Writing a Preliminary Assessment (The example of the Environmental Review Report)

1. Writing a Preliminary Assessment(The example of the Environmental Review Report) [SPEAKERS NAMES] [DATE]

2. Review:the Preliminary Assessment in the EIA process Phase I Phase II Understand proposed activity Why is the activity being proposed? What is being proposed? Screen the activity Based on the nature of the activity what level of environmental review is indicated? Conduct a Preliminary Assessment A rapid, simplified EIA study using simple tools(e.g. the USAID IEE) BEGIN FULL EIA STUDY SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS POSSIBLE ACTIVITY IS OF MODERATEOR UNKNOWNRISK SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS VERY UNLIKELY STOP the EIA process ACTIVITY IS LOW RISK (Of its nature, very unlikely to have significant adverse impacts) ACTIVITY IS HIGH RISK(Of its nature, likely to have significant adverse impacts) ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

3. Review: Purpose of a Preliminary Assessment The purpose of any preliminary assessment is to. . . • Provide documentation and analysis that: • Allows the preparer to determine whether or not significant adverse impacts are likely • Allows the reviewer to agree or disagree with the preparer’s determinations • Sets out mitigation and monitoring for adverse impacts The ERR is USAID’s preliminary assessment for sub-project review ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

4. The Environmental Review Report (ERR) • ERR outline • Summary of proposal • 2. Description of proposed activities • 3. Environmental situation & host country environmental requirements • 4. Evaluation of potential environmental impacts • 5. Environmental mitigation, monitoring & evaluation • 6. Attachments (photos, maps, individuals consulted) In this presentation, we use the ERR as an example of a preliminary assessment ! Note: The ERR is very similar to USAID’s IEE and to other preliminary assessments required by donors and governments.  3-5 pages! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

5. Overview: Steps in Preparing an ERR A. Get ready B. Conduct Environmental Analysis C. Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make determinations D. Finalize & submit Sections 1-4 of the ERR Section 5 of the ERR Assemble informationReview screening results Attach supplemental informationComplete facesheet, sign & submit ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

6. Step A:  • GET READY! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

7. Step A: GET READY!Check screening results First, review the screening results as recorded in the summary table on the Environmental Review Form. Note which activities the ERR must cover! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

8. Step A: GET READY!Review, research & gather information Review screening results (Per previous slide) (in the Env. Review Form instructions.) You may also wish to review Chapt. 4 of the EPTM, “Writing the IEE.” Review Annotated ERR Outline Research likely impacts & mitigation Consult the Small Scale Guidelines or other resources to understand the key impacts & mitigation measures typical for your activities. Assemble keyinformation May include biophysical, economic & social information, maps and photos. Figure out who you should talk to! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

9. Step B:  Conduct theEnvironmental Analysis (Sections 1-4 of the ERR) ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

10. Step B: Conduct the Environmental AnalysisWrite Proposal Summary & Activity Description Summarize WHY the activity is proposed HOW it came about. WHAT outputs/ results are expected. Reference to proposal, if appropriate Very short description of activity proposed ERR Section 1: Summary of Proposal Provide qualitative & quantitative information about the actions required for these activities Use a table to present succinctly Include all phases Indicate any rejected alternatives ERR Section 2: Description of Activities ERR Section 3: Environmental situation & host country requirements ! Remember, the ERR ONLY addresses “high risk” and “moderate/unknown risk” activities! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

11. Step B: Conduct the Environmental AnalysisWrite Env. Situation & Country Requirements ! Organize this section by location or activity, whichever is most convenient ERR Section 1: Summary of Proposal ERR Section 2: Description of Activities • Describe environmental characteristics of the site(s) where the activities will take place Relevant information only! Focus on issues of concern. • Describe applicable host country environmental regulations or policies ERR Section 3: Environmental situation & host country requirements ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

