MODULE 3

EIA methodologies: Ad hoc, checklist, matrix, network

and overlay- Impact Prediction, Evaluation and
Mitigation-Prediction and assessment of the impact on
water (surface water and groundwater), air, and noise
environment- assessment of ecological impacts and Socio
economic Impacts.
 EIA methodologies
 Simple & widely used EIA methods with criteria to be followed for
choosing most appropriate method in a given situation.
 Each technique and method for the evaluation of impacts should have the
following qualities and characteristics:
 1. It should be systematic in approach
 2. It should be able to organize a large mass of heterogeneous data
 3. It should be able to quantify the impacts
 4. It should be capable of summarizing the data
 5. It should be able to aggregate the data into sets with the least loss of
information because of the aggregations
 6. It should have a good predictive capability
 7. It should extract the salient features
 8. It should finally be able to display the raw data and the derived information
in a meaningful fashion.
EIA methodologies

 Important methodologies of utility for assessing the impacts of

developmental activities on the environment.

1. Adhoc methods
2. Checklists methods

3. Matrices methods

4. Networks methods

5. Overlays methods

6. Environmental index using factor analysis

7. Cost/benefit analysis

8. Predictive or Simulation methods

 Ad-HOC method
 Only primary and provides impact of the project on larger
issues only (Flora, Fauna, Forest, Lake).
 No specific parameters are discussed.
 Simple method
 Useful when time constraints and lack of information
 Provides minimal guidance for total impact assessment while
suggesting the broad areas of possible impacts and the general
nature of these possible impacts.
 If more scientific methods available-not recommended.
 Types of Ad hoc methods

 Opinion poll
 Expert opinion
 Delphi method
Delphi method :Forecasting process framework based on the results of several
rounds of questionnaires sent to a panel of experts.
Several rounds of questionnaires are sent out, and the anonymous responses
are aggregated and shared with the group after each round.
Experts allowed to adjust their answers in subsequent rounds.
Since multiple rounds of questions are asked and the panel is told what the
group thinks as a whole, the Delphi method seeks to reach the correct
response through consensus
Advantages
 Specialists on a particular area will provide guidance.
Disadvantage
 It require expert.
 Short/long term impact are merely examined on guess
basis.
 Identification, prediction and interpretation of impacts are
quite poor
Checklist Methodologies
 Checklist means a listing of potential Environmental
Impacts.
 done to assess the nature of the impacts i.e. its type such as
adverse /beneficial, short term or long term, no effect or
significant impact, reversible or irreversible etc.
 Types of checklists method
•Simple lists

•Descriptive checklists

•Scaling checklists

•Scaling Weighing checklist

 Simple Lists
 Presents a list of parameters related to the project
 No guidelines on how to interpret and measure the parameter
 Does not help in decision making
 No info on cause effect relationship
 Strong in impact identification
 No information needed on magnitude or importance of
impacts"
 List of parameters without guidelines provided on how to
interpret and measure an environmental parameter.
 Descriptive checklists
 Require information on magnitude or importance of
impacts as well as indication on prediction methods and
indicators
 Includes identification of environmental parameters and
guild lines on how to measure data on particular parameter
 Scaling checklists
 similar to a descriptive checklist, but with additional information
on subjective scaling of the parameters
 List out environmental parameters+ nature of impact
 Gives textual rating for impacts
 Nature of impact- Direct, Indirect, Cumulative, Long term, short
term, severe moderate insignificant, Reversible, Irreversible
 Not suitable for impact measurement
Scaling Weighing checklist

 Can be used for decision making- Comparing

alternatives
 Impact identification, Impact measurement and
evaluation Steps involved:
 Factors are considered
 They are scaled from 0 (worst) to 1 (best)
 Weighting (importance) for each factor is given as
per expert judgement
Advantages:

1. simple to understand and use

2. Good for site selection and priority settings

Disadvantages

1. Do not distinguish between direct and indirect impacts

2. Do not link action and impacts

3. Sometime it is a cumbersome task

 Matrix method

 widely followed method

 incorporates a list of activities related to the
project with impacted environmental
characteristics.
 two lists are related in matrix which identifies
cause- effect relationship.
 The method is able to identify the actions with
environmental characteristics.
 may indicate the actions which need to be taken
into consideration for appropriate mitigation.
 Two types of matrices
 Simple interaction ‐matrix method
developed by Leopold(The matrix lists
approx. 100 specified actions and 90
environmental items.)

