Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

environmental Impact sound judgement (EIA)1. IntroductionEnvironmental Impact appraisal (EIA) is a procedure that requires developers to follow in order to be granted permission for a instruction and was first introduced in European Union (EU) in 1985 (Glasson, 1999). The guidelines and requirements of EIA come from a European guiding (85/33/ europium as amended by 97/11/EC). In this do work, developer requires to compile an Environmental Statement (ES) where significant impacts and its effects on the environment as a result of a development ar described including mitigation measures (Lee, 1995). However, there are weaknesses in EIA process.As a result of EIA weaknesses, Strategic Environmental opinion ( sea) was introduced. sea process was first introduced by EU Directive 2001/42/EC which environmental protection and sustainable development may be considered. It ensures that potential impact of proposed plans, policies and programmemes on the environment are taking into cons ideration so that mitigation and communication between cosmos and stopping point-makers are impartd (Benson, 2003). Therefore, ocean is under taken in the purpose-making process of a development much earlier than EIA.In this section, the differences between EIA and SEA as well as the weaknesses of EIA that led the development of SEA in EU Directive in 2001 are being discussed.2. Differences between EIA and SEA2.1. Differences in provisions between SEA and EIA DirectivesTable 1 Summary of differences in carry out for EIA and SEA processes (Partidrio, 2000).SEAEIANature of actionIt is more strategic and contains visions and fantasys in its action numberions towards the construction and operation aim judgement knobbed evaluationInvolved only estimateFocus more(prenominal) critical decision moments (decision windows) along with decision processesOnly in project takeLevel of decisionIt involves insurance insurance constitution and planningOnly project levelRelation to decisio nFacilitatorInvolved evaluator which often taking into consideration of administrative requirementAlternativesBroader and spatial equilibrium of location, loving and physical strategies, technologies and economics.More specialized alternative in construction, operation, locations and designScale of impactsMacroscopic come to local, regional, national and globalMicroscopic mainly involved localScope of impactsSustainability issues, economic and social issues may be more tangible than physical or ecological issuesEnvironmental with a sustainability focus, physical or ecological issues, and also social and economicTime scale and reviewLong to medium term (after 5 age and then 7 years interval)Medium to short-term (after 5 years then silent continuing review).Key selective information sourcesState of the Environment Reports, Local Agenda 21, statistical digital audiotapea, policy and planning instrumentsField work, sample analysis, statistical dataDataMainly descriptive and mixture with quantifiableMore quantifiableRigor of analysis (uncertainty)More uncertainty and less rigorLess uncertainty and more rigorAssessment benchmarksSustainability benchmarks (criteria and objectives)Best practice and legal restrictionsPublic perceptionVague/ unlikeMore reactivePost-evaluationOther strategic actions and project planningObjective evidence in relation with construction and operation2.2 Differences in procedural requirements of the EIA and SEA Directives.Table 2 Summary of the main differences between EIA and SEA Directives in procedural requirements ( Sources from Sheate et al., 2005).STAGESEAEIAScreeningIt requires consultation from the environmental authorities.Publicity SEA does not shoot determination and reasons.It requires no consultation.Publicity EIA requires determination and reasons.Environmental information/ incubateMember States (MSs) suck in a bun in the oven to ensure that sufficient quality and stronger furiousness on alternatives are leave behin dd in environmental reports (ERs).No quality control requires in EIA and only minimun information shoud be providedConsultationInvolved germane(predicate) parties former(a) than MSs such as public and autorities.Involved relevant parties other than MSs such as public and autorities and also consultation provision from Public Participation Directive.Decision-making alone consultation comments and ER are to be taken into account.Consultation comments and environmental informations are included in decision-making.Info on decisionMore specific and detailed requirements. schooling provision from Public Participation Directive are mademore specific in the requirement.MonitoringLong term monitor infallible non require monitoring3. Weaknesses of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)3.1. Lack of consideration of cumulative impactsEIA process is often veneering knockouty in addressing cumulative impacts of a development. The significant impacts of a development especially issues on biodiv ersity, human health and cultural heritage are no included in their assessment (McDonald browned 1995).For example in Scotland, several developments of wind farms proposed in close proximity have led to a very complicated EIA process (Glasson, 1999). Each developer required assessing the cumulative impact of landscape and visual application with those of neighboring projects (Benson, 2003). The planning process could face a delay due to this issue.3.2. Insufficient public