout the world, there is a
general consensus on the content of an EIS. Table 1.1, for example, details the content of an EIS for US
federal proposals as required by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The EC EIA directive, on
the other hand, also requires proponents to highlight areas of uncertainty by indicating ‘technical
deficiencies or lack of know-how’ encountered in compiling information included in an environmental
assessment (Council of the European Communities 1985).

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should have the following information’s/data:

➢ Description of the proposed action (construction, operation, and shut down phase) and selection
of alternatives to the proposed action.
➢ Nature and magnitude of the environmental effects.
➢ Possibility of earthquakes and cyclones.
➢ Possible effects on surface and groundwater quality, air quality and soil.
➢ Effects on vegetation, and endangered species.
➢ Economic and demographic factors.
➢ Identification of relevant human concerns.
➢ Noise pollution.
➢ Efficient use of inputs.
➢ Recycling and reduction of waste.
 ➢ Risk analysis and disaster management.

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PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC HEARING

(1) Process of Public Hearing: - Whoever apply for environmental clearance of projects, shall submit to
the concerned State Pollution Control Board twenty sets of the following documents namely: -

i. An executive summary containing the salient features of the project both in English as well as the local
language along with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). However, for pipeline project,
Environmental Impact Assessment report will not be required. But Environmental Management Plan
including risk mitigation measures is required.

ii. Form XIII prescribed under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975 where discharge
of sewage, trade effluents, treatment of water in any form, is required.

iii. Form I prescribed under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Union Territory Rules, 1983 where
discharge of emissions are involved in any process, operation or industry.

v. Any other information or document which is necessary in the opinion of the Board for their final
disposal of the application.

(2) Notice of Publics Hearing: -

(i) The State Pollution Control Board shall cause a notice for environmental public hearing which shall
be published in at least two newspapers widely circulated in the region around the project, one of which
shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned. State Pollution Control Board shall mention
the date, time and place of public hearing. Suggestions, views, comments and objections of the public
shall be invited within thirty days from the date of publication of the notification.

(ii) All persons including bona fide residents, environmental groups and others located at the project
site/sites of displacement/sites likely to be affected can participate in the public hearing. They can also
make oral/written suggestions to the State Pollution Control Board.

Explanation: - For the purpose of the paragraph person means: -

a. any person who is likely to be affected by the grant of environmental clearance;

b. any person who owns or has control over the project with respect to which an application has
been submitted for environmental clearance;

c. any association of persons whether incorporated or not like to be affected by the project and/or
functioning in the filed of environment;

d. any local authority within any part of whose local limits is within the neighbourhood wherein
the project is proposed to be located.
(3) Composition of public hearing panel: - The composition of Public Hearing Panel may consist of the
following, namely: -

(i) Representative of State Pollution Control Board;

(ii) District Collector or his nominee;

(iii) Representative of State Government dealing with the subject; (iv)Representative of

Department of the State Government dealing with Environment;

(v) Not more than three representatives of the local bodies such as Municipalities or panchayats;

(vi)Not more than three senior citizens of the area nominated by the District Collector.

(4) Access to the Executive Summary and Environmental Impact Assessment report:- The
concerned persons shall be provided access to the Executive Summary and Environmental Impact
Assessment report of the project at the following places, namely:-

(i) District Collector Office;

(ii) District Industry Centre;

(iii) In the Office of the Chief Executive Officers of Zila Praishad or Commissioner of the
Municipal Corporation/Local body as the case may be;

(iv)In the head office of the concerned State Pollution Control Board and its concerned Regional
Office;

(v) In the concerned Department of the State Government dealing with the subject of
environment.

5. Time period for completion of public hearing: The public hearing shall be completed within a period
of 60 days from the date of receipt of complete documents as required under paragraph 1.

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Contribution to Decision Making:

The audit and evaluation studies described above did not explicitly consider the contribution of
EIA to decision making. It does seem generally agreed, however, that this activity has resulted in
better decisions and more environmentally sound development than otherwise would have been
the case. Still at issue is the costeffectiveness of EIA, that is, whether the results are
commensurate with the time and resources expended on the activity. This sort of determination,
of course, is difficult to make, even for a particular sequence of project decision making.
Environmental assessment and review processes for major developments, in particular, are not
only complex and fluid, but also moulded by the interaction among numerous actors with
different roles, views and abilities to press them (O’Riordan 1976, Sadler 1981). It follows that
the views of success are relative, often dependent on the affiliation of the participant.
A study of the assessment and decision-making process which unfolded in response to an
application to develop a new port, designed to support offshore oil and gas exploration in the
Canadian Arctic, illustrates this problem (Fenge et al. 1985). This analysis demonstrated that it
was difficult to secure agreement on the facts of the matter between the key parties and that
much of the information required to satisfactorily explain the progression of events was
unobtainable or became rationalized after the fact. While the study was structural rather than
evaluative, it did conclude with a framework for analysing the contribution of the assessment to
decision making. This was subsequently modified and applied to interpret the conflict over the
siting of the port (Sadler 1984).
For present purposes, three basic questions can be identified as being important. First, was the
final decision correct in the light of this retrospective review of the information generated during
the assessment process? Secondly, was the assessment process undertaken in a timely and
efficient manner? Finally, was the assessment process reasonably equitable in its treatment of all
parties?

