What are the steps for assessing environmental risk on a new project?

1 Define the scope

The first step for assessing environmental risk on a new project is to define the scope of the assessment. This means determining the objectives, boundaries, and criteria of the assessment, as well as the stakeholders, data sources, and methods involved. The scope should be clear, realistic, and consistent with the project's goals and context. It should also reflect the level of detail and complexity required for the assessment, depending on the nature, scale, and location of the project.

2 Identify the hazards

The next step for assessing environmental risk on a new project is to identify the hazards that may arise from the project's activities, outputs, or interactions with the environment. Hazards are any sources of potential harm or damage to the environment or human health, such as emissions, wastes, spills, accidents, or disturbances. To identify the hazards, you need to review the project's design, operations, and location, and consult with experts, regulators, and affected communities. You should also consider the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the hazards, as well as their likelihood and severity.

3 Analyze the risks

The third step for assessing environmental risk on a new project is to analyze the risks associated with the identified hazards. Risks are the combination of the probability and consequence of a hazard occurring and causing an adverse impact on the environment or human health. To analyze the risks, you need to estimate the frequency and magnitude of the hazards, and the exposure and vulnerability of the environmental receptors, such as air, water, soil, flora, fauna, or people. You should also use qualitative or quantitative methods, such as matrices, models, or simulations, to rank the risks according to their significance and priority.

4 Evaluate the risks

The fourth step for assessing environmental risk on a new project is to evaluate the risks against the criteria established in the scope of the assessment. This means comparing the risks with the acceptable or tolerable levels of impact, based on legal, regulatory, or ethical standards, or stakeholder expectations. To evaluate the risks, you need to consider the uncertainty and variability of the data and methods used, and the trade-offs and benefits of the project. You should also communicate the results of the evaluation to the decision-makers and stakeholders, and solicit their feedback and input.

5 Manage the risks

The final step for assessing environmental risk on a new project is to manage the risks by implementing measures to prevent, reduce, or mitigate them. This means developing and applying strategies, plans, or actions to eliminate or minimize the hazards, or to enhance the resilience or recovery of the environmental receptors. To manage the risks, you need to consider the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of the measures, and the roles and responsibilities of the project team and stakeholders. You should also monitor and review the performance of the measures, and adjust them as needed, based on the changing conditions or outcomes of the project.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?