EIA Methodologies
- 1. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT (19MENE10) Assignment UNIT-2 : EIA METHODOLOGIES Introduction – Criteria for selection of EIA methodology – EIA methods – Ad hoc – Checklist – Matrices – Network – Overlays – Environmental Auditing – Cost Benefit Analysis - Assessment of Significance of Impact - Project alternation - Decision making – Preparation of EIA report – Environmental Impact Statements – Environmental Management Systems Prepared by Jebaraj Samuel Dorai D (19 62 006) Jeslin JS (19 62 007) Kumuthalingam K (19 62 008)
- 2. INTRODUCTION ➢Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an impact assessment tool to predict the nature and extent of impact which will be useful to formulate appropriate preventive and operational programs to reduce the impacts and make necessary legislative measures to control the same. ➢EIA methodologies are to identify, predict and value environmental changes of an action. ➢EIA used its methods and techniques to quantify or to qualify those changes.
- 3. INTRODUCTION The following qualities are to be present in each technique or method that is used for evaluation of impacts:- a. Systematic in approach; b. Ability to organize a large mass of mixture of data; c. Able to quantify the impacts; d. Capable of summarizing the data; e. The ability to aggregate the data into sets with the least loss of information because of the aggregation; f. It should have a good predictive capability; g. It should extract the salient features, and h. It should finally be able to display the raw data and the derived information in a meaningful fashion.
- 4. CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF EIA METHODOLOGY The criteria for the selection can be broadly classified into five classes and in that, there are several points that needs to be adhered. The different criteria are as follows:- 1. General • Simplicity • Manpower time and budget constraints • Flexibility 2. Impact Identification • Comprehensiveness • Specificity • Isolation of project impacts • Timing and duration
- 5. CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF EIA METHODOLOGY 3. Impact Measurement • Commensurate units • Explicit indicators • Magnitude • Objective criteria 4. Impact Interpretation and Evaluation • Significance • Explicit • Portrayal of “with” and “without” situation • Uncertainty
- 6. CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF EIA METHODOLOGY • Risk • Depth of analysis • Alternative comparison • Public involvement 5. Impact Communication • Affected parties • Setting description • Summary format • Key issues • Compliance
- 7. EIA METHODS Some important methodologies of recent utility assessing the impacts of development activities on the environment are:- EIA Methods Ad hoc method Checklist method Matrices method Network method Overlays method
- 8. EIA METHODS 1. Ad hoc method ➢Ad hoc methods provide little, if any, formal guidance for an impact assessment. While varying considerably with the team of experts, they usually identify a broad area of impact rather than define specific parameters which should be investigated or attempt a quantitative assessment. ➢There are 3 types, namely • Opinion poll • Expert opinion • Delphi method
- 9. EIA METHODS ➢It is useful when time constrains and lack of information require that the EIA must reply on expert opinion. ➢It serves as a preliminary assessment which helps in identifying more important areas like Wildlife, Natural vegetation, Noise, Groundwater, Open space, Public facilities, etc. ➢Being simple, it can be performed without any training; it merely presenting the relevant information on a project’s impact on the environment without any sort of cause-effect relationship. ➢It provides minimal guidance for total impact assessment while suggesting the broad areas of possible impacts.
- 10. EIA METHODS ➢Drawbacks: • It gives no assurance that it encompasses a comprehensive set of all relevant impacts; • It lacks consistency in analysis as it may select different criteria to evaluate different groups of factors; • It is inherently inefficient, as it requires a considerable effort to identify and assemble an appropriate panel for each assessment. ➢Due to the above drawbacks, it is not recommended as a method for impact analysis.
