Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Introduction
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a technical and administrative procedure aimed at identifying, predicting and mitigating the environmental effects that could be generated as a result of a project, work or activity before its execution.[1] Its objective is to ensure that negative impacts on the environment are considered before making decisions, thus promoting sustainable development. This procedure includes the identification of viable alternatives, the assessment of environmental impacts on factors such as air, water, soil, flora and fauna, and the implementation of necessary preventive and corrective measures.[2].
This procedure is regulated by specific environmental laws in each country or region, which establish the criteria and methodologies for its application. Generally, the process begins with the presentation of the project to the competent authorities, who oversee prior consultation with interested and affected parties. Subsequently, the project promoter prepares the environmental impact study, which is reviewed by government agencies and subjected to public participation processes. Finally, a resolution is issued that can culminate in the approval of the project through an Environmental License that authorizes the implementation of the project, in some countries it is known as an Environmental Impact Statement (DIA), and is issued by the relevant environmental body.
The concept of EIA emerged in United States legislation in 1969 with the enactment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and was subsequently adopted by other countries and regions, such as the European Union in 1985. It is currently a requirement in many legislations, where the consequences of a negative evaluation can range from the modification of the project to its cancellation.
The EIA is applied exclusively to specific projects, evaluating factors such as materials, technologies, construction and operational processes involved, in order to guarantee sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.
History
In 1969, a step forward was taken in the United States with the approval of the “National Environmental Policy Act” (N.E.P.A.). This regulation provides for the introduction of the EIA, the reinforcement of the “Environmental Protection Agency” (with an administrative control role), and provides for the creation of the “Council on Environmental Quality” (with an advisory role for the presidency).