Introduction
to EIA (Environmental I
mpact Assessment)
1-Introduction to EIA 1
1-Introduction to EIA 2
1-Introduction to EIA 3
1-Introduction to EIA
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a
process of evaluating the likely environmental
impacts of a proposed project or development
4
1-Introduction to EIA
• UNEP (United Nations Environment Program)
defines EIA as a tool used to identify the
environmental, social and economic impacts of a
project
……..Prior to decision making
5
• Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) is a crucial tool used to
evaluate the potential
environmental consequences of
proposed projects or activities
(both good and bad).
1-Introduction to EIA 6
The immediate goals of EIA are to:
• enhance the proposal’s environmental design;
• ensure that resources are used effectively and wisely;
• choose appropriate actions to lessen the proposal’s potential negative
effects; and
• support informed decision-making, including establishing the environmental
terms and conditions for implementation.
1-Introduction to EIA 7
The long-term goals of EIA are to:
• maintain priceless resources, natural regions, and ecosystem components;
• protect human health and safety;
• prevent permanent changes and major environmental harm; and
• enhance the social aspects of the proposal. (effectively communicate its value
and positive impact on the community or society)
1-Introduction to EIA 8
• Why EIA ?
• It helps in identifying and understanding the potential
environmental impacts
• It provides a platform for public participation and
consultation
• It facilitates the integration of environmental
considerations into project planning
1-Introduction to EIA 9
• Why EIA?
• It plays a crucial role in
safeguarding and conserving
natural resources and
ecosystems
• It contributes to the attainment
of environmental and
sustainability goals
1-Introduction to EIA 10
Evolution of EIA
• The evolution of
Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) has been
significant both globally and in
the Indian scenario.
1-Introduction to EIA 11
• Internationally, the United
Nations played a crucial role
in promoting EIA through its
adoption of the 'DUNCHE'
1-Introduction
Declaration of the United Nations Conference to EIA Environment
on the Human
(DUNCHE) 12
13
• In the Indian scenario, EIA was
introduced in the early 1990s.
• The government recognized the need
to assess and mitigate the
environmental impacts of
development projects to ensure
sustainable growth.
1-Introduction to EIA
• There is an increasing recognition of the need for
strategic environmental assessment (SEA) at the
policy, program, and plan levels.
1-Introduction to EIA 14
Early EIA in India
• The Silent Valley
(Kerala) Hydroelectric
Project, to construct a
dam across
the Kuntipuzha River
1-Introduction to EIA 15
• The Tehri Dam Project,
located in Uttarakhand, was
another significant early
example of EIA in India.
1-Introduction to EIA 16
Elements of EIA
• Screening: It is an initial evaluation
in the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) process to
determine if a project requires a
comprehensive assessment. 1-Introduction to EIA 17
Screening
The main objectives of screening are to:
Identify projects that have potentially significant environmental impacts
Determine if a project falls within the threshold for mandatory EIA
Eliminate or exempt projects
1-Introduction to EIA 18
Screening outcomes can
result in three possibilities:
Screening • Full-scale EIA
• Categorization
• Exemption
1-Introduction to EIA 19
Screening
The proposed project is classified into one of four categories:
Category A: is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented
Category B: potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas—
including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats—are less adverse than those of Category A projects
Category C: likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.
Category FI: it involves investment of Bank funds through a financial intermediary (middleman), in subprojects that may
result in adverse environmental impacts.
1-Introduction to EIA 20
Scoping
• Scoping: This initial step involves identifying
the key issues and potential impacts that
need to be considered in the EIA process.
1-Introduction to EIA 21
1-Introduction to EIA
Scoping
• Scoping also involves
engaging with relevant
stakeholders and
understanding their concerns
and priorities.
22
EIA elements (Base
data collection)
• Baseline Data Collection:
This involves gathering
comprehensive data on
the existing conditions in
the project area.
1-Introduction to EIA 23
EIA elements (Base
data collection)
• The data collection process
could include studying the local
ecosystem, assessing wildlife
habitats, measuring air and
water pollution levels
1-Introduction to EIA 24
Elements of EIA (Impact identification and
assessment)
• Impact Identification and Assessment: In
this step, the potential environmental,
social, and economic impacts of the
project are identified and evaluated.
