The Environmental Impact

Assessment in Sri Lanka

Deshan Bandara
CONTENTS
1. EIA: What is it?
2. Legislation and EIA process in Sri Lanka.
3. Scoping and Terms of Reference (TOR).
4. Conducting an EIA.
5. Decision-making.
6. Shortcomings and reflections.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1.Environmental Impact: Change in a parameter.

2.Caused by an activity.

3.Occurring over a specific period.

4.Impact felt within a defined area.

5.Comparison with the situation that would have occurred without the
activity.
Integration of Environmental impact
assessment within the project cycle
The timeline for the evolution of EIA in Sri Lanka is as follows:

• 1980: The National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 is enacted, which provides for the
regulation and management of the environment in Sri Lanka, including the requirement for an
environmental impact assessment (EIA) for certain types of projects.
• 1993: The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is established under the National
Environmental Act to oversee and regulate environmental management in Sri Lanka.
• 1994: The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations are introduced, providing more
detailed guidance on the EIA process and requirements.
• 2008: The National Policy on Access to Biological Resources and Associated Traditional
Knowledge is introduced, requiring the assessment of potential impacts on biodiversity and
traditional knowledge in EIA studies.
• 2014: The National Environmental Policy and Implementation Plan is introduced, which aims
to strengthen environmental management and governance in Sri Lanka, including the EIA
process.
• 2017: The National Single Window for Environment is established to streamline the process of
obtaining environmental approvals, including EIA clearance.
• 2018: The amended National Environmental Act No. 56 of 1988 is introduced, strengthening
the EIA process and expanding the scope of projects requiring an EIA.
• 2021: The Ministry of Environment introduces new guidelines for EIA studies, providing more
detailed guidance on scoping, TOR, public participation, and cumulative impact assessment.
• Overall, the evolution of EIA in Sri Lanka has been characterized by the introduction of more
detailed regulations and policies over time, aimed at improving the effectiveness and
transparency of the process.
 Other related Acts and Activities

1981 EIA introduced via Coast Conservation Act (1981)

1988 Introduction of EIA to entire country via National Environmental Act (1988)
National Heritage & Wilderness Act 1988

1990 EIA procedures of the World Bank and the ADB come into
effect
1990 North Western Provincial Council Environmental Statute No.
12 (1990)
1993 National Environmental Act (Amended) 1993
Flora & Fauna Protection Act, 1993
When does an EIA required?
1. Coastal Zone: Projects falling within the definition of the Coast Conservation
Act No. 57 of 1981 (section 16) and amendments of 1988 and 2011 (section
12) and CZMP.

2. Prescribed Projects: Projects defined in NEA (1988, 1993, 1995, 2000).

3. a. Part I: 31 Projects and Undertakings if located wholly or partly outside the

coastal zone (Infrastructure + Large Scale Development Projects).

4. b. Part II: Projects if located partly or within an Environmental Sensitive Area

(20 Industries + All Part 1 projects).

5. Fauna and Flora (Protection) Ordinance 1937, (Amendment) Act 1993: Any
project to be established within one mile of the boundary of any National
Reserve.

6. Donor-funded projects: Determination of whether such projects need EIA.

Environmental sensitive areas
Restricted Areas under National Heritage Wilderness Act and Forest Ordinance
• Within any area declared under the National Heritage Wilderness Act No. 3 of 1988 or the Forest
Ordinance (Chapter 451)
• Whether or not such areas are wholly or partly within the Coastal Zone as defined in the Coast
Conservation Act, No. 57 of 1981
• Within 100 m from their boundaries.

