What's the best way to scope an environmental impact assessment?

1 Define the purpose and objectives

The first step in scoping an EIA is to define the purpose and objectives of the assessment, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to it. The purpose and objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable, and should reflect the needs and expectations of the project proponent, the authorities, and the affected parties. The legal and regulatory requirements should be identified and complied with, to avoid delays, disputes, or sanctions. The purpose and objectives should also guide the selection of the alternatives and the criteria for evaluating them.

2 Identify the key issues and impacts

The second step in scoping an EIA is to identify the key issues and impacts that need to be addressed in the assessment, based on the characteristics of the project, the environment, and the stakeholders. The key issues and impacts should be relevant, significant, and likely to occur, and should cover both the positive and negative aspects of the project. The key issues and impacts should also be prioritized, to focus the assessment on the most important and sensitive ones. The key issues and impacts should be documented and communicated to the stakeholders, to ensure transparency and participation.

3 Select the methods and tools

The third step in scoping an EIA is to select the methods and tools that will be used to collect, analyze, and present the data and information for the assessment. The methods and tools should be appropriate, reliable, and consistent, and should match the purpose and objectives, the key issues and impacts, and the available resources and capacities. The methods and tools should also be flexible, to adapt to changing circumstances or new information. The methods and tools should be explained and justified, to ensure credibility and validity.

4 Define the scope and boundaries

The fourth step in scoping an EIA is to define the scope and boundaries of the assessment, in terms of the spatial, temporal, and thematic dimensions. The scope and boundaries should be realistic, feasible, and comprehensive, and should cover the direct, indirect, cumulative, and residual effects of the project. The scope and boundaries should also be consistent, to avoid gaps, overlaps, or contradictions. The scope and boundaries should be agreed and approved by the relevant authorities and stakeholders, to ensure legitimacy and accountability.

5 Plan the resources and schedule

The fifth step in scoping an EIA is to plan the resources and schedule that will be needed to carry out the assessment, in terms of the human, financial, and technical aspects. The resources and schedule should be adequate, efficient, and transparent, and should reflect the scope and complexity of the assessment. The resources and schedule should also be realistic, to avoid underestimation, overcommitment, or delays. The resources and schedule should be monitored and controlled, to ensure quality and timeliness.

6 Prepare the scoping report

The sixth and final step in scoping an EIA is to prepare the scoping report, which is a document that summarizes and presents the results of the scoping process, and serves as the basis for the subsequent stages of the assessment. The scoping report should be clear, concise, and consistent, and should include the following elements: the purpose and objectives, the key issues and impacts, the methods and tools, the scope and boundaries, the resources and schedule, and the stakeholder consultation and feedback. The scoping report should be reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities and stakeholders, to ensure acceptance and compliance.

7 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?