Environmental Impact

Assessment
INTRODUCTION AND PRINCIPLES
 Environmental Impact Assessment Training Manual

WHAT IS EIA? 1.0 Environmental Impact Assessm

How?
In this section you will learn about the most common definitions and object

u The need “to identify and predict the impact on the examples to illustrate why EIAs are important. This will help you to gain a
guide the next steps.

environment and on man’s health and well-being of

legislative proposals, policies, programs, projects and
operational procedures, and to interpret and
communicate information about the impacts” ( Munn,
1979)
u The term ‘environmental assessment’ describes a
technique and a process by which information about
the environmental effects of a project is collected,
both by the developer and from other sources, and
taken into account by the planning authority in forming
their judgments on whether the development should go
ahead (UK DoE, 1989) 1.1 What is an EIA?

u An assessment of the impact of a planned activity on An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is commonly described
activities on the environment, including impacts on biodiversity, vege

the environment (UN, 1991) can be seen as a process of identifying, predicting, and evaluating the
and other impacts of a proposed project or development to define m
impacts but also provide positive contributions to the natural environ

Essentially, an EIA is designed to identify the potential risks of a pro

dam) to environmental and human well-being and identify measures
can be done by replacing and/or modifying planned activities to redu
as an information-gathering activity by the project proponent to outl
WHAT IS EIA?

u EIA is the process of predicting the likely environmental

consequences of implementing a project or undertaking, and
designing appropriate preventive, mitigating and
enhancement measures. (Philippine DENR)
EIA PRINCIPLES
1. Environmental impact
assessment: a process
u EIA is a process, a systematic
process that examines the
environmental consequences
of development actions, in
advance, with emphasis on
prevention
u EIA requires a systematic,
holistic and multidisciplinary
assessment of the impacts
of developments on the
environment
EIA PRINCIPLES (cont’d)
1. Environmental impact
assessment: a process
u EIA is a process, a systematic
process that examines the
environmental consequences
of development actions, in
advance, with emphasis on
prevention
u EIA requires a systematic,
holistic and multidisciplinary
assessment of the impacts
of developments on the
environment
EIA PRINCIPLES
2. Environmental impact assessment: the
documentation
u The EIS documents the information and estimates of impacts
derived from the various steps in the process.
u Prevention is better than cure; an EIS revealing many
significant unavoidable adverse impacts would provide
valuable information that could contribute to the
abandonment or substantial modification of a proposed
development action.
u Where adverse impacts can be successfully reduced through
mitigation measures, there may be a different decision.
Philippine Environmental Impact System: EIS OUTLINE
u Basic Project Information u Baseline Environmental Conditions,
Impact Assessment and Mitigation
u Description of the Project’s EIS Proces
u The Land
u ToR
u The Water
u EIA TEAM
u The Air
u The EIA Study Schedule
u The People
u etc
u Environmental Risk Assessment (if
u Project Description
applicable)
u Project location and area
u Environmental Management Plan
u Project Rationale
u Bibliography/ References
u Project Alternative
u Annexes
u Description of project phases
u Etc.
 Additional Relevant Definitions
u Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS)
u The result of the EIA process
u Also known as the EIA Report,
and includes the
Environmental Management
Plan (EMP)
u Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC)
u a “decision document” issued
to the proponent after
thorough review of the EIA
Report.
EIA and ECC Defined
u Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
u decision document issued after thorough review of the EIA Report,
certifying that the proponent has complied with all the requirements of
the EIS system
u ECC outlines the commitments of the proponent that are necessary for the
project to comply with existing environmental regulations or to operate
within best environmental practice that are not currently covered by
existing laws.
u The release of the ECC allows the project to proceed to the next stage of
project planning, which is the acquisition of approvals from other
government agencies and LGUs, after which the project can start
implementation
u An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is not a permit and should
not be interpreted as such but rather a set of conditions, which will have
to be complied with by the project before implementing the said project.
The purposes of environmental impact assessment
1. An aid to decision-making
u Enhance planning and guide decision-making.
u EIS can be considered by the decision-maker along with other documentation
related to the planned activity. EIA is normally wider in scope and less quantitative
than other techniques, such as cost-benefit analysis (CBA). It is not a substitute for
decision-making, but it does help to clarify some of the trade-offs associated with
a proposed development action, which should lead to more rational and structured
decision-making.
2. An aid to the formulation of development actions
u Provide a framework for considering location and design issues and environmental
issues in parallel.
u Indicate areas where a project can be modified to minimize or eliminate altogether
its adverse impacts on the environment
The purposes of environmental impact
assessment