associationPublic involvement has surfacen to be insufficient in EIA process (Gailus, 1995). In a recent question suggested that this is due to the attitude of the developer that discourages the participation of public in EIA process in the European Community.Due to miss of legislation and extensive for public involvement in Europe in the early 90s to becharm the decision of a development, the general public is not aware of their by rightss and causes them not interested in the development involvement (Cadd y, 1996).3.3. Little monitoring and auditing processPrevious analyse has showed that monitoring and auditing issues are still weak in EIA. Follow-up process is only performed by developers in a minority of cases (Arts and Nootebloom 1999).Monitoring process enables practioners to have better understanding for future extension, design and restoration projects (Frost, 1997). However, the river restoration process in joined Kingdom (UK) was hampered by lack of monitoring process in EIA.3.4. Inadequate consideration of alternativesThe compilation of alternatives appears to be very limited in EIA report (Tesli, 2002). For example in Hungary for radioactive disposal, the report did not provide in details or rather limited in reducing the impacts of the project to the human health (Benson, 2003). It is important to include various alternatives to allow solutions being taken in a development.3.5. The poor quality of environmental impact statements and reportsThe reports produced in EIA ar e often too complex in term of length and technical which is not easily understood by the public and decision makers (Lee, 1995). It is important for ES to be simple as it has to be made operational to the public.3.6. The clock of decisionsThe decision-making process in EIA project enters too late where the effects of policy and planning critical decisions are not being considered (Lee, 1995). This is due to the absence of regular impact assessment process where the outcome of it could subsequently influence the project planning and design (Harrop Nixon 1999).4. finaleThere were various weaknesses have been identified in EIA process. Due to these weaknesses, SEA was developed in 2001 under EU Directive to strengthen the environmental assessment process.5. ReferencesArts, J. and Nootebloom, S. (1999) Environmental Impact Assessment Monitoring andAuditing in Petts, J. (ed.) Handbook of Environmental Impact Assessment Volume 1,Blackwell, Oxford 229-251Benson, J.F. (2003) What is the alternative? Impact assessment tools and sustainable planning, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21 (4) 261-266Caddy, J. (1996). Working root word on Environmental Studies, European University Institute, Florence. Online http//www.iue.it/WGES/Iss16/caddy.htmAccessed 29/01/2010.Frost, R. (1997) Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment in Practice. Chapter 7 EIA monitoring and audit in Weston, J (ed). Longman, Harlow. pp 141 175.Gailus, J. (1995). regional Environmental Centre Hungary.Online http//www.rec.org/REC/Bulletin/Bull52/PublPart.htmlAccessed 29/01/2010Glasson, J. (1999) The First 10 Years of the UK EIA System Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, Planning Practice and Research, 14 (3) 363-375Glasson, J. Therivel, R. and Chadwick, A. (1999) Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment, Spon Press, capital of the United KingdomHarrop, O. and Nixon, A. (1999) Environmental Impact Assessment in Practice, Routledge, LondonLee, N. (1995) Environmenta l Assessment in the European Union a tenth anniversary, Project Appraisal, 10 (2) 77-90McDonald, G.T. and Brown, A.L. (1995) handout Beyond Environmental Impact Assessment environmental input to planning and design, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 15 483-495Partidrio, M.R., 2000, Elements of an SEA framework improving the added-value of SEA, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 20 647-663.Sheate, W. Byron, H. Dagg, S. Cooper, L (2005), The Relationship between SEA and EIA Directives Final Report to the European Commission. Imperial College LondonTesli, A. (2002). The use of EIA and SEA congenator to the objective of sustainable development, Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR). 1. Content of an SEA report as required by EU DirectiveThe implementation of plans and programmes (PPs) in which likely significant effects produce by the project on the environment is the key requirement in preparation of an SEA report (European fan tan and Council of th e European Union, 2001). Figure 1 shows the summary of the contents required by EU Directive (2001/42/EC) in producing SEA reports.not all projects need to perform SEA process (Barth Fuder, 2002). The diagram in Figure 2 shows a intend of tempered of criteria for application to PPs under the EU Directive (2001/42/EC). It specifies whether SEA is required or not agree to the Directive.For simplicity, the developments of the PPs and reasonable alternative options of SEA are summarized in five key introduces concord to the government guidance in England (URL 1).1.1. The key five stagesStage A Context, Baseline and Scoping (SEA Directive Annex 1)Authority needs to include indicators, objectives and background information for SEA in the plan. The decisions of the scope can be decide by the authority including consultation on the statutory environmental bodies (URL 1).Stage BAlternatives and Assessment (SEA Directive member 5.1)Authority need to