EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) is a systematic analysis of all environmental impacts arising out of a developmental activity. Depending on type and magnitude of impacts, control measures are suggested to keep the overall environmental quality un-altered. Efforts are also made to improve  environmental aesthetics and socioeconomic status of the area.

Beneficiaries

EIA is worldwide accepted phenomenon for offsetting impacts of a project at its initial stages. An EIA is conducted during project preparation stage and can be useful to host of developers such as industries, utilities, infrastructure projects, institutions, technology transfer projects, policy makers etc. It yields best results when done at planning stage though at occasions it has also been done for an operational plant. As per the criterion given by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Govt of India, EIA is mandatory for all category A and B1 projects.  Some of these beneficiaries are mining, power, oil and gas exploration, cement, metallurgical, distillery, petrochemical,  highway, railway, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, etc. The environmental clearance is based on findings of EIA report, its recommendations and commitments by project proponent.    

Methodology

An EIA is best done by a multidisciplinary team of experts, led by an environmental specialist. The methodology for carrying out an EIA study is given as under:
After doing initial environmental screening and scoping, environmental setting is done at site by means of a reconnaissance survey. The implications of proposed project is studied and discussed thoroughly among the team to identify possible direct and induced impacts, that may emerge due to the activity.
The environmental quality for identified impacts is then established by exhaustive primary and secondary field data collection. For primary data, baseline environmental monitoring and testing of parameters such as meteorology, ambient air, source emissions, surface and ground water, noise, soil etc is undertaken. Guidelines prescribed by MoEF, CPCB (Central pollution Control Board), BIS (Bureau of Indian standard), IMD (India Meteorological Department), APHA (American Public Health Association) etc. are followed in this regard. For secondary data, information on climate, hydrogeology, flora, fauna, endemic diseases, demography, socio-economy, archaeology, minerals, etc. is gathered from authentic sources and inference made.
The possible long and short term impacts from an activity, with and without providing implant pollution control measures are then quantified using mathematical simulation and scientific techniques as suggested by MoEF and USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). The results are overlapped on existing baseline environmental quality to anticipate the post project environmental quality and its impact on ecology.
An Environment Management Plan (EMP) is prepared at this stage and mitigation measures suggested to offset impacts and maintain future environmental quality within a prescribed range. Efforts are made towards Zero Discharge, Energy recovery and self-sustainability for the project. Resource allocation including funds for implementing EMP is also done. However it is very important that the recommendations made are economically viable and have proven record.
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Rapid EIA based on one season field investigation is used for most of the projects except a few cases where comprehensive EIA based on all-seasons data is required to assess the possible change in environmental quality.  
 

Why Chilworth?

Chilworth has multidisciplinary team of professionals that is required to execute a multi-facet  EIA project. We have successfully carried out several EIA projects and got them the environmental clearance from statutory authorities. For more information on projects executed by Chilworth, its clientele and their clearance, please contact: info@chilworth.co.in