Advanced Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment

Book excerpt: This book discusses the big ideas behind EIA thinking and practice. It explores key steps in the process and the core principles underlying these with emphasis placed on best practices. Challenges in designing and implementing development proposals from projects through to plans and policies are addressed. Key topics include the EIA and sustainable development, consideration of alternatives, the mitigation hierarchy, significance determination, cumulative impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, managing uncertainty and adaptive management. The book is aimed at EIA practitioners including proponents, consultants and regulators, as well as researchers and students.