The short responses to these questions in the Arctic port case are respectively ‘yes’, ‘no’ and
‘partly’. Others, however, would certainly judge the first issue differently. There are extenuating
circumstances with respect to the second issue and the third response is partly dependent upon
the second. As attempts to increase the efficiency of EIA invariably constrain the consideration
of some issues, efficiency (e1) and equity (e2) tend to be inversely related. In the analysis of
effectiveness (E), therefore, E=e1/e2 (Sadler 1983). This trade-off, more than the difficulties
associated with determining the utility of EIA for decision making, should be carefully borne in
mind when searching for improvements in practice and procedures.
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Background facts:
EIA was first introduced in the USA under the Environmental Policy Act (1969). Since then it has
evolved and a variety of offshoot assessment techniques have emerged (focusing, for example on social,
biodiversity, environmental health and cumulative effects and risk) acting as a broader impact assessment
toolkit.

Most countries have now introduced formal EIA systems, usually under dedicated environmental
legislation, and have introduced EIA regulations (and often regulatory bodies) specifying when and for
which developments an EIA is required, institutional responsibilities and procedures, and specific steps
and processes to be followed.
Environmental Clearance Process - Category -A projects:
Environmental Clearance Process - Category -B projects:

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EIA PROCESS?

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is an interdisciplinary and multistep procedure to
ensure that environmental considerations are included in decisions regarding projects that may impact the
environment. Simply defined, the EIA process helps identify the possible environmental effects of a
proposed activity and how those impacts can be mitigated.

The purpose of the EIA process is to inform decision-makers and the public of the environmental
consequences of implementing a proposed project. The EIA document itself is a technical tool that
identifies, predicts, and analyzes impacts on the physical environment, as well as social, cultural, and
health impacts. If the EIA process is successful, it identifies alternatives and mitigation measures to
reduce the environmental impact of a proposed project. The EIA process also serves an important
procedural role in the overall decision-making process by promoting transparency and public
involvement.

It is important to note that the EIA process does not guarantee that a project will be modified or rejected if
the process reveals that there will be serious environmental impacts. In some countries, a decision-maker
may, in fact, choose the most environmentally-harmful alternative, as long as the consequences are
disclosed in the EIA. In other words, the EIA process ensures an informed decision, but not necessarily an
environmentally beneficial decision.

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COMPONENTS OF EIA:
The difference between Comprehensive EIA and Rapid EIA is in the time-scale of the data
supplied. Rapid EIA is for speedier appraisal process. While both types of EIA require inclusion/
coverage of all significant environmental impacts and their mitigation, Rapid EIA achieves this
through the collection of ‘one season’ (other than monsoon) data only to reduce the time
required. This is acceptable if it does not compromise on the quality of decision-making. The
review of Rapid EIA submissions will show whether a comprehensive EIA is warranted or not.

It is, therefore, clear that the submission of a professionally prepared Comprehensive

EIA in the first instance would generally be the more efficient approach. Depending on nature,
location and scale of the project EIA report should contain all or some of the following
omponents.

Air Environment

– Determination of impact zone (through a screening model) and developing a monitoring

network

– Monitoring the existing status of ambient air quality within the impacted region (7-10 km
from the periphery) of the proposed project site

– Monitoring the site-specific meteorological data, viz. wind speed and direction, humidity,
ambient temperature and environmental lapse rate

– Estimation of quantities of air emissions including fugitive emissions from the proposed
project

– Identification, quantification and evaluation of other potential emissions (including those of

vehicular traffic) within the impact zone and estimation of cumulative of all the
emissions/impacts

– Prediction of changes in the ambient air quality due to point, line and areas source emissions
through appropriate air quality models

– Evaluation of the adequacy of the proposed pollution control devices to meet gaseous
emission and ambient air quality standards

– Delineation of mitigation measures at source, path ways and receptor

Noise Environment

– Monitoring the present status of noise levels within the impact zone, and prediction of future
noise levels resulting from the proposed project and related activities including increase in
vehicular movement

– Identification of impacts due to any anticipated rise in noise levels on the surrounding
environment

– Recommendations on mitigation measures for noise pollution

Water Environment

– Study of existing ground and surface water resources with respect to quantity and quality
within the impact zone of the proposed project

– Prediction of impacts on water resources due to the proposed water use/pumping on account
of the project

– Quantification and characterisation of waste water including toxic organic, from the
proposed activity

– Evaluation of the proposed pollution prevention and wastewater treatment system and
suggestions on modification, if required

– Prediction of impacts of effluent discharge on the quality of the receiving water body using
appropriate mathematical/simulation models

– Assessment of the feasibility of water recycling and reuse and delineation of detailed plan
in this regard

Biological Environment

- Survey of flora and fauna clearly delineating season and duration.

