Environmental impact assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment

By - Ms. Jini Rajendran

Contents of the Presentation

History of Environmental Impact Assessment

Regulations related to EIA in India

Procedure for Conducting EIA and Obtaining EC

Contents of EIA Report

History of Environmental Impact Assessment

What is EIA?

EIA is a procedure for assessing the impacts on the environment likely to result from development process.

Scientific technique existing within a legal framework.

A process for decision making.

Why do EIA?

Assessment outputs facilitate informed decision making.

Anticipated environmental impacts can be weighed against economic benefits and other social gains.

Early identification of environmental impacts; predicted impacts can be mitigated before they occur.

Help to adopt sustainable environmental management practices.

Evolution and History of EIA

Started in 1960s as part of increasing environmental awareness.

Obtained formal status in USA with the implementation of National Environment Policy Act (NEPA)1969.

In 1970s it was adopted in high income countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Some developing countries like Columbia and Philippines.

In mid 1980s World Bank adopted EIA for major development projects.

In 1990s India Adopted EIA formally and many other developing nations also formulated the EIA legislation.

There are two types of EIA models:

Administrative model – Administration exercises its discretion to find its necessity- Till 1992 India was following administrative model

Statutory Model – Enacted law - Compulsory

Regulations Related to EIA in India

EIA Notifications in India

EIA notifications are published by Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by clause(a), of sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment(Protection ) Act 1986. Some of the key notification related to EIA are as follow:

EIA notification dated 27.1.1994 – First EIA regulation Making Environmental Clearance (EC) mandatory.

Major amendment - April 1997 making Public Hearing as a part of assessment procedure to ensure participation of local people and stakeholders in development activity.

EIA notification 14th Sep 2006 is the latest notification mandating EIA studies. Several notification constituting the formation of State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority.

Major amendment to this notification is amendment dated 1st Dec 2009.

S. No

Projects S. No

Projects

1 Nuclear Power and related projects 15 Integrated Paint Complex including manufacture of resins and basic raw materials required in the manufacture of paints

2 River Valley Projects (hydel power, major irrigation and their combination including flood control)

16 Viscous staple fiber and filament yarn

3 Ports Harbours Airports 17 Storage batteries integrated with manufacture of oxides of lead and lead antimony alloy

4 Petroleum Refinery including crude and product pipelines

18 All tourism projects between 200m – 500m of high tide line or at elevation more than 1000m with investment of more than Rs. 5 Crores.

5 Chemical Fertilizers (excluding single superphosphate) 19 Thermal Power Plant

6 Pesticides 20 Mining Project with leases more than 5 Ha

7 Petrochemical complex 21 Highway Project

8 Bulk Drug and Pharmaceuticals 22 Distilleries

9 Oil and Gas exploration, storage transport and processing

23 Raw Skins and hides

10 Synthetic rubber 24 Pulp Paper and newsprint

11 Asbestos and Asbestos Products 25 Dyes

12 Hydrocyanic acids and its derivatives 26 Cement

13 Primary metallurgical industries and Electric Arc Furnace (Mini Steel Plant)

27 Foundries

14 Chlor-alkali Industry 28 Electroplating

About EIA Notification 1994 and its amendmentsAny person who desires to undertake any new project or expansion or modernization of any existing project listed in schedule 1 to the notification shall submit an application to Secretary, MoEF, New Delhi for seeking EC. Schedule 1 is indicated below.

EC will not be required for items falling under entry no. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 25 and 27 of the schedule if the investment is less than Rs 50 Cr.

Any item reserved for small scale industrial sector with investment less than Rs 1 Cr will not require EC..

About EIA Notification 1994 and its amendments

EIA Notification 2006 and its amendment in 2009

All new projects or expansion or modernization of existing project beyond the limit specified for the concerned sector listed in Schedule 1 to the notification shall require prior EC from the Concerned Authority.

Concerned Authority - MoEF

- State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) in case of States.

Projects are broadly categorised

- Category A and Category B

- based on the spatial extend of potential impacts and potential impacts on human health and natural and man made resources.

