Tools for Environmental Analysis, Evaluation and Management 209
11.9 EnvironMEntal iMPact aSSESSMEnt
Various technical works modify the environment in order to achieve goals
that are desirable by human society. However, due to certain sensitive
environ mental characteristics as well as to the imperfection of plans and
technologies, undesirable environmental changes can result as side effects
of human interventions.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the compatibility examination
of various developmental plans, programmes, works or other activities with
the environmental protection requirements. It is carried out in the philosophical framework of the sustainable development principles (Chapter 13)
with the purpose of finding the optimal solution for each case that is usually
a rational compromise. The EIA is a lengthy procedure that includes one or
more studies, public hearings and social dialogue procedures, definition of
environmental terms, and application and monitoring of remedial measures.
Avoidance of unpleasant or destructive impacts on the environment
by various works or activities can be facilitated if a proper study to predict and evaluate these activities is carried out in advance. Environmental
impact studies or statements (EIS), especially at a local level, have been an
important tool for the protection of the environment during the past several
decades, mainly in developed countries. All important works and activities should be examined during the design phase in relation to potential
environ mental impacts, and hence can be modified in time so those impacts
can be minimised. If the impacts are serious and their treatment questionable, the advisability of the work should be re-evaluated and the possibility
of its cancellation examined. The effort for the assessment and decrease of
environmental impacts in advance is important because it contributes to
prevention of environmental damage, which is generally easier and cheaper
than dealing with them ex post facto.
The process of evaluating and dealing with the environmental impacts
of a work or activity does not stop at working out an EIS. The necessary
examination of its content by competent agencies is followed by a public
hearing procedure, that is, its presentation to the concerned citizens and
the discussion of their questions or objections. Public hearing of the EIS
is mandatory on the basis of European legislation. Next, the application
of the protection measures that have been designated by the EIS should be
systematically monitored.
The environmental impacts of a work or activity are usually related
to the function of ecosystems and pollution. They should also relate to
aesthetic, cultural, social or economic issues. The proper elaboration of an
EIS is an interdisciplinary work that has to be based on several specialties
and approaches, to achieve their synthesis and propose suggestions for the
protection of the environment, co-assessing correctly the various factors.
11.9 EnvironMEntal iMPact aSSESSMEnt
Various technical works modify the environment in order to achieve goals
that are desirable by human society. However, due to certain sensitive
environ mental characteristics as well as to the imperfection of plans and
technologies, undesirable environmental changes can result as side effects
of human interventions.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the compatibility examination
of various developmental plans, programmes, works or other activities with
the environmental protection requirements. It is carried out in the philosophical framework of the sustainable development principles (Chapter 13)
with the purpose of finding the optimal solution for each case that is usually
a rational compromise. The EIA is a lengthy procedure that includes one or
more studies, public hearings and social dialogue procedures, definition of
environmental terms, and application and monitoring of remedial measures.
Avoidance of unpleasant or destructive impacts on the environment
by various works or activities can be facilitated if a proper study to predict and evaluate these activities is carried out in advance. Environmental
impact studies or statements (EIS), especially at a local level, have been an
important tool for the protection of the environment during the past several
decades, mainly in developed countries. All important works and activities should be examined during the design phase in relation to potential
environ mental impacts, and hence can be modified in time so those impacts
can be minimised. If the impacts are serious and their treatment questionable, the advisability of the work should be re-evaluated and the possibility
of its cancellation examined. The effort for the assessment and decrease of
environmental impacts in advance is important because it contributes to
prevention of environmental damage, which is generally easier and cheaper
than dealing with them ex post facto.
The process of evaluating and dealing with the environmental impacts
of a work or activity does not stop at working out an EIS. The necessary
examination of its content by competent agencies is followed by a public
hearing procedure, that is, its presentation to the concerned citizens and
the discussion of their questions or objections. Public hearing of the EIS
is mandatory on the basis of European legislation. Next, the application
of the protection measures that have been designated by the EIS should be
systematically monitored.
The environmental impacts of a work or activity are usually related
to the function of ecosystems and pollution. They should also relate to
aesthetic, cultural, social or economic issues. The proper elaboration of an
EIS is an interdisciplinary work that has to be based on several specialties
and approaches, to achieve their synthesis and propose suggestions for the
protection of the environment, co-assessing correctly the various factors.