URP 512: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1.0 Introduction
Since the 1950s growing environmental awareness is increasingly focusing attention upon the
interactions between development actions and their environmental consequences. In developed
countries this has led to the public demanding that environmental factors be explicitly considered
in the decision-making process and a similar situation is now occurring in developing countries.
Early attempts at project assessment were crude and often based upon Technical Feasibility Studies
and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA). CBA was developed as a means of expressing all impacts in
terms of resource costs valued in monetary terms. Up to the 1960s, several major developments
such as the proposed third airport at London and the Aswan Dam, which were assessed using CBA
techniques, caused considerable public disquiet. Flaws in CBA became more apparent, and one
consequence was the development of a new evaluation approach which came to be known as
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
It has evolved as a comprehensive approach to evaluation, in which environmental considerations,
as well as economic and technical considerations, are given their proper weight in the decision-
making process. When EIA was first conceived, it was regarded as an "add on" component to CBA
and was designed to incorporate all those potential impacts that had proved troublesome in CBA.
Consequently, early practitioners used the system as a means of collecting information but often
failed to comprehend the policy environment in which the development was proposed.
Worldwide, the EIA process is based upon commonly accepted definitions, concepts, principles,
and elements of approach. It is important that all those involved in the EIA process understand
these foundations and how they promote integrated environment and development decision-
making in support of sustainable development.
Simply defined; EIA is a systematic process to identify, predict and evaluate the potential
environmental effects of proposed actions or projects before their implementation. The primary
purpose is to make well-informed decisions that balance development goals with environmental
preservation, ensuring sustainability and mitigate adverse impacts. This process is applied prior to
major decisions and commitments being made. Whenever necessary, social, cultural and health
effects are considered as an integral part of EIA. Particular attention is given in EIA practice to
preventing, mitigating, and offsetting the significant adverse effects of proposed undertakings.

1.1 Objectives of EIA

The objectives of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are typically framed to address both
short-term and long-term goals. These objectives guide the process and outcomes of EIA, ensuring
a comprehensive evaluation of potential impacts. Here are short-term and long-term objectives:

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1.1.1 Short-Term Objectives:

1. Protect lives and Safety: EIA seeks to identify and assess potential hazards and risks
associated with proposed projects, ensuring that adequate measures are implemented to
mitigate any adverse impacts on human health and safety.
2. Identification of Impacts: Quickly identify and assess potential environmental, social,
and economic impacts associated with a proposed project.
3. Mitigation Measures: Develop and propose short-term mitigation measures to minimize
negative impacts during project implementation.
4. Public Awareness: Increase public awareness and understanding of the project's potential
effects, fostering early engagement, and addressing immediate concerns.
5. Compliance: Ensure that the proposed project complies with existing environmental
regulations and standards in the short term.
6. Decision Support: Provide decision-makers with timely and relevant information to make
informed choices during the early stages of project planning.

1.1.2 Long-Term Objectives:

1. Sustainable Development: Contribute to the achievement of long-term sustainable

development goals by balancing economic growth with environmental and social
considerations.
2. Adaptive Management: Ensure continuous monitoring and adjustment of post-project
activities based on actual long-term environmental outcomes.
3. Environmental Preservation: Contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, biodiversity,
and natural resources over the project's life cycle.
4. Community Well-being: Protect human health and safety and Enhance the well-being of
local communities by addressing social and economic concerns and ensuring that benefits
are distributed equitably.
5. Risk Management: Provide a framework for long-term risk management by anticipating
and addressing potential impacts, preventing environmental degradation and associated
liabilities.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster ongoing engagement with stakeholders, maintaining
transparent communication and addressing concerns as they arise throughout the project's
life cycle.

By addressing both short-term and long-term objectives, EIA serves as a dynamic and adaptive
tool that contributes to the responsible and sustainable development of projects while safeguarding
the environment and the well-being of communities.

1.2 Importance of EIA

Reducing the burden of environmental impacts is necessary if development is to become

sustainable. These impacts are more complex, larger in scale and further reaching in their potential
consequences than thirty years ago when EIA was first introduced. As a result, EIA has become of
ever-increasing importance as a tool for development decision-making.

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1. Environmental Protection:
• Early Identification of Risks: EIA allows for the early identification of potential risks
associated with a project, enabling proactive risk management and the development of
contingency plans.
• Identifying and Assessing Impacts: EIA helps identify potential environmental
impacts of proposed projects before they are implemented. This includes impacts on
air and water quality, biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources.
• Preventing Adverse Effects: By predicting and assessing potential negative impacts,
EIA allows for the development of mitigation measures and alternative solutions to
prevent or minimize adverse effects on the environment. Avoid irreversible changes
and serious damage to the environment.
2. Sustainable Development Goals:
• SDG 15: Life on Land; SDG 14: Life Below Water; SDG 13: Climate Action;
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and
Communities; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean
Energy: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure:
• Integration into Decision-Making: EIA results are integrated into the decision-
making process, influencing project design and implementation to achieve sustainable
outcomes.

3. Public Participation and Transparency:

• Engaging Stakeholders: EIA involves the participation of various stakeholders,
including local communities, NGOs, and governmental bodies. This engagement
promotes transparency, inclusivity, and allows for diverse perspectives to be
considered.
• Addressing Community Concerns: Public consultations during the EIA process
provide a platform for addressing community concerns, incorporating local knowledge,
and enhancing the social acceptability of projects.

