Environmental impact assessment - an important tool for decision makers

ABSTRACT

The use of Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, as a tool for decision makers is described. EIA can be used for identifying, predicting and assessing impacts arising from proposed activities such as major development projects like industrial complexes, highways and water-related projects. Implementation of EIAs is usually for projects for which a number of alternatives may be assessed. The methods used at each stage of the EIA process are identified. The matrix method is used to illustrate an EIA of the development of an industrial complex, port and urban development. The alternatives of continuing with the traditional uses, that is, agriculture (sugar cane), fisheries and recreation are also assessed. Additionally, the impact of a third alternative of changing the monocrop agriculture to diversified agriculture is considered. It is recommended that EIAs are formally integrated into the planning process in Trinidad and Tobago. (AU)