2012 Environmental Protection and Green Technology Workshop Environmental Impact Assessment

1. 2012 Environmental Protection and Green Technology WorkshopEnvironmental Impact Assessment Yuh-Ming Lee ProfessorInstitute of Natural Resource ManagementNational Taipei University November 11, 2012

2. Contents • Introduction • Environmental Assessments • EIA, HRA, LCA • Procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment • Strategic Environmental Assessment • Extended Materials on EIA • Mekong River Commission Environmental Training Kit: Course D - EIA Procedures and Decision Making • Conclusion • Q&A

3. Introduction • Personal Information • Affiliation: Professor, Institute of Natural Resource Management, National Taipei Univ. • Education: Ph.D., Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, the Johns Hopkins University • Experience: Commissioner, Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee, Taiwan EPA • Contact: yml@mail.ntpu.edu.tw • Environmental Impact Assessment “LOOK before you LEAP!”

4. Environmental Assessment • Project: Effect on the Environment • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) • Strategic Environmental Assessment => Strategy • Product: Environmental Profile (Eco-Profile) • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) • Eco-Profile, Eco-Footprint (Carbon, Water) … • Chemicals: Effect on Human Health • Health Risk Assessment (HRA) • Acute Toxicity vs. Carcinogen A Priori and Scientific Evaluation Public Participation and Information Disclosure

5. Life Cycle Assessment • International Standard • ISO 14040 and 14044 (Revision in 2006) • Definition: LCA is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from-cradle-to-grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling). • LCA can help avoid a narrow outlook on environmental concerns by: • Compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases; • Evaluating the potential impacts associated with identified inputs and releases; • Interpreting the results to help you make a more informed decision. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_cycle_assessment

6. LCA ISO Standards (1404x) • ISO Standards (ICS 13.020.60: Product life-cycles) • ISO 14040:2006 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Principles and framework • ISO 14044:2006 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Requirements and guidelines • ISO14045:2012 Environmental management – Eco-efficiency assessment -- Principles and requirements • ISO/TR 14047:2012 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14044 to impact assessment situations • ISO/TS 14048:2002 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Data documentation format • ISO/TR 14049:2012 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment -- Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14044 to goal and scope definition and inventory analysis • ISO/CD 14046 Water footprint -- Requirements and guidelines

8. Category Indicators in LCIA

9. An Example of LCA: Diapers Life-Cycle Analysis of Disposable and Reusable Diapers (based on weekly diaper needs) World Resources Institute, Disposable and Reusable Diapers . A Life-Cycle Analysishttp://pdf.wri.org/bell/case_1-56973-167-5_full_version_english.pdf

10. Health Risk Assessment http://oehha.ca.gov/pdf/HRSguide2001.pdf

11. HRA and EIA • Health Risk Assessment Technical Standards • Announced by Taiwan EPA on April 9, 2010 (revised on 20 July, 2011) • …developers … should follow the standards regarding hazardous chemicals that may be in use during the operation stage, and conduct an assessment on the incremental risks to the health of residents living in the sphere of influence of development activities. • The EPA analyzed implementation methods and content of other health risk assessments for chemical substances that could potentially create environmental pollution, as well as the framework, procedures and strategies of other health risk assessment systems.

12. HRA Procedure in an EIA The Project Conducting EIA Species Release Toxicity Source Pathway Amount of Release Multi-Media Transport Simulation Food Soil Water Sediment Air

13. Exposure Receptors Parameters Scenarios Carcinogen Acute Toxcin HI > 1 (?)

14. What is EIA? To “…encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation....” (U.S. National Environmental Policy Act Section 2) (NEPA, enacted in 1969)

15. What is EIA • Environmental impact assessment means an environmental management plan based on scientific, objective and comprehensive surveys, forecasting, analyses and evaluations conducted prior toproject implementation in order to determine the degree and scope of the potential impact of development activity or government policy on the environment, economy, culture and ecology, and the public explanation and review of such a plan. (Taiwan Environmental Impact Assessment Act: Article 4, Paragraph 2) (Enacted in the end of 1994) Environmental Impact Assessment Act (Taiwan EPA)

