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Information Requirements and Tools
for Screening
and Preliminary Assessment
EA Training Course
2Tools and Methods
Stages of EA
Screening: to determine nature & extent of analysis needed
Preliminary Assessment: to assess range of impacts and need for full-scale EIA
Scoping: to determine key issues and impacts
Conducting the EIA itself
EA Training Course
3Tools and Methods
Resources Required for Preparing an EA
Qualified multi-disciplinary staff Established technical guidelines Information about the project Information about the environment Analytical & administrative capabilities Institutional arrangements Review, monitoring, and enforcement powers Time and money
EA Training Course
4Tools and Methods
Gathering Necessary Information
Collect environmental data (climate, land-use, habitats present, etc.) and socioeconomic data (culture, agricultural practices, water use, etc.) of the area
Rely on a variety of sources of information (local, government, universities, consultants, etc.)
Use available maps (topographical and physical), plans, and sketches that provide information on site characteristics
EA Training Course
5Tools and Methods
Typical Data Sources
Direct observation during site reconnaissance
Local population University/training centers Local consultants Reports (e.g., National Action Plan, USAID
Environmental Sector Assessment) GIS data bases
EA Training Course
6Tools and Methods
Same Basic Tools for Assessing Environmental
Impacts
Simple checklists: offers simplicity for gathering and classifying information
Interaction matrices: useful for impact identification, ranking, and displaying results
Network analyses: useful for identifying cause-effect relationships
EA Training Course
7Tools and Methods
Types of Checklists
Simple Lists Descriptive Checklists Scaling Checklists Questionnaire Checklists
the USAID checklist (see PVO/NGO Guidelines...)
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8Tools and Methods
Example of a Simple checklist
Proposed Activitiesclearing Xcut/fill Xdredging Xblasting -
Environmental components:Physical
air quality Xwater quality Xwater flow X
Biologicalspawning habitat Xrearing habitat X
Socio-economicfishing X
(After Sadar, 1994)
EA Training Course
9Tools and Methods
Sample of a checklist
SEE SAMPLE IN PARTICIPANTS’ SOURCEBOOK
EA Training Course
10Tools and Methods
Checklists + & -
Advantages can structure initial stages of assessment help to ensure that vital factors are not
neglected are easy to apply, particularly by non-
experts
Disadvantages deal only with the environment pose danger of “tunnel vision”
EA Training Course
11Tools and Methods
Interaction Matrices
Allow for the identification of cause-effect relationships
Qualitative or quantitative estimates can be used
Can address impact severity and significance
EA Training Course
12Tools and Methods
Example of an Interaction Matrix
Spawninghabitat(substrate)
FishingWaterquality
WaterFlow
Dredging
Clearing
Access
After Sadar, 1994
EA Training Course
13Tools and Methods
Sample of a Leopold Matrix
IN PARTICIPANTS’ SOURCEBOOK
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14Tools and Methods
Network Analyses
Used to identify cause-effect linkages Visual description of linkages Extension of information found in
matrices
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15Tools and Methods
Example of a Network Analysis
Salmonoid populations
Fishing Spawning
Temperature Flow Water Quality (Suspended Matter)
Access Dredging Clearing
(After Sadar, 1994)
EA Training Course
16Tools and Methods
Network Analyses + & -
Advantages Provides visual summaries that are easily
understood and communicated to decision-makers and the public
Useful for identifying important indirect impacts
Disadvantages May oversimplify relationships; can be hard to
show adequate level of detail As with above methods analysis is static Doesn’t show relative significance of impacts
EA Training Course
17Tools and Methods
Maps
Many types Commonly available Effective visual representation of
critical environmental features May portray biophysical and social
aspects
EA Training Course
18Tools and Methods
Map Overlays Separate mapping of critical environmental
features at the same scale as project's site plan e.g. wetlands, steep slopes, soils, floodplains,
bedrock outcrops, wildlife habitats, vegetative communities, and cultural resources...
Older Technique: environmental features are mapped on transparent plastic in different colors
Newer Technique: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
EA Training Course
19Tools and Methods
Map Overlays + & -
Advantages Excellent for showing spatial dimension and
location of impacts Most useful for assessing alternative routes for
linear developments, e.g. pipelines, roads, transmission lines
Disadvantages Less successful with timing, reversibility, and
probability of impacts Sharp boundary definitions can be misleading
EA Training Course
20Tools and Methods
Tools for Evaluation & Decision-Making
Cost-Benefit Analysis Multi-Criteria Analysis Risk Assessment Simple Comparisons
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21Tools and Methods
EA & Public Participation
Gives communities a voice in development plans
Should begin in earliest stages Can be formalized in public sessions Has often been absent in EIA
EA Training Course
22Tools and Methods
Sample checklist for Project Analysis
Project Potential Recommended Degree ofActivity Environmental Mitigation Environmental
Impact Impact
EA Training Course
23Tools and Methods
Practical Steps in Environmental Analysis
Step 1: List activities -- all, in detail Goal/Purpose of Project (Consider Alternatives) Ancillary Activities (Quarries, Haul Roads,
Transmission Lines) Inputs Needed (Raw Materials, Energy,
Equipment) Operational Characteristics By-products and Waste Produced Financing Plan and Sequencing/Phasing of
Activities
EA Training Course
24Tools and Methods
Step 2: Use Tools Available
Matrices Checklists Map Overlays Relational Networks Flow Diagrams
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25Tools and Methods
Step 3: Identify Foreseeable Impacts of Each Activity
What components of the environment are affected? Such as: human health, endangered species, tropical forests, . . .
Who is subjected to the incidence of the impacts? How severe is the magnitude and extent of each impact? When do the impacts occur (planning, construction, operation,
decommissioning)? Where? Geographical units affected by the impacts? Watershed?
Political/administrative units? Ecological units? Why are the impacts occurring? How do activities fit within the development context of the locale,
country , or region? Critical or sensitive resources
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26Tools and Methods
Step 4: Field Visit and Site Reconnaissance Investigate environment Discuss Activity with People
Step 5: Assemble Documents
Step 6: Discuss/Consult with Specialists (soil scientists, animal behavior specialists, wildlife biologists, agronomists, foresters, hydrologists, experts in EIA and environmental information systems
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27Tools and Methods
Step 7: Use a table to visualize activities, foreseeable impacts and relevant regulation or procedures (both USAID and national):
Classify activity according to the level of impacts on the environment
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28Tools and Methods
Step 8: Sort the Activities 8.1: Sort MECHANICALLY
No foreseeable impacts/Category 1 Significant impacts/Category 3 Pesticide-related Tropical forests, biological diversity, endangered species
effects (Category 4) Other activities (modest possible impacts)/Category 2
8.2: Once the FIRST sort is done, go back to each group and decide whether an activity should be maintained in the category initially assigned or not. Consultation, literature review and another field visit can help
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29Tools and Methods
Step 9: Devise Mitigative Measures: Re-design to Avoid or Diminish Impacts Recommend Corrective
Measures/Activities May Need Further Analysis or Study
Step 10: Devise Monitoring Procedures Step 11: Write Report Step 12: Evaluate the Activity and the
Effectiveness of Mitigative Measures