– Assessment of flora and fauna present within the impact zone of the project

– Assessment of potential damage to terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna due to discharge
of effluents and gaseous emissions from the project

– Assessment of damage to terrestrial flora and fauna due to air pollution, and land use and
landscape changes

– Assessment of damage to aquatic and marine flora and fauna (including commercial
fishing) due to physical disturbances and alterations

– Prediction of biological stresses within the impact zone of the proposed project

– Delineation of mitigation measures to prevent and / or reduce the damage.

Land Environment

– Studies on soil characteristics, existing land use and topography, landscape and drainage
patterns within the impact zone

– Estimation of impacts of project on land use, landscape, topography, drainage and

hydrology

– Identification of potential utility of treated effluent in land application and subsequent

impacts

– Estimation and Characterisation of solid wastes and delineation of management options for
minimisation of waste and environmentally compatible disposal

Socio-economic and Health Environment

– Collection of demographic and related socio-economic data

– Collection of epidemiological data, including studies on prominent endemic diseases (e.g.

fluorosis, malaria, fileria, malnutrition) and morbidity rates among the population within the
impact zone

– Projection of anticipated changes in the socio-economic and health due to the project and
related activities including traffic congestion and delineation of measures to minimise adverse
impacts

– Assessment of impact on significant historical, cultural and archaeological sites/places in

the area

– Assessment of economic benefits arising out of the project

– Assessment of rehabilitation requirements with special emphasis on scheduled areas, if any.

Risk Assessment

– Hazard identification taking recourse to hazard indices, inventory analysis, dam break
probability, Natural Hazard Probability etc.

– Maximum Credible Accident (MCA) analysis to identify potential hazardous scenarios

– Consequence analysis of failures and accidents resulting in fire, explosion, hazardous
releases and dam breaks etc.

– Hazard & Operability (HAZOP) studies

– Assessment of risk on the basis of the above evaluations

– Preparation of an onsite and off site (project affected area) Disaster Management Plan

Environment Management Plan

– Delineation of mitigation measures including prevention and control for each environmental
component and rehabilitation and resettlement plan.
– Delineation of monitoring scheme for compliance of conditions

– Delineation of implementation plan including scheduling and resource allocation

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ROLES IN THE EIA PROCESS:
1.Proponent: Government or Private Agency which initiates the project.
2. Decision maker(The Environmental Consultants) Designated individual or group.
3. Assessor: (The State Pollution Control Board / Pollution Control Committees
(PCCs)Agency responsible for the preparation of EIS.
4. Reviewer: Individual/Agency/Board.
5. Expert advisers, Media and Public, Environmental organizations etc.
The Role of the Project Proponent

The project proponent during the project planning stage decides the type of projects i.e. new
establishment, expansion or modernisation. Later the project proponent needs to prepare the
Detailed Project Report/Feasibility Report and submits the Executive Summary, which shall
incorporate the project details, and findings of EIA study, which is to be made available to
concerned public.

The proponent has to approach the concerned SPCB for NOC and holding the public hearing.
After the public hearing the proponent submits application to IAA for environmental clearance

Role of Environment Consultant

Environmental consultant should be conversant with the existing legal and procedural
requirements of obtaining environmental clearance for proposed project. The consultant should
guide the proponent through initial screening of the project and establish whether EIA studies are
required to be conducted and if so finalise the scope of such study. The consultant should also be
fully equipped with required instruments and infrastructure for conducting EIA studies. The
environmental consultant is responsible for supplying all the environment-related information
required by the SPCB and IAA through the proponent. The consultant is also required to justify
the findings in the EIA and EMP during the meeting with the expert groups at IAA.

The Role of the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) /Pollution Control Committee (PCC)

The State PCBs/PCCs are responsible for assessing the compatibility of a proposed
development with current operational and prescribed standards. If the development is in
compliance, the PCB will then issue its NOC. They shall also hold the public hearing as per the
provisions of EIA notification. The details of public hearing shall be forwarded to IAA.

The Role of the Public

The public also has an important role to play in EIA. The concerned persons will be invited
through press advertisement to review information and provide their views on the proposed
development requiring environmental clearance.

