R18 B.Tech. Civil Engg.

Syllabus JNTU HYDERABAD

CE812PE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (PE – V)

B.Tech. IV Year II Sem. L T/P/D C

3 0/0/0 3
Course Objectives: The objectives of the course are to
 Define and Classify Environmental Impacts and the terminology
 Understands the environmental Impact assessment procedure
 Explain the EIA methodology
 List and describe environmental audits

Course Outcomes: At the end of the course the student will be able to
 Identify the environmental attributes to be considered for the EIA study
 Formulate objectives of the EIA studies
 Identify the methodology to prepare rapid EIA
 Prepare EIA reports and environmental management plans

UNIT- I
Introduction: The Need for EIA, Indian Policies Requiring EIA, The EIA Cycle and Procedures,
Screening, Scoping, Baseline Data, Impact Prediction, Assessment of Alternatives, Delineation of
Mitigation Measure and EIA Report, Public Hearing, Decision Making, Monitoring the Clearance
Conditions, Components of EIA, Roles in the EIA Process. Government of India Ministry of Environment
and Forest Notification (2000), List of projects requiring Environmental clearance, Application form,
Composition of Expert Committee, Ecological sensitive places, International agreements.

UNIT- II
EIA Methodologies: Environmental attributes-Criteria for the selection of EIA methodology, impact
identification, impact measurement, impact interpretation & Evaluation, impact communication,
Methods-Adhoc methods, Checklists methods, Matrices methods, Networks methods, Overlays
methods. EIA review- Baseline Conditions -Construction Stage Impacts, post project impacts.

UNIT- III
Environmental Management Plan: EMP preparation, Monitoring Environmental Management Plan,
Identification of Significant or Unacceptable Impacts Requiring Mitigation, Mitigation Plans and Relief &
Rehabilitation, Stipulating the Conditions, Monitoring Methods, Pre- Appraisal and Appraisal.

UNIT- IV
Environmental Legislation and Life cycle Assessment: Environmental laws and protection acts,
Constitutional provisions-powers and functions of Central and State government, The Environment
(Protection) Act 1986, The Water Act 1974, The Air act 1981, Wild Life act 1972, Guidelines for control
of noise, loss of biodiversity, solid and Hazardous waste management rules.
Life cycle assessment: Life cycle analysis, Methodology, Management, Flow of materials-cost criteria-
case studies.

UNIT- V
Case Studies: Preparation of EIA for developmental projects- Factors to be considered in making
assessment decisions, Water Resources Project, Pharmaceutical industry, thermal plant, Nuclear fuel
complex, Highway project, Sewage treatment plant, Municipal Solid waste processing plant, Air ports.

TEXT BOOKS:
1. Anjaneyulu. Y and Manickam. V., Environmental Impact Assessment Methodologies, B.S.
Publications, Hyderabad, 2007
2. Barthwal, R. R., Environmental Impact Assessment, New Age International Publishers, 2002

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MEANING OF EIA
EIA stands for Environmental Impact Assessment. It is a systematic process that evaluates and
predicts the potential environmental effects and impacts of proposed projects, policies, or
activities before they are implemented. EIA is designed to ensure that environmental
considerations are integrated into decision-making processes and to promote sustainable
development by minimizing adverse environmental effects.

