Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) PDF

75 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) According to The International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA), EIA is the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating, and mitigating the...

75 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) According to The International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA), EIA is 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. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies require a significant amount of primary and secondary environmental data. Primary data are collected from the field to define the status of the environment (such as air quality data, water quality data, etc.). Secondary data are those collected over the years that can be used to understand the existing environmental scenario of the study area. The main steps in the EIA process are: ❖ Screening This step categorizes projects and determines whether a full-scale environmental impact assessment is required or not. The output from the screening process is often a document called an Initial Environmental Examination or Evaluation (IEE). The main conclusion will be a classification of the project according to its likely environmental sensitivity. Screening Stage Different types of tools used during the screening method are: 1. Inclusive project list (projects must undergo EIA) and exclusive project list (projects exempted from EIA) 2. Case-by-case examinations to determine whether projects may have significant environmental effects. if so, the project should undergo EIA 3. Combination of the aforementioned tools ❖ Scoping Scoping is the process of determining the most critical issues to be considered and this step will involve community participation to some degree. It establishes the content and scope of an EIA report. It is at this early stage that EIA can most strongly influence the outline proposal. Two major types of scoping method are closed scoping and open or public scoping.  76 1. Closed scoping In this method, the content and scope of an EIA Report is pre-determined by law and modified through closed consultations between a developer and the competent authority. 2. Open or Public scoping It is a transparent process based on public consultations. The scoping process begins with the preparation of a scope outline through informal consultation with environmental and health authorities. The outline is then made available for the public and is compiled with an extensive list of concerns, which is followed by the evaluation of relevant concerns to establish key issues. The key issues are further organized into impact categories and the outline is amended accordingly. A ‘Terms of reference’ (ToR) is then developed for impact analysis and the progress is monitored. If necessary, revising is carried out. Another major activity of scoping is to identify key interest groups (both governmental and non-governmental) and to establish good lines of communication. ❖ Impact Analysis In this phase, the likely impacts are analyzed in greater detail in accordance with the terms of reference specifically established for this purpose. Impact analysis is conducted using various tools, such as checklists, matrices, networks, overlays and geographical information systems (GIS), expert systems, and professional judgment. Type Biophysical, social, health or economic Nature Direct or indirect, cumulative, etc. Magnitude High, moderate, low Extent Local, regional, trans-boundary or global Timing Immediate/long term Duration Temporary/permanent Uncertainty Low likelihood/high probability Reversibility Reversible/irreversible Significance Unimportant/important Checklists Checklists are comprehensive lists of environmental effects and impact indicators designed to stimulate the analyst to think broadly about possible consequences of contemplated actions. There are four types of checklist: 1. Simple checklist A list of environmental parameters with no guidelines on how they are to be measured and interpreted. 2. Descriptive checklist This method involves the identification of environmental parameters and guidelines on how to measure data on particular parameters.  77 3. Questionnaire This is based on a set of questions to be answered. Some of the questions may concern indirect impacts and possible mitigation measures. They may also provide a scale for classifying estimated impacts from highly adverse to highly beneficial. 4. The threshold of Concern (TOC) checklists It consists of a list of environmental components, and for each component a threshold at which those assessing a proposal should become concerned with an impact. The implication of alternative proposals can be seen by examining the number of times that an alternative exceeds the threshold of concern. An Example for Threshold of Concern (TOC) Checklist 5. Scaling Checklist This is similar to a descriptive checklist, but with additional information on subjective scaling of the parameters. Scaling and weighting checklist techniques quantify impacts reasonably well although they use subjective estimates. However, they make no provision for assessing dynamic probabilistic trends or mitigation, enhancement, and monitoring programs. Matrices Matrices are two-dimensional tables that facilitate the identification of impacts arising from the interaction between project activities and specific environmental components. The entries in the cell of the matrix can be either qualitative or quantitative estimates of impact. The three important types of matrices used in EIA are: 1. Magnitude Matrices Go beyond the mere identification of impacts according to their magnitude, importance, and time frame (e.g., short, medium or long term) 2. Quantified Matrix Leopold Matrix is one of the best-known types of quantified matrix. It was developed by Leopold et al. for the US geological survey. This matrix is based on a horizontal list of 100 project actions and a vertical list of 88 environmental components.  