The Role of the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA)

Where a proponent is required to obtain environmental clearance, the IAA will evaluate and
assess the EIA report. In this process the project proponent will be given a chance to present his
proposal. If a project is accepted the IAA will also prepare a set of recommendations and
conditions for its implementation based on this assessment. Environmental clearance conditions
and recommendations of IAA are made available to the public on request through SPCB and
through web site at http://envfor.nic.in. During the implementation and operation of the project,
the IAA will also be responsible for the environmental monitoring process.
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Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forest
Notification (2000)
S.O. 908(E). - Whereas the draft of the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling)
Rules, 1999 were published under the notification of the Government of India of the Ministry of
Environment and forests number S.O. 783(E), date, the 27th September, 1999 in the Gazette of
India, part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii) of the same date inviting objections and suggestions
from the persons likely to be affected thereby, before the expiry of the period of sixty days from
the date on which the copies of the Gazette containing the said notification are made available to
the public;
And whereas copies of the said Gazette were made available to the public on the 5th October,
1999; And whereas objections and suggestions received from the public in respect of the said
draft rules have been duly considered by the Central Government;
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3, 6 and 25 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules
of regulate the management and handling of the municipal solid wastes, namely:

1. Short title and commencement. --

(1) These rules may be called the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules,
2000.
(2) Save as otherwise provided in these rules, they shall come into force on the date of their
publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Application. -- These rules shall apply to every municipal authority responsible for collection,
segregation, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal solid wastes
3. Definitions. -- In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, --
(i) "anaerobic digestion" means a controlled process involving microbial decomposition of
organic matter in the absence of oxygen;
(ii) "authorization" means the consent given by the Board or Committee to the "operator of a
facility" ; (iii) "biodegradable substance" means a substance that can be degraded by
microorganisms; (iv) "bioethanation" means a process which entails enzymatic decomposition of
the organic matter by microbial action to produce methane rich bio-gas
(v) "collection" means lifting and removal of solid wastes from collection points or any other
location ; (vi) "composting" means a controlled process involving microbial decomposition of
organic matter;
(vii) "demolition and construction waste" means wastes from building materials debris and
rubble resulting from construction, re-modeling, repair and demolition operation ;
(viii) "disposal" means final disposal of municipal solid wastes in terms of the specified
measures to prevent contamination of ground-water, surface water and ambient air quality ;
(ix) "From" means a Form appended to these rules;
(x) "generator of wastes" means persons or establishment generating municipal solid wastes ;
(xi) "landfilling" means disposal of residual solid wastes on land in a facility designed with
protective measures against pollution of ground water, surface water and air fugitive dust, wind
blow litter, bad odour, fire hazard, bird menace, pests or rodents, greenhouse gas emission, slope
instability and erosion (xii) "leachate" means liquid that seeps through solid wastes or other
medium and has extracts of dissolved or suspended material from it ;
(xiii) "lysimeter" is a devise used to measure rate of movement of water through or from a solid
layer or is used to collected percolated water for quality analysis;
(xiv) "municipal authority" means Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagar Palika, Nagar
Nigam, Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council including notified area committee (NAC) or any
other local body constituted under the relevant statutes and, where the management and handling
of municipal solid waste is entrusted to such agency ;
(xv) “municipal solid waste” includes commercial and residential wastes generated in a
municipal or notified areas in either solid or semi-solid form excluding industrial hazardous
wastes but including treated bio-medical wastes;
(xvi) “operator of a facility” means a person who owns or operates a facility for collection,
segregation, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal solid wastes and also
includes any other agency appointed as such by the municipal authority for the management and
handling of municipal solid wastes in the respective areas;
(xvii) “pelletisation” means a process whereby pellets are prepared which are small cubes or
pieces made out of solid wastes and includes fuel pellets which are also referred as refuse
derived fuel;
(xviii) “processing” means the process by which solid wastes are transformed into new recycled
products;
(xix) “recycling” means the process of transforming segregated solid wastes into raw materials
for producing new products, which may or may not be similar to the original products;
(xx) “Schedule” means a schedule appended to these rules;
(xxi) “segregation” means to separate the municipal solid wastes into the groups of organic,
inorganic, recyclables and hazardous wastes;
(xxii) “State Board or the Committee” means the State Pollution Control Board of a State, or
as the case may be, the Pollution Control Committee of a Union Territory;
(xxiii) “storage” means the temporary containment of municipal solid wastes in a manner so as
to prevent littering, attraction to vectors, stray animals and excessive foul odour;
(xxiv) “transportation” means conveyance of municipal solid wastes from place to place
hygienically through specially designed transport system so as to prevent foul odour, littering,
unsightly conditions and accessibility to vectors;
(xxv) “vadose water” water which occurs between the ground, surface and the water table that is
the unsaturated zone;
(xxvi) “vermicomposting” is a process of using earthworms for conversion of biodegradable
wastes into compost.

