ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

UNIT – 1 : INTRODUCTION

Historical Development of EIA

 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to study how a project may affect the
environment before the project begins.

 EIA first started in USA in 1969 under a law called NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act).

 Many countries like Canada, UK, and Australia adopted it later.

 In India, EIA started after the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984.

 The Environment Protection Act was passed in 1986.

 In 1994, India introduced EIA rules for the first time.

 In 2006, the EIA rules were updated to make the process better and stricter.

Environmental Clearance and EIA in Project Cycle

 Environmental Clearance (EC) means permission from the government before starting any major
project that can affect the environment.

 EIA is part of the project planning process and is done in different steps.

1. In the beginning, the project idea is developed.

2. A basic study is done to know if the project is suitable.

3. Then detailed studies are made about air, water, soil, animals, and people in that area.

4. A report called EIA Report is prepared.

5. A public hearing is conducted where local people give their opinions.

6. Government experts check the report.

7. If approved, environmental clearance is given.

8. After the project starts, it is monitored to make sure environmental rules are followed.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects in India

 India has many laws to protect the environment and to conduct EIA properly.

 The main law is the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

 Other related laws include the Forest Act, Air Act, Water Act, and Wildlife Act.

 The main rule that controls EIA in India is the EIA Notification, 2006.

 The central government body responsible is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC).

 At the state level, there is SEIAA (State Environment Impact Assessment Authority).

 Expert committees called EAC (Expert Appraisal Committee) review the EIA reports.

Types of EIA

 Rapid EIA is done in a short time using data from one season.

 Comprehensive EIA is more detailed and uses data collected for a full year.

 Strategic EIA is used for large plans and policies, not just one project.

 Cumulative EIA checks the total impact when there are many projects in the same area.

 Regional EIA studies environmental effects over a big area.

 Sectoral EIA focuses on a specific field like mining, roads, or industries.

Limitations of EIA

 In some cases, EIA is done just to complete a rule, not seriously.

 Sometimes wrong or old data is used in the report.

 People living near the project area may not get proper chance to speak in public hearing.

 EIA usually studies only one project and not the total area impact.

 After a project gets clearance, monitoring is often weak.

EIA Process – Overview

 EIA is a method used to study how a project may affect the environment before it is started.
  It helps in decision-making to approve or reject a project based on its environmental impacts.

 It includes several steps such as screening, scoping, analysis, mitigation, and public participation.

Screening

 This step decides if a project requires an EIA or not.

 Helps in classifying projects based on their environmental impact.

 Projects are divided into two categories:

o Category A: Requires EIA and clearance from the Central Government.

o Category B: Requires EIA and clearance from the State Government.

 Small or low-impact projects may be excluded.

Scoping

 Identifies the key environmental issues and impacts to be studied.

 Focuses the study on the most significant concerns.

 Involves:

o Identifying stakeholders and their concerns.

o Listing potential impacts.

o Planning the approach for environmental studies.

 The scope is defined with the help of experts and authorities.

Terms of Reference (ToR)

 ToR is a document issued by the regulatory authority (MoEFCC or SEIAA).

 It provides clear instructions on:

o What data needs to be collected.

o Which impacts to study.

o What methods to use in the assessment.

 The EIA study must follow these terms strictly.

  Based on the ToR, the project proponent prepares the EIA report.

Setting (Baseline Study)

 Studies the existing environmental conditions of the project site and nearby areas.

 Collects data on:

o Air and water quality.

o Soil characteristics.

o Noise levels.

o Flora and fauna.

o Local population and socio-economic conditions.

 Helps in understanding the condition before the project begins.

Analysis

 Examines how the project will change or affect the environment.

 Identifies potential impacts like:

o Air and water pollution.

o Land degradation.

o Loss of biodiversity.

o Displacement of people.

 Helps in understanding the severity, extent, and duration of impacts.

Mitigation

 Suggests ways to avoid, reduce, or control negative impacts of the project.

 Examples of mitigation measures:

o Installing pollution control equipment.

o Tree plantation.

o Safe waste disposal methods.

 o Creating green buffer zones.

 These are documented in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

 EMP also includes plans for monitoring and emergency measures.

Cross-Sectoral Issues

 Some impacts of a project can affect multiple sectors.

 For example:

o A dam project may affect forests, water flow, agriculture, and people.

o Pollution from a factory may affect health, farming, and nearby industries.

 EIA must consider these indirect and combined effects.

 Helps in understanding the overall impact on the environment and society.