78 3. Weighted Matrix In this method, Importance weightings are assigned to environmental components, and sometimes to project components. The impact of the project (component) on the environmental component then assessed and multiplied by the appropriate weightings. Calculation: 21x10x8+21x0+21x50x7+21x40x8 = 15750 Network The network is an alternative for illustrating the secondary and subsequent effects of actions on environmental elements. This method involves the construction of a network tracing such effects. The advantage of a network approach is that it permits clear tracing of high-order effects of initial actions; indeed, mitigation and control measures can also be illustrated. Sorenson network is probably the best-known approach used to illustrate and understand primary, secondary and tertiary impacts of developmental activity. It also identifies feasible mitigation measures and assesses multiple impacts at the same time. However, the applications of the Sorenson network are limited by inadequate data availability and reference networks relevant to the local environment. Battelle Environmental Evaluation System is designed to assess the impacts of water resource development projects, water quality management plans, highways, nuclear power plants, and other projects. In an Environmental Evaluation System, the major concerns are separated into four categories: Ecology, Physical/chemical, Aesthetics and Human Interest, and Social. Each category is further broken down into a number of environmental components and for each component, an index of environmental quality normalized to a scale ranging from 1 to 10 is developed. Environmental Indicator is defined as the difference in environmental quality between before and after the impact states. Each environmental component has a weighting factor (relative importance). From this, the overall impact of the project is calculated by summing the weighted impacts indicators. Overlay and GIS These are effective visual aids for documenting environmental conditions existing before the implementation of a particular project. It also describes both the biophysical and social aspects of an area under study. Overlay method is used when sensitive lands, renewable resource areas, and heritage sites require protection from human activities. In addition to identifying and analyzing potential impacts, GIS is also a powerful spatial planning tool.  79 ❖ Impact Mitigation Mitigation measures are considered after environmental impact evaluation. An important outcome of this stage will be recommendations for mitigating measures. This would be contained in the Environmental Impact Statement. Clearly, the aim of this stage will be to introduce measures that minimize any identified adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts. Even measures that are not economically viable should not be dropped out, because, in the long run, they make the project both economically and environmentally viable. Framework for Impact Mitigation ❖ Assessment of Alternative Measures In this stage, the assessment of environmental degradation and improvement is carried out in terms of economic losses and gains. Cost-benefit analysis, sometimes called benefit-cost analysis, is a systematic approach for evaluating development projects. Hedonic Pricing Method This method is used to determine the value of environmental features from the prices of traded goods using both primary data (characteristics of surrounding) and secondary data (market transaction). Contingent Valuation This approach involves asking people to directly report their willingness to pay (WTP) for the use or conservation of natural goods. In other words, it is a method of estimating the value that a person places on a good. Travel Cost Method (TCM) Unlike the contingent valuation method, TCM can only estimate the use-value of an environmental good or service. It is mainly applied for determining the economic values of sites that are used for recreation (e.g. national parks).  80 ❖ Preparation of the Final Document Two types of documents are prepared in this stage, the first one contains a detailed account of the EIA, and the second one is a brief summarized account for a decision-maker, who may not be a technical person. The detailed document is usually considered as a reference document, which can be used for preparing future EIAs in the same geographical area, or for the same type of project in a different area. The referred part usually contains the technical calculations, graphs, and the results of field and laboratory measurements. The summarized non-technical account is usually called a working document, which is written clearly without using technical language to communicate the findings of the EIA team to the decision-maker. ❖ Decision-making The decision is taken by a manager or a committee, or personnel from the concerned ministry who had not been associated with the EIA during its preparation. In general, the decision-maker has three choices: 1. Accepting one of the project alternatives. 2. Returning the EIA with a request for further study in certain specific areas. 3. Totally rejecting the proposed project along with alternative versions. ❖ Monitoring of Project Implementation and its Environmental Impacts This step is usually carried out while the selected project is under actual implementation. The monitoring is basically the process of inspection to make sure that the proper guidelines and recommendations stated in the EIA are faithfully followed. The EIA Process in India In India, first of all, the developer prepares an EIA report with the help of an environmental consultant. On the basis of this report, the EIA may be either comprehensive or rapid. The comprehensive EIA report incorporates the data of all four seasons of a year. Whereas, Rapid EIA (i.e. completed within 3 months) has only one season data. It should be noted that the Environmental Ministry has recently diluted the comprehensive EIA policies, therefore, in most cases only Rapid EIA is required. The completed report is then submitted to the regulatory agency to decide if the project may go for formal EIA or not. Screening is the primary stage of EIA to decide if the project requires EIA or not. Based on the government rules, the existing projects are generally categorized into two. 1. Category A projects require environment clearance from the Centre All new National Highways are classified as Category A. In addition, expansion of National Highways greater than 30 KM, involving additional Right of Way (ROW) greater than 20m, involving the land acquisition and passing through more than one State are categorized as Category A.  81 Crude oil refineries and installations for the gasification and liquefaction of 500 tonnes or more of coal or bituminous shale per day. Thermal power stations and other combustion installations (including cogeneration) with a heat output of not less than 300 megawatts (equivalent to the gross electrical output of 140 MWe for steam and single-cycle gas turbines power stations) and nuclear power stations and other nuclear reactors. Construction of airports with a basic runway length of 2,100 meters or more. Waste-processing and disposal installations for the incineration, chemical