u To aid the proponent/applicant on environmental considerations prior

to starting construction works on the project
u To aid agencies in considering EIA results in their decision making for
their respective permitting system
u Provide the basis of a covenant on environmental management
between proponents and society, through the Environmental
Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the EMB-DENR
Legal Basis

u Presidential Decrees 1151 (Philippine Environmental Code)

u PD 1586 (Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System)
u Presidential Proclamation No. 2146
u defining the scope of the EIS System (ECP/ECA)
u Presidential Administrative Order (AO) No. 42
u Giving authority, in addition to the Secretary of the DENR, to the Director and Regional
Directors of EMB to Grant or Deny the issuance of ECC
u Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2003-30
u Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Philippine Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) System
u issuedNovember 2, 2002
u Revised Procedural Manual of DAO 2003-03
u Issued August, 2007
The EIA Process in Relation to the
Enforcement of Other Laws
u The PEISS is supplementary and complementary to other existing
environmental laws.
u Where there are yet no standards or where there is a lack of explicit
definitions in existing laws, the EIA process fills in the gap and provides
appropriate cover for environmental protection and enhancement-related
actions.
 Theoretical and Legal Framework
Philippine Laws on Environmental Protection
Socio Economic Growth
Environmental Protection
PROJECT

EMB
Thru PD 1586 (ECC)
Solid Forestry & Agricultural Zoning Water Air Housing Mining Fisheries
waste protected Pesticides RA 7160 Pollution Pollution BP 220 RA 7942 RA 8550
RA 9003 Areas RA 8435 PD 984 RA 8749 PD 957 RA 7076
PD 705 PD 1144 PD 856 PD 1899
RA 7586

PERMIT CLEARANCES
FROM CONCERNED GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
EIA and ECC Defined

u Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

u EIA is the process of predicting the likely environmental
consequences of implementing a project or undertaking, and
designing appropriate preventive, mitigating and
enhancement measures in order to protect the environment
and the community’s welfare.
u EIA provides options for the project to be implemented with
assurance that the quality of the environment and well-
being of people will be safe- guarded.
u EIA is a planning tool.
u An EIA is a process a proponent undertakes before an ECC is
issued.
 EIA is a planning and
management tool that will help
government, the proponent, the
A good EIA…
affected communities and other
decision makers assess whether
the benefits of the project will
…results to an appropriately designed outweigh the negative
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
consequences or risks on the
EIA is a planning and environment
management tool that will help
government, the proponent, the
affected communities and other
decision makers assess whether
IA is a planning and of the project3/2/2018
the benefits will
anagement tool thatthe
outweigh willnegative
help
overnment, the proponent,orthe
consequences risks on the
The EIA Process in Relation to
Requirements of Other Agencies
u EIA Process undertakes a comprehensive and integrated approach in the review
and evaluation of environment-related concerns of GAs, LGUs and the general
public. EIA findings provide guidance and recommendations to these entities as a
basis for their decision making process.
u DENR Memo Circular No. 2007-08 issued on 13 July 2007 stipulates the following:
i. “No permits and/or clearances issued by other National Government Agencies
and Local Government Units shall be required in the processing of ECC or CNC
applications.
ii. The findings and recommendations of the EIA shall be transmitted to relevant
government agencies for them to integrate in their decision making prior to
the issuance of clearances, permits and licenses under their mandates.
iii. The issuance of an ECC or CNC for a project under the EIS System does not
exempt the proponent from securing other government permits and clearances
as required by other laws.”
Primacy of Jurisdiction
u Principle of primacy of jurisdiction of other government agencies
must be given due consideration to further streamline the Philippine
EIS System implementation
u Streamlining the Philippine EIS System requires that concerns and
issues under the jurisdiction or mandates of other government
agencies must be de-linked from the process of evaluating ECC
applications, as such, requiring clearances, permits or endorsements
from other government agencies may only be done as part of ECC
conditions (and not as pre-requisites for ECC issuance).
Primacy of Jurisdiction
u Issues outside the EMB-DENR purview, such as zoning and land jurisdiction
issues are considered and evaluated within the EIA review process but the
resolution are still within the responsibility of the GA or the LGU.
u EIA findings and recommendations, which shall be transmitted through the ECC
for consideration of other GAs and LGUs prior to their issuance of government
documents within their respective mandate
u The final decision whether a project will be implemented or not lies either
with the LGUs who have spatial jurisdiction over the project or with the lead
government agency who has sectoral mandate to promote the government
program where the project belongs, e.g. DOE for energy projects; DENR-MGB
for mining projects.
mit and documentations included in the EIA Report for an ECC or CNC application
Example #1: A Proponent applies for an ECC for its proposal to construct a large commercial
Primacy
center adjacent to of Jurisdiction
a forest reserve within a rural area. Anticipating that the EIA will recommend
limiting any development in the area to agriculture and at most low density housing, the Proponent
will include in its EIA submission permits and documentations from the LGU or other government
agencies classifying the area as commercial zone. The appropriate process should be for the EIA
review to evaluate the advisability of commercial development in such area, and then for the
evaluation findings and recommendations to be relayed to the responsible entity (e.g. LGU) with
authority to decide on the zoning. Should the project be proposed to be sited within the NIPAS
reserve, the DENR-Protected Area Wildlife Bureau and/or the multi-sectoral Protected Area
Management Board will be the entity to consider the EIA findings on the proposed project’s
compatibility with the reserve’s zoning and development plans, and if so, if the project finally merits
their approval.