 Stepped Matrix Method

 Leopold Matrix
 Identify all actions that are part of proposed project
 Under the each of the proposed actions, place a slash at the inter-
section with each item on the side of the matrix if an impact is
possible.
 In the upper left hand corner of each box with a slash, place a number
from 1 to 10 which indicates the MAGNITUDE of the possible
impact.
 10 represent the greatest magnitude of impact.
 1 is the least magnitude of impact (no zeroes).
 Before each number place + (if the impact would be beneficial).
 In the lower right hand corner of the box place a number from 1 to 10
which indicates the IMPORT ANCE of the possible impact (Eg.
Regional vs. Local).
 10 represents the greatest importance and 1 the least (no zeroes).
 Stepped Matrix Method
 Also called cross impact matrix, can be used to address
secondary and tertiary impacts of initiating actions
 Environmental factors displayed against project actions
as well as other environmental factors
 Helps in identifying secondary impacts
 Network method

 These methodologies work from a list of projected

activities to establish cause-condition-effect
relationship.
 An attempt to recognize that a series of impacts may
be initiated by a project action.
 defines a set of possible network & allow the user to
identify impacts by selecting appropriate project
actions.
Over lays method
graphical and rely on a set of maps of the characteristics
of the project area (physical, social, ecological,
aesthetic).
These maps are overlaid by projected alterations of the
impacted environment.
 Main advantages and disadvantages of impact identification methods
Method Advantages Disadvantages

•do not distinguish between direct

•easy to understand and use
and indirect impacts
•good for site selection and priority
Checklists •do not link action and impact
setting
•the process of incorporating values
•simple ranking and weighting
can be controversial

•difficult to distinguish direct and

•link action to impact
indirect impacts
Matrices •good method for displaying EIA
•have potential for double-counting
results
of impacts

•link action to impact

•useful in simplified form for •can become very complex if used
Networks
checking for second order impacts beyond simplified version
•handles direct and indirect impacts

•easy to understand •can be cumbersome

Overlays •focus and display spatial impacts •poorly suited to address impact
•good siting tool duration or probability

•excellent for impact identification •heavy reliance on knowledge and

GIS and computer expert systems and spatial analysis data
•good for ‘experimenting’ •often complex and expensive
Evaluation and Mitigation-Prediction and
assessment of the impact on water (surface
water)
 Surface water bodies like rivers, streams, canals, ditches, ponds,
reservoirs, lagoons, estuaries, coastal waters, lakes etc -play very
important role in the sustainability of any ecosystem & it is very
important to assess the impacts of any developmental activity on
these surface water environments.
 Impacts usually caused by physical disturbances ,by changes in
climatic conditions, and by the addition or removal of substances,
heat, or microorganisms
 These activities and processes lead to changes in surface water
hydrology, changes in surface water quality, changes in sediment
behavior, changes in salinity, and changes in aquatic ecology.
 Projects Which Create Impact Concerns
for the Surface-Water Environment

 1.Industrial power plants withdrawing surface water for cooling

(this may be of particular concern during low- flow conditions).
 2. Power plants discharging heated waste water from cooling
cycles
 3. Industries discharging process waste waters from either
routine operations or as a result of accidents and spills.
 4. Municipal waste water treatment plants discharging primary,
secondary or treated waste waters.
 5. Dredging projects in rivers, harbors, estuaries and or coastal
area (increased turbidity and release of sediment contaminants
may occur)
 6. Projects involving "fill" or creation of "fast lands" along rivers, lakes.
estuaries and coastal area.
 7. Surface mining projects with resultant changes in surface water
hydrology and nonpoint pollution.
 8. Construction of dams for purposes of water supply. flood control or
hydropower production.
 9. River canalization projects for flow improvements
 10. Deforestation and agricultural development resulting in non-point
source pollution associated with nutrients and pesticides and irrigation
projects, leading to turn flows laden with nutrients and pesticides.
 11. Commercial hazardous waste disposal sites and/or sanitary landfills,
with resultant run-off water and non-point-source pollution; and
 12. Tourism projects adjacent to estuaries or coastal area with concerns
related to bacterial pollution.
Systematic Methods for Evaluation of Impacts
of Various Developmental Activities on Surface
Water
 Six step model
 Step 1 Identification of Surface Water Quantity or Quality
Impacts of Proposed Projects
 Step 2 Description of Existing Surface - Water Resource
Conditions
 Step 3 Procurement of Relevant Surface-water Quantity-
Quality Standards
 Step 4 Impact Prediction
 Step 5 Interpretation of Impact Significance
 Step 6 Identification and Incorporation of Mitigation Measures
 Step 1 :Identification of Surface Water
Quantity or Quality Impacts of Proposed
Projects
 to determine the features of the proposed project. the
need for the project, and the potential alternatives,
which have already been or may now be, considered.
 Step 2: Description of Existing Surface - Water
Resource Conditions
 involves describing existing conditions of the surface
water resource(s) potentially impacted by the project.
 Pertinent activities include assembling information on
water quantity and quality, identifying unique pollution
problems, key climatological information, conducting
baseline monitoring, and summarizing information on
point - and non-point - pollution sources and on water
users and uses.
 Step 3: Procurement of Relevant Surface-
water Quantity-Quality Standards
 To determine severity of the impact, it is necessary to
make use of institutional measures for determining the
impact significance. Surface-water quantity and quality
standards, regulations, or policies are examples of these
measures.
 Step 4 :Impact Prediction

