Consideration of baseline in EIA

Consideration of service line in EIAConsideration of baseline in EIAChapter one Introduction 1.1 EIA and baseline purlieual impact assessment, EIA was developed in graze to provide decision professrs with an understanding of the milieual consequences of a proposed development. It provides reading on the nature and extent of impacts arising from the construction and operation of proposed projects. This is presented in environmental reports that contain randomness require by the EIA directives. These required information may include a commentary of the proposed project, an extinctline of main project alternatives, description and assessment of aspects of environment likely to be signifi bungholetly affected by the proposed development and a description of measures established to manage signifi kittyt unfortunate cause on the environment. A key element of EIA is to provide equal to(predicate) description of the current environment condition, otherwise referred to as baseli ne assessment. They argon often referred to as the environmental preenting, existing conditions, affected environment, background environment, environmental conditions, environmental receptors, and baseline data (Shepherd, 2006, Canter 1996, Eccleston, 2001). The need for its consideration in EIA is a topic raised by several seekers (Wood 2003, Glasson et al., 2005, Carroll and Turpin 2009, Lawrence 2003, Morris and Therivel 2009, Wathern, 1992). For them baseline can be regarded as the main support for the EIA dish, which identifies existing environmental conditions and germane(predicate) potential atomic number 18as that may be affected by a proposed project. The immensity of baseline is also manifested in EU regulations. It is moreover put down in EIA directives (schedule 4, part 11) that the current environmental conditions of the canvas area, its possible future phylogenesis and technical deficiencies/ limitation experienced while carrying out the study should be report ed in an environmental statement.Studies (Wathern 1992, Glasson et al., 2005 Andre et al., 2004, Wood, 2007) revealed that despite its roles and benefits in the EIA process, the aspects of baseline considered carcass substandard. Questions on the definition, methodology, specific aspects to be considered, remain an issue. 1.2 Contextual reexaminationBaseline is a preliminary step in the EIA process which is implemented in the UK through the Town and Country planning (SI 1999 N0 293) Regulations 1988 and the subsequent 1999, 2000, 2006, 2008 amendments. Theories take for revealed though it is recognized that collection of appropriate and sufficient, baseline data can be time consuming and expensive. In spite of this, the value of this information can produce a significant outcome on the grapheme of the boilersuit EIA process.1.3 The interrogationThis inquiry intends to address the subject of baseline in EIA process. It go forth look specifically at the cultivate of baseline o n the EIA process. It begins by describing the origins and doctrine of EIA with particular reference to its legislative beginnings, secondly, the issue of slap-up quality baseline and lastingness of EIA is discussed, research approach is then outlined and the findings of the studies are presented and analysed. The findings of the research are considered in comparison with the writings, with reference to its more substantial purposes before drawing conclusions and possible recommendations. Moreover, there has been limited investigation to run across on baseline and how it operates the out come of EIA process in practice. It is accordingly expected that this dissertation would add to the knowledge on baseline and make recommendations on baseline implementation in EIA process.1.4 Aim Overall intent isTo determine how baseline influence EIA process decision making and advocate the importance of baseline in EIA process.1.5 Research questions and Hypothesis In prepare to pursue the aim identified above, a set of research questions bemuse been developed which when answered enable the research aims to be achieved. Responding to this question is the focus of the dissertation.Questions to be answered include How are baseline currently addressed in ES? Does adequate baseline study influence EIA decision making process?For this research the shot has been formulated thatGood baseline quality contributes to trenchantness of the EIA processThe formulation of this hypothesis was influenced by the EIA regulation requirement for baseline information and also limited knowledge on baseline influence in EIA decision making process.1.5 Dissertation structureBased on the research aims and hypothesis the structure of the dissertation is divided into seven chapters and is set as follows Chapter 1 IntroductionThe dissertation begins with an introductory part to set out an overview of EIA process, explaining how the baseline fits into the EIA process. The research aim is th en identified and hypothesis is formulated and justified for the purpose of this research. A brief analysis of the research approach and contents of subsequent chapters are then revealed.Chapter 2 methodologyThis chapter outlines the research methodology, the parameters of the literature search, selection of pertinent information and research limitations. Provides elaborate of evaluation framework developed to analyse the chosen environmental statements, relevant planning files and interview approach and structure.Chapter 3 Background Following the methodology, this chapter sets out a literature check out as the backbone of this research. The structure of the literature review is based on EIA and baseline. It starts by examining the concept of EIA and it various go attention is based more on how baseline fits into the overall EIA process.Chapter 4 Criteria for effective EIA process and good practice baseline This chapter sets out the branch stage of the methodology. It explor es the terms used in developing the research hypotheses i.e. effective EIA and good quality baseline in order to develop a checklist for the review. This was achieved by information from various researchers who have studied EIA effectiveness and good practice baseline and also notes from existing guidance documents and existing EIA/EIS review criteria.Chapter 5 Presentation of result and analysis This chapter Outlines presentation of results and analysis of the interviews and reviews of EISs. expand on results and findings of the 3 research are then discussed, linking the theoretical perspectives and frameworks discussed to that of practice.Chapter 6 ConclusionFinally, the conclusion is drawn whilst connecting the research hypothesis and literature review to the content of the dissertation, limitation is outlined and recommendations are drawn.Appendices Relevant appendices of supporting information follow a bibliography of information sources. cecal appendage A lists acronyms used in this research,Appendix B lists EIA directive requirements of information to be presented on the ES. Appendix C lists the summary of the four statements reviewed, a summary of the interview in concert with their individual responses are attached as appendix D. A summary of the findings of the review are then attached as appendix E.1.7 relevancy of the research topic to phase of studyThe course of study Environmental assessment and management deals with natural resource management and planning. Specifically, management of the environment and project coordination.EIA was introduced as an environmental management tool its purpose and principle plays an important role in planning system of UK environment. It involves assessment of a specific environment to identify impacts and develop measures of controlling the impacts that may arrive as a result of a proposed development in order to enhance the environment. Baseline is an initial step in the EIA. There have been numerous questions on how EIA achieves its primary purposes. In this case, it is important to evaluate baseline which is one of the initial steps to highlight how it helps achieve its purposes.In general, the course aims to provide student with an understanding of principles methods and procedure in EAM. EIA is central to environment assessment and management. Hence, it is evident that the research topic is relevant to the course of study and its proposed aim is expected to be achieved.1.8 OverviewIn summary, the EIA regulation indicates that the data required for any project which is likely to generate significant environmental effects must be assessed and stated in an environmental statement. In addition, the influence of baseline on outcome of EIA is limited. This research sets out to address this issue. For this purpose, research aim and hypothesis have been developed, to set out research questions in order to identify a focus of the research. A methodology adopt for this purpose is exposed in t he next chapter. Drawing generalization from research investigation and providing information for subsequent replication of studies, suggestions are made most the types of information to include when describing baseline conditions in this research.