identify reasonable alternatives a nd assess the effects of the project on the environment. Ways of reducing, preventing and offsets the effects have to be provided as well (URL 1).Stage C Preparing the Environmental ReportDraft plan/programme which includes the information of the effects has to be presented as a key output of SEA process (URL 1).Stage D Consultation (SEA Directive Article 6.2 and Annex 1)The draft plan and environmental report should be ready in concert for consultation where a statement are made from the consultation responses in order to produce an evolving plan (URL 1).Stage E Monitoring (SEA Directive Article 10.1)The implementation of the plan where environment effects are produced needs monitoring process. It helps to provide more baseline information for future plans (URL 1).2. Difficulties and limitations in fulfilling these requirementsTable 1 Summary of the difficulties and limitations of SEA reports as required in EU Directive.Requirements issuesDifficulties and limitationsAvailability and access to dataEnvironmental data is often limited and not relevant because it is not collected and stored systematically. The process of data collection requires extensive resources and using these data are difficult because different departments tend to collect different set of data. The quality of good data is lacking and this issue has been reported by Member States such as Germany and Poland (European Commission, 2009).Best example of this issue is Poland. They are facing difficulties of generating and collecting data of affected area because of the implementation of a plan/programme. The current picture of the environment has to be identified especially in considerable areas but they indicate that it is very problematic (European Commission, 2009).Sometimes, the coverage areas of SEA are large (including few countries and produces large amount of alternatives (URL 1). This will increase the complexity of data collection and analysis (URL 1).Public ParticipationThe availab ility of the data for the public is limited. In the UK, documents and information of the plan are not required to be make on their website until ER is terminalized according to the draft Regulations (Partidrio, 1996).As a result, public participation is limited as not many public will conk to the plan-makers office to view the documents at a minimum time period for consultation. It is important to set up a website to facilitate the consultation process for the public to participate (Partidrio, 1996). Else, public is unaware that inspection of these documents are available to them and no feedback can be made (Krnv Thissen, 2000).EA at higher levels of decision makingAs SEA involves higher levels of decision making, the implementation policy of PPs are subject to various departments decisions (Krnv Thissen, 2000). For example, a Local transference Plan requires policy from Regional Spatial Strategies, Aviation and Transport White Papers and Sustainable Communities Plan and Plann ing Policy Statements (Brown Thrivel, 2000). Due to these requirements, a complex screening process has to be performed and decisions for PPS are even more very difficult in the assessment (Brown Thrivel, 2000).Deciding on the level of detail of the environmental reportThe details of require information in SEA reports are vary due to lack of adaptation in assessment for the level of abstraction in PPs (European Commission, 2009). gibe to Member States (Latvia and Germany), the possible impacts of PPs are difficult to be included in SEA reports because of less information of the right scale and level required (European Commission, 2009). Therefore, important information for long term PPs is difficult as no appropriate spatial scale of information need to be included in the report (European Commission, 2009).Development of assessment methodsAs there are no specific guidelines, strong methodological background and lack of exchange for best practices, developing an hard-hitting asse ssment is very challenging (Brown Thrivel, 2000). For example in Operational Programmes objectives, high level plans in a viable assessment do not necessary show the actual physical ground effects although strategic policies are implemented European Commission, 2009).Assessment of impactsAlthough SEA addressing the importance of cumulative impacts, there is no standard and impressive assessment methodologies are being developed (Partidrio, 1996). The significant environmental impacts of PPs are difficult to assess and the identification of these aspects are limited (Partidrio, 1996).Monitoring and enforcement (Including issues of indicators)The assessment of plans is limited because there is no sustainability and environmental criteria developed in the monitoring programme (European Commission, 2009). Therefore, monitoring indicators (local agenda 21 for instance) is being used however it is difficult for monitoring process as mentioned by Member States like France.Environmental a uthorities have no proper enforcement tool to ensure that monitoring programme is being performed (European Commission, 2009). For example in the UK, no quality control body is being set up by the government to monitor the efficiency of monitoring process which is a limitation for SEA (Verheem, R. Tonk, J. 2000).Institutional and legal issuesThe supports for SEA process are still insufficient politically (European Commission, 2009). The bureaucratic prerogatives may hinder the effectiveness