Public Hearing in EIA

 A platform where local people express their views on the project.

 Conducted by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

 Steps involved:

o Notice is published in local newspapers.

o Public meeting is held at a nearby location.

o People can submit written or oral feedback.

 Helps in including public opinion in the decision-making process.

 The feedback is included in the final EIA report.

EIA Consultant Accreditation

 EIA reports must be prepared by expert agencies or consultants.

 In India, consultants must be accredited by:

o NABET – National Accreditation Board for Education and Training.

o Under the Quality Council of India (QCI).

  Ensures that the reports are:

o Scientifically correct.

o Unbiased.

o Prepared by qualified professionals.

 Only accredited consultants are allowed to submit EIA reports to authorities.

UNIT – 2 : IMPACT INDENTIFICATION AND PREDICTION

Matrices

 A matrix is a table with project activities listed on one side and environmental factors on the other.

 It shows how each activity affects each environmental factor.

 Example: Leopold Matrix (widely used)

o Shows interaction between actions and environmental components.

o Helps in visualizing impacts clearly.

 Advantages:

o Systematic and detailed.

o Good for comparing multiple effects.

 Limitation:

o Can be complex if too many factors are involved.

Networks

 Networks show cause-effect relationships using flowcharts or diagrams.

 Helps in understanding indirect and secondary impacts.

 Example:

o A road construction → increases traffic → increases air pollution → affects human health.

 Advantages:

o Shows interlinked impacts.

 Limitation:
 o Needs more data and expert knowledge.

Checklists

 Simple lists of possible impacts are prepared.

 Experts check each impact based on experience or past projects.

 Types of checklists:

o Descriptive checklist

o Questionnaire type

 Advantages:

o Easy to use.

o Good for initial screening.

 Limitation:

o May miss complex or linked effects.

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)

 A method to compare project costs and project benefits, including environmental costs.

 Costs may include:

o Environmental damage

o Public health issues

o Loss of biodiversity

 Benefits may include:

o Jobs

o Infrastructure development

o Economic growth

 If benefits are more than costs, the project is considered acceptable.

 Limitations:

o Not all environmental impacts can be given a money value.

 o May ignore social and emotional values.

Analysis of Alternatives

 This step compares different options for the project:

o Different sites

o Different technologies

o Doing or not doing the project

 Helps in choosing the least damaging and most efficient option.

 Example:

o Choosing a site that avoids forest area or water bodies.

 Promotes sustainable development.

Expert Systems in EIA

 Use of computer-based expert systems to help in EIA decision-making.

 They use:

o Databases

o Rules from experts

o Past experience

 Can suggest likely impacts and suitable mitigation measures.

 Useful when human expertise is limited or unavailable.

Prediction Tools for EIA

Prediction means estimating the extent and severity of impacts. Different tools are used depending on the
type of impact.

Some common prediction tools:

 Mathematical Models: Used for air pollution, water pollution, noise levels.

o Example: Air dispersion models.

  GIS (Geographic Information System):

o Maps and analyses spatial data.

o Helps in visualizing land use, flood zones, forest cover, etc.

 Remote Sensing:

o Uses satellite images to detect environmental changes.

 Statistical Methods:

o Used for analyzing trends in environmental data.

 Simulation Models:

o Simulate future environmental conditions under different scenarios.

Mathematical Modeling for Impact Prediction

 Mathematical models use formulas and equations to predict how a project will affect the
environment.

 These models help estimate the level and spread of pollution or other changes before the project
starts.

 They convert complex environmental processes into understandable predictions.

 Types of models:

o Air quality models: Predict concentration and movement of air pollutants.

o Water quality models: Estimate pollution spread in rivers, lakes, or groundwater.

o Noise models: Predict noise levels at various distances from the source.

o Soil contamination models: Estimate spread of pollutants in soil.

 Benefits:

o Helps in planning pollution control measures.

o Saves time and cost by reducing extensive field testing.

 Limitations:

o Models require accurate input data.

o Predictions may vary depending on assumptions and simplifications.

Air Impact Assessment

 Studies the effect of project emissions on air quality.

 Includes:

o Identification of pollutants (e.g., particulate matter, SO2, NOx).

o Predicting pollutant concentration using air dispersion models.

o Checking compliance with air quality standards.

o Assessing health risks to nearby populations.

 Mitigation may include installing filters, using cleaner fuels, or green belts.

Water Impact Assessment

 Focuses on effects on surface and groundwater quality and quantity.

