Assessment of environmental impact
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A Brief Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involves assessing the potential environmental impacts of a project before its implementation. In order to obtain Environmental Clearance (EC), project proponents must submit a detailed EIA Report and an EMP report for the project. The legal framework for EIA was established in India with the enactment of the EIA legislation, which made it mandatory to assess environmental impacts within the established legal and judicial framework. The Department of Environment was established in 1974 to implement key environmental laws in India, including the Wildlife Act (1972), Water Act (1974), Forest Act (1980), Air Act (1981), and Environment (Protection) Act (1986). The Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006 mandates that certain projects must obtain EC, including the ones mentioned in the notification.
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- Mining of minerals
- Offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, production, and development
- River valley projects
- Thermal power plants
- Nuclear power projects and processing of nuclear fuel
- Coal washeries
- Mineral beneficiation
- Cement plants
- Petroleum refining industry
- Coke oven plants
- Asbestos milling and asbestos-based products
- Chlor-alkali industry
- Metallurgical industries (ferrous and non-ferrous)
- Soda ash industry
- Synthetic organic chemical industry
- Distilleries
- Integrated paint industry
- Leather/skin/hide processing industry
- Chemical fertilizers
- Pesticides industry and pesticide-specific intermediates (excluding formulations)
- Petrochemicals
- Manmade fibers manufacturing
- Petrochemical-based processing
- Pulp and paper industry, excluding paper manufacturing from waste paper and from ready pulp without bleaching
- Sugar industry
- Oil and gas transportation pipelines
- Isolated storage and handling of hazardous chemicals
- Physical infrastructures like airports, breaking yards, industrial estates/parks/areas, EPZs, SEZs, biotech parks, leather complexes, ports, harbors, highways
- TSDFs, CETPs, CMSWMF
- Building and construction projects
- Townships and area development projects.
The extent of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool utilized to evaluate the potential effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. By implementing such regulations, decision-makers are required to consider the expected impact on the environment before commencing the project and take steps to avoid, minimize, or offset those effects. This ensures that the project proponent has a comprehensive understanding of the proposal’s environmental impact well before seeking authorization. Numerous stakeholders are involved in the advancement of a proposed activity, and many of them exercise control long before applying for proper project approval. The Environmental Impact Assessment’s generic structure is detailed in Appendix III of the EIA Notification, which defines the EC process. Furthermore, for general (non-India specific) information about Environmental Impact Assessment, the World Bank’s Operational Policy provides additional resources. The EIA report assesses the impact on several areas, including:
- Control of Air Pollution and Air Quality Modeling
- Control of Water Pollution
- Geology, Ecology, and Biodiversity Management
- Noise and Vibration Control
- Hydrology, Groundwater, and Conservation
- Management of Land Use
- Risk and Hazard Management
- Management of Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste
- Conservation of Soil
- Assessment of Socio-Economic Impact
- Environmental Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Planning
- Epidemiological Surveys and Exposure Assessment Studies
- Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility (CESR)
- Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Mitigation Measures
Elements evaluated in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment requires consideration of particular factors. Although some may be specific to certain industries, the following factors are generally applicable across all sectors.
- Project Description: Describes the proposed project, its geographic, ecological, social, and temporal context, as well as any necessary off-site investments. Also, identifies the need for a social development or resettlement plan.
- Baseline Data: Describes the relevant biological, physical, and socio-economic conditions surrounding the project site, including expected changes before project commencement.
- Environmental Impacts: Under EIA, predicts and assesses the project's probable positive and negative impacts in quantitative terms. Identifies potential mitigation measures and any unavoidable negative environmental effects. Explores opportunities for environmental enhancement.
- Alternatives Analysis: Compares feasible alternatives to the proposed project's site, technology, design, and operation, including "without project" scenarios, in terms of potential environmental impacts, practicality of impact reduction, capital and recurring costs, appropriateness under local conditions, and reduction potential.
- Environmental Monitoring Program and Environmental Management Plan: Describes mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures during construction and operation to eliminate, offset, or reduce adverse impacts to acceptable levels.
- Consultation: Documents advisory meetings with project-affected people (PAPs), local NGOs, and governmental authorities to obtain informed opinions. Additionally, discloses the consultants who worked on the study.
- Summary and Conclusions: Covers the project's rationale and strategy for mitigating adverse effects.
Phases of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The environmental clearance process for new projects typically involves four stages, although some stages may not be applicable to all projects. These stages are:
Screening Stage: This stage applies only to Category ‘B’ projects and activities. The SEAC of the state will determine whether the project requires further studies to prepare an EIA, based on factors such as the project’s nature and location. If an EIA is required, the project will be categorized as B1 or B2.
Scoping Stage and Site Inspection: This stage is for Category A and B1 projects. The Expert Level Committee or SEAC will formulate a detailed TOR for preparing the EIA, and may conduct a site visit.
Public Consultation Stage: This stage applies to Category A and B1 projects, and involves ascertaining the concerns of the local community and stakeholders, taking into account material considerations such as socio-economic, cultural, and human concerns associated with the project.
Appraisal Stage: In this stage, the MoEF&CC or the SEIAA will review the Environmental Impact Assessment report and the outcome of the public consultation submitted by the project proponent and provide categorical recommendations. This stage may take up to 60 days from the receipt of the final EIA report.
Procedure for Obtaining Environmental Clearance
The points listed below outline the key advantages of Environmental Audits:
- To obtain Environmental Clearance (EC), the applicant is required to submit the implementation proposal in the prescribed Form 1, as specified in the Notification. It is mandatory to submit the proposal before commencing any site construction or land preparation activities. Along with the application, a copy of the pre-feasibility report must also be provided.
- It is important to note that the process of obtaining EC for an infrastructure project can take up to 12 months, and project sponsors should factor in this timeline during the PPP project cycle.
- Additionally, certain permissions, such as 'Consents under Water and Air Acts,' need to be obtained from the relevant State Governments where the project is located.
Required Documents for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report
Documents Needed for Compiling the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report According to the TOR Identified During Scoping.
- General details of the project, including its name and location.
- Specifics related to the project activities, such as the area breakdown, water requirements, and waste generation
- The use of natural resources in the project.
- Identification of hazardous or harmful substances or materials that may be used.
- Potential air, ground, and water pollution from the project.
- The production of noise, vibration, light, and heat emissions from the project.
- The risk of accidents.
- Any factors that may have a cumulative or consequential effect.
- Information about environmentally sensitive areas near the project site.
- Site and layout plan.
- Proof of installed machinery.
- Proof of land ownership.
- ID proof of the signatory.
- Quality test report, where applicable.
- Proof of mitigation measures adopted.
- Proof of electricity and water connections.
Environmental Impact Assessment for Complex Projects with Multiple Components
If a proposal involves an integrated project with multiple components according to the EIA Notification of 2006, the applicant can designate one component as a significant activity while considering the remaining components as minor activities.
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