4. Responsibility of Municipal Authority. –

a. Every municipal authority shall, within the territorial area of the municipality, be responsible
for the implementation of the provisions of these rules and for any infrastructure development for
collection, storage, segregation, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal solid
wastes.
b. The municipal authority or an operator of a facility shall make an application in prescribed
Form for grant of authorization for setting up waste processing and disposal facility including
landfills from the State Board or the Committee in order to comply with the implementation
programme laid down.
c. The municipal authority shall comply with these rules as per the implementation schedule laid
down. d. The municipal authority shall furnish its annual report in prescribed Form II.-
(i) To the Secretary-incharge of the Department of Urban Development of the concern State or as
the case may be of the Union Territory, in case of a metropolitan city; or
(ii) To the District Magistrate or the Deputy Commissioner concerned in case of all other towns
and cities, with a copy to the State Board or the Committee on or before the 30th day of June
every year.

5. Responsibility of the State Government and the Union Territory Administrations. –

(i) The Secretary-incharge of the Department of Urban Development of the concerned State or
the Union Territory, as the case may be, shall have the overall responsibility for the enforcement
of the provisions of these rules in the metropolitan cities.
(ii) The District Magistrate or the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district shall have the
overall responsibility for the enforcement of the provisions of these rules within the territorial
limits of their jurisdiction.

6. Responsibility of the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Board or the
Committees. –
(1) The State Board or the Committee shall monitor the compliance of the standards regarding
ground water, ambient air, leachate quality and the compost quality including incineration
standards as specified.
(2) The State Board or the Committee, after the receipt of application from the municipal
authority or the operator of a facility in prescribed Form, for grant of authorization for setting up
waste processing and disposal facility including landfills, shall examine the proposal taking into
consideration the views of other agencies like the State Urban Development Department, the
town and Country Planning Department, Air Port or Air Base Authority, the Ground Water board
or any such other agency prior to issuing the authorization.
(3) The State Board or the Committee shall issue the authorization in prescribed Form to the
municipal authority or an operator of a facility within forty-five days stipulating compliance
criteria and standards as specified including such other conditions, as may be necessary.
(4) The authorization shall be valid for a given period and after the validity is over, a fresh
authorization shall be required.
(5) The Central Pollution Control Board shall co-ordinate with the State Boards and the
Committees with particular reference to implementation and review of standards and guidelines
and compilation of monitoring data.

7. Management of Municipal Solid Waste. –

(1) Any municipal solid waste generates in a city or a town, shall be managed and handled in
accordance with the compliance criteria and the procedure laid down.
(2) The waste processing and disposal facilities to be set up by the municipal authority on their
own or through an operator of facility shall meet the specification and standards as specified.

8. Annual Reports. –
(1) The State Boards and the Committees shall prepared and submit to the Central pollution
Control Board an annual report with regard to the implementation of these rules by the 15th of
September every year in prescribed Form.
(2) The Central pollution Control Board shall prepare the consolidated annual review report on
management of municipal solid wastes and forward it to the Central Government alongwith its
recommendations before the 15th of December every year.

9. Accident Reporting. –
When an accident occurs at any municipal solid wastes collection, segregation, storage,
processing, treatment and disposal facility or landfill site or during the transportation of such
wastes, the municipal authority shall forthwith report the accident in prescribed Form to the
Secretary-incharge of the Urban Development Department in metropolitan cities, and to District
Collector or Deputy Commissioner in all other cases.

LIST OF PROJECT CATEGORIES REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL

CLEARANCE

I. Mining extraction of natural resources and power generation (for a specified

production capacity)
1(a) Mining of minerals
1(b) Offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, development & production 1(c)
River valley projects
1(d) Thermal Power plants
1(e) Nuclear power projects and processing of nuclear fuel
II. Primary Processing
2(a) Coal Washeries
2 (b) Mineral beneficiation

III. Materials Production

3(a) Metallurgical industries (ferrous & non ferrous)
3(b) Cement plants

IV. Materials Processing

4(a) Petroleum refining industry
4(b) Coke oven plants
4(c) Asbestos milling and asbestos based products
4(d) Chlor-alkali industry
4(e) Soda ash industry
4(f) Leather/skin/hide processing industry

V. Manufacturing/Fabrication
5(a) Chemical fertilizers
5(b) Pesticides industry and pesticide specific intermediates (excluding formulations)
5(c) Petro-chemical complexes (industries based on processing of petroleum fractions
& natural gas and/or reforming to aromatics)
5(d) Manmade fibres manufacturing
5(e) petrochemical based complexes (processing other than cracking & reformation
and not covered under the complexes)
5(f) Synthetic organic chemicals industry (dyes & dye intermediates; bulk drugs and
intermediates excluding drug formulations; synthetic rubbers; basic organic
chemicals, other synthetic organic chemicals and chemical intermediates)
5(g) Distilleries
5(h) Integrated paint industry
5(i) Pulp & paper industry excluding manufacturing of paper from waste paper and
manufacture of paper from ready pulp with out bleaching
5(j) Sugar industry
5(k) Induction/arc furnaces/cupola furnaces 5TPH or more