12. Step B: Conduct the Environmental AnalysisEvaluate potential environmental impacts ERR Section 3: Environmental situation & host country requirements ! Use tools such as checklists, matrices, networks or overlays to assist in evaluating impacts. ERR Section 4: Evaluation of potential environmental impacts Describe the potential impacts of EACH activity, including: • all applicable environmental components (e.g., air, water, soils, flora and fauna, cultural) • Direct, indirect & cumulative impacts • Adverse AND beneficial impacts IF AN ACTIVITY HAS NO POTENTIAL IMPACT, NOTE THIS! ERR Section 5: Environmental mitigation & monitoring ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

13.  Step C: Write Mitigation & Monitoring Plan (Section 5 of the ERR) ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

14. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make DeterminationsNote: Judging the significance of impacts The ERR requires youto judge the SIGNIFICANCE of impacts. Significance depends largely on 2 factors: • Context of the impact(environmental context AND policies, laws & local values) • Intensityof the impact In part, this is often a VALUE JUDGMENT ? What do we mean by context & intensity? ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

15. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make DeterminationsNote: Judging the significance of impacts When the impact. . . Contextual factors that tend to increase the significance of adverse impacts include: Evinces public concern or controversy. May set a precedent for how similar situations are addressed in future. Affects protected habitats, land or ecosystems. Affects habitats, land or ecosystems which may not be protected, but which are particularly valued for aesthetics, recreation, cultural reasons. Affects resource availability critical to subsistence & livelihood. Disrupts local customs. Is subject to law, policy or regulation that treat the impact as a matter of particular concern. Has a high or unknown potential impact public health and safety. ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

16. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make DeterminationsNote: Judging the significance of impacts How can CONTEXT affect the significance of impacts? Example: Context & Intensity An improved pit latrine is planned at a new market site. The most significant potential impact of latrines is usually the potential for groundwater contamination. Construction impacts are typically minimal. A shallow well serving a primary school is located 10m away. The planned site contains a sacred stone, tree or shrine. National law requires that any potential impacts on groundwater is considered significant and requires district approval. What about INTENSITY? A 10-seat latrine is planned to serve 1000 persons/day ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

17. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make DeterminationsBEFORE YOU WRITE. . .  DON’T WRITE YET!Step back and consider: • Based on your analysis. . .what recommendation seems likely for EACH activity WITHOUT mitigation and monitoring not already part of the activity design? • What may change once mitigation and monitoring is added? OK. . .NOW proceed to write the mitigation and monitoring plan What are the impacts of constructing my market access road?  ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

18. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make DeterminationsWrite the mitigation & monitoring plan ERR Section 4: Evaluation of potential environmental impacts Mitigation measures should be clearly matched to impacts. Monitoring must verify the implementation & effectiveness of mitigation measures. Remember, mitigation & monitoring plans should specify what, who, how much, when and why! ERR Section 5: Environmental mitigation & monitoring Once mitigation and monitoring is specified, you are ready to make your recommended determinations. REMEMBER, each activity receives one of 3 determinations. . . ERR Section 6 Attachments ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

19. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make DeterminationsRecommended Determinations in the ERR Based on your evaluation of environmental impacts & your mitigation and monitoring specifications, make a recommended finding (determination) for each activity: Remember, low risk activities are not covered by the ERR and receive no determination. ! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

20. Step C: Write Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Make Determinations Finish your summary table Enter the recommended determinationsin the summary table ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

21.  Step D: Finalize & submit the ERR ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

22. Step D: Finalize & submit the ERR ERR Section 6 Attachments Attach maps, photos, site descriptions & any other information that will help the reviewer make a decision. Sign Certifications Remember, the certifications are a binding commitment! Submit Remember to attach the ERR to the Environmental Review Form ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.

23. Some final advice In reality, ERR preparation is often an ITERATIVE process Know your activities as well as possible before you begin: Do desk research, visit the field, talk with colleagues. Start to draft the ERR. Identify missing information. Talk to more people.Revise & continue! ENCAP EA-ESD Training Course: Writing the Preliminary Assessment (IEE). Visit www.encapafrica.org.