Point 2: Restricted Areas within Erodable, Flood, Stream, Reservoir, Archaeological, Botanic Gardens,
Sanctuary, and Lake Areas
• Within any erodable area declared under the Soil Conservation Act (Chapter 450)
• Within any Flood Area declared under the Flood Protection Ordinance (Chapter 449) and any
flood protection area declared under the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development
Corporation Act, 15 of 1968 as amended by Act, No. 52 of 1982
• Within 60 m from the bank of a public stream as defined in the Crown Lands Ordinance (Chapter
454) and having a width of more than 25 m at any point of its course
• Within any reservation beyond the full supply level of a reservoir
• Within any archaeological reserve, ancient or protected monument as defined or declared under
the Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188)
• Within any area declared under the Botanic Gardens Ordinance (Chapter 446)
• Within 100 m from the boundaries of, or within, any area declared as a Sanctuary under the
Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Chapter 469)
• Within 100 m from the high flood level contour of, or within, a public lake as defined in the Crown
Lands Ordinance (Chapter 454) including those declared under section 71 of the said Ordinance.
 Protected areas declared by the Wildlife Dept.
Strict Natural Reserves:
•Human activities are restricted
•Protected as a pure natural system
•Researchers allowed with supervision and approval of the Department of Wildlife Conservation staff
•Examples: Hakgala, Yala, Ritigala

Nature Reserves:
•Wildlife viewing and studying is restricted
•Scientific research encouraged with supervision
•Traditional human activities allowed to continue
•Examples: Triconamadu, Giritale-Minneriya, Wetahirakanda

National Parks:
•Administered by the Department of Wildlife Conservation
•All land is state-owned and habitat is fully protected
•Prohibited activities include hunting, damaging plants, and land use changes
•Visitors allowed with permit for observation purposes only
•26 parks covering 5,734 km2

Sanctuaries:
•Administered by the Department of Wildlife Conservation
•Wildlife is protected, but habitat only protected on state-owned land
•Prohibited activities include hunting, destroying eggs/nests, and disturbing breeding
•No permission required to enter
•61 sanctuaries covering 2,780 km2
Key Players in the EIA Process
• Developer/Project Proponent (PP) initiates the project.
• Investor provides the funding for the project.
• Permitting Authority/Project Approving Agency (PAA) grants permits for
the project.
• Other Government Authorities provide oversight and regulatory guidance
for the project.
• Regulator/Central Environmental Authority (CEA) ensures compliance
with environmental laws and regulations.
• Regional Planner helps to plan the development of the region where the
project is located.
• Local Community may be impacted by the project and provides feedback
on its development.
• Politicians may have an interest in the project and can influence its
approval or rejection.
Procedural Framework for the EIA Process
Supervision of CEA Ministry of Environment
Activity

Lead Agency,
responsible for Central Environmental EIA Inter-agency
overseeing the EA Authority (CEA) Committee
process

Review EA
Responsible for
implementing the Project Approving Agencies
EA process
Public & NGO’s

Administration of
EA process within EIA Cell
the PAA

Technical Technical Committee

Evaluation

Decision-making EIA Oversight Committee

Project Approving Agencies (PAA)

Ministries
1. Ministry of National Planning
2. Ministry of Power and Energy
3. Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry
4. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
5. Ministry of Industrial Development
6. Ministry of Transport and Highways
7. Ministry of Housing, construction and Public Utilities

Departments
1. Department of Wildlife Conservation
2. Coast Conservation Department
3. Urban Development Authority
4. Ceylon Tourist Board
5. Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau
6. Central Environment Authority
Project Approving Agencies (PAA)

1. CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFICATION

The agency or authority that has jurisdiction over the area/resources or is

responsible for the subject of the project approval is identified.

2. WHEN MORE THAN ONE PAA IS INVOLVED.

If there is more than one Project Approving Agency (PAA) involved, the
Central Environmental Authority (CEA) decides based on the following
criteria:

• The agency with jurisdiction over the largest area

• The agency with jurisdiction over diverse or unique ecosystems
• The agency within whose jurisdiction resource depletion is highest
EIA Steps
1. Obtain preliminary information
2. Prepare TOR during scoping
3. Identify alternatives
4. Conduct baseline studies
5. Evaluate impacts
6. Develop mitigation and monitoring plans
7. Compare alternatives and assess impacts
8. Document the EIA process and findings
9. Allow for public review
10. Make decisions based on the EIA
11. Conduct post-project auditing.
Preliminary Information
The EIA preliminary information should include:
• Nature, scope, and location of the proposed project
• Location maps
• Any additional details requested by the PAA for scoping purposes.

