Environmental Impact Assessment of Construction Projects
Introduction
Development of construction projects is necessary for the advancement of modern society and for the satisfying of people’s economic and social needs. But if not properly managed, construction projects can also cause adverse environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, land degradation, sedimentation, biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important tool that can be used to identify, predict, assess, and mitigate the potential adverse environmental impacts of construction projects.
Definition and Principles of EIA
EIA is a process of systematically considering all the potential environmental impacts related to a proposed project. It is a preventative tool which means it can be used to anticipate and minimize potential environmental impacts before a project begins. The principles of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) have been defined as the processes of conducting a comprehensive and systematic analysis of a planned or proposed action and its potential impacts, considering direct and indirect effects, and potential cumulative effects, on the environment, focusing on current and future impacts, and leading to integrating environmental considerations into a development decision.
Objectives of EIA
The objectives of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can be divided into two main categories: (1) To identify and quantify the environmental impacts which may result from a proposed action; and (2) To provide information to policy makers and society so that environmental impacts can be minimized and managed, through the use of environmentally sound and economically efficient development programs.
Process of EIA
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) is a process of systematic analysis and evaluation of data, information, and general knowledge concerning the potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects of proposed developments on the environment. Usually following the steps below:
1) Screening: Identify whether an Environmental Impact Statement is necessary by evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project.
2) Scoping: Identify the key impacts, determining what should be studied in the EIA and setting the limits to the assessment.
3) Baseline studies: Establish a baseline assessment of the environment, describing the prevailing conditions at the project site.
4) Prediction: Determine the likely impacts of the proposed project on the environment, both during construction and operation, and determine the magnitude and extent of each impact.
5) Mitigation and management: Describe and evaluate any mitigation or management measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the adverse impacts of the project
6) Monitoring and follow-up: Set out a program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the mitigation and management measures in monitoring the environmental effects of the project over time.
Conclusion
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important tool for minimizing the environmental impacts of construction projects and to ensure sustainability. It should be conducted properly and systematically to ensure the best results in terms of both the environment and the proposed project.
