Introduction

to EIA (Environmental I

mpact Assessment)

1-Introduction to EIA 1
1-Introduction to EIA 2
1-Introduction to EIA 3
1-Introduction to EIA

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a

process of evaluating the likely environmental
impacts of a proposed project or development

4
1-Introduction to EIA

• UNEP (United Nations Environment Program)

defines EIA as a tool used to identify the
environmental, social and economic impacts of a
project

……..Prior to decision making

5
• Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) is a crucial tool used to
evaluate the potential
environmental consequences of
proposed projects or activities
(both good and bad).

1-Introduction to EIA 6
The immediate goals of EIA are to:
• enhance the proposal’s environmental design;
• ensure that resources are used effectively and wisely;
• choose appropriate actions to lessen the proposal’s potential negative
effects; and
• support informed decision-making, including establishing the environmental
terms and conditions for implementation.

1-Introduction to EIA 7
The long-term goals of EIA are to:

• maintain priceless resources, natural regions, and ecosystem components;

• protect human health and safety;
• prevent permanent changes and major environmental harm; and
• enhance the social aspects of the proposal. (effectively communicate its value
and positive impact on the community or society)

1-Introduction to EIA 8
• Why EIA ?
• It helps in identifying and understanding the potential
environmental impacts
• It provides a platform for public participation and
consultation
• It facilitates the integration of environmental
considerations into project planning
1-Introduction to EIA 9
• Why EIA?

• It plays a crucial role in

safeguarding and conserving
natural resources and
ecosystems

• It contributes to the attainment

of environmental and
sustainability goals
1-Introduction to EIA 10
 Evolution of EIA

• The evolution of

Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) has been

significant both globally and in

the Indian scenario.

1-Introduction to EIA 11
• Internationally, the United
Nations played a crucial role
in promoting EIA through its
adoption of the 'DUNCHE'

1-Introduction
Declaration of the United Nations Conference to EIA Environment
on the Human
(DUNCHE) 12
 13

• In the Indian scenario, EIA was

introduced in the early 1990s.

• The government recognized the need

to assess and mitigate the
environmental impacts of
development projects to ensure
sustainable growth.

1-Introduction to EIA
• There is an increasing recognition of the need for

strategic environmental assessment (SEA) at the

policy, program, and plan levels.

1-Introduction to EIA 14
 Early EIA in India
• The Silent Valley
(Kerala) Hydroelectric
Project, to construct a
dam across
the Kuntipuzha River

1-Introduction to EIA 15
 • The Tehri Dam Project,

located in Uttarakhand, was

another significant early

example of EIA in India.

1-Introduction to EIA 16
 Elements of EIA
• Screening: It is an initial evaluation

in the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) process to

determine if a project requires a

comprehensive assessment. 1-Introduction to EIA 17

 Screening

The main objectives of screening are to:

Identify projects that have potentially significant environmental impacts

Determine if a project falls within the threshold for mandatory EIA

Eliminate or exempt projects

1-Introduction to EIA 18
 Screening outcomes can
result in three possibilities:
Screening • Full-scale EIA

• Categorization

• Exemption

1-Introduction to EIA 19
 Screening
The proposed project is classified into one of four categories:

Category A: is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented

Category B: potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas—
including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats—are less adverse than those of Category A projects

Category C: likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.

Category FI: it involves investment of Bank funds through a financial intermediary (middleman), in subprojects that may
result in adverse environmental impacts.

1-Introduction to EIA 20
Scoping

• Scoping: This initial step involves identifying

the key issues and potential impacts that

need to be considered in the EIA process.

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 1-Introduction to EIA
Scoping
• Scoping also involves
engaging with relevant
stakeholders and
understanding their concerns
and priorities.
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 EIA elements (Base
data collection)

• Baseline Data Collection:

This involves gathering
comprehensive data on
the existing conditions in
the project area.
1-Introduction to EIA 23
 EIA elements (Base
data collection)
• The data collection process
could include studying the local
ecosystem, assessing wildlife
habitats, measuring air and
water pollution levels

1-Introduction to EIA 24
Elements of EIA (Impact identification and
assessment)

• Impact Identification and Assessment: In

this step, the potential environmental,
social, and economic impacts of the
project are identified and evaluated.