As per legal regulations, the PAA has the authority to request an Initial
Environmental Examination (IEE) initially, and based on the results of
the IEE, determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) is necessary or not.

The Basic Information Questionnaire is a document used to gather

initial information about a proposed project for the purpose of
determining if an environmental impact assessment is necessary.
 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
• An IEE is a report that assesses the potential impacts of a proposed project
to determine whether they are significant or not.

o The TOR for an IEE typically includes identifying the possible impacts of
the project and evaluating their context and intensity.
o This information helps decision-makers determine whether an EIA is
necessary to fully assess the project's potential impacts on the
environment and communities.

• The determination of the "significance" of impacts is crucial in assessing

whether an EIA or IEE is required.

• Generally, major actions are more likely to have significant impacts, but the
"context and intensity" of the impacts must also be considered. For instance,
impacts on residential areas, public use, or environmental sensitivity must
be assessed in terms of their context and intensity.

• In addition, mitigatory measures should be identified and evaluated. If there

is uncertainty about the significance of impacts, it is recommended to call
for an EIA.
 Significance based on:
(i) Institutional recognition
Initial Environmental
Is Examination
the environmental component (IEE)as important?
legally recognized
(ii) Public recognition
An IEE is aIsreport
the that assessescomponent
environmental the potential impactsor
politically of publicly
a proposed project to
recognized
determine whether they are significant or not.
as significant?
The(ii)TOR
Technical recognition
for an IEE typically includes identifying the possible impacts of
Is the environmental
the project and evaluating theircomponent
context professionally
and intensity. judged to be
important?helps decision-makers determine whether an EIA is
This information
necessary to fully assess the project's potential impacts on the
environment and communities.

The determination of the "significance" of impacts is crucial in assessing

whether an EIA or IEE is required.

Generally, major actions are more likely to have significant impacts, but the
"context and intensity" of the impacts must also be considered. For instance,
impacts on residential areas, public use, or environmental sensitivity must be
assessed in terms of their context and intensity.

In addition, mitigatory measures should be identified and evaluated. If there is

uncertainty about the significance of impacts, it is recommended to call for an
EIA.
SCOPING AND REPARATION OF TOR
A meeting should be held which involves some or all of the following participants:
1.The Project Proponent and their team
2.Officials from the Project Approving Agency
3.The affected community and any other interested groups
4.Government officials
5.Politicians
6.Representatives of NGOs, among others.

The purpose of this meeting is to make a decision on whether an EIA/IEE is

required and to help formulate the TOR. Additionally, the meeting aims to
identify important impacts such as magnitude, extent, and significance,
including ecological, economic, and political impacts. The meeting also
takes into account site-specific ecological sensitivities.
TOR should specify the following points:
1. Project title

2. Project proponent

3. Project approving agency

4. Outline of the EIA report, including the chapter breakdown and contents of each
chapter

5. Significant impacts identified during the scoping process

6. Required annexures

7. Non-technical requirements such as public comments, progress meetings and

reports, and sources of information

8. Time budget for key consultants.

EIA Content and Format
1.Executive Summary

2. Proposed Action’s Purpose, Need, and Legal

Requirements
• Purpose of the EIA
• EIA preparation process
• Legal actions required by the government to
approve action.

3. Proposed Action and Reasonable Alternatives

• Description of proposed action
• No action alternative
• Other reasonable alternatives, including
mitigation measures.

4. Affected Environment
EIA Content and Format Cont.
5. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action and Alternatives
• Comparison of impacts, including direct, indirect, and cumulative
impacts
• Insignificant impacts
• Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources
• Environmental evaluation criteria
• Application of criteria to proposed project and alternatives
• Environmentally preferred alternatives.

6. Benefit Cost analysis (if prepared by the Project Proponent)

7. Proposed Monitoring Plan

• Institutional responsibilities
• Procedures for reporting and analysis.

