Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Advice for Mr.

Afonagbokotowo’s Cassava Processing

Industry

a) Definition of EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the potential
environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before it is approved and
implemented. It helps in decision-making by ensuring that adverse impacts are minimized while
maximizing benefits.

EIA is a systematic process that examines the environmental consequences of development actions in
advance

b) Processes in EIA Activities

1. Project Screening – This step checks if a project needs an environmental assessment and how
detailed it should be. If the project has little or no environmental impact, a full EIA may not be
required.

2. Scoping – It identifies the most important environmental issues to focus on during the
assessment. This prevents wasting time on less important details.

3. Consideration of Alternatives – Different options for the project (like other locations or designs)
are reviewed to find the least harmful one. The “no action” option is also considered.

4. Project Description – This explains what the project is about, including its purpose, size, and
how it will be built. It helps everyone understand what is being assessed.

5. Environmental Baseline Description – It studies the current state of the environment before the
project starts. This helps compare future changes caused by the project.

6. Impact Identification – This is an outline and not detailed information of how the project will
looks like. All possible effects (good or bad) of the project on the environment are listed. This
includes effects on air, water, wildlife, and people.

Methods used for impact identification: checklists, matrices, quantitative method, networks,
overlay maps.

7. Impact Prediction – This step estimates how serious the identified impacts will be. It helps in
planning ways to handle them.

8. Impact Evaluation – The identified impacts are assessed to determine which ones are the most
critical. This ensures that the most serious problems are given priority.

9. Mitigation Measures – Solutions are proposed to reduce or prevent negative environmental

effects. This may include using better technology or changing project plans.
 10. Public Consultation and Participation – The local community and stakeholders are asked for
their opinions on the project. Their feedback can help improve the project and address
concerns.

11. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Preparation – A report is prepared summarizing all
findings, including predicted impacts and mitigation plans. This document is submitted to
authorities for review.

12. EIS Review – Experts and authorities check if the report is accurate and complete. If the EIA is
poorly done, it may be rejected or sent back for improvement.

13. Decision-Making – Based on the EIA findings, the government decides whether to approve or
reject the project. If approved, conditions may be set to protect the environment.

14. Post-Decision Monitoring – After approval, the project is closely observed to check if it is
following environmental guidelines. Any unexpected problems are addressed.

15. Auditing – The project’s actual impacts are compared with the predicted impacts. This helps
improve future EIAs and environmental management practices.

c) Convincing the Industrialist on the Purpose of EIA

1 An Aid to Decision-Making
EIA helps decision-makers, such as local authorities, systematically examine the environmental
consequences of a proposed project before approval. It ensures that environmental factors are
considered alongside other project details, leading to better-informed and more balanced decisions.
While not a substitute for decision-making, EIA clarifies trade-offs between development and
environmental protection, making the decision-making process more structured and rational.

2 An Aid to the Formulation of Development Actions

Although some developers see EIA as a hurdle, it actually helps improve project planning by identifying
potential environmental risks early. By integrating environmental considerations into project design,
developers can avoid conflicts, improve relations with planning authorities and local communities, and
streamline the approval process. In some cases, implementing environmentally friendly modifications
can also bring financial benefits by reducing opposition and avoiding costly legal battles.

3 An Instrument for Sustainable Development

EIA plays a crucial role in ensuring that economic and social development happens without causing long-
term environmental harm. Instead of dealing with pollution and resource depletion after they occur, EIA
helps prevent environmental damage at the planning stage. This aligns with the principle that
prevention is better than cure, ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly to support both
current and future generations.

4 It helps in Assessing the Impact of the Project

EIA helps in identifying and evaluating the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a
project before it starts. This assessment ensures that any negative consequences are predicted in
advance, allowing for necessary modifications to reduce harm and enhance positive effects.
d) Managing the EIA Process

The process would be managed through:

Of course, basic management skills—including team management and time management—must not be
overlooked. Cleland & Kerzner (1986) suggested the following factors were important in the successful
management of an interdisciplinary team:

 A clear, concise statement of the mission or purpose of the team;

 A summary of the goals or milestones that the team is expected to accomplish in planning and
conducting the environmental impact study;
 A meaningful identification of the major tasks required to accomplish the team’s purposes, with
each task broken down by individual;
 A summary delineation of the strategy of the team relative to policies, programs, procedures,
plans, budgets, and other resource allocation methods required in the conduct of the
environmental impact study;
 A statement of the team’s organizational design, with information included on the roles and
authority and responsibility of all members of the team, including the team leader; and
 A clear delineation of the human and non-human resource support services available for usage
by the interdisciplinary team.