Project included under category A – EC from MOEF under the recommendation of Expert Advisory Committee (EAC).

Project Included under category B - EC from SEIAA under the recommendation of State Level Expert Advisory Committee (SEAC).

EIA Notification 2006 and its amendment in 2009

Only land can be secured before obtaining EC, no construction activity and site preparation work shall start before that.

Validity period of the clearance will be Maximum of 30 years for mining project, 10 years for river valley project and 5 years in case of any other project or activity.

Amendments as per Notification dated 1.12.2009

S. No Project / Activity

Category A Category B Conditions (if any)

1(a) Mining of Minerals

Slurry pipelines passing through national parks /sanctuaries/ coral reefs, ecologically sensitive area

• >= 50 Ha of mining lease area in respect of non-coal mine lease.

• 150 Ha of mining area in respect of coal mine lease.

• Asbestos mining irrespective of mine lease area.

All projects

• <50 Ha >= 5 Ha of mining lease area in respect of non-coal mine lease.

• <150 Ha >= 5 Ha of mining lease area in respect of coal mine lease.

General condition shall apply.

Mineral prospecting is exempted.

1(d) Thermal Power plants

• >= 500 MW (coal / lignite / naphtha and gas based).

• >= 50 MW (petcoke, diesel and all other fuel including refinery residual oil waste except biomass).

• >= 20 MW (based on biomass or non hazardous municipal solid waste as fuel)

• < 500 MW (coal / lignite / naphtha and gas based).

• <50MW >= 5 MW (petcoke, diesel and all other fuel including refinery residual oil waste except biomass).

• < 20 MW > 15 MW (based on biomass or non hazardous municipal solid waste as fuel)

up to 15 MW exempted if auxiliary fuel consumption is not more than 15%.

Power plant using waste heat boiler without any auxiliary fuel are exempted.




3 (a) Metallurgical industries (ferrous and non- ferrous)

• All primary metallurgical industries

• Sponge iron manufacturing >= 200 TPD

• Secondary metallurgical processing industry, • All toxic and heavy

metal processing units >= 20,000 TPA

• Sponge iron manufacturing < 200 TPD


metal processing units < 20,000 TPA.

• All non-toxic secondary metallurgical processing industries > 5000 TPA

General condition shall apply

In case of secondary metallurgical processing industrial units, those projects involving operation of furnace such as induction furnace, electric arc furnace, SAF and cupola with capacity more that 30,000 TPA would require EC.

3(b) Cement Plant • >= 1 Million TPA production capacity

• < 1 million TPA production capacity

• All standalone grinding units


4(b) Coke Oven Plants • >= 2,50,000 TPA • <2,50,000 TPA >= 25,000 TPA

General conditions shall apply




3 (a) Metallurgical industries (ferrous and non- ferrous)

• All primary metallurgical industries

• Sponge iron manufacturing >= 200 TPD


metal processing units >= 20,000 TPA

• Sponge iron manufacturing < 200 TPD


metal processing units < 20,000 TPA.

• All non-toxic secondary metallurgical processing industries > 5000 TPA


In case of secondary metallurgical processing industrial units, those projects involving operation of furnace such as induction furnace, electric arc furnace, SAF and cupola with capacity more that 30,000 TPA would require EC.

3(b) Cement Plant • >= 1 Million TPA production capacity

• < 1 million TPA production capacity

• All standalone grinding units


4(b) Coke Oven Plants • >= 2,50,000 TPA • <2,50,000 TPA >= 25,000 TPA

General conditions shall apply


S. No Project / Activity Category A Category B Conditions (if any)

5(e) Petrochemical based processing (processes other than cracking and not covered under the complexes)

Located outside the notified industrial area / estate

Located in a notified industrial area/estate

Specific condition shall apply

5 (f) Synthetic Organic Chemical Industry (dyes and dye intermediates; bulk drug and intermediates excluding drug formulation; synthetic rubbers; basic organic chemical, other synthetic organic chemical and chemical intermediates)

Located outside the notified industrial area / estate

Located in a notified industrial area/estate

7(c) Industrial estate/ parks/complexes/ areas, export processing zone, SEZ, biotech park leather complex

• If at least one industry in the industrial area falls under Category A, the entire industrial area shall be considered as Category A.