Need for EIA

The need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) arises due to several reasons. Here are
some key points explaining the significance of EIA:
1. Protection of the Environment: EIA ensures that potential environmental impacts of
proposed projects or activities are identified, assessed, and mitigated effectively. It helps
protect the environment by considering the ecological, social, and economic aspects of
development projects.
2. Sustainable Development: EIA promotes sustainable development by assessing the
potential environmental consequences of projects. It helps decision-makers identify
environmentally friendly alternatives, minimize adverse impacts, and integrate
environmental considerations into project planning and implementation.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: EIA involves a participatory approach, encouraging public
participation and stakeholder consultation during the decision-making process. It allows
affected communities, experts, and interested parties to express their concerns,
opinions, and suggestions, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have laws and regulations in place
that require EIA for certain types of projects. EIA helps ensure compliance with these
legal requirements, ensuring that projects are implemented following the prescribed
environmental standards and guidelines.
5. Risk Assessment and Management: EIA assesses the potential risks and impacts
associated with proposed projects, including those related to pollution, habitat
destruction, natural resource depletion, and climate change. It enables the identification
of appropriate risk management measures and mitigation strategies to minimize or
eliminate potential adverse effects.
6. Decision-making Tool: EIA provides decision-makers with comprehensive information
about the environmental consequences of a project. It helps them make informed
decisions by weighing the potential impacts against the project’s benefits, considering
alternative options, and incorporating environmental considerations into the overall
decision-making process.
Indian Policies Requiring EIA
Several policies in India mandate the requirement of EIA for various types of projects. Here are
some key policies related to EIA in India:
1. Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006: This notification, issued under the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provides the legal framework for the EIA process in
India. It outlines the procedures and requirements for conducting EIA studies for a wide
range of projects, including industrial, mining, thermal power plants, infrastructure, and
other development activities. The notification categorizes projects into two categories:
Category A (requiring mandatory EIA) and Category B (requiring screening to determine
if EIA is necessary).
2. Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011: This notification governs activities and
development within the coastal areas of India. It mandates that projects falling within
the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) require prior environmental clearance through the EIA
process. The objective is to protect and conserve coastal ecosystems and prevent their
degradation.
3. Forest Conservation Act, 1980: This act requires any diversion of forest land for non-
forest purposes, such as industrial projects, mining, or infrastructure development, to
undergo the EIA process. The aim is to ensure that the ecological value of forest areas is
adequately considered before any land diversion takes place.
4. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991: This act makes it mandatory for industries involved
in handling hazardous substances to have public liability insurance coverage. The EIA
process plays a crucial role in assessing the potential risks and impacts associated with
such industries.
5. River Valley Projects: Large-scale river valley projects, such as dams and hydropower
projects, require environmental clearance through the EIA process. The Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for assessing the
environmental and social impacts of these projects.

EIA cycle
The EIA cycle is a continuous process that aims to ensure that environmental considerations are
integrated into project planning and decision-making. It provides a framework for sustainable
development by identifying potential impacts, promoting mitigation measures, and facilitating
informed decision-making based on environmental information.
 It involves a series of steps that are typically followed to ensure that environmental
considerations are integrated into decision-making processes.
Here is a brief explanation of the EIA cycle:

1. Scoping: This initial stage involves identifying the key environmental issues that need to
be considered during the assessment. It includes defining the project’s boundaries,
determining the potential impacts, and engaging with stakeholders to gather their
inputs.
2. Baseline assessment: In this phase, the existing environmental conditions in the project
area are assessed and documented. This includes collecting data on various
environmental factors such as air quality, water resources, biodiversity, and socio-
economic aspects. The baseline assessment provides a benchmark against which the
potential impacts will be compared.
3. Impact prediction: Based on the project’s description and the baseline data, potential
environmental impacts are identified and predicted. This step involves analyzing the
project’s activities, such as construction, operation, and decommissioning, and
evaluating their potential effects on the environment.
4. Impact assessment: In this stage, the predicted impacts are evaluated and assessed in
terms of their significance and magnitude. The assessment considers both the positive
and negative effects, as well as the short-term and long-term consequences on the
environment and affected communities.
5. Mitigation and alternatives: If significant adverse impacts are identified, this step focuses
on identifying measures to mitigate or minimize those impacts. Alternative options may
also be explored to reduce the project’s environmental footprint or explore alternative
locations or designs.
6. Environmental management plan: Once the mitigation measures are determined, an
environmental management plan is developed. This plan outlines the specific actions,
monitoring procedures, and management strategies that will be implemented to
minimize, mitigate, or compensate for the project’s impacts.
7. Review and decision-making: The assessment process and findings are presented to
decision-makers, such as government agencies or regulatory bodies, who review the
information and make informed decisions about whether to approve, modify, or reject
the proposed project. Public participation and consultation are often part of this stage.
8. Monitoring and auditing: After project approval, monitoring programs are established to
track the actual environmental impacts during project implementation. Regular audits
and evaluations are conducted to ensure compliance with environmental commitments
and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Components Of An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The components of environmental impact assessment include Water Environment, Biological
Environment, Land Environment, Air Environment, Noise Environment, Socio-economic and
Health Environment, EIA Risk Assessment, and Environment Management Plan.
The components of environmental impact assessment are as follows:

