Environmental Impact Assessment

Demonstrates knowledge of environmental impact assessments in order to oversee and administer EIA processes that help determine the environmental impact of a proposed activity/project.

Type

Domain

Competency Area

Environmental Impact Management

Levels

Understands intent of EIA

Understands environmental impact assessment (EIA) as process for evaluating environmental impacts and a decision-making tool

Demonstrates knowledge of the domestic and global evolution of EIA, including EIA notifications under the Environment Protection Act, 1986

Aware of the EIA process, in particular the iterative nature between various steps (screening, scoping, impact analysis, mitigation, reporting, review of EIA, decision-making, post monitoring)

Able to interpret the final outcome of an EIA i.e. Environmental Statement or Report

Identifies essentials of an EIA

Identifies the essentials an EIA requires in terms of applicability to a proposed activity/project (identification of potential impacts and alternative solutions, protection of natural resources, etc.)

Documents and understands the underlying intent for amendments to the EIA notification

Gathers information on the environmental impact of an a proposed activity/project using a range of tools and techniques (checklists, matrices, overlay maps, etc)

Drafts sections of EIA reports and recognises relevant stakeholders it should be presented to

Determines issues that warrant an EIA

Determines key issues and environmental impacts that warrant an EIA

Reviews and provides comments on draft EIA notifications, keeping in mind key stakeholders

Differentiates between the various types of environmental impact a proposed activity/project can have (intensity, spatial extent, cumulative, reversibility, etc.)

Prepares and presents EIA reports to decision-making bodies and relevant stakeholders

Oversees EIA process and requirements

Oversees EIA process and requirements, specifically with regard to complex activities/projects

Investigates shortcomings of EIA processes and notifications to provide solutions for the same, keeping in mind public consultations and moving towards sustainable development

Incorporates local contexts, knowledge, and practices at every stage of the EIA process

Evaluates EIA reports to examine its adequacy, effectiveness, and relevance to decision-making bodies and stakeholders

Administers EIA processes

Administers EIA processes for a range of proposed activities/projects to promote sustainable environment management and development outcomes

Establishes protocols that encourage applicability of EIA notification, incorporation of credible data, and sector-specific experts

Advances inclusion of indigenous knowledge in EIA processes and relevant decision-making bodies

Publicises EIA reports by raising awareness about proposed activities/projects, providing the public with an opportunity to voice their perspectives, and mitigate local impact