Before any major project or construction, it is usually pertinent – or required by law – to perform an environmental impact assessment. The purpose of such an assessment is to measure the anticipated effects of said project to determine if further design alterations are necessary, or, in extreme cases, if the project needs to be halted. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, assessments can provide benefits in terms of ecological responsibility, economic returns and adherence to local and federal regulations. In other words, an environmental impact assessment is often just as important as the project's blueprints, budgets and materials.
Involving the EPA
Generally, environmental impact assessments are required by the Environmental Protection Agency. That institution sets down the rules that must be followed and examines the results of the assessment to provide feedback and further instruction regarding the ecological benefits or disadvantages.
According to the EPA, assessments submitted to that agency are posted in the Federal Register with a "Notice of Availability." That means that the public is allowed to comment on the results of the survey for a 45-day period. There is also a 30-day wait period during which no further action can be taken on the project. This process ensures due diligence when it comes to protecting local flora and fauna as well as any underlying impact on the ecosystem. If the potential for damage is found, there's usually a way to resolve the issue and actually benefit the environment.
Assessment procedure
An environmental impact assessment typically begins by determining which projects actually need to be assessed. Once those have been identified, the scope of the assessment is determined. For example, a new housing project may be close enough to a body of water to warrant a study of how it will affect local aquatic wildlife. Projects involving chemicals will need to be tested to determine how those chemicals will be disposed of and treated.
The actual evaluation follows – which experts and officials that need to be involved will vary by project. The final statement is then submitted to the EPA for review and comment. Following that, a decision is made on whether or not the project can move forward without alteration. At this stage, recommendations might be made to lower the projected impact. And finally, the project is monitored to ensure that all regulations are followed.