1-Introduction to EIA 25
Elements of EIA (Impact
identification and
assessment)
• Through scientific studies, data analysis, and
consultations with experts, the team would
assess the magnitude, duration, spatial extent,
and significance of each impact.
1-Introduction to EIA 26
Elements of EIA
(Mitigation measures)
• Mitigation Measures: Once
the impacts are identified,
appropriate mitigation
measures are developed to
minimize or eliminate
adverse effects.
1-Introduction to EIA 27
Elements of EIA
(Mitigation measures)
• For example, consider a proposed
construction project in an urban area.
• During the EIA process, it is identified
that the project will result in increased
noise levels, air pollution, and traffic
congestion.
1-Introduction to EIA 28
Elements of EIA
(Environmental
Management Plan)
• This plan outlines the
strategies and actions to be
implemented during project
construction, operation, and
decommissioning phases
1-Introduction to EIA 29
Elements of EIA
(Environmental
Management Plan)
• For example, consider a
large-scale industrial
project in a coastal area.
1-Introduction to EIA 30
Elements of EIA
(Public Participation
and Consultation)
• EIA encourages public
participation and consultation
to ensure that the concerns
and opinions of local
communities are considered
1-Introduction to EIA 31
Elements of EIA (Public
Participation and Consultation)
For example, consider a proposed dam
construction project in a rural area.
1-Introduction to EIA 32
Elements of EIA
(Review and
Decision-Making)
• Review and Decision-Making: The
EIA report is reviewed by relevant
authorities and stakeholders.
1-Introduction to EIA 33
Elements of EIA (Review and Decision-
Making)
For example, let's consider a proposed oil drilling project in a
sensitive marine ecosystem. 1-Introduction to EIA 34
Elements of EIA
(Monitoring and Auditing)
• Once the project is implemented,
monitoring and auditing ensure that the
predicted impacts and mitigation measures
are being effectively implemented.
1-Introduction to EIA 35
Elements of EIA • For example, consider a large-scale industrial
(Monitoring and plant that has been granted approval based
Auditing)
on the EIA findings.
1-Introduction to EIA 36
Classification of
pollution
• Pollution can be classified into several
categories based on the source or type of
pollutants involved. Here is a detailed
classification of pollution: air pollution,
water pollution soil pollution, noise pollution,
light pollution
1-Introduction to EIA 37
Classification of pollution
1-Introduction to EIA
• Thermal pollution
• Radioactive pollution
• Visual pollution
• Thought pollution
38
Classification of
Pollutants
• Pollutants can be classified into various
categories based on their nature, origin,
and impact on the environment and
human health. Chemical pollutants,
gaseous pollutants.
1-Introduction to EIA 39
Classification of
Pollutants
• Biological pollutants
• Particulate
matter pollutants
• Radioactive pollutants
1-Introduction to EIA 40
Classification of Pollutants
• Thermal pollutants
• Noise pollutants
• Light pollutants
• Plastic and waste pollutants
1-Introduction to EIA 41
Government of India – Latest
notification on EIA
• As of September 2021, the
Government of India had proposed
certain revisions to the
Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Notification, 2006
1-Introduction to EIA 42
Latest notification on
EIA
• Project Categories: The EIA Notification
categorizes projects into two categories
– Category A and Category B
1-Introduction to EIA 43
Latest notification on EIA
• Public consultation
• Exemptions and applicability
• Compliance and monitoring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrv1zBMAEL8
1-Introduction to EIA 44
• Thought or mental pollution: effect of pollution on mental capacity of
human being.
Case Study:
Mold, change in electromagnetic radiation due to pollutants,
Ergot fungus, CO
1-Introduction to EIA 45
Paranormal activity report:
1. American Journal of Ophthalmology by Dr. William Wilmer, 1921
2. journalist Carrie Poppy, 2016
1-Introduction to EIA 46
• Dancing plague
• Salem, Massachusetts witch trials,1692
Neurological symptoms of environmental pollution
1. dizziness
2. headaches
3. convulsions
4. psychosis
5. coma
1-Introduction to EIA 47