Good practice also recommends a clear documentation of the interdisciplinary team approach in the EIS.
This would indicate the specific roles of team members, and their titles, qualifications and experience.
The nature of liaison with other parties in the process, including public and other meetings, should also
ideally be noted.

 Conducting thorough baseline environmental studies.

 Engaging stakeholders for input.

 Applying scientific impact assessment methods.

 Proposing mitigation measures to reduce environmental harm.

 Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Managing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process involves several key steps to ensure a
thorough and efficient evaluation of environmental effects.

Establishing an EIA Team

The EIA process requires a multidisciplinary team, including environmental scientists, economists, and
engineers.

The team may be composed of in-house experts, external consultants, and individual specialists.

The number of team members varies depending on the project, typically ranging from 3 to 12 members.

Defining Roles and Responsibilities

A core management team oversees the entire EIA process, ensuring all aspects are covered.

Specialist consultants focus on specific environmental, social, or economic aspects of the project.

The team should cover three major areas:

 Physical aspects (e.g., air, water, and soil quality).

 Biological aspects (e.g., impact on wildlife and vegetation).
 Socio-economic aspects (e.g., effects on local communities).

Resource and Time Management

The process should be planned efficiently to meet deadlines and regulatory requirements.

Proper allocation of resources (human, financial, and technical) is essential.

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation

Public participation and consultations with affected communities help ensure transparency.

Engaging government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders strengthens the credibility of the
assessment.

Data Collection and Impact Analysis

Gathering baseline environmental data is crucial for assessing potential project impacts.

The team should apply scientific methods and models to predict environmental changes.

Review and Quality Assurance

Regular reviews and quality checks should be conducted to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Reports should meet national and international standards for environmental assessment.

Final Reporting and Decision Making

The EIA report should be well-structured, presenting findings, mitigation measures, and
recommendations.

The final decision on project approval depends on the findings and recommendations in the EIA report.

Conclusion
Managing the EIA process requires careful coordination, effective teamwork, and structured planning. A
well-managed EIA ensures that environmental impacts are properly assessed and mitigated, leading to
sustainable project implementation.

e) Advantages and Disadvantages of Threshold and Case-by-Case Approaches

Advantages and Disadvantages of Threshold and Case-by-Case Approaches (Simplified)

In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), screening methods help decide if a project needs a full EIA.
Two main approaches are used: Threshold-based screening and Case-by-case screening. Each has its
strengths and weaknesses.

Threshold Approach

This method sets specific limits (e.g., a project must be over 50 hectares or produce more than 50,000
tonnes of waste annually) to determine if an EIA is required.

 Advantages:

 Simple and quick – Easier to apply because it follows fixed rules.

 Efficiency: It saves time and resources because projects that don’t meet the thresholds can be
quickly screened out without needing a full EIA.
 Transparency: The rules are clear, so project developers and stakeholders know exactly what to
expect.
 Consistent – The same rules apply across different projects and locations.

Disadvantages:

o Inflexible – Some projects that just miss the threshold might still have significant
environmental impacts.

o Lack of common sense – It applies a rigid rule rather than considering unique project
conditions.

o Hard to adjust – Once a threshold is set, changing it can be difficult.

Case-by-Case Approach

This method assesses each project individually based on guidelines and expert judgment.

 Advantages:

o More flexible – Can consider unique project and environmental conditions.

o Allows common sense – Experts can assess projects based on actual impacts.

o Can evolve over time – The method can improve as new environmental knowledge
emerges.

 Disadvantages:
 o Time-consuming and costly – Each project requires detailed assessment.

o Open to bias – Decisions can be influenced by politics or financial interests.

o Can become inconsistent – Different experts may give different rulings, leading to
uncertainty.

Both methods are often used together to balance speed, fairness, and environmental protection.

f) Alternative Solutions to Discuss with the Client

Various Alternatives to Discuss with the Client

When advising Mr. Afonagbokotowo on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), several project
alternatives should be considered to minimize environmental and social impacts. These alternatives
include:

1. No Action Option
This involves assessing what would happen if the project is not carried out. It helps determine
whether the benefits of the project outweigh its costs. In some countries, like the USA, this is a
legal requirement.

2. Alternative Locations
Choosing a different location can reduce environmental damage. Some projects have location
constraints (e.g., gravel extraction must happen where deposits exist), while others allow
flexibility. Factors such as land value, infrastructure, environmental sensitivity, and accessibility
should be considered.

