What Is An Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment

An Environmental Impact Assessment is a process set up under environmental legislation, for evaluating proposed development projects in terms of the effect they are likely to have on the environment. In Australia, the main Federal legislation governing the process is the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act of 1999. However, each state has its own legislation which runs in parallel to the Federal legislation, and largely governs the process in each state.

Under this legislation, the Environmental Protection Authority, or its equivalent, in each state has the power to assess any proposed project which is deemed likely to have a significant effect on the environment. These projects can include any development programme, industrial projects such as mining proposals, or any proposed change in the use of a piece of land. They can even include government proposals, if there is a possibility that they could affect the environment to a substantial degree. Any individual or group can refer a proposed project for assessment, though in practice most referrals are made by decision-making bodies, such as local government. Any person can also appeal against a decision not to carry out an assessment.

As the legislation refers to projects affecting the environment, it also defines the particular aspects of the environment that would be affected by a proposal, for it to be subject to an assessment. These include world heritage and national heritage sites, plus wetlands of international significance. They also include protected migratory species and species listed as under threat, in addition to the marine environment round Australia's coasts. State legislation may define the environment in different ways -- for instance, it may cover the social impact in the area directly involved in the proposal, including cultural, aesthetic and economic effects.

The environmental impact assessment process is complex, and requires input from a wide range of disciplines, including economics, social sciences, engineering, environmental consultants, and various branches of science. As well as collecting and analysing data, the process requires effective communication among the different disciplines. Very importantly, a high priority has to be given to public consultation, and there is usually a public comment period of seven days or more, during which anyone can make a submission.

Usually, at the end of the assessment, an EIS or Environmental Impact Statement is prepared. This includes recommendations on how to proceed on the referral, and how to mitigate or minimise any negative effects which may have been identified. This EIS will be made public and will be open to public comment, after which the decision will be made as to whether the project can or cannot go ahead, or go ahead subject to modifications.

Decisions about developments or industrial projects are often highly contentious, and usually involve trade-offs among many warring points of view. The Environmental Impact Assessment lies at the heart of these decisions, and involves quantifying the risks and benefits, and weighing them up against one another -- for instance, whether the social benefits of a new highway justify the disruption to the habitat of a number of rare wildlife species. The current process has attracted a lot of criticism from those who allege that it fails to protect some precious natural resources. Generally, however, it is accepted as being successful in achieving the best possible balance among competing interests.