Centre for Development, Environment and Policy P507. Environmental Assessment. Prepared by William Sheate SOAS 3736

Transcription

1 Centre for Development, Environment and Policy P507 Environmental Assessment Prepared by William Sheate SOAS 3736

2 MODULE INTRODUCTION ABOUT THIS MODULE This module is intended to provide a broad understanding of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA), from project level to the most strategic decision-making. While the procedural coverage is focused on the European Union and UK context, comparative analysis of other contexts is broadened to cover developing country examples and other international perspectives. The module begins, in Part I, by examining the means of anticipating the environmental impacts of a proposed action. Before the module goes into any detail, Unit 1 provides essential background information on EIA including definitions, the background and history of EIA, theoretical perspectives, and an overview of the different stages of the actual EIA process. Unit 2 takes a similar approach for SEA, with a particular focus on the energy sector as a case study. Unit 3 addresses environmental assessment law, including the important links between EIA and SEA law in the European Union, and international perspectives. Part II focuses on procedures and methods for EIA and SEA. Units 4, 5, and 6, examine key aspects of: procedures and methods for EIA and SEA and public involvement in EIA and SEA Part III of the module then indicates how impacts on specific environmental parameters may be assessed at the project and strategic levels and the importance of scale in environmental assessment. Units 7, 8, and 9, respectively, look at the assessment of impacts upon the physical environment, for example, water, air, and land, and ecology and humans. Finally, Part IV addresses three aspects of environmental assessment that are particularly important: the consideration of cumulative impacts, alternatives, and quality assurance. Throughout the module a number of case studies are used to illustrate various aspects of the environmental assessment process in different contexts. These are developed as the module proceeds through the units, but can also be reviewed, for example, for revision, as stand-alone case studies. Priority topics are environmental impact assessment (EIA), strategic environmental assessment (SEA), procedures and methods for conducting EIA and SEA and the assessment of environmental effects. SOAS CeDEP 2

3 STRUCTURE OF THE MODULE Part I This part comprises three units. Units 1 and 2 each provide an introduction to EIA and SEA, respectively their background and history, theoretical perspectives, and illustrative examples. Unit 3 examines the issues of law in relation to environmental assessment, covering key legislation of the European Union and relevant international conventions. Challenges for EIA and SEA implementation are considered, along with examples of case law to illustrate the problems that can arise when things go wrong. Part II This part gets into the detail of how EIA and SEA are undertaken, the procedures that need to be followed, and the appropriate methods and techniques employed at project and strategic levels (Units 4 and 5). The importance of public participation and engagement in environmental assessment processes is addressed in Unit 6 and also how to go about developing a public engagement programme as part of EIA or SEA. Part III This part focuses on the impacts that projects, plans, programmes, and actions can have on different aspects of the environment: on the physical environment (Unit 7); on ecology and landscape (Unit 8); and on human beings, including social and health impacts. Part IV The concluding unit (Unit 10) explores some common issues across EIA and SEA that present challenges in practical implementation and may give rise to legal (court) action because they are at the heart of what environmental assessment is about: cumulative impacts, consideration of alternatives, and quality assurance (in other words, what makes for a good EIA or SEA process). SOAS CeDEP 3

4 WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Module Aims The module seeks to provide an integrated approach to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment), treating them as part of the same spectrum of environmental assessment, while highlighting their similarities and differences. It also provides an introduction to social impact assessment and health impact assessment, both of which can be, and often are, integrated into EIA or SEA. Sustainability assessment or appraisal (SA) and its relationship to SEA, is also considered. The specific aims of the module are: To provide an understanding of the processes and techniques for assessing the impacts of proposed actions on the environment, across a range of decision levels. To demonstrate the types of information required for assessing the impacts of a proposal on specific environmental parameters. To provide an understanding of the relationship between EIA and SEA/SA. To provide a basis for the practical application of environmental assessment skills. Module Learning Outcomes By the end of this module students should be able to: define environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA), and describe and critically appraise the main stages of their respective processes describe and critically appraise how environmental assessment (EA) is implemented in a range of countries understand and interpret the relationships between EIA and SEA apply a range of methods to various stages of the assessment process and interpret the outcomes understand how impacts on specific environmental parameters may be assessed and the strengths and limitations of these methods critique and apply environmental assessment skills in practical applications critically assess EIA and SEA as practical planning decision support tools. SOAS CeDEP 4