- 11. EIA METHODS 2. Checklist method ➢It means listing of potential impacts. It is used to assess the nature of impact (Eg: long or short term, no effect or significant impact. ➢It can be classified into four categories, namely Checklist Method Simple checklist Descriptive checklist Scaling checklist Scaling weighting checklist
- 12. EIA METHODS • It is a list of parameters without guidelines provided on how to interpret and measure an environmental parameter. Simple checkslist • It includes an identification of environmental parameters and guidelines on how parameter data are to be measured. Descriptive checklist • It is similar to descriptive checklist with the addition of information to subjective scaling or parameter values. Scaling checklist • It is capable of quantifying impacts. Scaling weighting checklist
- 13. EIA METHODS Advantages Disadvantages Useful for summarizing information to make it accessible to experts in different fields or decision makers who have little technical knowledge. They are too general or incomplete. Preliminary analysis will be available in scaling checklists. They do not illustrate interactions between effects. Information on ecosystem functions can be clearly understood from weighing methods. The number of categories to be reviewed can be immense, which will create confusion about significant impacts. Involves the identification of effects which are qualitative and subjective.
- 14. EIA METHODS 3. Matrix method ➢In this method, interactions between various activities and environmental parameters will be identified. ➢It is a generalized checklists where one dimension of a matrix is a list of environmental, social and economic factors likely to be affected by a project activity and the other dimension is a list of actions associated with development. ➢Matrices provide cause-effect relationships between the various project activities and their impacts on the various environmentally important sectors or components. ➢Matrices provide a graphic tool for display to their audience in a manner that can be easily comprehended.
- 15. EIA METHODS ➢Matrices are strong in identifying impacts and unlike checklists. can also represent higher order effects and interaction. ➢Some of the dynamic nature of impacts can also be identified. ➢They can also provide the functions of impact measurement interpretation and evaluation, and can communicate the results in an easily understandable format to their audiences. ➢But they cannot compare alternatives in a single format, and different alternatives need to be assessed and presented separately.
- 16. EIA METHODS ➢The purpose of a matrix is to help the project planner to 1. Identify specific sources of potential environmental impact 2. Provide means of comparing the predicted environmental impacts of the various project options available 3. Communicate in graphic form the (i) Potentially significant adverse environmental impact for which a design solution has been identified (ii) Adverse environmental impact that is potentially significant but about which insufficient information has been obtained to make a reliable predication (iii) Residual and significant adverse environmental impact and (iv) Significant environmental impact
- 17. EIA METHODS Salient Features of Matrices Methods • It is necessary to define the spatial boundaries of environmental factors. The temporal phases and specific actions associated with the proposed project: and the impact rating or summarization scales used in the matrix. • A matrix should be considered a tool for purposes of analysis, with the key need being to clearly state the rationale utilized for the impact ratings assigned to a given temporal phase and project action, and a given spatial boundary and environmental factor. • The development of one or more preliminary matrices can be a useful technique in discussing a proposed action and its potential environmental impacts. This can be helpful in the early stages of a study to assist each team member in understanding the implications of the project and developing detailed plans for more extensive studies on particular factors and impacts.
- 18. EIA METHODS • The interpretation of impact ratings should be carefully and critically considered, particularly when realizing that there may be large differences in spatial boundaries as well as temporal phases for a proposed project. • Interaction matrices can be useful for delineating the impacts of the first and second or multiple phases of a two-phase or multi phase project; the cumulative impacts of a project when considered relative to the other past, present; and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the area; and the potential positive effects of mitigation measures. • If interaction matrices are used to display comparisons between different alternatives, it is necessary to use the same basic matrix in terms of spatial boundaries and environmental factors, and temporal phases and project actions for each alternative being analyzed. Completion of such matrices can provide a basis for trade off analysis.
- 19. EIA METHODS • Impact qualification and comparisons to relevant standards can provide a valuable basis for the assignment of impact ratings to different project actions and environmental factors. • Color codes can be used to display and communicate information on anticipated impacts. For example, beneficial impacts could be shown by using green or shades of green; whereas, adverse effects could be depicted with red or shades of red. Impact matrices can be used without the incorporation of number, letter, or color ratings. For example, circles of varying size could be used to denote ranges of impacts. • One of the concerns relative to interaction matrices is that project actions and/ or environmental factors are artificially separated, when they should be considered together. It is possible to use footnotes in matrix to identify groups of actions, factors, and/or impacts which should be considered together. This would allow the delineation of primary and secondary effects of projects.
