A Guide to Environmental Impact Assessment

Overview

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental effects of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and detrimental.

This module introduces students to the EIA's structure and multi-stage process. On completion, students should be able to determine when an EIA is required, identify the key stakeholders, complete screening and scoping studies, and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant regulatory and legislative frameworks.

This is an optional module for the Diploma in Field and Conservation Ecology at Aberystwyth University and will be valuable for anyone interested or involved in environmental impact assessment who wants to learn more about the process. This module would be useful for professionals working in the environmental, construction and architectural sectors, who may use or need to produce an EIA.

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.

• Unit 1 - Introduction to the main aspects of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), its structure and its output.
• Unit 2 - How to plan the EIA - the screening process - Do we always need an EIA?
• Unit 3/4 - Scoping – explore the development of the EIA, in terms of the scoping study, where we bring together all the required elements of the EIA and prepare for the final report, or Environmental Statement.
• Unit 5 - Scoping and stakeholders - who would we consult? Where would we get advice? Who are our experts? Do we consult local people?
• Unit 6 - Identifying impacts, mitigation and alternatives.
• Unit 7 - EIA Regulations and Legislation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the key stages that constitute an environmental impact assessment.
2. Determine when an EIA is required by completing a screening exercise.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives and identify key stakeholders.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant regulatory and legislative frameworks.
5. Evaluate and analyse the impact of a project by completing a scoping study and environmental impact statement.

Assessments

1. Screening Study: 500 words (30%).
2. Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Study: 2000 words (70%).

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.