Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.
Pronunciation
/enˌvīrənˈmen(t)l ˈimˌpakt əˈsesmənt/
Etymology
The term "Environmental Impact Assessment" originates from the United States legislation, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, which made it mandatory for certain projects to undergo an EIA before they could be approved.
Process
The EIA process involves the identification, prediction, evaluation, and mitigation of the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made.
Related Terms
- Scoping: This is the process of identifying the key environmental issues and impacts that should be assessed in the EIA report.
- Screening: This is the process of deciding whether an EIA is required for a particular project.
- Mitigation: This refers to measures taken to avoid, reduce, or offset the potential negative environmental impacts of a project.
- Public Participation: This is a process that involves the public in decision making and gives the public an opportunity to present their views and concerns.
- Environmental Management Plan: This is a plan that outlines how a project will manage its environmental impacts both during and after construction.
See Also
- Environmental Impact Statement
- Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Social Impact Assessment
- Health Impact Assessment
References
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