How to Do an EIA

If you are building a project that is likely to have an impact on the surrounding environment, you will probably have to do an environmental impact assessment (EIA). An EIA is the results of an environmental impact statement. An EIA examines the effects--both positive and negative-that a particular project would have on the surrounding environment. An EIA forces the builder to look at alternative project designs that might have a smaller adverse effect on the environment. Finally, an EIA forces everyone involved in the project to do a cost benefit analysis, weighing the environmental impacts to the project's benefits. Learn how to ensure that your EIA is a thorough study into the environmental impacts of your project.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Your EIA should answer 3 basic questions. What are the key effects that the project will have on the environment? Who or what will be affected by these impacts on the environment? Can and how should the project be changed to reduce or fully remove all impact on the environment?
   Write these questions down and refer to during the period of assessment.

2. Write down the different stages that the EIA will progress through. For example, when you identify the project you think the EIA is needed for, you should identify what major issues the EIA will tackle and assess the environmental effects and evaluate these impacts.

3. Mark the calendar in the different stages, allowing enough time to complete each stage.

4. Contact any experts you will need to study and observe the environmental impacts. Be sure to share with these experts what the scheduled timeline of each stage of the EIA is.

5. List the different categories of the environment each expert will be examining. You will need to observe and study the direct and indirect impact on human beings, fauna, flora, air, water, climate, soil, landscape, any cultural heritage sites such as Native American burial grounds, any material assets involved and the interaction between all of these (if any).

6. Outline your EIA using the categories listed in Step 5 and describe any indirect or direct impact you anticipate will possibly occur due to the construction of the project. Then, describe any alternative design features that could be done to the project that would lessen the impact on the environment. Include any drawings or other specifications to help illustrate your points. Seek public participation to comment about the EIA.