 Examines:

o Possible pollution from project effluents.

o Changes in water flow or groundwater levels.

o Impact on aquatic life and human use.

 Models predict spread and concentration of pollutants.

 Mitigation includes treatment of wastewater, controlled discharge, and rainwater harvesting.

Soil Impact Assessment

 Studies contamination and degradation of soil.

 Checks for:

o Chemical spills.

o Increased erosion.

o Loss of fertility.

 Assesses the impact of construction and waste disposal.

 Mitigation may include soil stabilization, proper waste handling, and avoiding sensitive areas.
Noise Impact Assessment

 Evaluates noise generated by the project and its effect on humans and wildlife.

 Uses noise models to predict noise levels at different distances.

 Compares predicted noise with standards for industrial, residential, and silence zones.

 Mitigation includes sound barriers, equipment maintenance, and restricted working hours.

Biological Impact Assessment

 Studies impacts on plants, animals, and ecosystems.

 Checks for habitat loss, species displacement, or extinction risks.

 Evaluates changes in biodiversity.

 Important in protected or ecologically sensitive areas.

 Mitigation involves creating buffer zones, wildlife corridors, and reforestation.

Cumulative Impact Assessment

 Looks at the combined impact of multiple projects or activities over time in a region.

 Considers how small impacts add up to cause major environmental problems.

 Important because:

o One project alone may seem harmless.

o But together with other projects, impacts can be severe.

 Helps in regional planning and decision-making.

 Requires cooperation among different project authorities and stakeholders.

UNIT – 3 : SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA)

 SEIA evaluates how a project affects the social and economic life of people living near the project area.

 It studies impacts on:

o Population (displacement, migration)

 o Livelihoods and employment

o Health and education services

o Culture and traditions

o Social cohesion and community relations

 SEIA helps ensure that development benefits people and reduces harm to vulnerable groups.

Relationship Between Social Impacts and Change in Community and Institutional Arrangements

Social Impacts and Change in Community

 Social impacts are the effects of a project or development on the people and social structure of a
community.

 These impacts can change how a community lives, works, and interacts.

 Examples of changes in community due to social impacts:

o Displacement or migration: People may have to move from their homes, leading to loss of
social ties.

o Change in livelihoods: Traditional jobs like farming or fishing may disappear or change.

o Cultural changes: Local traditions, customs, and social values may be altered or lost.

o Social conflicts: Competition for resources or land can cause tension between groups.

o Population changes: New people may come in, or local people may leave, affecting community
balance.

 Overall, social impacts can transform the community’s identity, cohesion, and well-being.

Social Impacts and Change in Institutional Arrangements

 Institutional arrangements are the local systems, organizations, rules, and leadership that manage
resources and govern community life.

 Social impacts can cause these institutions to change in several ways:

o Formation of new organizations: New groups may form to manage project effects or represent
affected people.

o Shift in power or authority: Traditional leaders may lose influence, while government or NGOs
may take a bigger role.
 o Changes in resource management: Access to land, water, or forests may be controlled
differently due to the project.

o Need for new policies or regulations: Existing rules may be updated or new ones created to
address project impacts.

 These changes affect how the community organizes itself and manages conflicts or cooperation.

Factors Affecting Socio-Economic Impacts

 Demographic factors: Age, gender, education, occupation of individuals and families.

 Economic factors: Income levels, employment status, livelihood sources.

 Cultural factors: Traditions, social norms, language, religion.

 Health factors: Access to healthcare, prevalence of diseases.

 Environmental factors: Quality of natural resources like water, land, and air.

 Community structure: Strength of social networks and institutions.

Methodologies for Assessing Socio-Economic Impacts

 Surveys and questionnaires: Collect data from individuals and families about their living conditions
and concerns.

 Interviews: Detailed discussions with affected persons, community leaders, and stakeholders.

 Focus group discussions: Group meetings to gather diverse opinions and understand community
views.

 Participatory rural appraisal (PRA): Engages community members directly in identifying impacts and
solutions.

 Case studies: In-depth study of specific families or individuals to understand complex impacts.

 Social mapping: Visual tool showing social resources, institutions, and vulnerable groups.

 Statistical analysis: Uses collected data to identify patterns and predict impacts.

Individual and Family Level Impacts

 Loss of livelihood: Due to displacement, land acquisition, or resource depletion.

 Change in income: Reduction or sometimes increase depending on new job opportunities.