 "Impact prediction" refers to the quantification (or, at

least, the qualitative description), where possible, of the
anticipated impacts of the proposed project on various
surface water environment factors.
 Because of the complex and dynamic nature of hydrological
systems accurate prediction of impacts difficult
 some uncertainties –usually recorded in the EIS.
 Three basic approaches for prediction
 Professional Judgement from relevant experience
 Extraploation from similar projects in the past
 Use of mathematical modelling
 considerations relevant to the prediction of surface water
quantity/quality impacts
 1. frequency distribution of decreased quality and quantity;
 2. effects of sedimentation on the stream-bottom ecosystem;
 3. fate of nutrients by incorporation into biomass;
 4. reconcentration of metals, pesticides, or radionuclides into
the food web;
 5. chemical precipitation or oxidation-reduction of inorganic
chemicals; and
 6. anticipated distance downstream of decreased water quality
and the implications for water users and related raw-water
quality requirements
 Step 5 :Interpretation of Impact
Significance
 For protection and assessment of a significant impact by
public opinion collection there are a number of specific
numerical standards or criteria.
 For example, a number efficient discharge standards are
prescribed for discharging into lakes or land with
professional judgement.
 Step 6: Identification and Incorporation
of Mitigation Measures
 Mitigation measures - need to be added to the project
proposal to make it acceptable.
 The mitigation measures might consist of decreasing the
magnitude of the surface - water impacts or including the
features that will compensate for the surface water
impacts.
 Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on
the Air Environment
 Many developmental activities will add air pollutants to
the atmosphere or alter the weather and climate result in
adverse effects on people, plants, animals, materials
buildings etc.
 effects can occur at local, regional or even global scale.
 evaluation of air quality impacts -a six step
methodological approach.

 Basic Information on Air Pollution
 For systematically evaluating the impacts of potential
projects or activities on air quality, the basic information
on air pollution sources and the effects of specific air
pollutants have to be examined.
 Air Pollution Sources

 natural sources or from man- made sources.

 Sources like windblown dust, volcanic eruptions, Lightning-
generated forest fires and biological activity -natural sources
 transportation vehicles, industrial processes, power plants,
construction activities, and military training activities -man-
made sources.
 single or point sources (stationary)or area or multiple sources
(stationary or mobile)
 Pollutant emissions from industrial process stacks, as well as
stacks of different fuel combustion processes -point sources,
 vehicular traffic, fugitive - dust emissions from resource -
material stockpiles or construction, or military training
activities over large geographical areas -area sources.
 Air Pollution Effect
 The air pollution effects can be
 effects on human health include eye irritation, headaches, and aggravation
of respiratory difficulties.
 Plants and crops will be subjected to the undesirable consequences of air
pollution, including abnormal growth patterns, leaf discoloration or spotting
and death.
 Animals such as cattle will be subjected to undesirable consequences of
atmospheric fluorides.
 (b) Materials damage examples are : property devaluation because of
odours, deterioration of materials such as concrete statuary, and
discoloration of painted surfaces on cars, buildings, and bridge structures.
 (c) Effects on climatic changes include green house effects, ozone
depletion, etc.
 (d) The aesthetic effects include reductions in visibility. discoloration of
air, photochemical smog - related traffic disruptions at airports, and the
general nuisance aspects of odors and dust.
 Generalized Approach for Assessment of Air
Pollution Impact
 six- step or six-activity model
 I. Evaluation and identification of sources and quantity of air pollutant emissions of
different phases of the proposed activity like the construction operation and
development:
 2. Detailed evaluation of the project area for the existing ambient air quality. emission
inventory, and meteorological data;
 3. Examination of appropriate laws. regulations, or criteria to be followed for
maintaining ambient air quality and I or pollutant emission standards;
 4. Carrying out impact assessment studies adopting mass balances, dispersion
calculations. comprehensive mathematical models. and! or qualitative predictions
based on case studies and professional judgement;
 5. Assessment of significance of anticipated beneficial and detrimental impacts; and
 6. Development of appropriate mitigation remediation measures for the adverse
impacts.
1. Evaluation and identification of sources and quantity of air pollutant emissions of
different phases of the proposed activity like the construction operation and development :

 has to examine what types of air pollutants are likely to be

emitted during the construction and / or operational phases of
the proposed project - activity, and their quantities.
2.Detailed evaluation of the project area for the
existing ambient air quality, emission inventory, and
meteorological data