8. Appendices
• List of EIA preparers
• References
• Backup data and analysis.
EIA Report
1.Executive Summary
•Provides a concise summary of the EIA report
2.Purpose and Need
•States the purpose and need of the proposed action
•Outlines legal requirements that must be met for the project approval
3.Proposed Action and Alternatives
•Describes the proposed action and its alternatives
•Includes a no-action alternative and mitigation measures
4.Affected Environment
•Identifies the project area
•Describes the current state of the environment, including ecological and socio-
economic conditions
5.Environmental Impacts
•Assesses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action and its
alternatives
•Compares the impacts of each alternative, including direct, indirect, and cumulative
impacts and unavoidable
•Identifies irreversible processes and irretrievable commitments of resources
associated with the proposed action
EIA Report Cont.
6.Mitigation Measures
•Describes the proposed mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts
7.Monitoring Plans
•Describes the proposed monitoring plans and institutional responsibilities
•Outlines the procedures for reporting and analysis
8.Evaluation of Alternatives
•Evaluates the alternatives based on environmental criteria
•Determines the environmentally preferred alternative
9.Recommendation
•Provides a recommendation on whether to approve the proposed action or an
alternative
10.List of Preparers
•Lists the individuals and organizations involved in the preparation of the EIA report
Alternatives
It is important to consider alternative activities that may
have less harmful effects on the environment.

Alternatives to achieving an objective

1. No action alternative, which is the option of not implementing the
proposed project.
2. Worst-case alternative, which considers the scenario where information
on adverse impacts is unknown, too expensive to obtain, or means of
obtaining it are unknown.
3. Different siting, design, modifications to project, use of alternative
resources, and other alternatives that could achieve the project
objective with reduced environmental impacts.
4. Primary and secondary alternatives that should be evaluated.

Different modes / fixed mode, different paths

EIA STUDY - Impact Prediction
• To determine the nature, extent and magnitude of an impact, a
quantitative judgment is necessary.

• Predictions should be as precise and objective as possible.

• Techniques used for prediction include:

Mathematical models

Computer simulations

Analogy with similar projects

Expert judgments.
EIA STUDY - Impact Evaluation

1. Determining the significance of impacts to decide if

mitigation is required involves a value judgement.

2. This judgement is made by considering factors such

as laws, regulations, standards, pre-set criteria, and
professional judgement.
EIA STUDY - Impact Mitigation
1. When significant impact is identified, mitigation is necessary.
2. Here are some workable and acceptable mitigation measures:
• Relocating the project site to a less impactful location.
• Improving waste treatment processes to reduce harm to the
environment.
• Restoring damaged natural resources, such as forests or rivers, to
their original condition.
• Providing compensation to affected parties for any losses or damage
caused by the project.
• Adopting sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts
and promote social responsibility.
• Establishing a monitoring and reporting system to track the progress
and effectiveness of mitigation measures.
EIA REPORT PREPARATION
1. The proponent or consultants hired by the proponent must prepare an EIA
report in accordance with the ToR.

2. The EIA report must include, at a minimum:

• The proposed action and reasonable alternatives
• Environmental conditions before project implementation
• Impact evaluation
• Impact mitigation
• Recommendations

3. It is the proponent's responsibility to submit the EIA report to the PAA.

4. The EIA report must be prepared in all three official languages.

EIA REPORT PREPARATION
An IEE / EIA report should be;

1. The IEE/EIA report should be tailored to its intended audience.

2. The report must be well-written and easy to understand.
3. Avoid using technical jargon or complex language.
4. The report should be focused and stick to the main topics.
5. It should be honest and free from bias, presenting all relevant
information.
6. The report should be kept as concise as possible, while still including all
necessary details
EIA REPORT REVIEW
• The IEE/EIA report is reviewed by the General Public
and a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) appointed
by the PAA.

• The review process is conducted to assess the

adequacy and content of the information provided in the
IEE/EIA report.
Notification
1. The public must be notified through gazette/national newspapers
that the EIA report is available for inspection at a specific location
for 30 days. The public is invited to provide comments during this
period.

2. The PAA may hold a public hearing if there are significant concerns
raised in written comments, and it is only open to those who have
submitted written comments. The Project Proponent has the right to
cross-examine any witnesses who appear at the hearing.