Example #2: If the EIA review finds a coral reef of high ecological significance, it can recommend to
the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) its exclusion to be considered in the issuance of the
reclamation permit. However, if the reclamation permit has already been issued before the EIA was
evaluated, it will be difficult to amend the reclamation permit to exclude the ecologically sensitive
area.
EIA Process within the Project Cycle
Stages of a New Chemical Plant or
Process Development
1. Inception
2. Preliminary evaluation of economics and market

3. Development of data necessary for final design

4. Final economic evaluation

5. Detailed engineering design
6. Procurement
7. Construction
8. Startup and trial runs
9. Production
EIA Process within the Project Cycle
u PROJECT CONCEPTUALIZATION/IMPROVEMENT
u PRE-FEASIBILITY
u Clarify the need for the project. The need may arise from a business opportunity
such as a new product that could be launched. The need should be well defined.
u FEASIBILITY
u At this stage the need for the project, the profitability as well as alternatives are
investigated.
u DESIGN
u A proposed solution to the problem or a proposed plan to exploit the opportunity
is developed and refined during this phase. The owner accepts the plan
u CONSTRUCTION
u OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
u PROJECT CONCEPTUALIZATION and IMPROVEMENT
EIA ProcessREVISED
within the Project Cycle
PROCEDURAL MANUAL FOR DAO 2003-30

Detailed
Findings and assessment,
recommendations of EIA identification of
considered in various mitigation needs,
permits and licenses inputs to CBA
needed
Site selection,
envi screening,
Feasibility -
Pre-feasibility initial
assessment,
Detailed design of scoping
mitigation
measures

Project
Detailed Engineering Conceptualization/
& Design Improvement
Implementation of
mitigation
Monitoring,
measures Validation and
Project Construction Operation & Evaluation/Audit
of Environmental
& Development Maintenance Compliance and
Over-all
Performance

Figure 1-1. EIA Process within the Project Cycle

EIA Process within the Project Cycle:
Conceptualization / Pre- FS

u EIA-related activities:
u self-screening to determine coverage within the PEISS.
u If covered, the proponent prepares all requirements for
the application process
u initial rapid site and impact assessment to determine
the criticality of the project location and have an
initial scope of key issues.
 he project and shall
ndations/guidance sign. The proponent is able to identify
f the project cycle. the range of actions it can take and con-
EIA Process sider
matic representation within projectthe Project
alternatives priorCycle:
to final
FEASIBILITY
p between the EIA decision for the Detailed Engineering
the project cycle. Design (DED).
e Project Concept
Stages of the project ., %0 4, ,-%0 0,4A& 8-&/ ,-& '+$B4: 5.! 2,)*1
activities include '+$ 5CC 4DD:%34,%+/ %0 %/%,%4,&*. ! D+0%,%7&
determine coverage $&7%&8 4/* &74:)4,%+/ +' ,-& 0)FB%,,&* 5.!
covered, the propo- *+3)B&/,4,%+/ 8%:: $&0):, ,+ 4/ %00)4/3& +'
equirements for the 4/ 5;#@<5G6 *&3%0%+/ *+3)B&/, 3+/,4%/@
s and undertakes an %/A ,-& D$+D+/&/,H0 3+BB%,B&/,0 4/* +,-&$
d impact assessment $&I)%$&B&/,0 '+$ ,-& D$+D+/&/, ,+ 3+BD:1
riticality of the proj- 8%,- &J%0,%/A &/7%$+/B&/,4: $&A):4,%+/0 4/*
ave an initial scope &/7%$+/B&/,4: F&0, D$43,%3&0.
EIA Process within the Project Cycle:
DETAILED ENGINEERING and DESIGN
DESIGN
u the proponent is presumed to have secured the ECC
u generic measures identified during the EIA study at
the FS stage will now be detailed based on the project
facility design and operational specifications.
EIA Process within the Project Cycle:
Project Construction & Development /
Operations
u At the start of Project Construction/Development/Operations
and throughout the project lifetime, environmental mitigation
measures are fully implemented