 Ambient air quality of the study area is to be studied by

collecting air samples from different locations of study area
 This will help in assessing the present pollution levels of air in
that locality .
 If pollution levels are higher presently, there are chances for it
to deteriorate even more in the future due to the project
 Therefore this baseline data will be helpful for the decision
makers to take a decision
3.Examination of Appropriate Air Quality
Emission Regulation Laws and Air Quality
Standards.
 The basic information on air quality standards, criteria. and policies
of Local ,State and Central Govt agencies which have the statutory
authority to maintain the air resources has to be collected.
 Documentation of this information allow the determination of the
significance of air quality impacts incurred during projects or
activities and will aid in deciding between alternative actions or in
assessing the need for mitigation measures for a given alternative.
 Specific air quality management policies or requirements may be in
existence for particular areas and the particular requirements of
such policies have to be ascertained.
 4.Carrying out Impact Assessment using Mass
Balance, Mathematics Modeling and Single
Qualitative Approach

 Impact prediction can be carried out using various

approaches like mass balances, ambient air dispersion
models and plume dispersion models.
 5.Assessment of Significance of Impacts

 Evaluation of the significance of anticipated changes related to the

proposed project should be carried out through conducting public
meetings and/or public participation programs.
 Professional judgement based on the percentage changes from baseline
conditions in terms of air-pollutant emissions levels and/or exposed
human population should carried out.
 These changes should also be considered during both construction and
operational phases. For certain type of projects or air-pollutant
prediction methods, there are numerical standards or criteria which can
be used as a basis of interpretation.
 A final impact significance can be assessed based on the specific effects
of the types of air pollutants from a proposed project or activity and
identification of sensitive receptors in the study area
6.Development of Appropriate Mitigation
or Remediation Plans for Reducing Adverse
Impacts
 measures for reducing the adverse impacts involve project activity
design or operational features that can be used to minimize the
magnitude of the air quality impacts.
 Mainly the design should be revised as needed in order to reduce
the air pollutants expected to be emitted from the project-activity.
The revised project or activity can then be reassessed to determine
whether other remediation or mitigation measures will help in
eliminating or minimizing the deleterious air quality impacts.
General mitigation measures minimizing
detrimental effects of air pollution
 1. Regulatory control on the practice of open burning of agricultural crop
residues like delineation of specified times for burning to occur and the
establishment of distance requirements between residences and open
burning areas will help in reducing air pollutant concentrations in
sensitive areas
 2. Development of vegetation cover and watering or use of wind breaks,
chemical stabilizers -most common method for the temporary dust control
of nearly 50%. Planting of rapid growing vegetation in construction areas
will reduce dust generation
 3. For reducing air pollutant emissions from unpaved roads. paving the
surface treating with penetration chemicals, working soil-stabilization
chemicals into the roadbed, watering, and traffic-control regulations
 4. In the case of open waste piles and staging areas, dry surface
impoundments. landfills, land treatment systems, and waste stabilization
measures are adopted as fugitive dust control techniques
 5. For controlling or reducing air borne pesticide residues resulting from
spraying pesticide and other materials. The low-pressure spray nozzles
can be used to minimize the generation of fine particles. Further by
spraying the pesticide in periods of low wind velocities, dispersion of air
borne pesticides can be reduced
 6. Several alternative fuels, including methanol. ethanol, compressed
natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, electricity-recommended for
reducing air pollution from automobiles.
 7. A number of advanced exhaust emission control technologies for
gasoline and diesel fueled cars, trucks, and buses -to minimize the air
pollutant from transportation sector.
 8. For purifying gas from various point sources a number of control
systems like cyclones, scrubbers, fabric filters, and/or electrostatic
precipitators for control of particulate emissions.
 Prediction and Assessment of Impacts of
Noise on the Environment