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensuring Compliance: EIA is often a legal requirement in many countries. Projects
must undergo the EIA process to obtain necessary approvals and permits, ensuring
compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Avoiding Legal Consequences: Failure to conduct an EIA or address identified
environmental concerns may lead to legal consequences, including project delays,
fines, or even project cancellation.

5. Resource Utilization:
• Optimizing Resource Use: EIA helps optimize the use of natural resources by
identifying efficient and sustainable ways to implement projects, reducing waste, and
minimizing resource depletion.
• Cost Savings in the Long Run: Addressing environmental issues early in the planning
stages can lead to cost savings in the long run by avoiding expensive remediation
measures and potential legal liabilities.

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In summary, Environmental Impact Assessment is vital for promoting environmentally responsible
and sustainable development, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering public engagement, and
proactively managing risks associated with various projects.

1.3 Sustainable development and the Need for EIA

Sustainable development is a key concept that has gained increasing international acceptance
during the last two decades. A milestone in this process was the 'Brundtland' report, which defined
sustainable development as 'development that meets the needs of today's generation without
compromising those of future generations'. Five years later, the UN Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED), the Earth Summit, established a number of international agreements,
declarations and commitments. Agenda 21, the global action plan for sustainable development,
emphasizes the importance of integrated environment and development decision-making and
promotes the use of EIA and other policy instruments for this purpose.
1.4 The Four Cornerstones of The Earth Summit
• The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development - a set of principles which provide
guidance on achieving sustainable development.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - an international treaty to
stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
• Convention on Biological Diversity - an international convention with three objectives: the
conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the equitable
sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
• Agenda 21-a global program of action for achieving sustainable development to which
countries are 'politically committed' rather than legally obligated.

Typology of Environmental Impacts

Type - biophysical, social, health or economic Timing - immediate/long term
Nature - direct or indirect, cumulative, etc. Duration - temporary/permanent
Magnitude/Severity - high, moderate, low Uncertainty - low likelihood/high probability
Extent- local, regional, trans-boundary or Reversibility - reversible/irreversible
global
Significance - unimportant/important

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2.0 LEGAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 National Legal Framework:
• Purpose: At the national level, countries often have legislation that mandates the conduct
of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for certain categories of projects. The legal
framework defines the purpose of EIA, emphasizing the need to assess and mitigate
potential environmental impacts before project approval. For example NESREA Act
(2007): The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act
of 2007 establishes NESREA as the agency responsible for enforcing environmental
standards and regulations in Nigeria. This Act outlines the functions and powers of
NESREA in regulating activities that may have adverse environmental impacts.
• Regulatory Requirements: National laws set out specific requirements for when and how
an EIA should be conducted. These regulations outline the criteria for project screening,
scoping, public consultation, and the preparation of the EIA report.
• Permitting Process: The legal framework establishes the connection between the EIA
process and project permitting. In many cases, project approval is contingent upon the
successful completion of the EIA process, ensuring that environmental considerations are
integrated into decision-making.
• Penalties and Enforcement: To ensure compliance, national laws often stipulate penalties
for non-compliance with EIA regulations. Government agencies are empowered to enforce
these regulations and take legal action against entities that fail to adhere to the prescribed
EIA procedures.
• Public Participation: The legal framework typically includes provisions for public
participation, outlining how and when the public should be involved in the EIA process.
This ensures transparency and inclusivity in decision-making.
2.2 International Legal Framework
• Multilateral Environmental Agreements: Countries may also be bound by international
agreements that require adherence to certain environmental standards and practices.
Multilateral environmental agreements may set out general principles for conducting EIAs
and addressing transboundary environmental issues.
• Regional Agreements: Some regions have specific agreements or conventions that outline
common EIA practices. These agreements foster cooperation among neighboring countries
to address shared environmental concerns.
• Bilateral Agreements: Countries may enter into bilateral agreements that include
provisions related to environmental protection and impact assessment, especially when
projects may have cross-border implications.
Nigeria is a party to;
1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): which encourages environmental impact
assessments as a tool for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

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 2. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which addresses
climate change. The convention promotes the assessment and consideration of climate
change impacts in various activities, including those that may be subject to EIA.

3. African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (ACCNNR)

Nigeria is a party to this regional agreement, which aims to promote the conservation of
natural resources in Africa. It may have implications for environmental assessments within
the continent.
2.3 Government Agencies:
• Designated EIA Authorities: National legal frameworks often designate specific
government agencies or authorities responsible for overseeing the EIA process. These
agencies play a crucial role in ensuring that EIAs are conducted in accordance with
established regulations.
• Expertise and Resources: Government agencies are tasked with having the necessary
expertise and resources to evaluate EIA reports objectively. They may conduct their own
reviews or enlist the support of external experts.
• Coordination with Other Agencies: Depending on the complexity of the project, multiple
government agencies may be involved in the EIA process. Coordination among agencies
ensures a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts across various sectors.
• Enforcement and Monitoring: Government agencies have the authority to enforce EIA
regulations, including issuing permits and taking corrective actions. They also play a role
in post-project monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance with environmental standards.
In summary, the legal framework of EIA operates at both the national and international levels,
guiding the process, setting standards, and empowering government agencies to enforce
compliance and protect the environment.
Class Exercise:
Give examples of Nigerian Agencies responsible for Environmental Protection, monitoring and
sustainability