VI. Service Sectors

6(a) Oil & gas transportation pipeline (crude and refinery/petrochemical products),
passing through national parks/sanctuaries/coral reefs/ecologically sensitive areas
including LNG Terminal
 6(b) Isolated storage & handling of hazardous chemicals (as per threshold planning
quantity indicated in column 3 of schedule 2 & 3 of MSIHC Rules 1989 amended
2000)

VII. Physical Infrastructure including Environmental Services

7(a) Air ports
7(b) All ship breaking yards including ship breaking units
7(c) Industrial estates/parks/complexes/areas, export processing zones (EPZs),
Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Biotech parks, leather complexes
7(d) Common hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs)
7(e) Ports, Harbors
7(f) Highways
7(g) Aerial ropeways
7(h) Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)
7(i) Common Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility (CMSWMF)

VIII. Building/Construction projects/Area Development projects and Townships

8(a) Building and construction projects
8(b) Townships and Area Development projects
8(c) Construction of Motorways
8(d) Railways and High speed tracks
8(e) Airports
8(f) Commercial Harbours
8(g) Installation of surface pipelines for long-long distant transport.
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EIA Application form:
1. (a) Name and Address of the project proposed :

(b) Location of the project:

Name of the Place:

District, Tehsil:

Latitude/Longitude:

Nearest Airport/Railway Station :

(c) Alternate sites examined and the reasons for selecting the proposed site:

(d) Does the site conform to stipulated land use as per local land use plan:
2. Objectives of the project:

3. (a) Land Requirement:

Agriculture Land:

Forest land and Density of vegetation.

Other (specify):

(b) (i) Land use in the Catchment within 10 kms radius of the proposed site:

(ii) Topography of the area indicating gradient, aspects and altitude:

(iii) Erodibility classification of the proposed land:

(c) Pollution sources existing in 10 km radius and their impact on quality of air,

water and land:

(d) Distance of the nearest National Park/Sanctuary/BiosphereReserve/Monuments/

heritage site/Reserve Forest:

(e) Rehabilitation plan for quarries/borrow areas:

(f) Green belt plan:

(g) Compensatory afforestation plan:

4. Climate and Air Quality:

(a) Windrose at site:

(b) Max/Min/Mean annual temperature:

(c) Frequency of inversion:

(d) Frequency of cyclones/tornadoes/cloud burst:

(e) Ambient air quality data:

(f) Nature & concentration of emission of SPM, Gas (CO, CO2, NOx, CHn etc.) from the
project:

5. Water balance:

(a) Water balance at site:

 (b) Lean season water availability; Water Requirement:

(c) Source to be tapped with competing users (River, Lake, Ground, Public supply):

(d) Water quality:

(e) Changes observed in quality and quantity of groundwater in the last years and present
charging and extraction details:

(f) (i) Quantum of waste water to be released with treatment details:

(ii) Quantum of quality of water in the receiving body before and after disposal of solid
wastes:

(iii) Quantum of waste water to be released on land and type of land:

(g) (i) Details of reservoir water quality with necessary Catchment Treatment Plan:

(ii) Command Area Development Plan:

6. Solid wastes:

(a) Nature and quantity of solid wastes generated

(b) Solid waste disposal method:

7. Noise and Vibrations:

a. Sources of Noise and Vibrations:

b. Ambient noise level:

c. Noise and Vibration control measures proposed:

d. Subsidence problem, if any, with control measures:

8. Power requirement indicating source of supply: Complete environmental details to be

furnished separately, if captive power unit proposed:

9. Peak labour force to be deployed giving details of:

o Endemic health problems in the area due to waste water/air/soil borne diseases:

o Health care system existing and proposed:

10. (a) Number of villages and population to be displaced:

(b) Rehabilitation Master Plan:

11. Risk Assessment Report and Disaster Management Plan:

12. (a) Environmental Impact Assessment

(b) Environment Management Plan:

(c) Detailed Feasibility Report:

(d) Duly filled in questionnaire

Report prepared as per guidelines issued by the Central Government in the MOEF from time to
time:

13. Details of Environmental Management Cell:

I hereby give an undertaking that the data and information given above are due to the best of
my knowledge and belief and I am aware that if any part of the data/information submitted is
found to be false or misleading at any stage, the project be rejected and the clearance given, if
any, to the project is likely to be revoked at our risk and cost.

Signature of the applicant

With name and full address

Given under the seal of Organisation

on behalf of Whom the applicant is signing.