 Noise is an unwanted sound energy

 considered as a pollutant when it exceeds certain limits
 Noise as a pollutant produces contamination in environment
becoming a nuisance and a cause for annoyance, and affects the
health of a person, his activities and mental abilities.
 Environmental noise pollution has not been an entirely new
phenomenon, but rather a problem that has grown steadily worse
with time due to similar factors, responsible for air and water
pollution namely increasing population, urbanization,
industrialization, technological change
 Systematic Methodology for Assessing
Environmental Impacts of Noise
 a seven-step or six-activity model
 1.Identification of levels of noise emissions and impact
concerns related to the construction and operation of the
development project
 2.Description of the environmental setting in terms of
existing noise levels and noise sources, along with land-use
information and unique receptors in the project area
 3. Procurement of relevant laws, regulations or criteria
related to noise levels, land-use compatibility, and noise
emission standards
 4.Conducting impact prediction activities, including the use
of simple noise-attenuation models, simple noise-source-
specific models, comprehensive mathematical models, and/or
qualitative-prediction techniques based on the examination of
case studies and the exercise of professional judgement
 5.Use of pertinent information from step 3, along with
professional judgement and public input, to assess the
significance of anticipated beneficial and detrimental impacts
 6.Identification, development, and incorporation of
appropriate mitigation measures for the adverse impacts
 7.Preparation of final environmental impact statement.
Step 1 : Identification of Noise Impacts

 The first step is to determine the potential impacts of the proposed

project on the noise environment.
 Requires the identification of the noise levels associated with the
project.
 A considerable body of information exists on noise levels associated
with a variety of projects and related activities.
 The sources, of noise are numerous, so they may be broadly
classified into two classes, namely, industrial and non-industrial.
 The industrial category :various industries like transportation,
vehicular movements, rockets, defense equipment and explosions.
 Non-industrial category:loudspeakers, traffic, air crafts, trains.
construction works, radios, TVs, vacuum cleaners, and air
conditioners in the domestic or commercial use.
Step 2: Description of Existing Noise-
Environment
 Conditions In analyzing the potential noise impacts of a proposed
project , it is necessary to consider the study area (potential project area
or region of influence).
 The delineation of a study area - made based upon the boundaries of the
land associated with the project. or the delineation can include a larger
area by considering the area of noise influence within the vicinity of the
proposed project.
 The primary information to be accumulated -is data on existing noise
levels and noise sources within the study area.
 Land-use and human-population-distribution maps in relation to the
proposed project would also be needed.
 If no specific data on existing noise levels is available for the study area.
it might be possible to use published noise-level information developed
for project involving similar land use.
Step 3 : Procurement of Relevant Noise
Standards and/or Guidelines
 The primary sources of information on noise standards, criteria,
and policies will be the relevant local, state, and federal
agencies, which have a mandate for overseeing the noise
environment of the study area.
 Additional information may be available from international
agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the
United Nations' Environment Program.
 This information can be used to determine the baseline quality
and the significance of noise impacts incurred during projects
 it could also aid in deciding between alternative actions or in
assessing the need for mitigation measures for a given
alternative.
 Step 4: Impact Prediction
 involves predicting the propagation of noise from a source and
determining the type of affected land- use. Several approaches for
predicting noise contours
 One method of expressing both existing noise and predicted noise
levels is by using a level- weighted population value
 . A sound-level-weighted population is a single number
representation of the significance of a noise environment to the
exposed population.
 Forecasting noise levels Forecasting methods include equations,
computer models. and physical models.
 Step 5 : Assessment of Impact
Significance
 One basis for evaluation of significant impact is public
input; this input could be received through a continued
scoping process of the conduction of public meetings or
public participation programs or both.
 The general public can often delineate important
environmental resources and values for particular areas.
and this should be considered in impact assessment.
 Professional judgment can also be useful to assess the
percentage changes from baseline conditions in terms of
noise levels and/or exposed human population
 Step 6 : Mitigation Measures
 refer to steps that can be taken to minimize the magnitude of
the detrimental noise impacts.
 The key approach to mitigation is to reduce or control the noise
expected to be emitted from the project
 Mitigation can proceed along three possible courses of action,
either by changing I. the source of noise, 2. the path of noise
from the source to the receiver, or 3. the receiver of noise.
 Some additional principles of noise control include the
reduction of the number. of vibrating sources, enclosure of the
source, and attenuation of noise by absorbing barriers methods.
Step 7: Prediction of Final Impact Statement