1-Introduction to EIA 25
Elements of EIA (Impact
identification and
assessment)

• Through scientific studies, data analysis, and

consultations with experts, the team would
assess the magnitude, duration, spatial extent,
and significance of each impact.
1-Introduction to EIA 26
 Elements of EIA
(Mitigation measures)
• Mitigation Measures: Once
the impacts are identified,
appropriate mitigation
measures are developed to
minimize or eliminate
adverse effects.

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 Elements of EIA
(Mitigation measures)

• For example, consider a proposed

construction project in an urban area.

• During the EIA process, it is identified

that the project will result in increased
noise levels, air pollution, and traffic
congestion.
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 Elements of EIA
(Environmental
Management Plan)

• This plan outlines the

strategies and actions to be
implemented during project
construction, operation, and
decommissioning phases
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 Elements of EIA
(Environmental
Management Plan)

• For example, consider a

large-scale industrial

project in a coastal area.

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 Elements of EIA
(Public Participation
and Consultation)

• EIA encourages public

participation and consultation
to ensure that the concerns
and opinions of local
communities are considered
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Elements of EIA (Public
Participation and Consultation)

For example, consider a proposed dam

construction project in a rural area.

1-Introduction to EIA 32
 Elements of EIA
(Review and
Decision-Making)

• Review and Decision-Making: The

EIA report is reviewed by relevant

authorities and stakeholders.

1-Introduction to EIA 33
 Elements of EIA (Review and Decision-
Making)

For example, let's consider a proposed oil drilling project in a

sensitive marine ecosystem. 1-Introduction to EIA 34

Elements of EIA
(Monitoring and Auditing)

• Once the project is implemented,

monitoring and auditing ensure that the
predicted impacts and mitigation measures
are being effectively implemented.

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Elements of EIA • For example, consider a large-scale industrial
(Monitoring and plant that has been granted approval based
Auditing)
on the EIA findings.
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 Classification of
pollution
• Pollution can be classified into several
categories based on the source or type of
pollutants involved. Here is a detailed
classification of pollution: air pollution,
water pollution soil pollution, noise pollution,
light pollution
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Classification of pollution

1-Introduction to EIA
• Thermal pollution

• Radioactive pollution

• Visual pollution

• Thought pollution
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Classification of
Pollutants

• Pollutants can be classified into various

categories based on their nature, origin,
and impact on the environment and
human health. Chemical pollutants,
gaseous pollutants.

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 Classification of
Pollutants
• Biological pollutants

• Particulate
matter pollutants

• Radioactive pollutants

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Classification of Pollutants

• Thermal pollutants

• Noise pollutants

• Light pollutants

• Plastic and waste pollutants

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 Government of India – Latest
notification on EIA

• As of September 2021, the

Government of India had proposed
certain revisions to the
Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) Notification, 2006
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Latest notification on
EIA

• Project Categories: The EIA Notification

categorizes projects into two categories
– Category A and Category B

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 Latest notification on EIA

• Public consultation

• Exemptions and applicability

• Compliance and monitoring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrv1zBMAEL8

1-Introduction to EIA 44
• Thought or mental pollution: effect of pollution on mental capacity of
human being.
Case Study:
Mold, change in electromagnetic radiation due to pollutants,
Ergot fungus, CO

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Paranormal activity report:
1. American Journal of Ophthalmology by Dr. William Wilmer, 1921
2. journalist Carrie Poppy, 2016
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• Dancing plague
• Salem, Massachusetts witch trials,1692
Neurological symptoms of environmental pollution
1. dizziness
2. headaches
3. convulsions
4. psychosis
5. coma

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