16. What is the purpose of EIA “To implement a strategy of sustainable development, prevent adverse impact on the environment after the implementation of plans and construction projects, and promote coordinated development of the economy, society, and environment.” (China Environmental Impact Assessment Law) (Enact in 2003)

17. What is the purpose of EIA? • “LOOK before you LEAP!” • EIA is now a required process in more than 100 nations. • The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) is a global network with 1,600 members from more than 120 countries. (http://www.iaia.org) Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

18. What Changes can EIA Bring? Before introduction of EIA: • Government planning and decision-making: “D-A-D” -- “Decide, Announce, Defend” • Role of NGOs, citizens: “Critics” “Objectors” “Protestors” • Environmental conditions: Steadily deteriorating Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

19. What Changes can EIA Bring? After Implementing EIA: • Government planning and decision-making: “D-D-D” -- “Discuss, Decide, Deliver” • Role of NGOs, citizens: “Stakeholders” “Contributors” “Participants” • Environmental conditions: Deterioration slows; some areas improving Source: Hui, Y.M. (Simon), Environmental Protection Dept., HKSAR Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

20. EIA must be undertaken EARLY in the development of proposed projects, plans, and programs, and must be completed BEFORE a decision to proceed is made. EIA must be an OBJECTIVE, IMPARTIAL analytical process, not a way of promoting or “selling” a proposal to decision-makers—it must use accepted scientific principles and methods. EIA must analyze all REASONABLY FORESEEABLE environmental impacts or effects of a proposed action— effects may be short-term, long-term, direct, or indirect. Key Elements of EIA Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

21. Key Elements of EIA • The process of EIA must be OPEN – to government officials at all levels, to potential stakeholders (those with direct interests in the proposed action), and to the PUBLIC. • There must be an early, public SCOPING stage in EIA to consider ALTERNATIVES and to help focus subsequent analysis on the MORE SIGNIFICANT potential impacts – rather than studying all possible environmental effects – the GOAL is to reach a decision. • Government officials responsible for implementing EIA must ENCOURAGE (not just tolerate) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION in the process from the scoping stage forward. Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

22. Key Elements of EIA • In all EIA processes, effective MITIGATION MEASURES must be identified and included – to avoid, minimize, or reduce the adverse effects of all potentially significant impacts. • EIA reports must include an ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) or Action Plan to MONITOR the implementation phase of the project, plan, or program and provide for CORRECTIVE actions – such action plans must have assured FUNDING and be legally enforceable. Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

23. Content of EIA Analysis Physical components: • Land • Air • Water • Energy Bio-Cultural components: • Nature • Culture • People • Access Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

24. PHASE: Construction Operation Termination Physical: Land Air Water Energy _______________________________________________ Bio-Cultural: Nature Culture People Access EIA Impact Analysis Summary Table Smythe, R.B. (EIA: A way for NGOs to be Effective) www.ifce.org/ifcecn/2005xm/4thefinal/Intro1.ppt

25. EIA Procedure Major steps in the EIA process are: • Screening • Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) • Scoping • Full-Scale Assessment • EIA Review and Decision Making • Monitoring and Follow-Up http://www.mrcmekong.org/envir_training_kit/English/Course D - EIA Procedures and Decision Making/Operational/Slides/powerpoint/Lesson 02 - Overview.ppt Mekong River CommissionEnvironmental Training Kithttp://www.mrcmekong.org/envir_training_kit/PowerPoint_Index.htm

26. Generic EIA Procedure Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) IEE Review Screening EIA Required Scoping/Terms ofReference EIA Not Required Full-Scale EIA EIA Approved Monitoring Decision Making EIA Review EIA Audit andEvaluation EIA Not Approved Evaluate Options Mekong River CommissionEnvironmental Training Kithttp://www.mrcmekong.org/envir_training_kit/PowerPoint_Index.htm

27. Hong Kong EIA Process http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/english/content/chart.html

28. Taiwan EIA Process • EIA Act Article 4: Environmental impact assessment work includes such procedures as phase I and phase II environmental impact assessments, reviews and follow-up evaluations • Two Phases • Environmental Impact Statement • Environmental Impact Assessment Report • Concern of significant impacts on the environment • Three Roles: Developer and Authorities • Developer and Consulting Firm: Preparation of EIS • Industry Competent Authority: Approval of Project • Environment Competent Authority: Review of EIA