The final environment impact statement should include

summary tables and discussion with industries.
The results of analysis will help in decision making.
Maps should show location of surface receptors and
measurement rates and size balance
Assessment of ecological impacts
 Many developmental activities -play a major role in the overall
reduction of biodiversity.
 proper planning at the project level can go a long way in
limiting the loss,
 while still serving the needs of the people for which the project
is started.
 Some development activities have direct impacts on biological
systems.
 Example- clearing of land for infrastructure will destroy
vegetation and displace animals. Introduction of contaminants
may cause direct mortality of plants and animals.
 in many cases- it is changes in the physical environment
caused by development -often lead to secondary or high order
changes in plants and animals.
 For example, changes in downstream flow as a result of an
upstream dam on a river may change the productivity of fish
population.
 Alternatively, industrial pollution may be transported
downstream and move through the food chain and ultimately
contaminate the fish and wildlife populations that depend on
the river.
General Methodology for the Assessment of
Impacts on Biological Environment
 Prediction and assessment of impacts on the biological environment
involve a number technical and professional considerations related to
both the predictive aspects and the interpretation of the significance of
anticipated changes,
 Biological Impact Assessment
The biological assessment of the impact of any proposed project or action,
may include
 Results of on-site inspections or surveys
 Views of recognized experts
 Review of literature and other information
 Analysis of effects of the proposed project or action on the species and
habitat
 Analysis of alternative actions considered
 Biological Environment
 The biological environment includes plants and animals, the
distribution and abundance of the various species and the
habitats of communities.
 Species forming a community are often inter dependent so that a
direct environmental effect on one species is likely to have
indirect effect on other species.
 This interference acts primarily through food chains but can also
act through one species providing a habitat for another species.
 (A) Terrestrial Species 1. Terrestrial vegetation: It includes
agricultural crops, pasture, the introduction, proliferation or control
of noxious weeds as well as the native species.
 2. Terrestrial wild life: native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
and invertebrates. Migration routes, resting areas, feeding grounds
and water sources concentrate wildlife so that such places are
particularly sensitive to developmental project activity.
 3. Other terrestrial fauna: Included in this group are domestic and
farm animals. Human dependence on such animals extends beyond
the food chain to include economics and companionship. Insect and
snails are especially important as carriers of parasitic diseases, which
afflict the human community.
 4. Aquatic/marine flora: These are important because they provide an
important habitat and food for other aquatic marine life and sustain
our fresh water or marine fisheries. Mangrove forests, various species
sea weeds and kelp are important. The proliferation of fresh water
species can have an impact on the economic use of inland waterways.
 5. Fish: They are considered separately because they provide an
important source of animal proteins. In addition to fresh water and
marine fish, invertebrates such as prawns, shellfish, crales and squid
should be considered. Species in the brackish- water estuarine
environment are of particular importance to man's food chain.
 6. Other aquatic marine fauna: Other species that are not of direct
economic importance may form a part of the food chain. Any project,
which has a major impact on species populations, can have an equally
major indirect impact on the economically important varieties of
marine life
 (B) Habitats and communities
 In considering the environmental effects of development on
habitats and communities the special features of terrestrial,
aquatic estuarine and marine ecosystems should be considered
separately. Special consideration should be given to bird life in
considering wetland habitats. 1. Terrestrial habitats : Swamps,
wet lands, bird nesting areas, grazing areas, watering places and
migration routes should be considered. 2. Terrestrial
communities: Special plant communities at high altitudes or
those that are residual in an otherwise altered environment
should be considered.
 3. Aquatic, estuarine or marine habitats : Nursery and
breeding areas near shoreline are considered: Wetlands are
important. Damage may occur by siltation. Chemical,
physical and biological pollutants may each have major
impacts. Oil spills are important in marine environment.
Gravel beds are important for spawning.
 4. Aquatic, estuarine or marine communities : The food chain
relationships involving fish and invertebrates and vegetation
are important and should be understood. Siltation and
chemical pollution can severely disrupt the balance or the
very existence of the community. Project design should aim
to leave communities intact and at the very least protect key
community components such as invertebrates.
Systematic Approach for Evaluating
Biological Impacts