of SEA performance. As SEA process is relatively new, lack of human resources especially knowledgeable authorities is a major limitation for SEA (European Commission, 2009).3. analogy between requirement of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and Sustainability Appraisal (SA).In the United Kingdom (UK), SA and SEA are required in planning system and law for Government Plans and Programmes (Smith Sheate 2001). For most Development Plan Documents (DPD) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD), both(pr enominal) SA and SEA process have to be carried out and include in the Local Development Framework (LDF) in the UK (Smith Sheate 2001). SA was developed to assess the likely economic, social and environmental impacts so proposed PPs can be implemented that leads to sustainable development unlike SEA which was previously described (Lee Kirkpatrick, 2000).The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) and European Directive EC/2001/42 require both SA and SEA processes to be performed in any planning (Smith Sheate 2001). It is also requires by the Environmental Assessment Regulations for Plans and Programmes in UK (Smith Sheate 2001). In table 2, comparison of SA and SEA in terms of UK planning system for Government PPs are being summarized.Table 2 Comparison between SA and SEA requirements within the UK planning systemRequirementsStrategic Environmental AssessmentSustainability AppraisalsOverall aimsThe aim of SEA is to raise the profile of environmental considerations as part of an advocative begin during decision-making process (Krnv Thissen, 2000).In contrast to SEA, it is use as a support process in decision-making and representing an integrated approach that working towards in all aspects of sustainable development. Therefore, the interests at stake are remained neutral during this process (Minas, 2002).FocusEnvironmental effects (Lee Kirkpatrick, 2000)A full ladder of environmental, social and economic issues (Minas, 2002).Environmental/ Sustainability aspectsIt involves 15 components which is suggested in the 1993 guidance with additional social and economic factors to be considered in 1999 guidance (Thrivel, Minas, 2002).Aspects of biodiversity, human health, cultural factors, water, landscape, tribe and material assets are considered primarily (Thrivel, Minas, 2002).Report requirementsThere are no formal requirements for SA. In good practice guidance, identification of scoping and impacts stages is recommended (Thrivel, Minas, 2002). The 19 99 guidance also recommends that planners should provide and evaluates alternatives. Environmental baseline conditions should be considered as well.It involved extensive requirements of Annex 1 which have previously discussed (Barth Fuder, 2002).MethodologyAccording to DETR Guide, the appraisal should emphasize on strategic options, alternatives, and policy impact matrices in achieving sustainable development. Therefore, the methodological statement is very brief if compare to SEA (Minas, 2002).In contrast to SA, heavy ferocity is in place on actually baseline data which set as a benchmark to assess the alternatives performance. It is also requires authorities to consult the final environmental report from the public on the scope of the assessment (Thrivel, Minas, 2002).TimingThe process is being carried out very early where every stage of the development plan process is considered as an important element (Thrivel, Minas, 2002).In contrast to SA, it is usually being carried out during the preparation of a plan before the compliance to the legislative procedure (Thrivel, Minas, 2002).InvolvementThe appraisals are subjected to consultation with outside groups such as public consultation during the plan preparation. The appraisal usually made available on the internet where it is being carried out sporadically (Thrivel, Minas, 2002).It is not required to make available on the internet. The consultation can be done during scoping stage by specified environmental authorities. Opportunity has to be given to the public to comment the draft plan (Partidrio, 1996).Documentation requiredNo formal requirements according to the guidanceA statement need to be produced by an authority to summarize all the considerations of the plan have been integrated. They need to provide a report of consultees opinion which taken during the consultation process and valid reasons on why the alternatives are being chosen (Partidrio, 1996).4. Success of SEA report in delivering sustai nable development objectivesA wide rake of processes has been integrated with SEA report. It has shown to be a systematic process where accountable decision making can be achieve due to the earlier evaluating process being taken with strong alternative visions (Wood Dejeddour, 1992). All these have incorporated in SEA policy, planning and program initiatives (PPPs) to ensure sustainable development with full integration of economic, social and political considerations (Partidrio Clarke, 2000).Although SEA shows to be a great tool in project level but the process of SEA is not easily accepted or consider as an effective solution due to its complexity (Thrivel Partidrio, 2000). Recent research has shown that SEA produces both great opportunities as well as failures in sustainable development (Sadler, 1998).4.1. Sustainability objectives are included in the integrated process of policy making and planningDuring the design stage of SEA, objectives of sustainability are