Understanding EIA

Most people have come across the term EIA and the question that some ask themselves is ‘what is EIA?’ Let me try breaking it down a little bit for those who would like to understand the process and what it is all about. EIA stands for Environmental Impact Assessment and it is a process of systematically examining a proposed development project or activity in order to find out the possible effects that it will have on the environment.The projects that require an EIA include irrigation projects, biotechnological developments, nuclear technology, waste disposal, mining, quarrying, urban developments, infrastructure projects, industries, building construction, petrol stations, and any activity that is out of character with its surrounding among others. The guiding principles of EIA are participation, transparency, accountability, credibility, flexibility and practicality.

The steps in the EIA process are as follows;
Project proposal is prepared by the proponent together with other stakeholders and it helps to address the questions of what, how, when and why, of the development project.
The proposal is then forwarded to NEMA (National Environment Management Authority) for screening to be done which will help to find out whether a full EIA will be required or not.
If NEMA recommends a full EIA then the EIA proceeds. This involves the following steps;

a) Scoping is carried out to determine the extent of an impact assessment approach and the tasks to be done.
b) Relevant authorities and interested parties are identified as well as determining specific guidelines or terms of reference for the impact assessment. Basically this stage is for laying down logistical arrangements.
c) Baseline information is gathered in order to understand the current status of the environment and also identify environmental descriptors that will indicate any change taking place.
d) Potential impacts both positive and negative are predicted. The impacts are evaluated and significance or value is attached to them.
e) Alternatives are identified and could include possible change of design, the site, and/or the nature of the project or management.
f) Required mitigation measures for the unavoidable negative impacts are determined. It’s at this stage that possible compensation arrangements for affected people are made.
g) An EIA study report is drafted in accordance to the NEMA guidelines on scientific reporting.
h) A review of the report is done by NEMA, relevant lead agencies, county environmental officers and technical advisory committee.
i) A final EIA report is prepared and includes the requisite environmental management plan for the project.
j) A decision is then made on the EIA report on whether to approve without conditions, approve with conditions or reject.
k) The proponents can appeal a decision in case it is rejected through the national environmental tribunal.
l) On approval, the implementation of the project goes ahead.
m) Thereafter the project is monitored to gather data in preparation of the initial audit.
n) After around one year an environmental audit of the project is conducted.