 a six-step protocol was formulated for planning and

conducting impact studies.
 This protocol is flexible and can be adapted to various project
types by modification as needed to enable the addressing of
concerns of specific projects in unique locations.
 The various phases associated with the evaluation of biological environment
impacts are
 1. Identification of the potential biological impacts of the construction and/or
operation of the proposed project or activity, including habitat changes or loss of
chemical cycling and toxic events, and disruptions to ecological succession
 2. Description of the environmental setting in terms of habitat types, selected
floral and faunal species, management practices, endangered or threatened
species, and special features (such as wetlands)
 3. Procurement of relevant laws, regulations or criteria related to biological
resources and protection of habitat or species
 4. Conducting of impact prediction activities including the use of analogies (case
studies), physical modeling and/or mathematical modeling, as based on
professional judgment
 5. Use of pertinent information from step 3, along with professional judgment
and public input, to assess the significance of anticipated beneficial and
detrimental impacts
 6. Identification, development and incorporation of appropriate mitigation
measures for the adverse impacts.
Step 1: Identification of Biological lmpacts
 The first step is to qualitatively identify the potential impacts of
the proposed project on biological resources, including habitats
and species. Many projects can cause terrestrial habitat loss.
 The loss and degradation of terrestrial environments could be
classified into eight casual categories: I. Land conversion for
industrial and residential use, 2. Land conversion for agricultural
use, 3. Land conversion for transportation use, 4. Timbering
practices, 5. Grazing practices, 6. Mining practices, 7. Water
management practices, and 8.Military, recreational. and other
activities.
 These causal activities contribute to the degradation and loss of
ecological values, including animal and plant species: ecosystem
structure and ecosystem function (energy flow, nutrient cycling,
and water retention
 Step 2: Description of Existing Biological
- Environment Condition
 The preparation of the description of the flora and fauna - and other
natural resources and habitats constituting the biological -
environment setting.
 This description should primarily focus on community types (habitat
types) and their geographical distribution.
 It may be desirable to identify certain selected species and to
include descriptions of those selected species for each community
type. There are several options for achieving this step, like 1. use of
species lists with qualitative descriptions, 2. use of structured data
presentations with qualitative - quantitative descriptions, 3. use
habitat - based methods, and 4. use of energy system diagrams.
STEP 3 : Procurement of Relevant
Legislation and Regulations
 The primary sources of information on pertinent legislation,
regulations, criteria, or guidelines related to the biological
environment include environmental and/or natural resource
agencies of the central and state levels. Local agencies and/or
conservation groups may also provide pertinent information.
Procurement of this information will facilitate the evaluation of
baseline conditions and the data obtained can serve as a basis for
impact significance determination .
 Most of the biological-environment legislation, regulations,
criteria, or guidelines are qualitative in terms of specific
requirements. This is in contrast to' the substantive areas of air
quality surface water and groundwater quality, soil quality, and
environmental noise for which numerical standards are available.
Sound professional judgment must be exercised in applying the
 STEP 4 : Impact Prediction
 The most technically demanding step
 As a general principle the impacts should be quantified where
possible with qualitative descriptions provided for those impacts
which cannot be quantified.
 From historical perspective, impact prediction for the biological
environment has focused on land-use or habitat changes and the
associated implications of those factors relative to the biological
system.
 Several options are available for impact prediction approaches,
including qualitative descriptions of impacts, the use of habitat
methods or ecosystem models, and the use of physical models or
simulations
Step.5: Assessment of Impact
Significance
 Is a function of impact magnitude and the value, sensitivity and
recoverability (resilence) of ecological receptors.
 Interpretation of the anticipated impacts of a proposed project -
considered not only in terms of individual species, but also relative to
the general characteristics of the affected habitat and overall
ecosystem.
 One basis -is to apply the institutional information described earlier,
including relevant laws, regulations, criteria and guidelines.
 Another basis -is the biological science of professional interpretation
approach. This involves the application of professional judgement and
knowledge of biological-ecological principles, and it demonstrates why
it is necessary for a biological scientist to be a part of an
interdisciplinary study team.
 STEP 6 : Identification and Incorporation
of Mitigation Measures
 include avoidance, minimization, rectification, preservation,
and/or compensation and are associated with project location
alignment design or construction and operating procedures.
 The location of a project can be a key factor. It is usually
determined.
 Fresh water ecosystems are almost profoundly influenced by
adjacent terrestrial ecosystems, mitigation frequently involves
maintaining these areas.
PREDICTION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

 ‘Socio-Economic’-being of, relating to, or involving

combinations of social and economic factors.

