The Need for a Robust Review System to Improve the Quality of Environmental Impact Statements: An Indian Case Study Analysis

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, the final output of the EIA process forms the basis for environmental impact statement (EIS) review and decision-making, implying the need for its good quality. This empirical study is based on the literature review, opinions of EIA consultants, and views of experts associated with the EIA system in India. It is inferred that the overall quality of the EIS is below par and there are several inadequacies in the EIA appraisal system. Given the strong correlation between a robust EIS review system and a good quality EIS, a two-tier structured, transparent, and criteria-based review mechanism based on good practices is suggested. Further, it is crucial to adopt a professional approach for appraisal and capacity building of the professionals engaged in conducting the EIA and reviewing the EIS.

Health Physics Calculation Framework for Environmental Impact Assessment of Radiological Contamination

<abstract><p>A fundamental step for safety assessment is the study and modeling of the radionuclide transfer through the environment up to reach and expose population to risk. In this vein we are working to provide a reliable and flexible computational framework which can be used for both retrospective and prospective calculations of radiation doses and human health effects, resulting from both routine and uncontrolled releases of radionuclides to the environment and from pre-existing environment contamination. The goal is to provide a multipurpose computational tool to be used for siting facilities, environmental impact statements, and safety analysis reports. The code can handle: external exposure from finite or infinite atmospheric plumes; external exposure from contaminated soil, sediments, and water; external exposure from special geometries; and internal exposures from inhalation, inadvertent intake of soil, consumption of terrestrial foods, aquatic foods, drinking water, and animal products.</p></abstract>

Biodiversity and the mining Environmental Impact Statements of the state of São Paulo - Brazil

The state of São Paulo has a history of habitat loss and fragmentation in endemic areas with projects that threaten its biodiversity. Therefore, this study analyzed how the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) of mining activities of the state of São Paulo (2005-2016) considered the biodiversity theme in different chapters. To analyze the ten selected EISs, we used the Index of Biodiversity Inclusion (IBI), which reflects the analysis of environmental indicators (from 0 to 1), depending on the commitment presented in each of the indicators. The IBI values ranged from 0.25 to 0.67 with significant variation among EISs. Most of them partially met the criteria, which was a profile similar to other countries, representing information gaps in most of the chapters covering biodiversity. The shortcomings were data limitation, impact analysis, and inadequate mitigation measures, in which the study highlights the need for a better scoping definition previous to Environmental Impact Assessment.

Linkage of sustainability to environmental impact assessment using ecosystem services concept; lessons from Thailand

Ecosystem Services (ES) could support Environmental Assessments (EAs) purpose towards sustainable approaches. This study systematically analyzed the ES contents of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to ascertain whether they addressed appropriate data that could be used as a tool for sustainable project implementation. Three levels of EISs including Environmental Health Impact Assessments (EHIA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) were analyzed. The results indicated that the quality of EISs which reflect the ES depended primarily on the project type. Relationships among ecological, social and economic components, based on land use consideration were crucial to consider the supply of resources and the demands made by the project. However, indirect effects, especially residual and cumulative impacts and alternative evaluations were lacking. Mitigation and monitoring specifications were satisfied, but could not guarantee the efficiency of project control due to lacking of mitigation hierarchy. The weakness of ecological impact analysis directly concerned biodiversity compensation, which links to net loss and net gain in ecosystem.The possibility of ES integration in EAs was reflected by the limitations and opportunities detailed in the content which was finally developed.