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The role of geology In Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

The role of geology In Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). EU EIA Legal Framework. 1985 – EIAs required Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/full-legal-text/85337.htm 1997

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The role of geology In Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

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  1. The role of geology In Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

  2. EU EIA Legal Framework 1985 – EIAs required Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/full-legal-text/85337.htm 1997 Directive 97/11/EC amending Directive 85/337/EEC. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/full-legal-text/9711.htm

  3. In an EIA what are the benchmarks of acceptability ? • Member States’ laws and regulations including those transposed from EU Directives • International conventions • Regional conventions

  4. The EIA Process – main stages in blue Notification Screening Scoping Studies EIA report Review of report Consultation Consent Monitoring & audit Authority informed Is an EIA required ? What should the EIA cover ? Detailed study of impacts Submission of study findings Is the report adequate ? Statutory authorities & others Project go-ahead Verification of impact predictions EC guidance on EIA process - http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/eia-support.htm

  5. What is a “geological perspective” and how can it help in studies of environmental impact? It is a viewpoint based on understanding the present and past state of the earth and the processes which produce changes in :- • The structure and distribution of rocks and soils • The hydrosphere • The biosphere

  6. Geological perspective on the environment Geological Processes eg mountain building, erosion & deposition Physical Environment eg hillslopes, floodplains, rivers, estuaries, sea Habitat - Ecosystem eg forests, grasslands, wetlands, beaches, seabed, coral reefs

  7. How do we develop a geological perspective on the environment ? • Studies of the geological past • Help understand today’s processes • Help understand today’s environmental changes • Help predict environmental changes in the future • Data collection • Systematic longterm monitoring • Isolated project specific monitoring • Research • Basic study of systems and processes • Focussed applied study of specific issues

  8. Examples of geological information used in EIAs • Geological maps • Report on site inspection • Records of any local mining and quarrying • Records of any local groundwater extraction • Existing borehole records • Aerial photos • Seismic records • Local sites of special geological importance

  9. Examples of important geological factors in EIAs • Human beings and their property might be affected by • Landslides, earthquakes, radon from bedrock, undermining, eroding coasts • Soils, important economically and in conservation, include • Peat/Fens, beaches, cultivated topsoils • Water, a vital resource, is found in many varied geological settings • Aquifers, karst areas, rivers, lakes, estuaries, seas • Landscape features, include areas where geological processes are active • Mountains ranges, gorges / valleys, waterfalls, seashores & cliffs, caves • Natural material assets are limited and require careful management • Rock & minerals above and below ground, marine sand & gravel • Cultural heritage areas frequently comprise geological features • Sites of special scientific interest, archaeological sites including mining

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