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