What are the best practices for conducting an EIA?

The scope of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project can vary greatly depending on the specific project, its location, and the methodology used, which helps in identifying important environmental concerns.

The EIA shall be based on the information that has emerged during the consultation process. The authorities that have been involved in the consultation process must have submitted statements in which they provide information on what is important to include in the upcoming EIA. Which specific natural values are particularly important for the area and which are to be assessed based on the possible impact of the activity applied for.

Es importante definir el alcance del proyecto y las actividades importantes que se involucran para su desarrollo, con esto se puede tener una visión global sobre los posibles impactos y las medidas a contemplarse para la mitigación y control.

Baseline studies involve the collection and analysis of data on the current environmental conditions in the project area. This includes assessing air quality, water quality, soil quality, biodiversity, and any pertinent cultural or social factors. Typically, these baseline studies or environmental monitoring of air, water, soil, and noise are conducted either before or after the monsoon season.

Again, the information gathered during the consultation is of paramount importance, as the local authorities often have a very good knowledge of which species are likely to be affected and should therefore be included in the studies that will form the basis of the EIA assessments. These studies shall also follow the guidelines and standards established for the respective species or survey method.

Tener una idea clara del estado actual del área en donde se desarrollará el proyecto, nos ayudará a tomar las mejores decisiones en cuanto a las medidas de control y mitigación, esto incluye realizar una evaluación sobre la flora y fauna del sitio, los aspectos demográficos organizaciones sociales así como el acceso al agua y contaminación del suelo y aire.

During this step, we prepare a draft EIA report that covers the following aspects: 1. Identification of Environmental Impacts. 2. Assessment of Potential Risks. 3. Proposed Mitigation Measures. 4. Alternatives and Scenarios.

To start with, is a drafted report that lays the foundation of the final EIA report. These steps are very crucial for a successful report. 1. Environmental impacts identification 2. Risk assessment of potential hazards from the lowest level to highest ones 3. Mitigation measures to be used/proposed 4. Must cover the alternatives and scenarios during this process

Una vez se tenga una visión clara del alcance del proyecto, así como del estado actual del área se debe realizar la evaluación de los posibles impactos, considerando siempre la protección del medio.

Teniendo en cuenta la evaluación de los impactos ambientales, se deben elaborar las medidas de mitigación y control del plan de manejo ambiental. Se debe siempre considerar aplicar medidas que sean reales al proyecto y ejecutables, esto permitirá no solo garantizar que se realice un verdadero control, sino que además el proponente no incurrirá en posibles delitos contra el ambiente. Por lo que se deberá considerar que además cumplan con la normativa local.

Also, don't forget to weave in the conditions that the permit may entail and that you must follow in order for the activity to be permissible according to the ruling.

Best practice is what is requested and required for an EIA, but make sure that the scope of your EIA is in relation to the requirements and the questions that need to be answered. More is not always better, but enough is what should be sought.