3. Alternative Scales of the Project

The size of the project can be adjusted to fit environmental and economic conditions. For
example, a waste disposal site can be scaled based on demand, nearby sensitive areas, and
available land. In some cases, scaling may not be an option, such as for pipelines or large
infrastructure projects.

4. Alternative Processes and Equipment

Different technologies or methods may achieve the same goal with lower environmental impact.
For example, electricity can be generated through gas turbines, tidal barrages, or wind farms.
Similarly, waste can be incinerated or put in a landfill.

5. Alternative Site Layouts

The arrangement of project components can affect environmental and social impacts. For
instance, noisy machinery can be positioned away from residential areas, and cooling towers
can be designed to reduce land use or visual impact.

6. Alternative Operating Conditions

Adjusting project operations can reduce negative impacts. For example, avoiding nighttime work
reduces noise pollution, while scheduling construction around wildlife migration seasons can
 protect ecosystems. Designating specific traffic routes can also minimize disturbance to local
communities.

These alternatives should be evaluated based on environmental, economic, and social factors to ensure
the most sustainable project outcome.

g) Itemize the Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts of the project

1 Social Impacts

 Positive: Job creation for local communities, improved infrastructure (roads, electricity, etc.),
and better access to cassava-based products.

 Negative: Displacement of people due to land acquisition, increased noise pollution affecting
nearby residents, and potential conflicts over resource use.

2 Economic Impacts

 Positive: Boost in local and national economy through cassava processing, increased income for
farmers, and promotion of related businesses (transport, packaging, etc.).

 Negative: High initial investment costs, possible market competition affecting small-scale
farmers, and fluctuating prices of raw materials affecting profitability.

3 Environmental Impacts

 Positive: Utilization of agricultural waste for by-products, potential for biofuel production
reducing fossil fuel reliance, and improved land use efficiency.

 Negative: Deforestation for land expansion, air and water pollution from processing waste,
increased carbon emissions, and depletion of soil nutrients due to intensive cassava farming.

h) Environmental Data to be Collected

 Air and water quality data.

 Soil fertility and contamination levels.

 Noise pollution measurements.

 Biodiversity and ecosystem assessments.

 Socioeconomic data of affected communities.

i) Aims and Methods of Impact Identification

Aims:

1. Ensure sustainability.
 2. Minimize environmental harm.

3. Promote public participation.

4. Ensure compliance with regulations.

5. Support decision-making.

Aims of Impact Identification

Impact identification in environmental planning and assessment aims to:

1. Recognize Potential Environmental Effects: Detect possible positive or negative impacts of a

project on the environment.
2. Support Informed Decision-Making: Provide data that guides stakeholders in making
responsible project decisions.
3. Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Meet environmental laws, policies, and standards.
4. Promote Sustainable Development: Minimize negative impacts while maximizing benefits for
the environment and community.
5. Engage Stakeholders: Involve communities, experts, and decision-makers in understanding
potential impacts.

Methods of Impact Identification

1. Checklists
o Description: A structured list of environmental factors (e.g., air quality, water resources,
wildlife) that may be affected by a project.
o How It Works: Planners systematically go through the list, ticking off potential impacts
for each factor.
o Example: In a road construction project, the checklist might highlight impacts on local
ecosystems, noise pollution, and soil erosion.
o Strengths: Simple, quick, and ensures no major factor is overlooked.
o Limitations: Lacks depth and doesn’t show relationships between impacts.

2. Matrices
o Description: A grid that compares project activities with environmental factors to
identify and assess potential impacts.
o How It Works: Activities (e.g., drilling, waste disposal) are listed on one axis, and
environmental factors (e.g., water, soil) on the other. Each cell is filled with the nature,
magnitude, or severity of the impact.
o Example: In a mining project, a matrix could show how blasting affects air quality, soil
stability, and noise levels.
o Strengths: Helps assess the scale and significance of impacts.
o Limitations: Can become complex with too many variables and may oversimplify cause-
effect relationships.
 3. Networks
o Description: A flowchart or diagram that maps out cause-effect relationships between
project activities and environmental impacts.
o How It Works: Starting from a project action, the network branches out to show direct
and indirect impacts.
o Example: Deforestation may directly impact wildlife habitats and indirectly increase soil
erosion and downstream flooding.
o Strengths: Highlights interdependencies and secondary effects.
o Limitations: Can get complicated with large projects and may require expert analysis.