  Psychological stress: Caused by uncertainty, displacement, or loss of social support.

 Health impacts: Due to change in living environment or access to services.

 Loss of property or assets: Land, house, livestock, or tools.

 Changes in family structure: Migration of members, loss of family cohesion.

 Access to education: May be disrupted if families move or lose income.

Communities in Transition

 Communities undergo transition when their traditional ways of life change due to development
projects.

 Characteristics of communities in transition:

o Changes in occupation and livelihood patterns.

o Altered social relationships and networks.

o Shifts in cultural practices and values.

o Potential conflicts over resources.

o Changes in demographic profile (influx or outflow of people).

 Challenges include adapting to new economic systems and social roles.

 Support is needed to maintain social cohesion and cultural identity during transition.

Rehabilitation

 Rehabilitation involves helping displaced or affected individuals and communities to restore or

improve their living standards.

 It includes:

o Providing alternative housing or land.

o Offering employment opportunities or skill training.

o Restoring access to basic services (health, education, water).

o Ensuring social integration and psychological support.

o Involving communities in planning and decision-making.

 Successful rehabilitation reduces social disruption and promotes sustainable development.

 UNIT – 4 : EIA DOCUMENTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

 EMP is a detailed plan that explains how the environmental impacts of a project will be managed.

 It includes actions to reduce, control, or eliminate negative impacts and enhance positive impacts.

 EMP is prepared after the EIA study and becomes part of the project approval process.

Preparation of EMP

 Identify the key environmental impacts from the EIA report.

 Define mitigation measures for each significant impact.

 Set responsibilities: who will implement each action.

 Establish timelines for implementation.

 Include monitoring programs to check effectiveness.

 Include budget and resources needed.

 Consider legal and policy requirements to ensure compliance.

Implementation of EMP

 EMP is implemented during:

o Project design

o Construction phase

o Operation phase

o Decommissioning phase (if applicable)

 Requires coordination between project managers, contractors, and environmental officers.

 Involves training and awareness programs for staff.

 Regular monitoring and reporting on environmental performance is essential.

Review of EMP

 EMP must be regularly reviewed and updated based on monitoring results and changing conditions.
  Reviews help in:

o Identifying failures or gaps in mitigation.

o Improving environmental performance.

o Responding to new environmental challenges.

 Periodic audits and inspections are part of the review process.

Mitigation and Rehabilitation Plans

 Mitigation plans describe specific actions to reduce environmental damage, such as:

o Pollution control measures

o Habitat conservation

o Noise reduction

o Waste management

 Rehabilitation plans focus on restoring damaged environments and supporting affected communities,
including:

o Reforestation or land reclamation

o Resettlement support

o Livelihood restoration programs

Policy and Guidelines for Planning and Monitoring

 National and international policies guide EMP preparation and monitoring.

 Important frameworks include:

o Environmental laws and regulations (e.g., Environmental Protection Act in India)

o Standards for air, water, noise, and waste

o International guidelines (e.g., World Bank, UNEP)

 Monitoring programs must be designed to:

o Track key environmental indicators.

o Ensure compliance with standards.

 o Involve local communities and stakeholders.

 Reporting to regulatory authorities is mandatory.

Post Project Audit (PPA)

 Post Project Audit is the evaluation carried out after a project is implemented to check if the
predicted environmental impacts and mitigation measures were accurate and effective.

 Objectives:

o Verify compliance with environmental regulations and EMP.

o Assess real environmental impacts vs. those predicted in EIA.

o Identify any unforeseen impacts.

o Improve future EIA processes and project planning.

 Steps involved:

o Site visits and field measurements.

o Monitoring data collection and analysis.

o Interviews with affected communities and stakeholders.

o Reporting on environmental performance and recommending corrective actions.

 PPA promotes accountability and continuous improvement.

Documentation of EIA Findings

 EIA documentation is the formal reporting and record-keeping of all findings and recommendations
from the EIA study.

 Components of EIA documentation include:

o Project description and objectives.

o Baseline environmental data (air, water, soil, ecology, socio-economic).

o Impact prediction and assessment results.

o Mitigation measures proposed.

o Environmental Management Plan (EMP) details.

o Public consultation and stakeholder feedback.

 o Summary and conclusions.

 Documentation must be clear, comprehensive, and accessible to regulators, project proponents, and
the public.

 Proper documentation helps in transparency and informed decision-making.