- 20. EIA METHODS • The development of a preliminary interaction matrix does not mean that it would have to be included in a subsequent EA or EIS. The preliminary matrix could be used as an internal working tool in study, planning and development. • It is possible to utilize importance weighting for environmental factors and project actions in a simple interaction matrix. If this approach is chosen, it is necessary to carefully delineate the rationale upon which differential importance weights have been assigned. Composite indices could be developed for various alternatives by summing up the products of the importance weights and the impact ratings. • Usage of an interaction matrix forces the consideration of actions and impacts related to a proposed project within the context of other related actions and impacts. In other words, the matrix will prevent overriding attention being given to one particular action of environmental factors.
- 21. EIA METHODS 4. Network method Networks are capable of identifying direct and indirect impacts, higher order effects and interactions between impacts, and hence are able to identify and incorporate mitigation and management measures into the planning stages of a project. They are suitable for expressing ecological impacts but of lesser utility in considering social, human and aesthetic aspects. This is because weightings and ratings of impacts are not features of network analysis.
- 22. EIA METHODS ➢Development of network diagrams in the diagram below present the potential impact pathways as casual chains will be very useful for displaying first ,secondary, tertiary and higher order impacts. ➢To develop a network a series of questions related to each project activity (such as what are the primary impact areas, the primary impacts within these areas the secondary impact areas the secondary impacts within these areas and so on) must be answered.
- 23. EIA METHODS ➢In developing network diagram the first step is to identify the first order changes in environmental components. ➢The secondary changes in other environmental components that will result from first order changes will be then identified. In turn third order changes resulting from secondary changes will be then identified. ➢This process will be continued until the network diagram is completed to the experts satisfaction. ➢Network analyses are particularly useful for understanding the relationship between environmental components that produce higher order impacts, which are often overlooked in some major projects. ➢Networks can also aid in organizing the discussion of anticipated project impacts. Network displays are useful in communicating information about an environmental impact study to an interested public
- 24. EIA METHODS Stepped Matrix Technique For Networks ➢This technique developed by Sorenson (1971) was applied to Nong Pia Reservoir ➢The interpretation of results in the above figure will be as follows (a) At the upper left hand corner the project elements are entered while the casual factor that may result is shown as an impact under the dam and reservoir. (b) Reading downwards the impacts are presented as** Major positive, *minor Positive, ## major negative, # minor negative.
- 25. EIA METHODS Network impacts of a Pulp Mill
- 26. EIA METHODS ➢The primary limitation of the network approach is the minimal information provided on the technical aspects of impact prediction and the means for comparatively evaluating the impacts of alternatives. ➢In addition, networks can become very visually complicated. Networks generally consider only adverse impacts on the environment and hence decision - making' in terms of the cost and benefit of a development project to a region is not feasible by network analysis. ➢Temporal considerations are not properly accounted for and short term and long term impacts are not differentiated to the extent required for an easy understanding. ➢While networks can incorporate several alternatives into their format, the display becomes very large and hence unwieldy when large regional plans are being considered. ➢Further, networks are capable of presenting scientific and factual information, but provide no avenue for public participation.
- 27. EIA METHODS The typical networking of impacts of an aerial application of Herbicide program
- 28. EIA METHODS 5. Overlay method ➢Overlay methods involve preparation of a set of transparent maps, which represent the spatial distribution of an environmental characteristic (e.g., Extent of dense forest area). ➢Information on wide range of variables will be collected for standard geographical units within the study area which will be recorded on series of maps typically one for each variable. ➢These maps will be overlaid to produce a composite shown in the figure.
- 29. EIA METHODS ➢The resulting composite maps characterize the area's physical, social ecological, land use and other relevant characteristics relative to the location of the proposed development. ➢To evaluate the degree of associated impacts many project alternatives can be located on the final map and validity of the assessment will be related to the type and number of parameters chosen. ➢Normally to have some clarity the number of parameters that can be over layed in a transparency map is limited to 10. These methods are widely used for assessing visually the changes in the landscape before and after the activity. ➢Secondly it can be used for preparing combined mapping with an analysis of sensitive areas or ecological carrying capacity. As these methods are spatially oriented they can very clearly show the spatial aspects of cumulative impacts.