being conside red which provides a greater plan and policy in decision making (Thompson et al., 1995). It gradually delivers its objectives of sustainable development because the use of SEA articulates sustainability goals by enhancing the political action where substantive action can be taken (Partidrio, 1996). As the expectation of internal and out-of-door public of its delivery increasing, it offers the possibility of bringing better policy towards sustainable development into success. The transition of SEA involved two main stepsInformation gathering and analysis workThe core of strategic decision makingSustainable development consideration is being covered in a broader range where strategic level matters are separated from advisory conventionally-focused (Pezzoli, 1997). Sustainability criteria are used as the key bases to help in strategic decision making on the selection among best options available (Pezzoli, 1997). With these steps being taken, larger scene of core policies and programm es in strategic assessment are identified in move the objectives of national sustainability. Therefore, SEA report may be an important instrument in promoting sustainable development when it is fully integrated (Partidrio, 1996).4.2. Operationalises sustainability principlesIn practical application, the concept of sustainability is very difficult because it faces high complexity and uncertain reality (Pezzoli, 1997). Interconnected generational boundaries and disciplinary of sustainability may further complicates the concept (Marsden, 1998). Therefore, the application of specific context of sustainability and commonly recognized principles are being clarified by SEA.SEA identified three key principle of sustainabilityIntegrated pursuit of ecological and socio-economic improvements hesitation imposes preventative obligationsPublic choices involvedSEA is a visible confirmation of commitment to sustainability as it offers broader exposure to notions such as natural capital and the pr ecautionary principle (Pezzoli, 1997). Therefore, it can be translated into the language of politics of sustainability and functions as a heuristic device (Thrivel et al., 1992). 4.3. Improves analysis of broad public purposes and alternativesWith alternative technologies, lifestyle choices and better resources, SEA offers better possibility in achieving sustainable development because it has the capability to contemplating these factors that cannot be address at lower levels (Wood Dejeddour, 1992). Therefore, SEA report is the most effective and efficient point in finding alternatives and addressing the needs in pursuing the objectives of sustainability development (Thrivel et al., 1992). 4.4. Facilitates proper attention to cumulative effectsStrategic level proves to be the best way to deal with increasing number of cumulative impacts. The scope of SEA helps to identifying these impacts because of its space scales (Ortolano Shepherd, 1995 Scott, 1992). As SEA is performed in an early stage, this assessment allows assessors to provide more attention in a wider range of actions in a larger area. It allows them to provide a broader context of cumulative impacts in addressing each of the impacts (Thrivel Partidrio 1996).According to Thrivel Partidrio, undesirable activities as a results of a project can be removed before the project stage begins because these cumulative impacts have influence the project decision where SEA has incorporated environmental issues intrinsically during the planning stage. Earlier detection of these impacts helps to promote sustainable development.4.5. Facilitates greater transparency and more effective public participation at the strategic levelWith the extensive involvement of public participation in SEA, it has improved the credibility and accountability of SEA in sustainability where they facilitating external scrutiny of decision (Wood Dejeddour, 1992). It creates increasing pressures in strategic decision making process to overcome bureaucratic fragmentation because in many jurisdictions, bureaucratic disorganisation and wastefulness in citizen has been declining.The expanding role of public provided in SEA allows an intrinsic connection between environmental sustainability and equity (George, 1999) to promote basic sustainability goals.5. ConclusionThere are many challenges ahead for SEA report. There are many difficulties in producing a good SEA report. Nevertheless, SEA report requirements did show success in achieving sustainable development goals. In order to ensure SEA report success, weaknesses and limitation needs to be considered and solution needed in order to overcome it.6. ReferencesBarth, R. Fuder, A. (2002) Implementing Article 10 of the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC. Final Report Freiburg, Darmstadt, Berlin.Brown, A L, and Thrivel, R. (2000), Principles to guide the development of strategic environmental assessment methodology, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal , 18(3), September, pa ges 183-189.Environment Agency (2004) SEA Good Practice Guidelineswww.environment-agency.gov.uk/seaguidelines. Accessed on 27/01/10.European Parliament and Council of the European Union (2001) Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment Commission of the European Communities, Brussels.www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/l_197/l_19720010721en00300037.pdfEuropean Commission (2009) Study concerning the report on the application and