 SEIA is the systematic analysis used during EIA to identify

and evaluate the potential socio-economic and cultural
impacts of a proposed development on the lives and
circumstances of people, their families and their
communities.
 SEIA -also provides a forum for planning how to maximize
the beneficial impacts of a proposed development.
 Beneficial impacts can include:
 a better standard of living due to increased access to
employment, business opportunities, training and education
 greater access to and from a community and
 increased funding to improve social infrastructure and
cultural maintenance programs.
 Conceptual Frame Work For Socio
Economic Assessment
 Step 1 : Study Area Delineation and Categorization of Present Activities
 Step 2 : Identification of Socio-Economic Impacts
 Step 3 : Description of existing socio-economic condition of the study
area
 Step 4 : Procurement of Relevant Standard/Criteria/Guidelines
 Step 5 : Impact Prediction with and without Project
 Step 6 Assessment of Significance of Socio-Economic Impacts
 Step 7: Incorporation of Mitigation Measures in the Project and
Preparation of Draft Environmental Impact Statement
 Step 1 : Study Area Delineation and
Categorization of Present Activities

 The delineation of study area for the analysis of social and community effects
requires a sufficient knowledge of the characteristics of the proposed project or
activity.
 The proposed project alternatives should give sufficient detail to enable
understanding of both the construction process and the long-term or operational,
characteristics.
 Definition of the boundaries of the study area may also be influenced by the
availability of population and employment data.
 Census tract data is most often used to define population characteristics. The
study area boundaries are, therefore, in some cases defined by the boundaries of
census tracts or block data.
 The basic impact area associated with predicting and assessing impacts on the
socioeconomic environment is called the "Regions Of Influence" (RoI). This
represents the geographical area, or region, wherein the project- induced changes
to the socio-economic environment will occur.
Step 2 : Identification of Socio-Economic
Impacts

 Potential socio-economic impacts can be identified through

the use of interaction matrices, networks, simple checklists,
and/or description checklists.
 Case studies of similar project types can also be helpful.
 Some of the socio-economic factors and their potential
changes resulting from project implementation are in table
below
Step 3 : Description of existing socio-economic condition of the study area

 Existing socio-economic conditions and physical parameters of the

Region Of Influence (ROI) have to be examined on the basis of
 (a) Areas separated from the surrounding areas by physical boundary
obstruction like rails, roads, high ways, and rivers.
 (b) Area of residential land- use surrounded by other uses such as
commercial and in d llstri al.
 (c) Area with a concentration of special population groups, such as,
elderly, lowincome or a specific ethnicity.
 (d) Area with like housing types, such as, mobile homes, single family
homes, or highdensity condominiums or apartments.
 (e) Area of distinct housing value, compared with surrounding areas.
 (f) Area of predominantly one type of population employment, such as,
professional. (g) Area with an established community group or
organization.
 (h) Area where the average length of residence in the same housing unit
is more than five years, as opposed to areas of more-transient residents.
 Step 4 : Procurement of Relevant
Standard/Criteria/Guidelines

 involves relative comparison of the effects with

standard/criteria published by professional
stamps/organization with public guidelines or standard for
various social activities.
 Step 5 : Impact Prediction with
and without Project
 Modeling of economic demographic impacts provides basic information for
addressing public service impacts (education. health services, police and fire
protection, utilities, and solid-waste management), social impacts (housing,
transportation. urban land use, and land ownership), and fiscal impacts.
 Fiscal impacts are themselves dependent upon many public services and
social impacts.
 The Quality Of Life (QOL) represent, it composite indication of economic,
demographic, public service. social, and fiscal impacts along with impacts
caused by still other factors related to a sense of well being at a given time
and location.
 Step 6 Assessment of Significance
of Socio-Economic Impacts
 Assessment of the significance of predicted changes in the socio-
economic environment requires considerable exercise of
professional judgment.
 Every attempt should be made to use systematic and scientific
rationale for significant assessment.
 The first consideration relates to the application of screening
criteria.
 Following this. the interpretation of changes in socioeconomic
features can be made based on several approaches: one should
consider the resultant impact information relative to recommended
professional and institutional standards and criteria for various
 Step 7: Incorporation of Mitigation
Measures in the Project and Preparation of
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
 Mitigation of social and neighborhood effects is often very site-
specific.
 Techniques to avoid impacts may include providing new or
revised access to communities;
 redesigning of particular features of the proposed project or
action to avoid relocations;
 constructing noise control walls or security fencing and adding
parking areas.
Socio-economic impacts of AIRPORT project

 Social impacts:
 Increase in traffic flow and congestion around airport
 Land use change due to construction
 Increased demand for public transportation facilities
 Need of housing for new employees
 Increased crowd near airport
 Increased floating population
 Potential removal of business and homes
 Displacement of people
 Change in character of neighbourhood
 Change in accessibility to schools and community services
 Economic Impacts:
 New jobs created which may be short term (during
construction) and long term.
 Growth of commercial and industrial activity
 Loss of taxable properties by the acquisition of private land
 Increased cost for public services like police, fire protection,
traffic control, street expansion, etc.
 Change in adjacent property values
 Increased energy consumption
 Increase in tourist oriented revenues and local sale tax
revenues.