BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MASTERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (ChEg7051)
SUMMARY ON: Impact significance determination —designing an
approach
SUBMITTED BY:
SISAY ADUGNA
BDU1602950
SUBMITTED TO: BELAY T. (PhD)
December 2024
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................3
2. The technical approach................................................................................................................3
3. The collaborative approach..........................................................................................................3
4. The reasoned argumentation approach........................................................................................4
5. Composite approaches.................................................................................................................5
6. Conclusions..................................................................................................................................5
1. Introduction
Only a partial and preliminary approach has been taken to the issue of how to appropriately
assess the significance of consequences. Seldom are other methods thoroughly investigated.
Good impact significance determination procedures are among the three broad approaches to
impact significance determination that are thoroughly and methodically covered in this article.
Distinctions, frameworks, and insights from a number of applied research studies and
presentations made on behalf of the Joint Review Panel for the Mackenzie Gas Project are
integrated into the study in this article.
2. The technical approach
The technical approach to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involves dividing questions
into their constituent parts and compiling relevant factors, providing a scientific foundation for
decision-making. This method is used by political officials, government employees, and the
public to define issues of national, provincial, or territorial significance.
Environmental assessment thresholds are determined by factors such as legal, project,
environmental, system function, impact intensity, impact characteristics, public controversy,
sustainability, and uncertainty. These criteria aid in decision-making and can be divided by
impact importance, receptor significance, magnitude, and discipline. Quantitative aggregation
techniques, tiered evaluation procedures, and uncertainty management methods can be
employed.
The technical approach to significance determination involves defining analysis scope, setting
thresholds, validating, scaling, and modifying magnitude ratings based on regulatory compliance,
policy consistency, cumulative effects potential, environmental sensitivity, equity, reversibility,
and uncertainty. This method is successful when technical, scientific, and community analysis
are combined, decision-making factors are emphasized, and impact magnitude is distinguished.
3. The collaborative approach
The collaborative impact significance approach involves public participation in subjective,
value-based assessments of significant issues. This approach requires an interactive, group,
continuous involvement decision-making model, where parties work together to determine what
is important and how much weight to give to a particular issue. Value preferences are context-
dependent, fluid, and value-full, making it difficult to organize them in the abstract. The process
involves good communication, mutual learning, and negotiation. Governmental organizations
promote two-way communication and regular public participation in decision-making processes,
considering local and regional conditions and challenges.
Collaborative methods involve an outside circle of stakeholders and an inner circle of
stakeholders, allowing the public to participate as advisors or decision-makers. They promote
democratic decision-making, empowerment, communication, mutual learning, and innovative
problem-solving. However, they may lead to oversimplification of complex issues, high turnover,
and lack of continuity, as it may not always be the best course of action.
4. The reasoned argumentation approach
Reasoned arguments are a crucial aspect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which
integrates technical and community knowledge, facts, values, viewpoints, and both qualitative
and quantitative data. This approach is integrated into EIA laws and regulations, allowing all
parties to understand and collaborate. Governments often present well-reasoned reasons in
preambles, objectives, and regulations, which are often highlighted during the screening process,
as catalysts for EIA legislation, or when distinguishing between different EIA requirements.
The reasoned argumentation approach is an applied level method that uses data, knowledge,
analyses, viewpoints, and preferences to determine significance. Techniques include decision-
making choices, impact type, project characteristics, issues, viewpoints, study areas, and
combinations. Sensitivity analyses help evaluates how different structure techniques affect
decision-making. Well-reasoned arguments can be presented orally or in writing, and all
interested parties should be directly involved or include their concerns, knowledge, values, and
preferences.
A reasoned argumentation approach is a method used to determine the significance of
environmental impacts. It involves examining relevant issues, parties, and factors, and compiling
evidence to determine significance. This approach is applicable to all parties involved, including
proponents, government, technical experts, community organizations, Aboriginal peoples, and
impacted individuals. It combines technical and non-technical methods for assessment.
5. Composite approaches
Three methods for determining impact importance are collaborative, technical, and blended
approaches. Collaborative involves community information, while technical combines technical
and scientific analysis. Blended approaches can improve benefits and counter drawbacks, while
technical approaches combine technical analysis, thresholds, and public participation, supported
by technical studies and peer reviews.
Environmental impact assessments can be done using various methods, such as tiered, framed,
composite, technical, and collaborative approaches. Composite approaches combine technical
analysis with community knowledge, qualitative and quantitative methods, and reason,
generating solutions and insights to counteract the negative tendencies of individual techniques.
Composite strategies can't guarantee potential realization due to their complexity, cost, and time-
consuming nature. To maximize potential, focus on reinforcing positive tendencies, addressing
negative tendencies, adopting good practices, and avoiding bad ones, as improper practices can
arise when combining methods.
6. Conclusions
The technical approach, the collaborative approach, and the reasoned argumentation approach
are the three general methods for determining impact significance that have been discussed.
Three methods have been developed and improved to the point where it is possible to distinguish
between good and bad practices, as well as positive and negative inclinations. In addition to
producing synergistic insights and bridging the interests, values, and perspectives of numerous
interested and impacted parties, composite approaches can offset many of the drawbacks of
individual approaches. EIA practitioners can better address stakeholder demands and preferences
and implement an approach that balances out negative tendencies and promotes positive ones by
having a better understanding of the various impact significance determination methodologies.
