Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Training Session

Transcription

1 Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Training Session By: Nedal Al Ouran (Ph.D.) AMMAN- November 6, 2013

2 Outline 1. Introduction and Overview of EIA 2.EIA Definitions 3.Objectives of EIA 4.EIA Benefits 5.EIA Steps: How EIA is implemented? 6.Exercise: Scoping/Development of TOR 2

3 EIA Definition The International Association For Impact Assessment (IAIA) definition: The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. Environment assessment is the abbreviation of environment influence assessment and environment quality assessment. 3

4 The Objectives of EIA: Why EIA is Important? To ensure that environmental considerations are explicitly addressed and incorporated into the development decision making process To anticipate and avoid, minimize or offset the adverse significant biophysical, social and other relevant effects of development proposals To protect the productivity and capacity of natural systems and the ecological processes which maintain their function To promote development which is sustainable and optimize resource use and management opportunities 4

5 Objectives of EIA: Why EIA is Important?...cont. Legal Process Tool to ensure sustainable development Integrated and holistic approach Public involvement Guide decision-making EIA is needed : In preplanning phase of the proposal When proposal has possible impact on environment Change or introduce new process or activity for existing project 5

6 EIA BENEFITS Better compliance with standards Increased project acceptance Avoids later adaptations More environmentally sustainable design Savings in capital and operating costs

7 EIA Steps: How EIA is implemented? Screening Scoping EIA preparation Reporting Reviewing Decision-making Legislation, project description and baseline Impact Assessment Analysis of Alternatives Mitigation Plan Monitoring Plan Institutional Strengthening Follow-up Monitoring 7

8 Step 1: Screening Definition Process of determining whether or not a proposal requires a full-scale EIA and the level at which this assessment should occur Screening Outcomes This step determines: 1. whether or not EIA is required for a particular project 2. what level of EIA is required Full or comprehensive EIA required Category A Limited/Preliminary EIA required Category B No EIA required Category C 8

9 Screening methods Project lists: Inclusive listed projects must undergo EIA Exclusive listed projects exempted from EIA Case-by-case examinations: determine whether projects may have significant environmental effects if so, project should undergo EIA Combination of above 9

10 Screening information required by authorities Information about the project & potential impacts Level of confidence in impacts Planning & environmental management Degree of public interest Characteristics of environment & resilience to change 10

11 Typical Projects Requiring Full-Scale EIA Sector Waste management & disposal Infrastructure Water supply and irrigation Description Solid, medical Roads, highways, tunnels, bridges Dams, canals, lakes Wastewater collection & disposal Coastal zone developments Exploitation of natural resources Quarries, mines Industrial activities

12 Step 2: Scoping/TERMS OF REFERENCE) Definition Process of identifying and determining: issues of concern, information needs, study boundaries, and alternative options to the project. Purpose of scoping Consider practical alternatives Inform potentially affected people Identify possible effects Understand local values Evaluate concerns expressed Define boundaries of the EIA Define analytical methods Establish procedures for consultation & analysis Establish the Terms of Reference (TOR) 12

13 Step 2: Scoping/TERMS OF REFERENCE. Cont. begins once screening is completed the most important step in EIA establishes the content and scope of an EIA report Outcome: identifies key issues and impacts to be considered lays the foundation of an effective process, saves time and money, and reduces conflict 13

14 Who is involved in the scoping? Proponent Administering agency Other agencies Environmental practitioners and experts Those affected The wider community 14

15 Description of the environment Baseline data Physical environment: Geology Topography Soils Climate and meteorology Ambient air quality Water resources Coastal parameters Significant pollutant sources in the area and mitigation Biological environment Flora and fauna; Rare or endangered species Sensitive habitats, Species of commercial importance Socio-cultural environment Population Land use Planned activities Community structure Employment and labor Distribution of income, goods and services Public health Cultural properties Customs, aspirations and 15 attitudes

16 SCOPE OF WORK Legislative Framework Description of project Description of Environment Potential Impacts Analysis of Alternatives Mitigation Monitoring & Management Plans Institutional Needs Public Participation 16

17 Step 3: Impact Analysis Type Nature Magnitude or severity Extent Timing Duration Uncertainty Reversibility Significance biophysical, social, health or economic direct or indirect, cumulative, etc. high, moderate, low local, regional, trans-boundary or global immediate/long term temporary/permanent low likelihood/high probability reversible/irreversible unimportant/important

18 Tools for Impact Analysis checklists matrices networks overlays and geographical information systems (GIS) expert systems professional judgement 18

19 Step 4: Impact Mitigation To avoid, minimise or remedy adverse impacts To ensure that residual impacts are within acceptable levels To enhance environmental and social benefits 19

20 Framework for Impact Mitigation Common (desirable) Avoidance Alternative sites or technology to eliminate habitat loss Mitigation Actions during design, construction and operation to minimise or eliminate habitat loss Rare (undesirable) Compensation Used as a last resort to offset habitat loss 20

21 Step 5: Reporting Different name of EIA reports Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Environmental Statement (ES) Environmental Assessment Report (EA Report) Environmental Effects Statement (EES) 21

22 Content of EIA Report Executive Summary Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework Description of the Proposed Project Description of the Environment Assessment of Impacts Analysis of Alternatives Mitigation Plan Monitoring Plan Management Plan and Training Public participation List of References Appendices: List of Consulting Team EMP Records of Relevant Communications Data and Unpublished Reference Documents 22

23 Step 6: Review Review the quality of the EIA report. Take public comments into account. Determine if the information is sufficient. Identify any deficiencies to be corrected. Who Perform the review? environmental agency independent panel 23

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25 Selected Resources 1. Bram Noble (2009): Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Principles and Practice, Second Edition. y0 2. UNEP (1998) Environmental Impact Assessment: Basic Procedures for Developing Countries. UNEP, Nairobi. 3. World Bank (1999) Environmental Assessment Sourcebook. World Bank, Washington DC. 4. International association for impact assessment: 25

26 Exercise: Scoping/Development of TOR 26

27 Thank You 27