Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
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Questions and Answers

Which directive was approved for the assessment of environmental impacts in Europe in 1985?

  • Directive 85/337/EEC (correct)
  • Directive 97/11/EC
  • Directive 2011/92/EU
  • Directive 2006/123/EC

    • How does the EU EIA procedure differ from US law?

  • It applies to all public and private projects.
  • It requires assessments for only certain defined projects. (correct)
  • It is enforced at a federal level only.
  • It does not allow for public participation.

    • What was initiated in Italy in 1986 in relation to the EIA?

  • First environmental impact assessments
  • Creation of new environmental regulations
  • Establishment of the Ministry of Environment (correct)
  • Adoption of international environmental standards

    • What does D.P.C.M. 10 August 1988, n. 377 regulate in Italy?

    <p>Environmental compatibility assessments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the principles of environmental policy recognized by the EC?

    <p>Considering environmental effects as early as possible in decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What comprehensive environmental regulation was established in Italy in 2006?

    <p>D.Lgs 3 April 2006, n. 152</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'Ippc' in the context of Italian environmental regulations refers to what?

    <p>Integrated environmental authorization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organization’s directive initiated the evolution of environmental impact assessment in Europe?

    <p>European Commission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

    <p>To evaluate potential environmental effects of a project in advance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component that the EIA specifically aims to assess?

    <p>Economic costs and benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the Council Directive 85/337/EEC, what must be assessed about a project?

    <p>The significance of its environmental effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which legislation in the United States introduced the concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

    <p>National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of projects does the EIA apply to, according to Art. 2 (1)?

    <p>Projects likely to have significant environmental effects based on their nature, size, or location</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the EIA process enable the competent authority to do?

    <p>Decide if and how a project should be implemented</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the systematic collection of information in EIA?

    <p>A methodology to analyze potential environmental impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of environmental assessment, the term 'indirect effects' refers to what?

    <p>Effects that occur as a consequence of the project but are not direct outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are alternative solutions in the context of a project?

    <p>Any way to achieve project objectives including location and processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of measures are aimed at eliminating adverse impacts before they occur?

    <p>Avoidance measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the purpose of scoping in the EIA process?

    <p>To consult and agree on significant effects to be covered in the Environmental Statement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes cancellation measures in project mitigation?

    <p>They aim to nullify adverse effects before they are felt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), what is screening?

    <p>Deciding if a project requires an EIA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do reduction measures aim to do in the context of project impacts?

    <p>Minimize or reduce remaining adverse impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of mitigating measure?

    <p>Inspection measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of alternative or 'do nothing' options in the mitigation process?

    <p>They help identify impacts of not proceeding with the project</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

    <p>To support decision-making by public authorities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Directive broadened the scope of projects that require a mandatory EIA?

    <p>Directive 1997</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding Annex I projects?

    <p>They require a mandatory EIA due to significant environmental effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main focus of Directive 2003/35/EC in relation to public participation?

    <p>To align public participation provisions with the Aarhus Convention</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of projects does Directive 2009/31/EC specifically amend the Annexes for?

    <p>Transport, capture, and storage of carbon dioxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs if a project is listed under Annex II?

    <p>It is optional for the project to apply for an EIA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When was the original EIA Directive first enacted?

    <p>1985</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the screening process important in the context of EIA?

    <p>To determine whether a project requires an EIA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the scoping stage in the environmental impact assessment process?

    <p>To ensure that relevant environmental studies are conducted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes compensatory measures in environmental impact assessments?

    <p>Strategies aimed at offsetting unavoidable negative effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing a project under Schedule 2 of the Principal Regulations, what must be determined?

    <p>Whether the project has significant effects on the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a Scoping Report typically identify?

    <p>The types of environmental impacts to be investigated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key outcomes of the EIA scoping study?

    <p>An overview of the project and its legislative framework</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of environmental assessments, what is meant by 'mitigation measures'?

    <p>Techniques to minimize or reduce negative effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential outcome if a project is classified under Schedule 1?

    <p>The project must undergo more rigorous environmental scrutiny.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following should be included in the EIA scoping document?

    <p>A description of key stakeholders and their concerns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the competent authority in the scoping process?

    <p>To define the terms of reference for environmental studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a purpose of the stakeholder engagement plan in the EIA process?

    <p>To ensure stakeholder engagement during the EIA study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT typically included in the scoping study?

    <p>Making a final decision on project approval.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be described as optional in the EIA scoping study?

    <p>Description of environmental and climate change-related risks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component of the environmental impact study (EIS)?

    <p>Private funding details for the project</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When conducting the EIA, what aspect must be thoroughly addressed?

    <p>Project-environment interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is a non-technical synthesis included in the EIA documentation?

    <p>To ensure the public can understand the study's findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated in the EIA scoping study regarding resource allocation?