5 STUDY MATERIALS Included in the module pack are the e-study guide, which includes interactive case studies incorporating video material and documentation from real case studies. A collection of key readings is provided as well as additional references and links to websites for further information. Textbooks There are two textbooks for this module. Glasson J, Therivel R, Chadwick A (2012) Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment, 4th edn. Routledge, London and New York. Sheate WR (ed) (2010) Tools, Techniques & Approaches for Sustainability: Collected Writings in Environmental Assessment Policy and Management. World Scientific, Singapore. Key Readings For each of the ten units, the Key Readings are provided. These comprise academic articles, company reports, and guidance documents produced by international agencies. Case Studies The following case studies are provided. They are referred to throughout the module to illustrate various aspects of environmental assessment processes. Each case study has a number of resource documents (eg CS5-Res1) associated with it which are provided as PDF files alongside the case studies on your e-study guide. CS1 Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay, Uruguay/Argentina (EIA) CS2 Dams: China, Ethiopia (EIA) CS3 Energy Sector: Hydropower, Montenegro; Energy National Policy Statements, UK; Offshore Energy, Canada; Offshore Energy, UK (SEA) CS4 Rail Transit O ahu, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA (EIA) CS5 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, London, UK (SEA/SA) CS6 Mersey Gateway Bridge, UK (EIA) CS7 Spatial Planning, England, UK (SEA/sustainability appraisal) CS8 Via Baltica, Poland (EIA) SOAS CeDEP 5

6 Further Readings For each of the ten units, Further Readings and References are also listed. These texts are not provided but many are available on the internet. Students are not expected to follow up each and every Further Reading, but can follow up specific points of interest. Multimedia This video is available on your e-study guide. William Sheate, Ric Eales, Clare Twigger-Ross and Laurence Smith (2010) Environmental Assessment in Practice. Video recorded on 8 December 2010 at SOAS. William, Ric and Clare speak to Laurence about their professional experiences in the field of environmental assessment. SOAS CeDEP 6

7 ASSESSMENT This module is assessed by: an examined assignment (EA) worth 20% a written examination in October worth 80% Since the EA is an element of the formal examination process, please note the following: (a) The EA questions and submission date will be available on the Online Learning Environment. (b) The EA is submitted by uploading it to the Online Learning Environment. (c) The EA is marked by the module tutor and students will receive a percentage mark and feedback. (d) Answers submitted must be entirely the student s own work and not a product of collaboration. For this reason, the Online Learning Environment is not an appropriate forum for queries about the EA. (e) Plagiarism is a breach of regulations. To ensure compliance with the specific University of London regulations, all students are advised to read the guidelines on referencing the work of other people. For more detailed information, see the User Resource Section of the Online Learning Environment. SOAS CeDEP 7

8 IEMA INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT IEMA is the leading professional body that can support your studies and professional practice relating to this module. It is the professional membership body for promoting best practice standards in environmental management, auditing and assessment for all industry sectors. The Institute offers ongoing support to environmental professionals and aims to promote sustainability through improved environmental practice and performance. With a membership over individual and corporate members based in 83 countries, IEMA is the leading international membership-based organisation dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development, and to the professional development of individuals involved in the environmental profession, whether they work in the public, private or nongovernmental sectors. IEMA is also the leading provider of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) quality assurance services in the UK. As a not for profit organisation, the advice IEMA offers reflects an objective of promoting best practice in environmental assessment and management. Resources and benefits for members include the following: Published by IEMA 20 times per year, The Environmentalist magazine is a leading UK environmental publication. It is sent, free of charge, to all members and to an increasing subscriber base. The magazine contains a wide range of up-to-date information, best practice, policy changes and news on environmental issues. The IEMA 'Perspectives' series provide detailed guidance on what constitutes a good practice approach to Environmental Assessment. The first in the series, Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, was published in This has been followed by Guidelines on Participation in Environmental Decision Making and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment. The Practitioner best practice series covers a further range of environmental topics in detail, and is a source of practical guidance for environmental professionals. Attendance at regional and national events, workshops, professional indemnity insurance, website, special interest groups, international networks and career information for individuals looking to work in the environment. As a professional body for practitioners involved in environmental management and assessment, the Institute also supports members by providing recognition of knowledge and skills through professional qualifications and through provision of IEMA Approved Training Courses. IEMA s portfolio of training courses is always expanding to ensure that new developments in the environmental field are provided for. Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is also an essential way to keep up to date with the latest issues and developments in the environmental arena. CPD usually takes the form of training courses and workshops but can sometimes mean individual study and research. Professional bodies like IEMA ask members with professionally recognised levels of experience to keep a record of their CPD to maintain their status and high standards of competence throughout the industry. CPD workshops are a great way of keeping abreast of best-practice, fast-moving legislation changes and new procedures in an educational and inclusive environment. SOAS CeDEP 8

