Methods of Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment has been defined as an activity designed to identify and predict the impact on the biogeochemical environment and on man’s health and well-being of legislative proposals, policies, programs, projects and operational procedures and to interpret and communicate information about the impact.
Concept of Environmental Assessment
Hence, Environmental Assessment is a planning tool, a formal study problem used to predict the environmental consequences of a proposed major development project. EIA thus epitomizes the value of holistic approach to studying environmental problems and a clear example of the emphasis on preventive, holistic, strategic approaches to environmental protection which acknowledge environmental limits.
Recognizes that an integrated approach (to environmental management) ensure that all problems, at least those known but also those foreseen are put on table at the same time and the linkages established as far as the eye can see before recommending or adopting solutions.
Hence, an EIA study agenda of a resource proposal would consider impacts upon natural economic efficiency, income redistribution, preservation and aesthetics, political equity as well as environmental control. Various authors have expatiated on what should be the concern of an EIA.
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A synthesis of shows that EIA should be all encompassing. It should consider both the biophysical and socio-cultural environments. Hence, an EIA is designed to concentrate on the problems, constraints that could affect the viability of the project.
It examines impacts of proposed projects on people, homelands, physical and biophysical resources, livelihoods and nearby developments.
In summary, environmental assessment has been defined as an activity designed to identify and predict the impact on the biogeochemical environment and on man’s health and well-being of legislative proposals, policies, programs, projects and operational procedures and to interpret and communicate information about the impact.
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