Date:

Place:

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BENEFITS OF THE EIA PROCESS:

- Potentially screens out environmentally-unsound projects

- Proposes modified designs to reduce environmental impacts

- Identifies feasible alternatives

- Predicts significant adverse impacts

- Identifies mitigation measures to reduce, offset, or eliminate major impacts

- Engages and informs potentially affected communities and individuals

- Influences decision-making and the development of terms and conditions

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COMPOSITION OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

1. The Committees will consist of experts in the following disciplines:

i. Eco-system Management

ii. Air/Water Pollution Control

iii. Water Resource Management

iv. Flora/Fauna conservation and management

v. Land Use Planning

vi. Social Sciences/Rehabilitation

vii. Project Appraisal

viii. Ecology

ix. Environmental Health

x. Subject Area Specialists

xi. Representatives of NGOs/persons concerned with environmental issues.

2. The Chairman will be an outstanding and experienced ecologist or environmentalist or

technical professional with wide managerial experience in the relevant development sector.

3. The representative of Impact Assessment Agency will act as a MemberSecretary.

4. Chairman and Members will serve in their individual capacities except those specifically
nominated as representatives.

5. The Membership of a Committee shall not exceed 15.

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Time limits - Prior Environmental Clearance Process – India:

➢ EAC and SEAC shall meet at least once in every month
➢ Approval of TOR – 60 days (otherwise deemed for approval)
➢ Public Hearing – 45 days (otherwise Central/State Government shall engage other
agency/authority to complete the process)
 ➢ The final EIA report and other documents shall be scrutinized in the office of the regulatory
authority within 30 days
➢ Appraisal by EAC or SEAC – 60 days (on receipt of the final EIA report and other documents)
➢ Placing recommendations of EAC or SEAC before the competent authority for the final decision
– within next 15 days
➢ The applicant shall be informed at least 15 days prior to the schedule date of EAC/SEAC meeting
➢ The minutes of the EAC/SEAC – within 5 working days & shall be displayed on the regulatory
authority website
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Key factors for a successful EIA:

Based on the case studies, five ‘key factors’ for a successful EIA which seem to have relevance
wherever EIA is applied were identified. These relate to timing, personnel, scoping, information
and monitoring

1. TIMING
All of the case studies pointed to the need to integrate environmental assessment at an early stage
of project planning. Where it is seen as an extra or as an ‘addon’ to projects which already have
been determined on the basis of their engineering, technical and economic feasibility, it can
perhaps suggest mitigation measures, but can have no real effect on the project design. When
integrated early in project planning it can result in projects with built-in mitigation which is
designed to minimize negative effects and maximize benefits.

2. PERSONNEL
The success of an environmental assessment is very much dependent on the individual, or team,
responsible for preparing it. In view of the great diversity of project and programme types to
which assessment has been and can be applied, it is difficult to determine an ideal profile for an
‘EIA preparer’ which would fit every situation. As the case studies indicate, some types of
project can be assessed adequately by a single person with the right qualifications and experience
working together with host government officials and local experts over a short time period. Other
projects demand interdisciplinary teams of experts to carry out extensive field investigations and
data gathering. In both cases, the need could conceivably be met from within aid agencies
themselves. A more likely situation, however, is one in which the developer will have to
approach private consultants or consultancy firms for help. In those situations, it is necessary that
terms of reference be prepared in such a way as to ensure that the individual or group brings
sound environmental knowledge and experience to the job.

3. SCOPING
A crucial task in carrying out environmental assessment is to identify, early in project planning,
the most significant, serious, environmental impacts associated with a project and the reasonable
alternatives available for constructing the project in an environmentally sound manner. Scoping
is a procedure for accomplishing these tasks. An early meeting of the donor agency, host
government officials, environmental experts and other interested parties to determine the scope
of the project can result in quicker, less expensive and more efficient environmental assessments.

4. INFORMATION:
The need for reliable data and information is a common theme in case studies. Where an
adequate data base is missing it becomes particularly important to work closely with local
universities, research institutes and the affected public to obtain an insight into existing
environmental conditions. The time and expense involved in ‘starting from scratch’ makes it
advisable to tie data gathering to the major environmental impacts identified during scoping.

5. MONITORING:
An important lesson to be learned from experience with environmental assessment is the need for
monitoring of environmental impacts. Although as yet it is not required by any aid agency, most
are coming to see the need for auditing completed projects not only as a sound management
measure, but also as a means of testing the accuracy of the environmental assessments.
Knowledge of, for example, which impacts proved to be significant and which did not can result
in the improved scoping of future projects.

6.Time and costs

It is difficult, if not impossible, to draw conclusions regarding the average time and cost involved
in carrying out an environmental assessment for an aid project or programme. The main reason
for this is that, to a large extent, the time and money needed for an assessment vary with the size,
type and location of the project itself. The assessment of a multi-million dollar hydroelectric
project, for example, is a much more extensive undertaking than one for the improvement of a
10-km length of existing roadway. Other factors play a role in determining the time and costs
involved. First, the amount of information which is readily available versus that which must be
obtained through field studies and other research is a major determinant.
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What are the principles of EIA:

➢ The principles of EIA: Basic principles and Operating Principles.