4. Quantitative Methods
o Description: Uses statistical, mathematical, or modeling tools to predict and measure
the extent of environmental impacts.
o How It Works: Involves data collection and numerical analysis (e.g., using simulation
models or risk assessments) to quantify impacts like air pollution levels or water
contamination.
o Example: Predicting how a dam will alter river flow rates and affect fish populations
using hydrological models.
o Strengths: Provides measurable data for accurate decision-making.
o Limitations: Requires reliable data and technical expertise; can be costly.

5. Overlay Maps
o Description: Geographic maps layered with different environmental data to visualize
areas of potential impact.
o How It Works: Planners overlay maps showing land use, vegetation, wildlife habitats,
and project areas to identify sensitive zones.
o Example: Using overlay maps to plan a highway route that avoids wetlands and forests.
o Strengths: Effective for spatial analysis and visualizing impacts across landscapes.
o Limitations: Dependent on accurate and up-to-date spatial data.

These methods can be used individually or combined for a more comprehensive impact
assessment.

j) Positive and Negative Effects of the Project

1. Human Beings:

o (+) Employment opportunities.

o (-) Health hazards from pollution.

2. Man-made Features:

o (+) Infrastructure development.

o (-) Pressure on existing utilities.

 3. Land/Soil:

o (+) Improved land value.

o (-) Soil degradation.

4. Air:

o (+) Technological advancements in air quality management.

o (-) Air pollution from emissions.

5. Water:

o (+) Economic boost for water supply services.

o (-) Water contamination.

6. Plants:

o (+) Agricultural productivity.

o (-) Deforestation.

k) Mitigation Hierarchies

1. Avoidance

2. Minimization

3. Rehabilitation

4. Offsetting

l) Importance of Consultation and Participation

 Improves project acceptance.

 Enhances transparency.

 Identifies community concerns early.

 Strengthens decision-making.

m) Advantages and Disadvantages of Public Participation

 Advantages: Increased project acceptance, better decision-making.

 Disadvantages: Time-consuming, potential conflicts, information overload, lack of expertise

n) Requirements for Effective Participation

 Early stakeholder engagement.

 Access to relevant information.

 Transparent decision-making.
o) Monitoring and Auditing Suggestions

 Set up an environmental monitoring team.

 Conduct periodic compliance checks.

 Establish an adaptive management framework.

p) Types of Audit Exercises

 Compliance audits.

 Performance audits.

 Impact audits.

Project screening is the first stage of the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) process, where it is determined whether a proposed
project requires a full EIA or a simpler assessment. Two common approaches
used in project screening are the Threshold Approach and the Case-by-
Case Approach. Below is a detailed explanation of these two approaches:

1. Threshold Approach

Definition

The Threshold Approach involves using predefined criteria or thresholds to

determine whether a project requires an EIA. These thresholds are typically
based on quantitative measures such as project size, capacity, or resource
use.

How It Works

 Predefined Criteria: Regulatory authorities establish specific

thresholds for different types of projects. For example:
o A project exceeding a certain production capacity (e.g., 50,000
tons per year) may require an EIA.
 o A project located within a certain distance of a protected area
may automatically trigger an EIA.
 Automatic Screening: Projects that exceed the thresholds are
automatically required to undergo a full EIA, while those below the
thresholds may be exempt or subject to a simpler assessment.

Advantages

 Simplicity: Easy to apply and understand, as the criteria are clear and
objective.
 Consistency: Ensures consistent screening decisions across similar
projects.
 Efficiency: Saves time and resources by quickly identifying projects
that require a full EIA.

Disadvantages

 Rigidity: May not account for the specific context or unique

characteristics of a project.
 Over-Inclusivity: Projects with minimal environmental impacts may
be subjected to a full EIA simply because they exceed a threshold.
 Under-Inclusivity: Projects below the thresholds but with significant
environmental impacts may be overlooked.

Example

 A country's EIA regulations might specify that any industrial project

with a production capacity exceeding 100,000 units per year requires a
full EIA. A proposed factory producing 120,000 units per year would
automatically trigger an EIA under this approach.

2. Case-by-Case Approach

Definition

The Case-by-Case Approach involves evaluating each project individually

to determine whether an EIA is required. This approach considers the specific
characteristics, context, and potential impacts of the project.

How It Works

 Project-Specific Assessment: Each project is assessed based on its

unique features, such as location, scale, technology, and potential
environmental impacts.
  Expert Judgment: Regulatory authorities or expert panels review the
project and make a decision on whether an EIA is necessary.
 Flexible Criteria: The decision is based on a combination of
quantitative and qualitative factors, rather than rigid thresholds.