- 30. EIA METHODS ➢Overlays can be useful for industrial EIA of any project for comparing land capabilities existing and projected land uses, road route alternatives and other under parameters, and alternative levels of air quality conditions along with pollution control. ➢The overlay approach is generally effective for selecting alternatives and identifying certain types of impacts; however, it cannot be used to quantify impacts to identify secondary and tertiary interrelationships. Geographic Information System for Overlays ➢Geographic information systems are now being used as layered overlay techniques~ Computer modules can be used to store the characteristics of the proposed developments and the surrounding area. ➢This enables us to introduce impact weightings into assessment. The computer can perform the complex mathematical operation required when a large number of variables are weighted.
- 31. EIA METHODS ➢GIS is a powerful management tool for resource managers and planners. Its applications are limited only by the quality, quantity and coverage of data that are fed into the system. ➢Some of the standard GIS applications are integrating maps made at different scales. Overlaying different types of maps, which show different attributes and identifying, required areas within a given distance from roads or rivers. ➢For example by overlaying maps of vegetation and soils a new map on land suitability can be generated and the impact of proposed projects can be studied. ➢Similarly the most favorable zones for the development of shrimp farming outside mangroves can be located.
- 32. EIA METHODS The evaluation of various geospatial methods with reference to various assessment process are presented in the figure
- 33. ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING ➢Environmental auditing is essentially an environmental management tool for measuring the effects of certain activities on the environment against set criteria or standards. ➢Depending on the types of standards and the focus of the audit, there are different types of environmental audit. ➢Organizations of all kinds now recognize the importance of environmental matters and accept that their environmental performance will be scrutinized by a wide range of interested parties. Environmental auditing is used to • investigate • understand • identify
- 34. ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING ➢These are used to help improve existing human activities, with the aim of reducing the adverse effects of these activities on the environment. ➢An environmental auditor will study an organization's environmental effects in a systematic and documented manner and will produce an environmental audit report. ➢There are many reasons for undertaking an environmental audit, which include issues such as environmental legislation and pressure from customers.
- 35. Difference between Environmental Review and Environmental Audit REVIEW AUDIT Objective Determine which performance standards should be met (E.g.: Company decides to reduce total organic compound emissions from 100 tonnes to 10 tonnes/ year) Verify performance against these standards (E.g.: Company checks that it really has reduced emission to 10 tonnes/year) Environmental issues covered All known environmental issues with or without explicit standards to measure performance Only issues for which standards exist (E.g.: Regulatory requirements, internal company standards, or good management practice) Requirement Before developing environmental management systems or before and after any significant changes in operations or practices Regularly and on a pre-planned cyclical basis Geographic boundaries Wherever the business could have an environmental impact in the life of the product (i.e. raw material selection, transportation, manufacturing, product use and disposal) Usually well-defined geographic boundaries, (E.g.: Limited to site, distribution companies or local planning authority)
- 36. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ➢Cost/benefit analysis provides the nature of expense and benefit accruable from a project in monetary terms as a common practice in traditional feasibility studies and thus enables easy understanding and aids decision-making. ➢The principal methods available for placing monetary values (costs and benefits) on environmental impacts, a taxonomy of valuation methods, and steps involved in economic evaluation of environmental impacts are discussed under this category ➢The role of environmental economics in an EIA can be divided into three categories, namely: • The use of economics for "benefit-cost analysis" as an integral part of project selection; • The use of economics in the assessment of activities suggested by the EIA; and • The economic assessment of the environmental impacts of the project.
- 37. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ➢Cost/benefit analysis of the type for assessment of natural systems is not merely concerned with the effects on environmental quality, but rather, it seeks the conditions for sustainable use of the natural resources in a region. ➢This type of approach is not useful for small scale development projects, but is better suited for the analysis and evaluation of a regional development plan. ➢Even thought it may not be possible to place an economic value on environmental losses or gains resulting from a developmental project, decision makers should take into account implied environmental values in their decision-making. ➢To facilitate the decision making process, therefore, assessors conducting environmental impacts, should not just identify environmental impact, they should also provide information on the implied values of the environmental losses and gains.