➢ Purposive - Purpose and need for the proposed action
➢ Focused- on Environmental issues and the possible impacts, that need serious action.
➢ Adaptive- Socio-economic, biophysical, etc
➢ Participation – appropriate/timely access for interested parties
➢ Transparency – open and accessible assessment decisions
➢ Certainty – process/timing agreed in advance
➢ Accountability – decision makers responsible for their actions and decisions
➢ Credibility – undertaken with professionalism/objectivity
➢ Cost effectiveness – environmental protection at the least cost to society
 ➢ Flexibility – adaptable to deal efficiently with any proposal and decision situation
➢ Practicality – information/outputs readily usable in decision making and planning
➢ Rigorous- Rigorous approach to EIA essential.
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The Benefits of EIA:

➢ Reduced cost and time of project implementation.

➢ Cost-saving modifications in project design.
➢ Increased project acceptance.
➢ Avoiding impacts and violations of laws and regulations.
➢ Improved project performance.
➢ Avoiding waste treatment/clean up expenses.
The benefits to local communities from taking part in environmental impact assessments include:
➢ A healthier local environment (forests, water sources, agricultural potential, recreational
potential, aesthetic values, and clean living in urban areas).
➢ Improved human health.
➢ Maintenance of biodiversity.
➢ Decreased resource use.
➢ Fewer conflicts over natural resource use.
➢ Increased community skills, knowledge and pride.
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Factors Affecting EIA:

➢ Meteorology and Air quality

➢ Topology
➢ Hydrology or Water
➢ Demographics
➢ Land Use
➢ Soil Condition
➢ Mineral Resources
➢ Ecological studies
➢ Extent of the development activity
➢ Relocation/displacement of inhabitants of the area.
Environmental sustainability
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Key Points to Remember while Conducting an Effective EIA:

➢ Recognize it as a tool to enhance the decision making process, "not the decision making
process itself"
➢ Keep the assessment simple Focus time and effort on the most relevant matters
➢ Don't invest too much, nor too little, time on an assessment
➢ Tailor each assessment to the particular needs of the project
➢ Be inventive.
➢ Be prepared for inexact and suggestive data
 ➢ Avoid secrecy
➢ Seek external help and advice
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Areas to be avoided for the Siting of Industries:

➢ Industrial development is allowed at a distance of 25 km away from the ecologically

sensitive areas.
➢ In the coastal region, the industries should be 500 m away from the high tides.
➢ About 500 m away from the flood prone regions.
➢ Nearly 500 m away from the highway and railway.
➢ Nearly 30 to 50 km away from the residential areas.
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The need of EIA for Engineering Projects:

➢ To protect, conserve and preserve the environment and its resources

➢ For proper land use and water management for a sustainable environment
➢ To prevent the ecological heritage for our future generations
➢ To promote eco-friendly technologies
➢ To take strategic measures for afforestation of denuded waste lands
➢ To help government at local, state and national level to frame laws for environmental
conservation.
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Factors of selection of team:

Factors that can affect the selection of team members include

➢ Available finances,
➢ Range of impacts to be studied,
➢ Demonstrated expertise and experience,
➢ Local knowledge,
➢ Ability to work with others and contribute to team efforts.

Attributes of EIA team

A member of a successful interdisciplinary EIA team should have

➢ Interpersonal skills,
➢ Creativity,
➢ Adaptability,
➢ Good oral and written communication skills,
➢ Organizational capability,
➢ The ability to listen and to assimilate information,
➢ A sense of humor,
➢ Patience
Team leader selection and his duties:

A critical individual in the successful delineation and operation of an interdisciplinary team is the
team leader (project manager). The team leader provides direction for the team itself in
accomplishing the end purpose of the “successful conduction of the impact study” (Cleland and
Kerzner, 1986). The team leader is expected to provide day-to-day technical direction; schedule
the work and insure that deadlines are met; control costs; coordinate with various departments
and disciplines; provide overall integration of the technical, scientific, and policy aspects of the
project; and provide for quality control and peer review (Murthy, 1988). The team leader should
exhibit a number of specific, pertinent, personal, and professional qualities; examples include
(Cleland and Kerzner, 1986) the following:

1.Demonstrated knowledge and leadership skills in a specialized professional field

2. A positive attitude in support of the conduction of the environmental impact study
3. A rapport with individuals
4.An ability to communicate with both technical and nontechnical persons
5. Pride in his or her technical specialty area
6. Self-confidence
7. Initiative, self-starter ability
8. A reputation as a person who gets things done
9. The ability to deal successfully with the challenge of doing quality work
10.The willingness to assume responsibility for the overall study and team leadership