What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
As a new development is planned, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one tool used to predict potential impacts on the bio-physical, cultural and socio-economic environments, and to assess the significance of such impacts resulting from the proposed development.
An EIA is primarily used as a planning tool, to define the baseline conditions before any development occurs, and to predict the consequences of development.
An Environmental Impact Assessment involves a number of steps including:
- scoping
- collecting baseline data
- predicting expected impacts
- analyzing the significance of these impacts
- monitoring to determine the extent of the impacts
- mitigation to reduce the extent of unavoidable impacts
- public consultation with all interested stakeholders
Why would you need an EIA?
In the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, an EIA is a legislated requirement in gaining approval for many new developments.
- When used properly, an EIA can be an effective planning tool for developers.
- Wise use of the public consultation process can result in considerable savings of time and cost as the projected development approaches the construction stage.
- Liability management and protection.
How can EnviroSearch help you?
EnviroSearch offers both the management and technical expertise necessary to carry out an environmental impact assessment.
Our experienced staff can:
- co-ordinate and manage an EIA on your behalf
- prepare documentation
- ensure compliance with legislation and regulations
- gather data including baseline studies
- conduct a public consultation process