Environmental Impact Assessments (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Environmental Impact Assessments

• An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed development project

  • The purpose of an EIA is to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of the project on the environment, and to develop strategies to mitigate or avoid those impacts

  • EIAs are used to inform decision-making by government agencies, developers, and other stakeholders, and to ensure that proposed projects are environmentally sustainable

Steps 

• The EIA process typically involves the following steps:

   1. Scoping

• Defining the scope of the EIA and identifying the key issues to be addressed

   2. Baseline studies

• Collecting data on the existing environment

• The purpose of a baseline study is to understand the physical and biological environment prior to the commencement of the project so that it can be monitored throughout and after the development

• A number of variables should be measured as part of the baseline study, which includes the following:

  • Habitat type and abundance: the total area of each habitat type should be recorded

  • Species list: the number of species (flora and fauna) present should be noted

  • Species diversity: the abundance of each species should be estimated and the diversity of the community should be calculated

  • List of endangered species

  • Land use: the type of land use and its coverage should be assessed

  • Hydrology: the hydrological conditions in terms of volume, discharge, flows, and water quality should be evaluated

  • Human population: the current population should be assessed

  • Soil: the quality, fertility, and pH of the soil should be examined

   3. Impact assessment

• Evaluating the potential impacts of the project on the environment, including both direct and indirect impacts

   4. Mitigation measures

• Developing strategies to mitigate or avoid the potential environmental impacts of the project

   5. Public consultation

• Engaging with stakeholders and the public to gather feedback and input on the proposed project and the EIA

   6. Review and approval

• Reviewing and approving the EIA by relevant authorities, such as government agencies or regulatory bodies

Projects Requiring EIAs

• Many development projects may require an EIA, depending on their potential environmental impacts

• Examples of projects that may require an EIA include:

  • Mining and mineral extraction

  • Infrastructure development, such as highways and airports

  • Energy projects, such as wind farms and hydroelectric dams

  • Industrial facilities, such as chemical plants and oil refineries

  • Land use changes, such as deforestation or wetland reclamation

Strengths and Limitations

• EIAs are a valuable tool for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of proposed development projects, but they also have some weaknesses

Strengths and Limitations of EIAs

Case Study: Olympic Park, London

EG Focus, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Olympic Park, London, the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics

• The construction of the Olympic Park in London for the 2012 Summer Olympics is an example of how an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was used to minimise the negative effects of a large-scale development project

• The EIA for the Olympic Park considered the potential environmental impacts of the development, such as:

  • Soil contamination

  • Habitat loss

  • Increased traffic congestion

• It also assessed the effects on nearby communities, including:

  • Noise pollution

  • Changes in air quality

• To minimise these impacts, various measures were implemented:

  • Brownfield sites were used for construction to avoid damage to natural habitats

  • Areas of green space were incorporated into the design to promote biodiversity

  • The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies was prioritised to reduce carbon emissions and waste

• During the construction phase, environmental monitoring was carried out to ensure that the project complied with the EIA

  • The monitoring included air and water quality testing, noise level measurements, and wildlife surveys

• The success of the EIA and subsequent mitigation measures was evident in the positive environmental outcomes of the Olympic Park:

  • The park boasts a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands and woodlands, which have encouraged the return of wildlife species such as otters and kingfishers

  • The park also uses renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and biomass boilers, to reduce its carbon footprint

• Overall, the Olympic Park is an example of how the use of EIA can lead to sustainable development that benefits both the environment and local communities

The main stages of an environmental impact assessment