- 38. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ➢The evaluation of site / sites and major design options should be taken together, within the economic and technical limitations imposed by the aim of the project, the combination of project site and project design needed to produce no significant environmental impacts, should also incur the least economic cost to the community. Steps in Economic Valuation of Environmental Impacts ➢Economic analysis of environmental impacts is important in project preparation to determine whether the net benefits of undertaking the project are greater than the alternatives, including the non-project scenario. ➢Project alternatives often vary in their economic contribution and environmental impacts. Economic assessment of different alternatives in the early stages of project planning should provide important inputs to improve the quality of decision-making. ➢The economic analysis of the environmental impacts of the selected projects also allows for a more complete assessment of the project’s costs and benefits
- 39. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ➢At a minimum, the following six tasks need to be completed in the economic analysis of environmental impacts • determine the spatial and conceptual boundaries of the analysis; • identify environmental impacts and their relationships to the project; • quantify environmental impacts and organize them according to importance – the impacts described qualitatively, if they cannot be expressed in quantitative terms; • choose a technique for economic valuation; • economic valuation (place monetary values) of environmental impacts identified; and • set an appropriate time frame and perform the extended benefit cost analysis.
- 40. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ➢The complexities of a project's environmental impacts may cause some difficulty in establishing the spatial and conceptual boundary of the economic analysis. The rule is to start the analysis with directly observable and measurable impacts. ➢Thus, the evaluation of the environmental and development benefits and costs is an essential aid to decision making. The information that an assessor should provide in detailed assessment is an annotated list of economic costs and benefits to community that arise from • His selection from technically and financially feasible site options and major design operations (process options); • His selection from any technically and financially feasible measures to mitigate or abate significant environmental impact predicted; • The total project plan.
- 41. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ➢A successful EIA report should provide the required information for economic analysis of the environmental impacts. ➢Valuing environmental impacts in monetary terms is the most difficult pat1 of the economic analysis. This necessitates the use of valuation techniques appropriate to the environmental impacts being investigated. ➢Choosing the appropriate valuation techniques is itself a difficult task, requiring expert judgment from economists and environmental specialists.
- 42. ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT ➢The determination of significal1ce is defined in terms of context and intensity. Context refers to the geographical setting of a proposed project or action. ➢When a proposed shopping center is evaluated, the context for the determination of significance in the immediate setting and the general community or area of influence, but not any country as a whole. ➢Intensity refers to severity of impact •The degree to which the proposed action affects public health or safety • The presence of unique characteristics in the geographic setting or area, such as cultural resources, parklands, wetlands, ecologically critical area, or wild and scenic rivers • The degree at which the effects are likely to be highly controversial
- 43. ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT • The degree at which the action would establish a precedent for further actions with significant effects. • The degree at which the possible effects will be highly uncertain or involve risks • The degree of effect on sites listed in the Central Court Register of Historic Places • The degree of effect on the threatened or endangered species or their habitats • Whether the action conflicts with other Central, State, or local laws or requirements ➢In order to be able to predict and assess the impacts associated with a proposed action, it is necessary to describe the environmental setting in which the proposed action is to take place. ➢This gives the baseline information against which prediction and assessment can be made and provides input information for preparation of EIA.
- 44. DECISION MAKING ➢Decision-making is a continuing process, comprising: • interim decisions made at each stage of EIA; • final approval of a proposal; • enforcement of conditions attached to approvals.
- 45. DECISION MAKING ➢Decision-making is a process of: • political choice between alternative directions; • weighing the benefits and costs; • negotiation, bargaining and tradeoffs; • balancing economic, social and environmental factors. ➢Decision-makers need to understand: • the EIA aims and concepts, EIA legislation; • procedure and guidelines; • the effectiveness of EIA practice; • the limitations on EIA information; • how EIA process and practice measure up internationally, issues of public consultation and third party challenges.