Ethical Aspects of Environmental Impact Assessment

 EIA professionals must follow ethical principles such as:

o Honesty: Present all findings truthfully without hiding negative impacts.

o Objectivity: Avoid bias and conflicts of interest.

o Transparency: Share information openly with stakeholders and public.

o Respect for communities: Consider the rights and concerns of affected people.

o Sustainability: Promote development that meets present and future needs without harm.

 Ethical EIA prevents manipulation of data or ignoring critical environmental and social issues.

Quality Aspects of Environmental Impact Assessment

 Quality EIA means:

o Comprehensive and accurate data collection.

o Use of scientifically valid methods for prediction and assessment.

o Adequate public participation.

o Clear, logical, and well-organized reports.

o Effective mitigation and monitoring plans.

 Quality assurance mechanisms include:

o Independent reviews and peer evaluations.

o Following national and international EIA standards.

o Training and capacity building for EIA professionals.

 High-quality EIA supports better decision-making and sustainable development.

 UNIT – 5 : CASE STUDIES

Mining

 Causes land degradation, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.

 Water pollution from acid mine drainage and tailings.

 Air pollution due to dust and emissions from mining equipment.

 Noise and vibration affecting nearby communities.

 EIA focus: land reclamation, waste management, dust control, water treatment.

 Rehabilitation includes reforestation and soil restoration.

Power Plants

 Types: Thermal, Hydro, Nuclear, Renewable.

 Impacts: Air pollution (CO₂, SOx, NOx), thermal pollution in water bodies, displacement from
reservoirs, radioactive waste (nuclear).

 EIA includes emission control technologies, effluent treatment, safe waste disposal.

 Monitoring air and water quality is crucial.

Cement Plants

 Dust pollution from raw materials and production.

 High energy consumption leading to greenhouse gas emissions.

 Noise pollution from machinery.

 Waste generation.

 EIA mitigation: dust collectors, energy efficiency, noise barriers, recycling waste.

Highways

 Land acquisition causing displacement.

 Habitat fragmentation and wildlife disturbance.

 Air and noise pollution from vehicles.

  Social and economic changes in local communities.

 EIA measures: wildlife crossings, noise barriers, proper drainage, community consultations.

Petroleum Refining Industry

 Air pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emissions.

 Water pollution from effluents and accidental spills.

 Soil contamination.

 Risks of fire and explosions.

 EIA focus: safety protocols, effluent treatment, emergency preparedness, continuous monitoring.

Storage and Handling of Hazardous Chemicals

 Risks of chemical leaks, soil and water contamination.

 Toxic vapor emissions.

 Health hazards to workers and local residents.

 Fire and explosion hazards.

 EIA includes proper facility design, leak detection systems, safety training, emergency response plans.

Common Hazardous Waste Facilities

 Facilities designed to treat, store, and dispose of hazardous waste generated by multiple industries.

 Purpose: Provide a safe and environmentally sound way to manage hazardous waste.

 Key features:

o Centralized treatment processes like incineration, stabilization, or chemical treatment.

o Secure landfill for hazardous waste disposal.

o Monitoring systems for air, water, and soil contamination.

 EIA focus: Risk assessment for accidents, pollution control, and community safety measures.

Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)

  CETPs treat industrial wastewater from multiple small and medium-scale industries located nearby.

 Purpose: Ensure that industrial effluents meet environmental standards before discharge.

 Treatment includes:

o Physical, chemical, and biological processes.

o Removal of pollutants like heavy metals, organic compounds, and suspended solids.

 EIA concerns:

o Proper design to handle variable wastewater loads.

o Sludge disposal management.

o Impact on local water bodies and groundwater.

o Community health and safety.

Common Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities (CMSWMF)

 Facilities that manage solid waste generated by multiple municipalities or urban areas.

 Functions include:

o Waste collection, segregation, recycling, composting.

o Safe landfilling of non-recyclable waste.

o Energy recovery from waste (like biogas or incineration).

 EIA considerations:

o Odor, dust, and leachate control.

o Impact on surrounding communities and environment.

o Traffic and operational impacts.

Building and Construction Projects

 Includes residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction.

 Environmental impacts:

o Land use changes and loss of vegetation.

o Air pollution from dust and machinery emissions.

 o Noise pollution.

o Waste generation from construction debris.

o Water pollution from runoff and sedimentation.

 EIA focuses on:

o Site selection to minimize ecological disturbance.

o Dust and noise control measures.

o Proper disposal or recycling of construction waste.

o Stormwater management to prevent pollution.