This book charts the history of the application of science in environmental impact assessment (EIA) and provides a conceptual and technical overview of scientific developments associated with EIA since its inception in the early 1970s. The Application of Science in Environmental Impact Assessment begins by defining an appropriate role for science in EIA. From here it goes on to reflect more closely on empirical and deductive biophysical sciences as they relate to well-known stages of the generic EIA process and explores whether scientific theory and practice are at their vanguard in EIA and related applications. Throughout the book the authors reflect on biophysical science as it applies to stages of the EIA process and also consider debates surrounding the role of science as it relates to political and administrative dimensions of EIA. Based on this review, the book concludes that improvements to the quality of science in EIA will rely on the adoption of stronger participatory and collaborative working arrangements. Covering key topics including foundational scientific guidance materials; frameworks for implementing science amid conflict and uncertainty; and emerging ecological concepts, this book will be of great interest to students, scholars and practitioners of EIA.

The book is written to promote strong and effective environmental impact assessment (EIA) implementation globally, creating awareness on the use of EIA as a tool for decision making on project execution and development actions. The book covers substantive and contemporary issues involved in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), highlighting key concepts, methodologies, practical approaches to effective EIA for development projects/actions in line with regulatory requirements and global best practices The intent of the book is to provide the missing link on the use of EIA as tool for environmental management thereby raising the awareness on actions to preventing environmental pollution and degradation, global warming and other contemporary environmental issues It is written to provide basic guidance that simplifies the methodologies of environmental assessment including the use of GIS technology presenting the value of EIA as policy and management tool for both planning and decision making The book provides the template for quality EIA development and application for environment-lovers across the globe thereby promoting the achievement of the principles of sustainable development. The book will prove to be a useful reference on environmental management to students of environmental studies, teachers, researchers and practitioners as it offers basic theoretical knowledge and practical applications needed to promoting projects' sound environmental management. The book is divided into Eight Chapters. Chapter one provides background information on EIA including global historical background on the evolution of EIA studies and environmental disasters to buttress the connection between Environmental studies, safety and environmental pollution Chapter Two - gives information on the purpose scope and objectives of EIA. Chapter Three - provides the EIA process in a stepwise manner. Chapter Four - Gives detailed description on methodologies for field data gathering, laboratory analysis and data interpretation. Chapter Five- Provides standard and appropriate methodologies for identification, assessment and prediction of project impacts. Chapter Six - Provides basic guidance on the cost-effective measures which are useful in ameliorating environmental and socio-economic impacts of project activities. Chapter Seven - Presents Environmental Management Plan (EMP) as a necessary component of the EIA and its importance for monitoring the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Chapter Eight presents stakeholders' engagement as a delicate aspect of the EIA process which might ultimately define the quality of the study and project acceptability.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has become a vital management tool worldwide. EIA is a means of evaluating the likely consequences of a proposed major action which will significantly affect the environment, before that action is taken.This new edition of Wood's key text provides an authoritative, international review of environmental impact assessment, comparing systems used in the UK, USA, the Netherlands, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand and South Africa.

This study of environmentla impact assessment includes four Sections. Section 1 discusses the current state of implementation of the directives on environmental impact assessment and environmental hazards. It also includes a paper on the Dutch integral environmental zoning project. Section 2 deals with EIA approaches and techniques. First, the phases of an EIA study and the risk analysis methods are described. Then, Danish experiences in EIA, environmental planning in the Ruhr area and pollution abatement in oil refineries and inorganic chemical industries are illustrated. Finally, a decision support system for EIA is presented.