29. Significant Impact on the Environment • Those circumstances in which the development activity has a significant adverse conflict with and is incompatible with a nearby related plan • Those circumstances in which the development activity has a significant adverse impact on environmental resources and special environmental characteristics • Those circumstances in which the development activity has a significant adverse impact on the habitat or survival of protected or rare animals or plants • Those circumstances in which the development activity causes local environmental conditions to exceed environmental standards or the carrying capacity of the local environment

30. Significant Impact on the Environment • Those circumstances in which the development activity has a significant adverse impact on the movement or rights of local residents or the traditional ways of living of minority ethnic groups • Those circumstances in which the development activity has a significant adverse impact on public health or safety • Those circumstances in which the development activity has a significant adverse impact on the environment of another country • Other situations as recognized by the competent authority

31. Taiwan EIA Review Process Forum or Conference Submission of EIS “Divert” the EIS Pass Reject Reviewing Concerns of significant impacts Phase II Industry Competent Authority Alternativeor Option EPA Developer Public Conference http://www.epa.gov.tw/FileDownload/FileHandler.ashx?FLID=9443

32. Taiwan EIA Review Process Detailed Scoping EIAR Draft Site Visit Public Hearing Divert EIAR Reviewing http://www.epa.gov.tw/FileDownload/FileHandler.ashx?FLID=9443

33. Strategic Environmental Assessment • Strategic environmental assessment (SEA): is a system of incorporating environmental considerations into policies, plans, and programmes. • Strategic environmental impact assessment • Originated from regional development / land use planning • 2003: Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment. • European SEA Directive 2001/42/EC • Relationship with EIA: An SEA is conducted before a corresponding EIA is undertaken http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_environmental_assessment

34. Structure of SEA • Screening: investigation of whether the plan or programme falls under the SEA legislation • Scoping: defining the boundaries of investigation, assessment and assumptions required • Documentation of the state of the environment: effectively a baseline on which to base judgments • Determination of the likely environmental impacts: usually in terms of Direction of Change rather than firm figures • Informing and consulting the public • Influencing Decision taking based on the assessment • Monitoring of the effects of plans and programmes after their implementation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_environmental_assessment

35. Policies should conduct SEA (Taiwan) • Industrial policies • Mining industry development policies • Water resources development policies • Land use policies • Energy policies • Livestock policies • Transportation policies • Waste disposal policies • Policies on radioactive nuclear waste storage • Other policies Regulations Governing Government Policies on Environmental Impact Assessment (Taiwan EPA)

36. Specific Policy Items Requiring SEA Specific Policy Items Requiring the Conduct of an Environmental Impact Assessment (Taiwan EPA)

37. Specific Policy Items Requiring SEA Specific Policy Items Requiring the Conduct of an Environmental Impact Assessment (Taiwan EPA)

38. Concern of impact on the environment • The ability to handle environmental impact at the local level is exceeded. • There is damage to a natural ecological system. • Public health or safety is endangered. • The reasonable exploitation of natural resources is jeopardized. • Water resource systems are altered, affecting water quality and hindering the use of water bodies. • The harmony of the natural scenery is impaired. • Other situations involving violations of international environmental standards or which impede the sustainable development of the environment and ecology. Regulations Governing Government Policies on Environmental Impact Assessment (Taiwan EPA)

39. Extended Materials Mekong River CommissionEnvironmental Training Kit Course D - EIA Procedures and Decision Making • Introduction to Environmental Impact AssessmentPowerPoint* • Overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment ProcessPowerPoint** • Social Assessment and Public Participation in the EIA ProcessPowerPoint*** • Environmental economics in the EIA ProcessPowerPoint**** http://202.62.105.250/envir_training_kit/PowerPoint_Index.htm

40. Conclusion • Environmental Assessment: EIA, HRA, LCA • EIA: A Priori and Scientific Assessment • EIA of Project and Strategy => SEA • EIA Phases and Types of Report/Statement • Stakeholders and Public Participation • Assessment Reporting and Reviewing • Decision Maker vs. Tools for Decision Making • Review Conclusion vs. Approval of Project • Follow-up Evaluation (Monitoring)