3. The comments and findings from the TEC and public hearing are
then sent to the Project Proponent for review and comment.
PUBLIC REVIEW
NOTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 23 BB
SUB SECTION (2) OF THE
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACT
Proposed Kandy South Water Supply project

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report of the Proposed Kandy South
Water Supply Project submitted by National Water Supply & Drainage Board under
section 23 BB (I) of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 as amended by
Acts No. 56 of 1988 and No. 53 of 2000, will be available for inspection by the public
at the following locations between 9.00 am and 4.45 pm for a period of 30 days
(except on Sundays & Public Holidays).
1. Divisional Secretariat, Kandy & Gangawatakorale
2. Municipal Council, Kandy
3. Central Environmental Authority, Regional Office, Warapitiya, Kundasale
4. Library, Central Environmental Authority, 104, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla

Any member of the public may within 30 days from the date of this advertisement submit their
comments in writing on the above document to the Director General, Central Environmental
Authority.

Director General
Central Environmental Authority
“Parisara Piyasa”
No. 104, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mw.
Battaramulla.
TECHNICAL REVIEW
• The PAA has appointed a Technical Evaluation
Committee (TEC) to carefully assess the IEE/EIA report
and consider any public feedback.

• The TEC consists of knowledgeable professionals and

representatives from relevant agencies who are tasked
with evaluating the report and providing expert
recommendations.
TECHNICAL REVEIW
Technical review could involve following stages;

• The technical review process involves the identification of any

inadequacies or shortcomings in the EIA report.

• The crucial deficiencies that could significantly impact the decision-

making process are carefully evaluated during the technical review.

• Based on the findings, the Technical Evaluation Committee provides

recommendations to the Project Proponent regarding the
remediation of any significant shortcomings identified in the EIA
report and suggests the appropriate timing for these remedial
actions.
 Decision is made by the PAA
IEE - Approval may be granted with conditions attached
- Approval may be refused with reasons provided
- An EIA may be requested if significant impacts
are identified.

EIA - Approval may be granted with conditions attached

- Approval may be refused with reasons provided

Approval valid for 24 months

If EIA is refused – the Project Proponent is entitled to

appeal to the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment.
DECISION

CENTRAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY

PUBLIC NOTICE OF FINAL DECISION ON
EIA FOR THE
PROPOSED SALINITY BARRIER AT WALAWE GANGA, AMBALANTOTA
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACT
NOTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 23 BB (4)

This is to inform the public that after study of the environmental Impact Assessment
report of the above project, review of the comments received from the public and the
project proponent’s responses to such comments, the Central Environmental
Authority has decided in terms of regulation 13 of the National Environmental
(procedure for approval of projects) Regulations No. 01 of 1993, to grant approval to
the National Water Supply & Drainage Board for the implementation of the above
projects subject to specified terms and conditions.

Director General
Central Environmental Authority
“Parisara Piyasa”
No. 104, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mw.
Battaramulla.
FOLLOW UP MONITORING
1. Monitoring is conducted for two primary reasons:

• To verify that the project is being executed in compliance with

the approved conditions.
• To assess the environmental impacts that have arisen due to the
project, which can be utilized as a valuable reference for future
projects.

2. The PAA designates a monitoring committee to oversee

the implementation of the monitoring program.
QUALITY OF EIA REPORTS

1. While the quality of EIA reports has significantly

improved since its introduction in 1993, there are still
several areas where weaknesses persist, such as:
• Overly detailed descriptions of insignificant impacts.
• Insufficient details about the most important impacts.
• Reports that are more academic in nature than practical.

2. EIA reports are often seen as a means to fulfill regulatory

requirements, rather than a sincere attempt to mitigate
environmental impacts.
QUALITY OF EIA REPORTS

1. Typically, private consultants hired by the Project

Proponent prepare EIA reports.

2. The potential for bias arises when consultants, who are

paid by the Project Proponent, prepare the EIA reports.