treatment or landfill of hazardous, toxic or dangerous wastes. Large dams and other impoundments designed for the holding back or permanent storage of water. Industrial plants for the production of pulp, paper, and board from timber or similar fibrous materials. Municipal wastewater treatment plants with a capacity exceeding 150,000 population 2. Category B projects (with potentially less significant impacts) are evaluated and given clearance by state-level authorities, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). Under Category B projects, there was only one distinction—coal and non- coal mines—with all non-coal mine leases below 50 ha clubbed under Category B. Environmental clearance (EC) is compulsory for mining of minor minerals in areas less than or equal to five hectares Category B projects are further categorized as ‘B1’ and ‘B2’ (except for township and area development projects). The MoEF is assigned the task of issuing appropriate guidelines from time to time for such projects. The projects categorized as B1 require an EIA report for appraisal and also have to undergo a public hearing process. But those falling under B2 are exempted from requirements of both EIA and public consultation. If the project clears the screening stage, the developer will have to conduct a Preliminary Assessment, which will predict the extent of the impacts and would briefly evaluate the importance for decision-makers. After reviewing the preliminary report, the competent authority will decide if there is a need for comprehensive EIA or Rapid EIA. Scoping is an important stage prior to the main EIA process. During scoping, the study team interacts and engage in discussions with various stakeholders, such as developers, investors, regulatory agencies, scientific institutions, local people, etc. The numerous concerns and issues raised by different stakeholders will be investigated and addressed by the study team. Then the team would select primary impacts for the main EIA to focus and determine detailed and comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToR). It is during Main EIA stage that the key impacts on the environment, such as changes in air quality, noise levels; impacts on wildlife, impact on biodiversity, impact on local communities’ settlement patterns, changes in employment statistics, changes in water consumption and availability, etc., are formally identified. It is followed by “prediction” in which the impacts are characterized quantitatively as well as  82 qualitatively. The predicted adverse impacts are then evaluated to determine if they can be significantly mitigated. This stage also involves estimating mitigation costs and benefit-cost analysis. Once the above-mentioned procedures are over, the next part is documentation, which is called the EIA report. The report contains an executive summary of the project. The project developer would now submit 20 copies of the executive summary to SPCB (State Pollution Control Board). It is now the responsibility of the SPCB to conduct public hearing. The Public hearing is organized within 30 days after the release of official notification at the site or in its close proximity for ascertaining concerns of local stakeholders. SPCB fixes a date for Public Hearing and informs the proponent to advertise in the local newspapers inviting the public for the hearing. Once the hearing is completed, the SPCB forwards the minutes of the hearing along with the No objection certificate to MoEF. In MoEF, the application is evaluated by an Impact Assessment Agency (IAA). The IAA has the complete right of entry and inspection of the sites or factory premises prior to, during or after the commencement of the project. The team carries out a technical assessment and gives its recommendations within 90 days. On the basis of this, the MOEF grants the environmental clearance which is valid for a period of seven years for the commencement of the project. Steps to Secure Environmental Clearance in India (Source: https://www.india-briefing.com/news/obtaining-environmental-approvals-india-17208.html) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 of India, notification was issued in February 1991, for the regulation of activities in the coastal area by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). As per the notification, the coastal land up to 500m from the High Tide Line (HTL) and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwater, and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations is called the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). Under this regulation, coastal areas have been classified as CRZ-1, CRZ-2, CRZ- 3, CRZ-4.  83 CRZ-1: These ecologically sensitive areas are essential in maintaining the ecosystem of the coast. They lie between low and high tide lines. Exploration of natural gas and extraction of salt is permitted. CRZ-2: These areas are urban coastal areas. As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen as per the 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In the CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been decided to de-freeze the same and permits FSI for construction projects, as prevailing on the date of the new notification. This will enable the redevelopment of these areas to meet emerging needs. CRZ-3: Rural and urban localities that fall outside the CRZ1 and CRZ2. Only certain activities related to agriculture and some public facilities are allowed in this zone. Two separate categories have now been stipulated as below: (a) CRZ-III A – These are densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometer as per the 2011 Census. Such areas shall have a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the High Tide Line stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011, since such areas have similar characteristics as urban areas. (b) CRZ-III B – Rural areas with a population density of below 2161 per square kilometer as per the 2011 Census. Such areas shall continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL. CRZ-4: This zone lies in the aquatic area up to territorial limits. Fishing and allied activities are permitted in this zone. Solid waste should be let off in this zone. This zone has been changed from 1991 notification, which covered coastal stretches in islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. Salient features of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018 1. Tourism infrastructure for basic amenities to be promoted: temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities, etc., have now been permitted in Beaches. 2. Temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in the "No Development Zone" (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a minimum distance of 10 m from HTL should be maintained for setting up of such facilities. 3. CRZ Clearances streamlined: The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary guidance. 4. A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands: For islands close to the mainland coast and for all Backwater Islands in the mainland, in wake of space limitations and unique geography of such regions, bringing uniformity in treatment of such regions, NDZ of 20 m has been stipulated. 5. Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus: In order to address pollution in Coastal areas, treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards and precautions.  84 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) The ISO 14000 family of standards provides guidance for companies and organizations to manage their environmental responsibilities. The other standards in the family focus on specific approaches such as audits, communications, labeling and life cycle analysis, as well as environmental challenges such as climate change. ISO 14001 Environmental management systems- Specifications with the guidance of use ISO 14004 Guidelines on environmental management principles, systems and supporting techniques. ISO 14006 Guidelines for incorporating eco-design ISO 14010 General principles for environmental auditing. ISO 14011 Audit procedures ISO14012 Qualification criteria for environmental auditors ISO 14020 to 14025 Environmental labels and declarations ISO14022 Symbols ISO14023 Testing and Verification ISO14024 Principle and Procedure ISO14030 Environmental Performance Evaluation ISO 14040 to 14049 Life cycle assessment; discusses pre-production planning and environment goal setting ISO 14040 A standard on principles and framework ISO 14041 A standard on goal and scope definition and inventory analysis ISO 14042 A standard on life-cycle impact assessment ISO 14043 A standard on life-cycle interpretation ISO 14050 Terms of fundamental concepts related to environmental management ISO14060 Guide for the inclusion of environmental aspects in product standards ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases- measuring, quantifying, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions Environmental Audit Environmental auditing is a management tool intended to provide information on environmental performance to the concerned people at the right time. This audit includes an analysis of the technical, procedural and decision-making aspects of the EIA. It also encompasses all kinds of activities related to the environmental measures of an organization.  85 Auditing Action Implementation audit Initial activities Predictive techniques audit Validation of impacts Performance audit Comprehensive operational activities Procedures audit External review Parameter Importance Units The principle of the Batelle Environmental Evaluation System lies in splitting the environmental impacts into four major categories: ecology, pollution, aesthetics, and human interest. Initially, the environmental indicators are transformed into environmental quality. For example, in the pulp and paper industry, water pollution could be represented by indicators, such as BOD, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliforms, inorganic carbon, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity, etc. The notation table defines a number from 0 to 1 (0 for poor quality and 1 for good quality). Thus, it is possible to quantify environmental deterioration and improvement. A total of 1,000 points (or Parameter Importance Units) are shared among the indicators by the authors of the EIA. They reflect the relative importance of each parameter. EES assessment of the environmental impacts of water resources development projects is based on commensurate "environmental impact units" (EIU). Two EIU scores are produced, one 'with' and another 'without' the proposed project. The difference between the two scores is a measure of the environmental impact. The scores are based on the magnitude and importance of specific impacts. (Vi)1- Environmental quality for indicator “i” in the project conditions (Vi)2- Environmental quality for indicator “i” without the project wi - Relative weight of the indicator “i” (PIU) m- Total number of indicators. Ecolabel Eco-labels are voluntary certifications practiced around the world. It is independently developed by governments, manufacturers, and third-party organizations. Producers and service providers demonstrate through eco-label that they comply with high standards of environmental protection during the life-cycle of the product and the provided services. The government of India in 1991 launched its first eco-label scheme, known as ‘Eco-mark’ through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The BIS is responsible for setting quality and safety norms and is closely involved with the implementation of the Eco mark scheme. The program is run by the Ministry of Environment, forests and climate change (MoEF&CC) with technical advice from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  86 Eco-mark Logo An earthen pot symbolizes the Eco-mark scheme that uses renewable resources like earth, which does not produce hazardous wastes and consumes less energy in making. The Central Pollution Control Board has set up guidelines for environmentally friendly products. These products can obtain environmental labeling from the Government of India if they meet the criterion set by the acts in Indian laws. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Strategic Environmental Assessment aims to incorporate environmental and sustainability considerations into strategic decision-making processes, such as the formulation of policies, plans, and programs (PPP). SEA is an evidence-based instrument, aiming to add scientific rigor to PPP making by using suitable assessment methods and techniques. The structure of SEA is based on the following phases: ▪ "Screening", investigation of whether the plan or programme falls under the SEA legislation, ▪ "Scoping", defining the boundaries of investigation, assessment and assumptions required, ▪ "Documentation of the state of the environment", effectively a baseline on which to base judgments, ▪ "Determination of the likely (non-marginal) environmental impacts", usually in terms of Direction of Change rather than firm figures, ▪ Informing and consulting the public, ▪ Influencing "Decision taking" based on the assessment and, ▪ Monitoring of the effects of plans and programmes after their implementation.