Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An Environmental Impact Assessment appraises the possible positive or negative impact that a project could have on the environment by assessing the environmental, social and economic aspects of a project. It began to be used in the 1960s as part of a rational decision making process. An EIA is undertaken to ensure that decision makers consider ensuing environmental impacts when deciding whether to proceed with a project. They also ensure that if the project is carried out decisions can be justified in light of detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts of a proposal.