3. However, all EIA/IEE reports are subjected to scrutiny

by an independent Technical Evaluation Committee
(TEC), comprised of experts in the appropriate fields, to
assess their validity and impartiality.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS IN EIA
Although public participation in the EIA process is
obligatory, and all EIA reports are made publicly available
for a 30-working day period, there are certain shortcomings
in this approach:

1. Public commentary primarily concerns issues that directly

affect them, such as the loss of livelihoods, property, or
land.
2. Only a handful of NGOs provide feedback on the project's
overall effects.
3. The majority of comments from the aforementioned
parties aim to prevent the project from moving forward,
rather than improving it.
AREAS TO BE ADDRESSED

The areas which could be improved in the EIA process

in Sri Lanka are

1. Terms of Reference Setting - The Terms of Reference

established by the Project Approving Agencies can be
very comprehensive, necessitating the provision of data
that may not be useful in the evaluation process. As a
result, it can be a time-consuming and complicated
procedure.

1. Public Participation - The majority of the general public

and NGOs have a "Stop the Project" mindset rather than
offering constructive feedback to improve the project.
Shortcomings and constraints
1. Despite the CEA's comprehensive EIA process, the Project
Approving Agency (PAA) may struggle to fulfill its obligations.
2. Deficiencies in the Prescribed Projects list may create gaps in
environmental assessment requirements.
3. Inappropriate alternatives may be considered, neglecting more
suitable options.
4. The PAA may face conflicts of interest in decision-making.
5. Misrepresentation of information in EIA reports may occur.
6. Issues with access to EIA reports, such as unavailability in local
languages and technical jargon in the summary, may arise.
7. Environmental impact auditing may not be conducted.
8. Post-EIA monitoring may be inadequate.
9. EIA violators may not be held accountable.
10.Punitive costs for violating EIA regulations may be insufficient.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

• The current regulations under the National

Environmental Act mandate individual project-based
EIA's for almost all impact assessments carried out in Sri
Lanka.

• Policies, Plans, and Programs in Sri Lanka are not

subject to any requirement for environmental
assessment.
SEA IN SRI LANKA
• In 2006, the CEA submitted a cabinet memorandum
proposing the requirement for SEA for major policies,
plans, and programmes prior to implementation.

• The Cabinet of Ministers approved the memorandum,

making SEA mandatory for all major policies, plans, and
programmes prior to implementation.

• Despite SEA not being a legal requirement like project

level EIA, the process has been tested through several
pilot SEA's already conducted.
• Initially, there was opposition from private sector,
investors, and some government agencies towards
the EIA process in Sri Lanka.

• However, over time, the EIA process has become a

well-established and accepted procedure in Sri
Lanka.
Preparation an EIA Report
Scope of an EIA Report
1. The main purposes of EIA are to effectively communicate and
deliver information related to potential environmental impacts
of a project to stakeholders and decision-makers.
2. EIA serves as a guide to the developer to identify and mitigate
potential environmental impacts before the project is
implemented.
3. EIA also guides Project Approving Agencies (PAAs) to make
informed decisions and monitor the implementation of projects
to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
4. EIA promotes transparency and participation of stakeholders,
including the public and NGOs, in the decision-making process
related to projects that may impact the environment.
Target Audience
1. Regulators - These are the government agencies responsible for
implementing and enforcing environmental regulations. They need to
understand the EIA process to make informed decisions on approving or
rejecting proposed projects.
2. Developers/Contractors - These are the entities proposing a project and
are responsible for carrying out the EIA process. They need to understand
the EIA process to comply with regulations and ensure that their project is
environmentally sustainable.
3. Public and Other Stakeholders - These include communities, NGOs, and
other interested parties who are affected by or have an interest in the
proposed project. They need to understand the EIA process to participate in
the decision-making process and voice their concerns.
4. EIA Consultants - These are professionals who provide technical expertise
and support for the EIA process. They need to understand the EIA process
to carry out their duties effectively and provide accurate information to
regulators, developers, and other stakeholders.
5. Students - These are individuals learning about the EIA process as part of
their academic curriculum or personal interest. They need to understand the
EIA process to build their knowledge and contribute to the field.
Specific objectives of EIA Report

• Conducting a scientific assessment

• Determining environmental and social
impacts
• Identifying mitigation measures for adverse
impacts
• Establishing monitoring and management
strategies
Pre requisites of an EIA Report
Explain to the client
• Scope of EIA,
• Information Needed (Document, Maps, Data)
• Approvals required

