Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Introduction to the EIA Process

Since the 1960s, there has been growing public awareness of the interaction between development actions and their environmental consequences. In developed countries, consistent calls have been made for human health, amenity and ecological concerns to be explicitly considered in development decisions. Initially, the response taken to environmental problems was reactive, focusing on 'end-of-pipe' solutions. However, the value of an 'anticipate and prevent' approach is now recognised, and the focus for environmental action has shifted from purely immediate and short-term goals to the needs of the next generation, and from solving local problems to tackling those with global implications.

EIA was introduced first in the USA nearly 40 years ago, as a government response to demands for environmental effects to be formally considered in the planning of development. Since then, EIA systems have become established in both developed and developing countries, usually as a legal requirement of the development control process. In Europe, an EC Directive adopted in 1985 has been the stimulus for the application of EIA throughout EC Member States, including the UK, where procedures for EIA of development projects were first introduced into planning regulations in 1988.

The aim of the course is to provide an insight to learners within the industry about the when to apply EIA and what are the main requirements. Furthermore it will also give the opportunity for learners to understand the planning applications process for particular developments.

Structure

It has been shown that learning takes place most effectively through participation in training activities, rather than simply through the reading and lecture attendance. Thus, in addition to presentations, the taught sessions involve the learner in discussing EIA concepts and developing understanding through case study exercises.