- 46. DECISION MAKING ➢Decision-makers should be encouraged to: • implement sustainability mandates and commitments; • broaden their perspectives on the environment, critically review information and advice; • better communicate information and decisions; • apply the precautionary principle; • improve the process of making tradeoffs; • adopt more open and participatory approaches; • use strategic tools including SEA and environmental accounting.
- 47. DECISION MAKING ➢Outcomes from EIA decision-making: • proposal approved; • proposal approved with conditions; • proposal on hold pending further study; • proposal returned for revision and resubmission; • proposal rejected.
- 48. PREPARATION OF AN EIA REPORT ➢Numerous techniques are available for the assessment of environmental impacts and preparation of EIA reports. ➢Alternative assessment techniques are continuously developed and utilized. The project proponent is free to select the method most appropriate for the specific situation. ➢The manual presents a recommended standard format for the organization of EIA reports. Essential steps to complete an environmental impact assessment include: • Describe the proposed project as well as the options; • Describe the existing environment; • Select the impact indicators to be used; • Predict the nature and extent of the environmental effects;
- 49. PREPARATION OF AN EIA REPORT • Identify the relevant human concerns; • Assess the significance of the impact; • Incorporate appropriate mitigating and abatement measures into the project plan; • Identify the environmental costs and benefits of the project to the community; • Report on the assessment. ➢The following is a standard format for EIA reports as per Central Pollution Control Board of India • Introduction: This constitutes the purpose of the report, extent of the EIA study, and a brief outline of the contents and techniques. • Description of the project.
- 50. PREPARATION OF AN EIA REPORT • Description of the existing environment: This first requires identification of the project "area of influence". The environmental resources within the "area of influence" are then identified as physical resources, ecological resources. human and economic development values, and quality-of-Iife values. • Anticipated environmental impacts and plans for protection as follows: (i) Item-by-item review: impacts resulting from project implementation are evaluated and quantified wherever possible; (ii) Mitigating and offsetting adverse effects: a plan is presented for offsetting or compensating for significant adverse impacts and for enhancement of positive impacts
- 51. PREPARATION OF AN EIA REPORT (iii) Identification of irreversible impacts and irretrievable commitments of resources; (iv) Identification of impacts during construction and appropriate protection measures. • Consideration of alterative : for each alternative considered the probable adverse impacts are identified and related to the proposed project and other alternatives. • Monitoring programme: this is so designed that the environmental agency receives monitoring reports which will ensure that all necessary environmental protection measures are being carried out as listed in the approved project plan. • Summary and conclusions: the summary and conclusions section is prepared in such a way that it is a complete and comprehensive document in itself. This section includes; (i) a review of gains versus losses in environmental resources and values, and of the overall net gains which presumably justify the project;
- 52. PREPARATION OF AN EIA REPORT (ii) an explanation of how unavoidable adverse impacts have been minimized, offset and compensated for; (iii) an explanation of use of any replaceable resources; (iv) provision for follow-up surveillance and monitoring.
- 53. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) ➢An EIS is a document that describes the impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed action. I can also be said as a document prepared to describe the effects for proposed activities on the environment. ➢"Environment," in this case, is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment. This means that the "environment" considered in an EIS includes land, water, air, structures, living organisms, environmental values at the site, and the social, cultural, and economic aspects. ➢An "impact" is a change in consequence that results from an activity. Impacts can be positive or negative or both. An EIS describes impacts, as well as ways to "mitigate" impacts. To "mitigate" means to lessen or remove negative impacts. ➢Review Process for Federal Environmental Impact Statements are as follows:
- 54. Scoping First meetings are held and needs for work and research are assessed and delegated. Open to decision makers and those involved with the proposed project. Notice Public is notified that the relevant agency is preparing an EIS. An announcement is filed in the Federal Register, notices are sent to local media, letters are sent to individuals and groups that might be interested. Public may submit comments identifying issues that the EIS should address. Draft EIS Agency assembles all comments and prepares a draft statement. Comment Members of the public who are affected by the proposed action are welcome to provide feedback on the draft through written comments and public hearings over a 45-day period.