    <p>Costs and resources needed for the EIA study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    • EIA is a key tool of the European Union's environmental policy, supporting decisions made by public authorities.
    • The first EIA Directive was established in 1985 (Directive 85/337/EEC).
    • The EIA Directive has been amended three times: in 1997, 2003, and 2009.
    • The 1997 amendment broadened the scope of the EIA by increasing the types of projects covered and the number of projects needing mandatory environmental impact assessments.
    • The 2003 amendment aligned provisions on public participation with the Aarhus Convention.
    • The 2009 amendment added projects related to transporting, capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2).
    • The EIA is in force since 1985 for a wide range of public and private projects. These projects are defined in Annexes I and II.

    Mandatory EIA

    • All projects listed in Annex I require an EIA. These projects are judged to have significant impacts on the environment (e.g., long-distance railways, motorways, airports, and waste facilities).

    Discretion of Member States (Screening)

    • For projects in Annex II, national authorities determine if an EIA is needed through a "screening procedure."
    • This procedure assesses potential impacts based on thresholds or criteria outlined in Annex III.

    EIA Directive Scope

    • The Directive 85/337/EEC applies to projects listed in Annex I and II.
    • Annex I projects mandate EIA assessments.

    EIA Procedure

    • Developers can request the necessary EIA information from the competent authority (scoping stage).
    • Developers must provide environmental impact information (EIA report – Annex IV).
    • Authorities and the public (including affected Member States) are informed and consulted.
    • The competent authority decides based on consultations, and the public can challenge the decision in court.

    What is an EIA?

    • The Council Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended, necessitates assessing environmental effects for public and private projects likely to have significant impacts.
    • EIA involves systematically collecting and analyzing information about environmental impacts of a project.
    • This enables the authority to determine how to carry out a project.

    Legislative Framework

    • The 1985 Directive has evolved through subsequent directives.
    • Directive 97/11 broadened EIA scope by increasing the number of projects included.
    • Directive 2003/35 aligned public participation with the Aarhus Convention.
    • Directive 2009 broadened the scope, including projects related to carbon dioxide transport, capture, and storage.
    • The original 1985 was codified in 2011.
    • 2014 added further amendments to the directive.

    Legislative Framework in Italy

    • Italy complies with the European Union EIA Directive (85/337/EEC).
    • Italian legislation, starting in 1986, established mechanisms for assessing projects' environmental compatibility, including the creation of an environmental ministry.
    • Specific decrees and regulations (e.g., DPCM 10 August 1988, no. 377) provided detailed procedures and guidelines in Italy following the EU directive.
    • Italian laws on environmental impact assessment evolved after the Council Directive with subsequent Italian legislation.

    EIA in the United States

    • EIA was established in the United States in the late 1960s with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
    • NEPA introduced an obligation to assess environmental impacts for all federal government operations.

    EIA Terminology

    • Alternative solutions: different ways to achieve project objectives, including alternative locations, design approaches, or energy sources.
    • Mitigating measures/mitigation: actions to reduce, avoid, or cancel adverse project effects. These can be avoidance, cancellation, or reduction measures.
    • Compensatory measures/compensation: efforts to offset unavoidable adverse effects.
    • Scoping: identifying the relevant impacts, alternatives, and other matters to be included in the EIA study, from very early in EIA process. (in EIA, the procedure where the competent authority and consulted parties determine the key characteristics that influence the assessment of environmental impact).
    • Screening: a process to assess that a project is included within the scope of EIA by checking that it falls within the correct categories.
    • Competent Authority (CA): the authority responsible for performing directive-related duties. (the authority that decides if an EIA is needed or which procedure should be used).
    • Developer: applicant for authorization of, or an authority that initiates a project (e.g., private project or a public authority).
    • Development Consent: the decision that allows a project to proceed. This consent is issued by the Competent Authority (CA) if the environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been done.

    EIA Study Categories

    • The EIA study includes an environmental baseline study (existing environment, future situation without the project), impact identification/evaluation, measures and recommendations for impacts, Environmental Management Plans (EMP), limitations of the EIA, and conclusions on environmental impacts.

    EIA Scoping Study Results

    • Overviews and legislative frameworks applicable to a project.
    • Options and their variants included in the study.
    • An identification of main stakeholders and their concerns.
    • A stakeholder engagement plan to be used during the EIA.
    • Key environmental aspects and interactions with the project.
    • Geographical area for the environmental baseline evaluation.
    • Methodology for impact identification and evaluation.
    • Timing, cost, and resources for the EIA study.

    Scoping Phase

    • The scoping phase ensures that environmental studies provide all critical information on project impacts, alternatives, and other factors.
    • Scoping results define the specific scope of environmental information presented to the competent authority.

    Documentation for EIA

    • Scoping document: information on projects and scope for the EIA.
    • Environmental impact study (EIS): detailed assessment of the environmental impacts
    • Non-technical synthesis: summary for the public understanding.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as outlined in the European Union's directives. Learn about the initial directive established in 1985 and its subsequent amendments in 1997, 2003, and 2009. Test your knowledge on mandatory EIA procedures and the types of projects that require assessment.

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