1. Air Environment: This component assesses the potential impacts of the project on the
air quality, including emissions from machinery, traffic, and other sources.
2. Noise Environment: This component assesses the project’s potential impacts on the
ambient noise levels in the surrounding area and evaluates measures to mitigate noise
pollution.
3. Water Environment: This component assesses the potential impacts of the project on
the water quality, including impacts on rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater.
4. Biological Environment: This component assesses the project’s potential impacts on flora
and fauna of the surrounding area and evaluates measures to protect biodiversity.
5. Land Environment: This component assesses the project’s potential impacts on the land
use patterns and soil quality and evaluates measures to protect land resources.
6. Socio-economic and Health Environment: This component assesses the potential
impacts of the project on the social and economic conditions of the surrounding area,
including impacts on livelihoods, public health, and community well-being.
7. EIA Risk Assessment: This component evaluates the potential risks and hazards
associated with the project and recommends measures to manage and mitigate those
risks.
8. Environment Management Plan: This component outlines a plan for managing and
monitoring the project’s environmental impacts during construction, operation, and
eventual decommissioning. It also includes measures to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations and address potential environmental issues that may arise
during the project lifecycle.

Roles in the EIA Process.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process involves the participation of various
stakeholders and professionals. Here are some key roles typically involved in the EIA process:
1. Proponent/Developer: The proponent or developer is the entity or organization
proposing a project that may have potential environmental impacts. They initiate the EIA
process and are responsible for providing the necessary information and conducting
studies to assess the project’s impacts.
2. EIA Consultant: An EIA consultant is an independent expert or a consulting firm hired by
the proponent to carry out the environmental assessment. They are responsible for
conducting the required studies, preparing the EIA report, and providing
recommendations on mitigation measures.
3. Regulatory Authority: The regulatory authority is the government body or agency
responsible for reviewing and approving the EIA process. They evaluate the EIA report,
consider public comments, and make decisions regarding the project’s environmental
clearance or permits
4. Review Panel/Committee: In some cases, a review panel or committee may be
established to provide expert advice and review the EIA report. This panel typically
consists of individuals with expertise in relevant fields, such as environmental science,
ecology, engineering, and social sciences.
5. Public and Community: Public participation is a crucial component of the EIA process.
Members of the public and local communities potentially affected by the project have
the right to express their views, concerns, and suggestions during public consultations or
hearings. Their input helps shape the decision-making process.
6. Environmental Agencies: Environmental agencies or departments at the local, regional,
or national level are involved in the EIA process. They provide guidance, monitor
compliance with environmental regulations, and may contribute technical expertise
during the review and approval stages.
7. NGOs and Civil Society Organizations: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil
society organizations play an important role in advocating for environmental protection
and social welfare. They often participate in the EIA process by monitoring projects,
providing expert input, and voicing concerns on behalf of affected communities or the
environment.
8. Specialists and Experts: Depending on the nature of the project and its potential
impacts, various specialists and experts may be involved. These professionals could
include environmental scientists, ecologists, hydrologists, geologists, economists, social
scientists, and other relevant experts. They contribute their specialized knowledge to
assess specific aspects of the project’s impacts.
Government of India Ministry of Environment And Forest Notification (2000)
1. The Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forest Notification (2000) is a
policy that regulates the use and disposal of hazardous waste in India.
2. This notification is a crucial policy that ensures that hazardous waste is treated and
disposed of in an environmentally sound manner to minimize the risk of harm to human
health and the environment.
3. The notification imposes strict rules and regulations on the handling, storage, and
transportation of hazardous waste.
4. This includes the requirement that hazardous waste is stored in a manner that prevents
spills and leaks, and that it is transported only by authorized hazardous waste
transporters.
5. The notification also mandates that hazardous waste be treated in a manner that
minimizes its impact on the environment, such as through incineration or chemical
treatment.
6. In addition, the notification requires the registration of hazardous waste handlers,
including generators, transporters, and disposal facilities.
7. This registration process ensures that hazardous waste handlers are aware of their
responsibilities and are held accountable for their actions.
8. The notification also mandates the establishment of hazardous waste treatment,
storage, and disposal facilities.
9. These facilities must meet strict environmental standards to ensure that hazardous
waste is treated and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
10. The notification also requires that hazardous waste management facilities maintain
records of the quantity and type of hazardous waste they handle.
11. Overall, the goal of the Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forest
Notification (2000) is to promote sustainable development and protect the environment
by reducing the amount of hazardous waste generated and ensuring that it is safely
disposed of.
12. This policy is crucial for protecting public health and the environment from the harmful
effects of hazardous waste.
List of projects that requires environmental clearance
Environmental clearance is a regulatory process that ensures that proposed projects or activities
adhere to environmental laws and regulations and minimize their impact on the environment.
The list of projects requiring environmental clearance varies from country to country, as different
jurisdictions have their own sets of regulations and criteria.