- 55. Final EIS and Proposed Action The agency announces its Proposed Action, based on the feedback and analysis it received in earlier steps. A 30-day waiting period is required after comments close before announcing the Proposed Action. Re-evaluation Needed if changes are required to the Proposed Action, or if a length of time has passed between Final EIS and planned action. Supplemental EIS Prepared if new environmental impacts are discovered, or if the size and scope of the Proposed Action change. Record of Decision Final action prior to implementation of the Proposed Action. Any outstanding issues, including protests, are resolved. After this stage, protestors may sue the agency in federal court.
- 56. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) ➢An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. ➢This site provides information and resources related to EMS for small businesses and private industry, as well as local, state and federal agencies. ➢It is a framework that helps an organization achieve its environmental goals through consistent review, evaluation, and improvement of its environmental performance. ➢The assumption is that this consistent review and evaluation will identify opportunities for improving and implementing the environmental performance of the organization. ➢The EMS itself does not dictate a level of environmental performance that must be achieved; each organization's EMS is tailored to the its own individual objectives and targets.
- 57. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) Basic Elements of an EMS include the following: • Reviewing the organization's environmental goals; • Analyzing its environmental impacts and legal requirements; • Setting environmental objectives and targets to reduce environmental impacts and comply with legal requirements; • Establishing programs to meet these objectives and targets; • Monitoring and measuring progress in achieving the objectives; • Ensuring employees' environmental awareness and competence; and, • Reviewing progress of the EMS and making improvements.
- 58. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) ➢An EMS encourages an organization to continuously improve its environmental performance. ➢The system follows a repeating cycle. The organization first commits to an environmental policy, then uses its policy as a basis for establishing a plan, which sets objectives and targets for improving environmental performance. ➢The next step is implementation. After that, the organization evaluates its environmental performance to see whether the objectives and targets are being met. If targets are not being met, corrective action is taken. ➢The results of this evaluation are then reviewed by top management to see if the EMS is working. Management revisits the environmental policy and sets new targets in a revised plan. ➢The company then implements the revised plan. The cycle repeats, and continuous improvement occurs.
- 59. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) The five main stages of an EMS are: 1. Commitment and Policy - Top management commits to environmental improvement and establishes the organization's environmental policy. The policy is the foundation of the EMS. 2. Planning - An organization first identifies environmental aspects of its operations. Environmental aspects are those items, such as air pollutants or hazardous waste, that can have negative impacts on people and/or the environment. An organization then determines which aspects are significant by choosing criteria considered most important by the organization. The final part of the planning stage is devising an action plan for meeting the targets. This includes designating responsibilities, establishing a schedule, and outlining clearly defined steps to meet the targets.
- 60. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) 3. Implementation - A organization follows through with the action plan using the necessary resources (human, financial, etc.). An important component is employee training and awareness for all employees. Other steps in the implementation stage include documentation, following operating procedures, and setting up internal and external communication lines. 4. Evaluation - A company monitors its operations to evaluate whether targets are being met. If not, the company takes corrective action. 5. Review - Top management reviews the results of the evaluation to see if the EMS is working. Management determines whether the original environmental policy is consistent with the organization's values. The plan is then revised to optimize the effectiveness of the EMS. The review stage creates a loop of continuous improvement for a company.
- 61. REFERENCES ➢Anjaneyulu Y, Valli Manickam, “Environmental Impact Assessment Methodologies (Second Edition)”, BS Publications, 2007 ➢https://www.soas.ac.uk/cedep-demos/000_P508_EAEMS_K3736- Demo/unit1/page_14.htm#:~:text=Environmental%20auditing%20is%20 essentially%20an,different%20types%20of%20environmental%20audit. ➢https://unep.ch/etb/publications/EIAOvrhds/top10.pdf ➢https://www.epa.gov/ems/learn-about-environmental-management- systems#:~:text=An%20Environmental%20Management%20System%2 0(EMS)%20is%20a%20framework%20that%20helps,improvement%20 of%20its%20environmental%20performance.