• Industrial estate with area greater than 500 Ha and housing at least one Category B industry

• Industrial area housing at least one Category B industry and area< 500 Ha.

• Industrial estate of area> 500 Ha and not housing any industry belonging to Category A or B

If the area is less than 500 Ha, but contains buildings and construction > 50,000 Sq m and or development area more than 100 Ha, than it shall be treated as 8(a) and 8(b)

Procedure for conducting EIA and obtaining EC

Procedure as per EIA Notification 2006

STAGE – 1 Screening

Required only for Category B projects.

In case the project falls under B1 category, then EIA study is required. For B 2 Category EIA study is not required.

STAGE – 2 Scoping

Detailed and Comprehensive terms of reference(TOR) shall be suggested by EAC of MoEF or SEAC of SEIAA based on form I submitted by the applicant for preparation of EIA report

Sub group of EAC or SEAC will visit the site if necessary

All projects of construction, township, commercial complexes shall not require scoping and would be apprised on the basis of Form I and the conceptual plan.

TOR shall be conveyed to applicant within 60 days of receipt of Form I.

If the TOR Is not Finalized within 60 Days from Concerned authorities, the TOR Suggested in the Form I by Applicant is Deemed as Approved for EIA Study.

The approve TOR shall be Displayed on the website of the MoEF or SEIAA

Any rejection of Prior Environmental Clearance shall be conveyed to the applicant within 60 days.


STAGE – 3 Public Hearing

All Category A and B1 Projects shall Undertake Public Consultation, except the following:

Modernization of river valley project.

All projects or activities located within industrial estate or park.

Expansion of road or highway which do not involve any further acquisition of land.

All building/construction/Area Development/Township projects

All category B2 Project.

All projects or activates concerning national defense and security or involving other strategic consideration as determined by the central government.



Public hearing shall be conducted by SPCB and the proceedings shall be forwarded to the regularity authority within 45 days of the request from the applicant.

If the public hearing can not be conducted by SPCB with in 45 days the regulatory authority shall engage another Public agency to complete the same with in further 45 days.



Wide publicity - appropriate media

Draft EIA report shall be placed at the notified place during normal office hours.

All the responses received from public shall be forwarded to the applicant through the quickest possible means.

After compilation of public consultation the applicant shall make appropriate changes in the draft EIA/EMP or supplementary EIA/EMP report may be Submitted

The final EIA report shall be submitted to the regulatory authority. .


STAGE – 4 Appraisal

The project would be scrutinized by – EAC/SEAC based on final EIA report, outcome of the Public Consultation including public hearing proceedings and application of project proponent.

The applicant shall be invited to furnish necessary clarification in person by appraisal committee.

On Completion of the proceedings the expert appraisal committee shall make categorical recommendations for grant of prior environmental clearance/rejection with reasons.

EC is transferable.


Process Flow DiagramSubmission of application to MoEF (Form – 1, Form 1 A, re-

feasibility report)

Verification of documents and meeting for draft TOR

Draft TOR is complete and OK

TOR specified by MoEF

Draft EIA report Preparation

Public Hearing Exemption ?

Conduct Public Hearing

Proceeding and recommendation

inclusion in EIA report

Submission of EIA and other information to

MoEF

Project Appraisal in EAC Meeting

Project is OK with min.

impact

Information furnished is

complete

Project Rejected

EC Granted

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Time Schedule EC Process

Form 1 submission to MoEF along with TOR and Pre-feasibility report

Screening for Categorization

Additional TOR after scoping if necessary

Preparation of EIA/EMP

Public Hearing conducted by SPCB

Review by expert appraisal committee

Final Decision of Competent Authority

Environmental Clearance granted

Within 60 Days

Within 45 Days

105 days

Total 210 days as per Notification

90 – 120 days

120 – 150 days

75 – 90 days

30 – 60 days

150 – 300 days

Total 465 – 720 days in actual practice

Contents of an EIA Report


Introduction –brief description of nature, size and location of the project and its importance to the country and region, scope of study as per TOR.

