1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Chapter 1

Introduction to
Environmental Impact Assessment
EIA

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1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

An Impact on the environment is

defined as:
Any incremental change (increase/
decrease) in the biophysical and/or
social environment caused by or
directly related to a former, on
on-
going, or proposed activity.
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1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Biophysical component:
All living organisms and natural
physical
h i l environment
i t that
th t
sustains them (terrestrial,
(terrestrial aquatic
and atmospheric)

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1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Social component:
Socio-economic
Socio economic aspects
aspects, human
health, safety and well-being
well being of the
society.
Social and biophysical impacts are
extremely linked together as humans need
a healthy environment in order to meet
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their basic needs for survival.
1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

What is EIA?
“An important
p p
procedure for ensuringg
that the likely effects of new
d l
development t on th
the environment
i t
are fully understood and taken into
account before the development is
allowed to go ahead”

5/27 (DETR and National Assembly for Wales, 1999)

1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Screening
g (does the project Impact assessment
require EIA?) (interpreting the impacts)

Scoping (what issues and Mitigation (what can be done to

impacts should the EIA address?) alleviate negative impacts?)

Baseline studies (establish EIS p

preparation/review
p
the environmental baseline) (document the EIA findings)

Alternatives (consider the Public consultation

different approaches) (consult general public and NGOs)

Impact
p prediction
p (
(forecast Monitoring
g ((monitor impacts
p
the environmental impacts) of project)

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1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Benefits of applying EIA to economic

developments include:
• M
More efficient
ffi i and d productive
d i (sustainable)
( i bl )
use of natural resources,
• Lower project costs
• Avoidance or remedial measures planned
• Improved future planning of economic
development
• Better protection for the environment and
enhanced
h d quality
lit off lif
life,
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1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Benefits of applying EIA to economic

Continue

developments include:
• Opportunity for the public to learn about
environmental effects,
• Opportunity for the public to influence the
decision making process,
process
• Enhanced public confidence in public and
private
i t institutions
i tit ti
• Good public relations encourage decision
makers.
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1- INTRODUCTION To Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Risks associated with not doing EIA

properly include:
• Costly proceedings, expensive cleanups
• Loss of public trust in public and private
institutions
• Worsening environmental conditions and
deterioration of the natural resource
• Consumer backlash against industry and
businesses responsible for environmental
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 2- KEY ELEMENTS FOR CONDUCTING AN EIA

Flow Chart of
Environmental
Approval Steps
of Project In
Palestine

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 2- KEY ELEMENTS FOR CONDUCTING AN EIA

Advance preparations for conducting an EIA

‰ Knowledge
K l d off theh governingi act(s),
( ) policies,
li i
gguidelines, regulations,
g and pprocedures
‰ Names of government departments and
agencies as well as key personnel
responsible
‰ Detailed
D t il d ddescription
i ti off the
th project
j t and d
surrounding environment
‰ An interdisciplinary team of experts (e.g.,
scientist, biologist, engineer, social scientist,
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etc.)
 2- KEY ELEMENTS FOR CONDUCTING AN EIA

EIA Requirements:
Procedural,
P d l technical,
h i l scientific,
i ifi socio- i
economic and p philosophical
p ((value)) issues
to be dealt with in a cohesive fashion.

Scientific question "what will happen in a

stream if there is an oil spill?
spill?”
Social question "what
what importance do we
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attach to water pollution?"