1. Mining of minerals: Mining of minerals, including opencast/underground mining, is a

project that requires environmental clearance. This is because mining activities can have
a significant impact on the environment, including soil erosion, water pollution, and
destruction of habitats.
2. Thermal power plants: Thermal power plants use fossil fuels to generate electricity, and
these plants can have a significant impact on the environment. The emissions from these
plants can contribute to air pollution, which can have negative impacts on human health
and the environment
3. River valley and hydroelectric projects: River valley and hydroelectric projects involve the
construction of dams and reservoirs, which can have a significant impact on the
environment. These projects can cause soil erosion, water pollution, and destruction of
habitats.
4. Infrastructure and construction projects: Infrastructure and construction projects, such as
highways, ports, airports, and railways, can have a significant impact on the environment.
These projects can cause soil erosion, water pollution, and destruction of habitats.
5. Oil and gas exploration and production: Oil and gas exploration and production can have
a significant impact on the environment. These activities can cause soil erosion, water
pollution, and destruction of habitats.
6. Nuclear power projects: Nuclear power projects can have a significant impact on the
environment. These projects involve the construction and operation of nuclear power
plants, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
7. Chemical industries, petrochemicals, and refineries: Chemical industries, petrochemicals,
and refineries can have a significant impact on the environment. These industries can
cause air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
8. Cement plants: Cement plants can have a significant impact on the environment. These
plants can cause air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
9. Dams and reservoirs: Dams and reservoirs can have a significant impact on the
environment. These projects can cause soil erosion, water pollution, and destruction of
habitats.
10. Building and construction projects: Building and construction projects that are more than
20,000 square meters in area or more than 100 meters in height can have a significant
impact on the environment.
Application Form Used In EIA
The application form is a comprehensive document that provides a detailed overview of the
proposed project, and is used by regulatory authorities to evaluate the potential environmental
impact of the project and to determine whether or not the project requires environmental
clearance.

The application form used in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) typically includes the
following details:
1. Project description: This section provides a detailed description of the proposed project,
including its location, size, and scope.
2. Project purpose and need: This section explains the purpose and need for the project, and
why it is necessary.
3. Project alternatives: This section outlines the alternative options that were considered for
the project, and why the proposed project was chosen over other options.
4. Environmental and social impact assessment: This section provides a detailed analysis of
the potential environmental and social impacts of the project, including impacts on air
quality, water quality, soil quality, noise levels, and wildlife habitats.
5. Mitigation measures: This section outlines the measures that will be taken to minimize
the negative impacts of the project on the environment and local communities
6. Public consultation: This section describes the consultation process that has taken place
with local communities and other stakeholders, including public meetings and
consultations with local authorities.
7. Project schedule: This section provides a timeline for the project, including key milestones
and deadlines.
8. Project budget: This section outlines the budget for the project, including costs for
construction, materials, labor, and other expenses.
9. Project team: This section provides details on the project team, including the project
manager, engineers, architects, and other key personnel.
COMPOSITION OF EXPERT COMMITTEE
➢ The expert committee is responsible for reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) report and making recommendations to the regulatory authorities regarding the
potential environmental impacts of the proposed project
➢ The committee may also recommend mitigation measures that can be taken to minimize
the negative impacts of the project on the environment and local communities.
➢ The composition of an expert committee for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
typically includes a group of professionals with expertise in various fields, including
environmental science, engineering, social sciences, and other relevant disciplines.