9 INDICATIVE STUDY CALENDAR Part/unit Title Study time (hours) PART I Introduction Unit 1 Unit 2 Introduction to environmental impact assessment (EIA) Introduction to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) Unit 3 Environmental assessment law 15 PART II Procedures and methods Unit 4 EIA procedures and methods 15 Unit 5 SEA procedures and methods 15 Unit 6 Public participation in environmental assessment 10 PART III Assessment of effects Unit 7 Impacts upon the physical environment: water, air, and land 20 Unit 8 Assessment of ecological and landscape impacts 15 Unit 9 Assessment of impacts on people 15 PART IV Unit 10 Conclusion Challenges for environmental assessment: (i) cumulative effects (ii) consideration of alternatives (iii) quality assurance 10 Examined Assignment 15 Check the online learning environment for submission deadline Examination entry July Revision and examination preparation September End-of-module examination October SOAS CeDEP 9

10 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AA AEAM AoSs BAILII BAT BMP BOD BPEO BPM CBD CCAS CEA CEAA CEQ CLG CLG COWI CPRE DAC DECC DEFRA DfT DG DMOZ DMRB DPDs EA EBRD EC ECJ EEC EIA appropriate assessment (the) adaptive environmental assessment and management model appraisals of sustainability British and Irish Legal Information Institute best available techniques Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum biological oxygen demand best practicable environmental option best practical means convention on biological diversity climate change adaptation strategy Cumulative Effects Assessment Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Council on Environmental Quality (USA) Communities and Local Government (Department of) Department for Communities and Local Government a northern European consulting group Council for the Protection of Rural England Development Assistance Committee Department of Energy and Climate Change Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (of the United Kingdom) Department for Transport Directorate General (of the European Commission) Open Directory Project an online portal to other web links design manual for roads and bridges development plan documents environmental assessment European Bank for Reconstruction and Development European Commission European Court of Justice European Economic Community environmental impact assessment SOAS CeDEP 10

11 EIS ELC EMP EPA EPMG ER ERTDI EU environmental impact statement (=EIA Report) The European Landscape Convention environmental management plan Environmental Protection Act Environmental Policy and Management Group environmental report Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation European Union GCVSDPA Glasgow and the Clyde Valle Strategic Development Planning Authority GIS GRDP HIA HRA IAIA IAP2 IEEM IEMA IIED IPC geographical information system Greening Regional Development Programmes Network health impact assessment habitats regulation assessment International Association for Impact Assessment International Association for Public Participation Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment International Institute for Environment and Development integrated pollution control IPIECA the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association IPPC IUCN LAAPC LCA MCA MEA MENA MMSD NEA NEPA NERI NGO NHS NPSs integrated pollution prevention and control International Union for Conservation of Nature local authority air pollution control lifecycle assessment multi-criteria analysis millennium ecosystem assessment Middle East and North Africa Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development National Ecosystem Assessment national environmental policy act National Environmental Research Institute non-governmental organisation National Health Service national policy statements SOAS CeDEP 11

12 NSIPs ODPM OECD PM-10 PPG PPP PPs REC RSPB RSSs SA SEA SIA SPDs SSSI STEEP SWOT TOR UK UKCIP UN UNDP UNECE UNEP USA USAID WCED WHO WSSD WWF nationally significant infrastructure projects Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development particulate matter < 10µm in size (a particular pollutant) planning policy guidance policy, plan, and programme plans and programmes Regional Environmental Center The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds regional spatial strategies sustainability appraisal strategic environmental assessment social impact assessment supplementary planning documents special sites of scientific interest socio-cultural, technological, economic, environmental, and political strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats terms of reference United Kingdom UK Climate Impacts Programme United Nations United Nations Development Programme United Nations Economic Commission for Europe United Nations Environment Programme United States of America United States Agency for International Development World Commission on Environment and Development World Health Organization World Summit on Sustainable Development Worldwide Fund for Nature SOAS CeDEP 12