Conducting An Environmental Impact Assessment (SO5-AC5)

Environmental Impact Assessments is much more than a process for obtaining an environmental permit or licence. It aims to minimize, avoid or offset the environmental and social impacts of a proposed development project. If done properly, it can even promote sustainability in the area where the project is being implemented.

Steps for Conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment

If not - An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) needs to be created and subsequently monitored.

Step 1 - Screening
Determines whether the environmental and social impacts of a proposed development project would be significant enough to develop an EIA.

Step 2 - Scoping

Establish the boundaries of the EIA, set the basis of the analyses that will be conducted at each stage, describe the project alternatives and consult the affected public.

Step 3 - Impact Assessment and Mitigation

Evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the planned project and its alternatives, and then identify the mitigation measures to reduce those impacts.

Step 4 - Impact Management

Prepare the plans required for addressing mitigation measures and other project risks, such as technical failures and natural disasters.

Step 5 - The EIA Report

Pulls together all the research and work done during the previous steps into a comprehensive, the structured document, ensuring that the EIA report contains all the key components.

Step 6 - Review and Licensing

Designated authorities review the EIA report to determine if the planned project will get a license or if it requires amendments.

Step 7 - Monitoring

Ensure that the mitigation measures, priorities listed in the EMP, and contingency plans are properly implemented and effectively address the project’s impacts.