The committee may include the following members:

1. Environmental experts: These individuals have expertise in fields such as ecology, biology,
and environmental science. They are responsible for assessing the potential
environmental impacts of the proposed project.
2. Engineering experts: These individuals have expertise in fields such as civil engineering,
mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. They are responsible for assessing the
technical feasibility of the proposed project.
3. Social experts: These individuals have expertise in fields such as sociology, anthropology,
and economics. They are responsible for assessing the social impacts of the proposed
project, including impacts on local communities and cultural heritage sites.
4. Legal experts: These individuals have expertise in environmental law and regulations, and
are responsible for ensuring that the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable
laws and regulations.
5. Project proponents: These individuals are representatives of the project proponent, and
are responsible for presenting the proposed project to the expert committee.
6. Economists: They analyze the economic impacts of the project, Such as the potential costs
and benefits to the local community and The wider economy.
ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVE PLACES
➢ Ecologically sensitive places refer to areas that are ecologically important
due to their unique biodiversity, fragile ecosystems, or other ecological
features.
➢ These areas are often protected by law to preserve their ecological value.
➢ In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), it is important to identify and
assess the potential impacts of a proposed project on ecologically
sensitive areas, and to develop mitigation measures to minimize those
impacts.
➢ Examples of ecologically sensitive places include:

1. Protected areas: These include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other
protected areas that are designated to preserve unique ecosystems and
wildlife habitats.
2. Wetlands: These are areas that are covered by water for all or part of the
year, and are important for water storage, flood control, and wildlife habitat.
3. Coastal zones: These are areas along the coast that are important for marine
biodiversity, and are often protected to preserve coral reefs and other
important marine ecosystems.
4. Forests: These are areas that are important for biodiversity, carbon
sequestration, and other ecological functions.
5. Grasslands: These are areas that are important for grazing livestock, wildlife
habitat, and carbon sequestration.
6. Mountains: These are areas that are important for biodiversity, water
storage, and other ecological functions.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS IN EIA
International agreements related to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are designed to
promote cooperation and coordination between countries on environmental issues.
International agreements related to EIA are an important part of the global effort to protect the
environment and promote sustainable development. These agreements provide a framework for
countries to work together to address environmental challenges and promote cooperation and
coordination on environmental issues.

Some examples of international agreements related to EIA include:

1. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): This is an
international treaty that was established to address global warming and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty has been signed by 197 countries and provides a
platform for countries to work together to address climate change.
2. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): This is an international treaty that was
established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The treaty
has been signed by 196 countries and provides a framework for countries to work
together to protect biodiversity.
3. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) This treaty aims to
eliminate or restrict the production and use of Persistent organic pollutants that pose a
threat to human health and The environment.
4. The Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents This agreement aims
to prevent, prepare for, and Respond to transboundary industrial accidents that may have
Environmental impacts beyond national borders.
5. The Ramsar Convention: This is an international treaty that was established to protect
wetlands and promote their sustainable use. The treaty has been signed by 170 countries
and provides a framework for countries to work together to protect wetlands.
6. The Basel Convention: This is an international treaty that was established to control the
transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The treaty has been
signed by 187 countries and provides a framework for countries to work together to
control the movement of hazardous wastes.
7. The Espoo Convention: This is an international treaty that was established to promote
transboundary environmental impact assessment in Europe. The treaty has been signed
by 45 countries and provides a framework for countries to work together to assess the
potential environmental impacts of projects that cross national boundaries.