Basics of Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA)
By
Dr. C.A. MOGHE, M.Sc.Ph.D.,FIC
Environmental Consultant,
Ex- Principal Scientist,
NEERI, Nagpur-440020
Off.& Res.'Ashirwad',140 Hanuma nagar,
Nagpur-440009
Phone No: +91-712-2752355
Mobile: 09422807427 & 09422313628
moghechandrashekhar@yahoo.co.in
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Definition
Potentially the most valuable, inter-disciplinary, objective decision making
tool with respect to alternate routes for development, process technologies
and project sites.
An ideal anticipatory mechanism which establishes quantitative values for
parameters indicating the quality of the environment before, during and after
the proposed developmental activity
Ensures environmental compatibility in developmental process
Presents a clear and concise picture of all benefits and costs associated with
alternative courses of action
Process for Environmental Approvals
Methodology of EIA
Preparation of EIA should coincide with the preparation of the feasibility report
All efforts should be made to integrate environmental concerns into the project
from the conceptual stage itself
The preparation of EIA involves the following steps :
Collection of baseline data from both primary and secondary sources
Identification of the impacts of the project taking into account the contours
of the project location and climatic conditions
Prediction of the impacts based on mathematical models, empirical
assessment and past experience
Evaluation of the impacts and assessment of the net cost- benefit
Preparation of an environmental management plan to prevent and or
minimize potential impacts of the project on environment
Quantification of the financial cost of mitigation measures and preparation
of a monitoring plan for the implementation of mitigation measures
Alternatives
The EIA report should discuss different alternatives to be explored for both site
and technology
Different technology options should be examined not only from the
productivity and cost angle but also from the angle of quantity and quality
of raw materials used and wastes generated
The objective should be to set up a cleaner unit whose waste, if any, can be
fully recycle/reused
In the case of river-valley and other infrastructure projects, efforts should
be made to use appropriate technologies which could reduce the impact
during the construction phase
Site selection should take into account distances from sensitive areas
such as national parks, sanctuaries, urban settlements etc. and suitability
for disposal of wastes (effluents, emissions and solid waste)
The relative importance of different alternatives should be weighed from
environmental angle
Land
Project site should be selected in such a way that displacement of people and
diversion of forest agricultural lands can be avoided
The project area should be kept to a minimum
Width of the green belt should be decided taking into account the nature of the
project and proximity to sensitive areas
In the case of low-lying areas, the implications of filling up the land need to be
examined
If a new quarry is to be opened up for construction, the implication of this also will
have to be assessed
Soil
The quality of the soil is important in case the project involves land disposal of
effluents and solid waste
Permeability of the soil and other factors play an important role in the disposal of
wastewater and solid waste
Depending on the nature of the soil, the design for lining of soil for disposal of
solid hazardous wastes has to be decided
Air
The ambient air quality after the project is established can be predicted if
baseline information on existing air quality is available
Air quality should be measured not only at the site but also at selected place
around the site
The sites should be selected based on wind direction, location of sensitive
areas etc.
Meteorological data can be collected by installing weather station while the
past data, can be obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department
Air quality prediction if indicates a significant change, adequate air pollution
control equipments as well as instruments/systems for measuring air quality
and emissions be provided
Water
Water availability is critical for many projects
The quantum of water drawn by the project will have an impact on the
groundwater level/availability of surface water etc.
The concern should be to minimize the use of fresh water for the project
Without proper recharge, the groundwater gets depleted
In case of surface water, there are many competing users who would like to
have first charge on the water
The use of recycled water is preferable in case of cooling tower, green belt etc.
provided the quality of this water match with the prescribed standards
The water that is being disposed of should be segregated and treated before it
reaches the primary effluent treatment plant
The treated water should, as far as possible, be recycled for use in the plant
itself
Effluent treatment plants should be so designed that the discharge from it
should meet prescribed standards
Projects, which propose to discharge the effluent into a common effluent
treatment plant should provide primary treatment within the plant premises
Flora and Fauna
Identification of the impacts on the flora and fauna
There are very few methodologies available to reduce the impact on flora and fauna
Project proponent should look for the different species of flora and fauna, which are
endemic to the area
Project site should not be too close to migratory routes of birds and mammals
Solid Wastes
The solid waste that is generated from the operations may be both hazardous and
non-hazardous
Estimate the exact quantity of the wastes and indicate the mode and place of
disposal as well as details of the permission granted by the local authorities
Solid waste disposal site within the existing plant it should have proper lining so that
there would be no leaching of solid wastes into the groundwater
It should also have adequate protection from storm water
The transport of hazardous material through congested areas should be avoided and
prior approval for the route should be taken from the local authorities
Noise
The noise measurements have to be collected keeping in view the distance of the
proposed location of the project from urban settlements/national parks/sanctuaries
Adequate protection measures including mufflers and other noise control devices should
be provided.
Green Belt
The design of the greenbelt should be based on the attenuation effect
It should not only be aesthetic but also useful in controlling pollution
The greenbelt should be made up of indigenous species and those having long-term
economic value
Transportation
Raw materials are transported to the plant site and final products are carried to
consumption points by rail, road, pipeline etc.
In case raw material/final product is transported by road, the existing traffic density of the
road should be assessed over a period of time and the impact of the proposed project on
this should be estimated
In the case of pipeline, there should be a risk analysis and disaster management plan
Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan
In the case of projects of a hazardous nature or those requiring storage of hazardous
chemicals, it is necessary to provide a risk analysis report based on the worst case
scenario
Contours of the likely impact based on the wind direction and the type of material
stored/handled be provided
In the case of river-valley projects, flood prone zone needs to be indicated
Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Socio-economic analysis data is generally available in the Census publications and the
gazetteers
Many local universities, educational institutions also conduct periodical socio-economic
surveys
These are important while considering the issue of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R)
The project proponent should get an exact idea of the requirements of rehabilitation/
resettlement through a comprehensive survey
The policies of the State Government should be followed strictly for R & R
The project proponent should identify the site where the displaced people are proposed
to be resettled
Environmental Management Plan
This should be designed to achieve :
Reduction the impact of the project on environment
Improvement of the environment of the area
Establishment of a proper monitoring mechanism with adequate staff
The environmental management plan should earmark specific staff and
funds for routine environmental management as well as collection, collation
and examination of various data
Post-project Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme
To be delineated by the proponent for submitting 6 monthly report to
regulatory agencies as a EIA follow-up
Generic Structure of Environmental Impact
Assessment Document
Sr. No EIA Structure
1. Introduction
2. Project Description
3. Description of the Environment
4. Anticipated Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures
5. Analysis of Alternatives (Technology & Site)
6. Environmental Monitoring Program
7. Additional Studies
8. Project Benefits
9. Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis
10. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
11. Summary & Conclusion
(This will constitute the summary of the EIA Report )