u Monitoring of the proponent’s environmental performance is

continuously done
EIA Process within the Project Cycle:
Project Improvement
u Findings and learnings from Operations are fed back
into the project cycle for continual improvement of the
project.
u There is constant updating of the environmental
management plans of the project.
u Major improvements may need new formal applications
for DENR approvals.
EIA Process within the
Project Cycle

u It is during the FS stage when a proponent is able to identify the range of

actions it can take and consider project alternatives prior to final decision for
the DED. It is therefore the most ideal stage in the project cycle wherein the
EIA study will have most significant use
u Proponents should to simultaneously conduct the EIA and the Feasibility Study
(FS) of the proposed project in order to maximize the use of resources.
u The integration of the EIS System early into the project development cycle
intends to enhance and promote its desired function as a planning tool for
sustainable economic development and environmental planning and
conservation in order to ensure that national development goals are achieved
as planned and without delay.
TABLE 4. HISTORY OF EIA GLOBALLY AND IN HONDURAS
HISTORY OF EIA
History of EIA globally History of EIA in Ho
1960s – EIA begins as a component of U.S. environmental policy. 1993 –The principles o
1969 - The U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1969 requires an environmental Introduced in the Hond
assessment of all major federal projects and programs that could affect the quality of the General Law of the En
human environment. adopted by Executive
No.104-93.
1972 - At the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, the
UN General Assembly agrees upon a Declaration containing 29 principles concerning the 1993 – National Syste
environment and development. Environmental Impact
(SINEIA) is established
1973 – Canada formally introduces EIA legislation
in charge of all EIAs in
through the federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP). General Law of the En
1974 - Australia introduces EIA legislation Decree 109-93.
1975 - Germany and Thailand introduce EIA legislation 1994 – The Regulation
1976 - France introduces EIA legislation SINEIA is issued (publi
1977 - Brazil introduces EIA legislation official newspaper “La
No. 27.291 on March 5,
1978 - Philippines introduces EIA legislation
a procedure for obtain
1981 - Israel introduces EIA legislation environmental license.
1982 - Costa Rica introduces EIA legislation of Environmental Evalu
1983 - Pakistan introduces EIA legislation and Control (DECA) an
1984 - The World Bank adopts its “Environmental Policy and Procedures” which stipulate the Environmental Unit are
integration of environmental consideration at the initial stages of defining and preparing created
projects. 1997 – The regulation “
1985 – The EIA Directive for European Union Member States implements the requirement de Competencias del P
 No. 27.291 on March 5, 1994),
1978 - Philippines introduces EIA legislation
a procedure for obtaining an
1981 - Israel introduces EIA legislation environmental license. The Office
1982 - Costa Rica introduces EIA legislation of Environmental Evaluation
1983 - Pakistan introduces EIA legislation and Control (DECA) and the