A comprehensive, clearly structured and readable overview of the subject, Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment has established itself as the leading introduction to EIA worldwide. This fifth edition is a major update reflecting many significant changes in EIA procedures, process, practice and prospects over the last decade. In particular, it includes: a much more international dimension, drawing on EIA activities worldwide; an up-to-date coverage of the revised EU EIA Directive and its implementation; the associated update of contemporary UK procedures and practice; best practice on evolving methods in the EIA process; a rich array of UK and many international case studies; a new coverage of emerging EIA impact topics, including equality/deprivation; culture; resettlement; climate change; ecosystem services; and risk, resilience and cumulative impacts; an appraisal of some next steps in the EIA process, including a more effective and proportionate EIA; the impact of technological change; the changing interpretation of the project; project implementation, monitoring and adaptive management; and moves towards a more integrated impact assessment. Together, these topics act as a kind of action list for future EIA; the development of SEA legislation and practice in the UK, EU and worldwide; and a set of appendices containing key legislation and an EIS review framework. It is also makes full use of colour illustrations and chapter questions for discussion. Written by two authors with extensive research, training and consultancy experience of EIA, this book brings together the most up-to-date information from many sources. Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment 5th Edition provides a complete, and critical, introductory text that also supports further studies. Students in undergraduate and postgraduate planning programmes will find it essential as a course text, as will students of environmental management/policy, environmental sciences/studies, geography and built environment. Key stakeholders involved in assessment activities – planners, developers, community groups, pressure groups and decision-makers in government and business – will also welcome this latest edition as a very effective means of getting to grips with the many facets of this important and evolving subject that affects a widening range of development projects.

This comprehensive treatment of environmental impact assessment (EIA) provides an authoritative contemporary review of theory and practice over the past ten years. EIA is viewed as both science and art, reflecting the concern both with technical aspects of appraisal and the effects of EIA on the decision-making process. Adopted in many countries, with different degrees of enthusiasm, since its inception in the early 1970's, EIA is established as a major procedure for assessing the environmental implications of legislation, the implementation of policy and plans and the initiation of development projects. EIA is increasingly an essential part of environmental management

Reviewing over 50 years of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policy-making and implementation around the world, this thought-provoking Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current research surrounding EIA. Presenting new trends in law and policy-making, it highlights best practices in the application of technology to impact prediction and management, procedural efficiency, decision-making and public participation.

This volume is the outcome of a recent NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI) on "Technology Assessment. Environmental Impact Assessment. and Risk Analysis: Contributions from the Psychological and Decision Sciences." The Institute was held in Les Arcs. France and functioned as a high level teaching activity during which scientific research results were presented in detail by eminent lecturers. Support for the Institute was provided by grants from the NATO Division of Scientific Affairs. the u.S. Office of Naval Research. and the Russell Sage Foundation. The Institute covered several areas of research. including quantitative studies on decision and judgmental processes. studies on human intellectual limitations. studies on risk attitudes and perceptions. studies on factors contributing to conflicts and disputes about hazardous technologies and activities. studies on factors influencing forecasts and judgments by experts. studies on public preferences for decisionmaking processes. studies on public responses to technological hazards. and case studies applying principles and methods from the psychological and decision sciences in specific settings.

Brian D. Clark PADC Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning Unit Project Director Events throughout the world substantiate the view that planning and decision-making systems need a better integration of environ mental, economic and social considerations. Many organizations are showing considerable interest in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its role in project planning and policy evaluation and as an aid to decision-making. Consequently, it was decided to hold a NATO Advanced Study Institute on EIA for the following reasons. First there is evidence of uncertainty, particularly amongst many scientists and decision-makers, as to the nature, scope and object ives of EIA. Secondly, there is much confusion over the objectives and utility of certain EIA methods. Third, there appears to be a gulf developing between decision-makers and what they require from EIA, and the ability of the scientist to provide information which is scientifically rigorous. Finally, there appears to be little concern as to the relationship between "impact prediction" and the actual consequences ofa development activity, suggesting that if EIA is not to become both politically and scientifically disreput able greater emphasis should be placed on prediction, monitoring and post-audit studies. As will be seen from the contents of this volume the ASI attempted to address all of the above topics and indeed many more. It was perhaps inevitable that the ASI raised more questions than were answered but this is indicative of the vigorous debate that is now taking place about the role and utility of EIA.