Project description – type and need of project, location details with maps, technology, process description.

Description of the environment –establishment of baseline data, base map of all environmental components.

Anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures and mitigation measures.

Analysis of alternatives(Technology and site).

Environmental monitoring program .

Additional studies like Risk assessment, Social impact assessment, R&R plan.

Project benefits.

Environment Management Plan.

Summary and conclusion.

Disclosure of the consultants engaged.


Air Environment

Determination of impact zone (through a screening model) and developing a monitoring network.

Monitoring the existing status of ambient air quality within the impacted region (7-10 km from the periphery) of the proposed project site.

Monitoring site specific meteorological data, wind speed direction, humidity, ambient temperature and environment lapse rate.

Estimation of quantities of air emission including fugitive emission from the proposed project.

Identification, quantification and evaluation of other potential emissions (including those of vehicular traffic) within the impact zone and estimation of cumulative of all the emissions/impacts.

Prediction of changes in the ambient air quality due to point, line and areas source emissions through appropriate air quality models.

Evaluation of the adequacy of the proposed pollution control devices to meet gaseous emission and ambient air quality standards.

Delineation of mitigation measures at source, path ways and receptor.

Noise Environment

Monitoring the present status of noise levels within the impact zone, and prediction of future noise levels resulting from the proposed project and related activities including increase in vehicular movement.

Identification of impacts due to any anticipated rise in noise levels on the surrounding environment.

Recommendations on mitigation measures for noise pollution.



Water Environment

Study of existing ground and surface water resources with respect to quantity and quality within the impact zone of the proposed project .

Prediction of impacts on water resources due to the proposed water use/pumping on account of the project.

Quantification and characterisation of waste water including toxic organic, from the proposed activity.

Evaluation of the proposed pollution prevention and wastewater treatment system and suggestions on modification, if required.

Prediction of impacts of effluent discharge on the quality of the receiving water body using appropriate mathematical/simulation models

Biological Environment

Survey of flora and fauna clearly delineating season and duration.

Assessment of flora and fauna present within the impact zone of the project.

Assessment of potential damage to terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna due to discharge of effluents and gaseous emissions from the project.

Assessment of damage to terrestrial flora and fauna due to air pollution, and land use and landscape changes.

Assessment of damage to aquatic and marine flora and fauna (including commercial fishing) due to physical disturbances and alterations.

Prediction of biological stresses within the impact zone of the proposed project.

Delineation of mitigation measures to prevent and / or reduce the damage.


Land Environment

Studies on soil characteristics, existing land use and topography, landscape and drainage patterns within the impact zone.

Estimation of impacts of project on land use, landscape, topography, drainage and hydrology.

Identification of potential utility of treated effluent in land application and subsequent impacts.

Estimation and Characterisation of solid wastes and delineation of management options for minimisation of waste and environmentally compatible disposal.


Socio-economic and Health Environment

Collection of demographic and related socio-economic data.

Projection of anticipated changes in the socio-economic and health due to the project and related activities including traffic congestion and delineation of measures to minimise adverse impacts.

Assessment of impact on significant historical, cultural and archaeological sites/places in the area.

Assessment of economic benefits arising out of the project.

Assessment of rehabilitation requirements with special emphasis on scheduled areas, if any.


Risk Assessment

Hazard identification taking recourse to hazard indices, inventory analysis etc.

Maximum Credible Accident (MCA) analysis to identify potential hazardous scenarios.

Consequence analysis of failures and accidents resulting in fire, explosion, hazardous releases and dam breaks etc.

Hazard & Operability (HAZOP) studies.

Assessment of risk on the basis of the above evaluations.

Preparation of an onsite and off site (project affected area) Disaster Management Plan.


Date post:	28-Jul-2015
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