HISTORY OF EIA
1984 - The World Bank adopts its “Environmental Policy and Procedures” which stipulate the
integration of environmental consideration at the initial stages of defining and preparing
projects.
Environmental Unit are also
created
1997 – The regulation “Reglamento
1985 – The EIA Directive for European Union Member States implements the requirement de Competencias del Poder
that EIAs must be conducted prior to the authorization of development projects likely to Ejecutivo” is enacted, which
have significant environmental effects. determines that there will be two
sub-secretaries within the Office
1986 - Italy introduces EIA legislation
of Environmental Evaluation
1987 - The Netherlands introduces EIA legislation and Control (DECA): the Sub-
1987 - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) adopts the Goals and Principles secretary of Natural Resources
of Environmental Impact Assessment– 13 rules designed to facilitate the introduction and and the Sub-secretary of the
promotion of EIA systems in member countries as well as promoting the development of an Environment.
international EIA procedure. 2002 – The modernization and
1988 - Tunisia and Sri Lanka introduce EIA legislation strengthening of SINEIA follows
1989 - The EIA Operation Directive (OD), designed for its staff outlines methods and parameters established by the
procedures for EIA implementation in proposed projects, as well as providing sector-specific Agreement of Ministers of the
manuals. Environment and the Central
American Action Plan developed
1992 - Belize and Estonia introduce EIA legislation
by the Central American
1992 – Principle 17 of the United Nations- Rio Declaration emphasized the importance of Commission on the Environment
EIAs as a “national instrument” to be used for all projects likely to have significant adverse and Development (CCAD).
environmental impacts and which are subject to the decision of national authority.
2009, a new regulation is enacted
1993 - Bosnia & Herzegovina introduces EIA legislation by SINEIA, (Ministerial Agreement
1994 - Nicaragua introduces EIA legislation No. 189-2009 published in
1995 - Romania introduces EIA legislation the official newspaper) on the
1996 - Montenegro and Nepal introduce EIA legislation actualization and modernization
of the EIA system - no significant
1997 - Japan introduces EIA legislation
changes had taken place since
1999 - Ecuador and Ireland introduce EIA legislation 1994.
2002 - Lebanon introduces EIA legislation Recently (after 2010) – Honduras
2002 – UNEP emphasized that EIAs need to put more emphasis on integrating social and introduces an online licensing
health impacts. system to register and submit
2006 - Panama introduces EIA legislation EIAs.
Recently (after 2010) – Additional studies are carried out to supplement the EIA decision-
making process.
 Changing perspectives on EIA
u The arguments for EIA vary in time, in space and according to the
perspective of those involved.
u Minimalist defensive perspective: developers, and possibly also some
parts of government, might see EIA as a necessary evil, an
administrative exercise, something to be gone through that might
result in some minor, often cosmetic, changes to a development that
would probably have happened anyway
u Deep ecologists” or “deep Greens”: EIA cannot provide total certainty
about the environmental consequences of development proposals; they
feel that any projects carried out under uncertain or risky
circumstances should be abandoned
Changing perspectives on EIA
u EIA can be, and is now often, seen as a positive process that seeks a harmonious
relationship between development and the environment. The nature and use of
EIA will change as relative values and perspectives also change. EIA must adapt,
as O’Riordan (1990) noted:

“One can see that EIA is moving away from being a defensive tool of the
kind that dominated the 1970s to a potentially exciting environmental and
social betterment technique that may well come to take over the 1990s... If
one sees EIA not so much as a technique, rather as a process that is
constantly changing in the face of shifting environmental politics and
managerial capabilities, one can visualize it as a sensitive barometer of
environmental values in a complex environmental society. Long may EIA
thrive.”
 Changing perspectives on EIA
u EIA must also be re-assessed in its theoretical context, and in particular in the
context of decision-making theory. EIA had its origins in a climate of a rational
approach to decision-making in the USA in the 1960s. The focus was on the systematic
process, objectivity, a holistic approach, a consideration of alternatives and an
approach often seen as primarily linear.
u Other writings on the theoretical context of EIA have recognized the importance of the
subjective nature of the EIA process.
u EIA was identified as both a “science” and an “art”, combining political input and
scientific process
u “Everything you already know about EIA, but don’t often admit”, reinforces the
point that EIAs are not science; they are often produced under tight deadlines and
data gaps and simplifying assumptions are the norm under such conditions. They
always contain unexamined and unexplained value judgments, and they will always
be political. They invariably deal with controversial projects, and they have
distributional effects. EIA professionals should therefore not be surprised, or
dismayed, when their work is selectively used by various parties in the process.
 Changing perspectives on EIA
u The participatory approach includes processes for open communication among
all affected parties
u The importance of identifying and confronting trade-offs, a major issue in
EIA, is clearly recognized.
u Much attention is devoted to consensus- building, co-ordination and
communication, and the role of government in promoting such actions as a
means of dealing with conflicting stakeholder interests to come to
collaborative action.
u Places the current evolution of EIA somewhere between the rational and
behavioral approaches
u Environmental impact assessment must also be seen in the context of other
environmental management decision tools.