Advantages

 Flexibility: Allows for a more nuanced assessment that considers the

specific context and potential impacts of each project.
 Targeted Screening: Ensures that only projects with significant
environmental impacts undergo a full EIA.
 Adaptability: Can be applied to a wide range of projects, including
those with unique or unconventional characteristics.

Disadvantages

 Subjectivity: Decisions may be influenced by the judgment and

biases of the reviewers.
 Time-Consuming: Requires more time and resources to evaluate
each project individually.
 Inconsistency: Screening decisions may vary depending on the
reviewers or regulatory authorities involved.

Example

 A proposed small-scale mining project in a remote area might be

evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Even though the project is below
the production threshold, it might still require an EIA due to its
proximity to a sensitive ecosystem or the potential for significant water
pollution.

Comparison of the Two Approaches**

| **Aspect** | **Threshold Approach** | **Case-by-Case Approach**

|

|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| **Basis for Decision** | Predefined quantitative thresholds. | Project-specific characteristics

and context. |

| **Flexibility** | Rigid and standardized. | Flexible and adaptable. |

| **Consistency** | High consistency across similar projects. | Potential for inconsistency.
|

| **Efficiency** | Quick and efficient. | Time-consuming and resource-intensive.

|

| **Suitability** | Suitable for large-scale, standardized projects. | Suitable for unique or complex
projects. |

Conclusion

Both the Threshold Approach and the Case-by-Case Approach have

their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends
on the specific context and requirements of the EIA process. The Threshold
Approach is simple and efficient but may lack flexibility, while the Case-by-
Case Approach is more adaptable but can be time-consuming and
subjective. In practice, many regulatory frameworks use a combination of
both approaches to ensure a balanced and effective screening process. For
example, a threshold approach might be used for initial screening, followed
by a case-by-case evaluation for projects that fall near the threshold or have
unique characteristics. This hybrid approach can help ensure that all
significant environmental impacts are adequately addressed while
maintaining efficiency and consistency

Origin, History, and Development of Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) in Nigeria

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Nigeria has evolved over the

years due to growing concerns about environmental damage,
industrialization, and the need for sustainable development. Before 1992,
Nigeria had no formal EIA laws. Environmental issues were managed through
general policies, but there was no structured way to assess the
environmental impact of projects.
During the 1970s and 1980s, rapid industrialization, oil exploration, and
infrastructure development led to problems like oil spills, deforestation, and
pollution. In 1988, the government created the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency (FEPA) under Decree No. 58 to address these issues. The
Harmful Waste Act of 1988 was also introduced after the Koko Toxic Waste
Dump Incident in 1987, where harmful waste from Italy was illegally dumped
in Nigeria.

The formal EIA process began in Nigeria with the Environmental Impact
Assessment Act No. 86 of 1992. This law made EIA a legal requirement for
projects that could harm the environment. It aligned Nigeria with global
environmental standards, especially after the 1992 United Nations Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which focused on sustainable development. FEPA
was given the responsibility to oversee EIA implementation. When Nigeria
returned to democracy in 1999, the environmental framework was
strengthened. FEPA was merged with the Ministry of Environment, creating
the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv), which took over EIA
enforcement. Specific EIA guidelines were developed for industries like oil
and gas, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. International organizations
like the World Bank, UNEP, and African Development Bank encouraged
Nigeria to include EIA in development planning.

Between 2007 and 2015, Nigeria tried to improve EIA enforcement but faced
challenges like weak compliance and corruption. In 2007, the National
Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
was created to enforce environmental laws, taking over from FMEnv. NESREA
introduced stricter rules, especially for the oil and gas industry, waste
management, and pollution control. Public participation in EIAs became more
important, requiring consultations with stakeholders before approving
projects. In recent years, Nigeria has moved towards digital and transparent
EIA processes. The government now promotes Environmental Impact
Statements (EIS) and online tracking of EIAs. Nigeria has joined international
agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), which requires climate-
sensitive EIAs. Efforts have been made to decentralize EIA approvals to state
environmental agencies. However, challenges like political interference, poor
enforcement, and conflicts between federal and state environmental laws
still exist.

In conclusion, EIA in Nigeria has grown from an informal concern to a

structured legal process. While progress has been made, challenges like
weak enforcement, corruption, and lack of public participation remain. To
improve EIA effectiveness, Nigeria needs to strengthen institutions, increase
public involvement, and adopt digital tools for monitoring.