EIA guidance
• TOR
• Project documentation
• Similar studies & past EIARs

Comply with the legal requirement

Terms of reference (TOR)

• SL – TOR is given by the PA
• Some countries – No TOR, give broad guidelines
• Develop own TOR – get the approval before writing he
Report
Main sections in an EIA Report

1. Baseline and Introduction: Establishing the current situation

and context
2. Project Description: Details about the proposed project
3. Impact Assessment: Identifying and predicting potential
environmental and social impacts
4. Mitigation Measures: Proposing measures to minimize and
manage adverse impacts
5. Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizing the findings
and providing suggestions for decision-making
Situation
Analysis
Management plan Recommendation
Identify &
& mitigatory
impacts Conclusion
measures
Project
details
1. Situation analysis (setting the
baseline)
Data Sources - Environmental and social

• Mostly based on the secondary data

• Gather secondary data and literature reviews
• Conduct reconnaissance visits and verification studies
• Utilize visual aids such as photographs, diagrams, and
profiles
• Describe ecosystems, dependencies, dynamics, and
food cycles
 Analysis to cover
1. Social system and linkages - Describe the social system in the project
area and the linkages to surrounding communities, including
demographics, culture, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
2. Exact population data not mandatory, but provide an estimate of
population in the project area and its environs.
3. Dependencies - Identify the natural resources and other dependencies
of the local communities in the project area.
4. Interpret the data according to the requirement – Use the available
data to interpret the potential impacts of the project and present the
information in a meaningful way.
5. Change of land use - Describe the proposed changes in land use and
their potential impacts.
6. Present impacts and alternatives - Identify and assess potential
environmental and social impacts of the project, and provide
alternatives to minimize or avoid adverse impacts.
 2. Description of the Project
1. Activities: List all the activities related to the project.
2. Resource Usage: Specify the resources required for the project,
including manpower, energy, and materials.
3. Natural Resources: Identify the natural resources that will be impacted
by the project, such as water bodies or forests.
4. Construction Process: Describe the construction process and any
potential impacts on the environment and local communities.
5. Services: Identify any services required for the project, such as
transportation or waste management.
6. Effluents: Describe any potential effluents or waste products generated
by the project and their potential impact on the environment.
 Limitations
• Changing project details with time

• Solutions
1. Mention safeguard measures to be taken during the
project implementation
2. Calculate water, electricity, and labor requirements
based on the concept plan and available guidelines with
a 10% variation.
 3. Impact Identification
• Reference situation analysis with the first two chapters: The
situation analysis should be linked and referenced to the
baseline information provided in the first two chapters of the
report.
• No Information – consider the worst-case scenario: In
situations where there is no information available about the
project or its potential impacts, the worst-case scenario should
be considered.
• Use tools & acceptable methods: EIA consultants should use
appropriate tools and acceptable methods to assess potential
impacts and predict outcomes.
• Leopold matrix: The Leopold matrix is a commonly used tool in
EIA to identify and evaluate the potential environmental
impacts of a project.
4. Environmental management and
mitigation
1. Ensure practicality of identified mitigatory measures
2. Ensure effectiveness and efficiency of proposed measures
3. Consider cost effectiveness of proposed measures
4. Incorporate identified mitigatory measures in monitoring plan
5. Develop mitigatory maps and include in recommendations
and monitoring plan
6. Prepare environmental management plan.
5. Conclusion and recommendation
1. Prepare Conclusion: Summarize the findings of the EIA and
draw a conclusion on whether the proposed project can be
implemented or not.
2. Recommendations: Provide recommendations on how to
mitigate the adverse impacts identified during the EIA and
how to monitor and manage the project's environmental
impacts.
 Important points

1. Regular consultation with the developer and regulator should

be maintained throughout the EIA process.
2. Ensure a clear and shared understanding of the project between
the developer and consultants.
3. Use illustrations and visual aids to aid understanding.
4. Tailor the EIA report to the specific site activities and context.
5. Keep the report concise and easy to understand using the KISS
(Keep It Short and Simple) principle.
Thank you