ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES AND AUDITS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES AND AUDITS Abstract With increasing human activities and the inevitable need to create work space, living space and recreational space; man has a direct impact on his environment. It is necessary to regulate and manage built environment by proper planning and Environmental Impact Studies and Audits. THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT An environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed project is a written report that summarizes the findings of a detailed environmental review process. The writing of an EIS is preceded by two steps. First an environmental inventory must be included for the site and vicinity of the proposed project. The second step involves a systematic and comprehensive environmental assessment which identifies and analyzes the potential adverse environmental consequences of the project. The format of the EIS document or report may vary to some degree, depending on the requirements of the municipality or regulatory agency that will review and approve it. Generally, the following topics or sections are included in a final draft of the EIS: Description of the existing environment Description of the proposed project Environmental assessment Unavoidable adverse environmental impacts Secondary or indirect impacts Methods for reducing adverse impacts Alternatives to the proposed project Irreversible commitments of energy resources Consideration of public input and review The EIS is meant to be used as a planning and decision making tool. It is supposed to be objective and unbiased, and it is not meant to either promote or block the implementation of the proposed project. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT The inventory of existing natural resources and urban facilities in the vicinity of the project site typically includes the following categories of data: Geology, soils, and topography Water resources Veget5ation and wildlife Air Quality and Noise Transportation Public utilities Population Historical or unique cultural features DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT In addition to a complete environmental inventory, it is also necessary to have a clear picture of the nature and extent of the proposed project. Although detailed engineering plans are not generally needed for this, a preliminary plan must be made available by the project owner. This plan must be comprehensive enough to allow for a meaningful assessment of environmental impacts. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The primary goal of the EIS procedure is to predict any adverse (or beneficial) effects of a proposed project on the natural and urban environment. The prediction and assessment of environmental impacts is not an easy task. It must be conducted by an interdisciplinary team including civil engineers and technicians and geologists, urban planners, and biologists or ecologists. For large and complex projects and particularly for sensitive environmental settings, the teams may also include archaeologists, architects, and social scientists. OTHER ASPECTS OF AN EIS An EIS should include a section in which mitigating measures are discussed as well as how the public will respond. Public input is considered important in the EIS process because it can provide a perspective or identify an alternative that can otherwise be overlooked by the professionals who prepared the report. The final copy of the EIS document will reflect this public feedback and input. ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS An environmental audit is an evaluation of an industrial facility’s waste generation and waste management practices, as well as an assessment of the facilities compliance with environmental laws at the local, state and federal levels. Environmental auditing is a management tool that enhances the overall environmental performance of manufacturing facilities and is now generally a requirement for property transfers and reduction of liabilities due to improper or inadequate waste management operations. A report is prepared at the completion of the audit, candidly addressing deficiencies. Recommendations in the audit report may include corrective actions, such as physical plant upgrades, revisions to standard operating procedures, improved sampling, and obtaining appropriate permits. Action plans and follow up procedures are also essential to the effectiveness of the audit. CONCLUSION With the numerous building projects going on around the country, building of roads, bridges, schools and hospitals by Government and the building of houses and commercial properties by ordinary citizens and investors, requires urgent legislation to ensure that no catastrophes occur in the future, such as the recent bridge collapse in Genoa, Italy. Relevant Web Sites International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). http://www.iaia.org NEPA Purpose and Implementation. http://water.usgs.gov/public/eap/NEPA.PURPOSE.html REFERENCES [1] BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY: Water Supply, Waste Management, and Pollution Control, Appendix A., Fifth edition, Jerry A. Nathanson, ME, PE. Professor Emeritus, Union County College, Cranford, New Jersey, PHI learning Private limited, Delhi-110092, 2013.