CE-604-C Environmental Impact Assessment - Dec 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aHow does EIA contribute to the identification and mitigation of potential environmental risks associated with development projects?
   How to answer

   • Define EIA as decision-support tool for anticipating environmental risks
   • Explain identification via screening, scoping, baseline and impact prediction
   • Explain mitigation hierarchy: avoid, minimize, restore, compensate with EMP
   • Give examples for development projects
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the stages involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process? Provide a detailed explanation of each stage.
   How to answer

   • List EIA stages: screening, scoping, baseline, impact prediction, mitigation, EIS, review, decision, monitoring
   • Explain purpose of each stage
   • Show sequence and feedback between stages
   • Link to decision-making and EMP
3. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the utility and scope of EIA in the context of sustainable development and project planning.
   How to answer

   • Define sustainable development and role of EIA in project planning
   • Explain utility: early warning, alternatives, resource optimization
   • Explain scope: biophysical, social, economic, cumulative impacts
   • Link to informed decision-making
4. 7 Marks
   bDescribe the checklist method for impact identification in EIA. How is a checklist developed and applied in assessing potential environmental impacts?
   How to answer

   • Define checklist method for impact identification
   • Explain types: simple, descriptive, scaling, weighted
   • Explain development: based on project activities and environmental factors
   • Explain application with advantages and limitations
5. 7 Marks
   aExplain the concept of matrix methodologies in impact identification during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. How are matrices constructed and utilized in assessing environmental impacts?
   How to answer

   • Define matrix methodology e.g. Leopold matrix
   • Explain construction: actions vs environmental components
   • Explain scoring of magnitude and importance
   • Explain use in impact assessment and limitations
6. 7 Marks
   bEvaluate the use of participatory methods, such as community consultations and public hearings, in impact identification within the EIA process. How do these methods contribute to the identification of potential environmental impacts?
   How to answer

   • Define participatory methods: consultations, public hearings
   • Evaluate strengths: local knowledge, legitimacy, early conflict resolution
   • Evaluate limitations: representation, bias, resource needs
   • Explain contribution to identifying potential impacts
7. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the methods employed to predict and evaluate the potential effects of projects on water bodies and aquatic ecosystems.
   How to answer

   • Identify water and aquatic ecosystem impacts: hydrology, quality, ecology
   • Discuss prediction tools: models, water quality indices, ecological surveys
   • Discuss evaluation of significance and mitigation
   • Give examples of project types
8. 7 Marks
   bCritically evaluate the challenges associated with predicting and assessing cumulative impacts on air quality, water resources, noise levels, and socio-economic conditions. How can these challenges be addressed to improve the effectiveness of impact analysis in EIA.
   How to answer

   • Define cumulative impacts on air, water, noise, socio-economic
   • Critically evaluate challenges: data, boundaries, interactions, uncertainty
   • Suggest solutions: integrated models, monitoring, GIS, thresholds
   • Link to effectiveness of impact analysis
9. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the role of baseline data collection and monitoring in impact analysis within the EIA process.
   How to answer

   • Define baseline data and monitoring purpose
   • Explain role in establishing reference conditions
   • Explain use in prediction, comparison and compliance
   • Discuss parameters and monitoring design
10. 7 Marks
    bDescribe the writing phase of EIA documentation preparation, highlighting the key elements and structure of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
    How to answer

    • Outline writing phase of EIA documentation
    • Describe key elements and structure of EIS
    • Explain clarity, completeness and objectivity requirements
    • Mention review and decision use
11. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss the ethical considerations and professional standards that should guide the preparation of written documentation for EIA.
    How to answer

    • List ethical principles: objectivity, transparency, honesty
    • Discuss professional standards: competence, confidentiality, accountability
    • Explain need to avoid bias and conflict of interest
    • Link to credibility of EIA
12. 7 Marks
    bHow does planning phase of preparing written documentation for EIA contribute to the systematic and comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts? Discuss.
    How to answer

    • Define planning phase of documentation
    • Explain scoping, team, schedule, data needs
    • Show how planning ensures systematic and comprehensive assessment
    • Discuss coordination and QA
13. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss about the advantages and disadvantages of public participation in environmental decision-making.
    How to answer

    • Define public participation in decision-making
    • Discuss advantages: legitimacy, better information, acceptance
    • Discuss disadvantages: time, cost, conflict, representation
    • Conclude with balance
14. 7 Marks
    bExplore practical considerations for implementing public participation in environmental decision-making processes. What strategies can be employed to overcome barriers to participation, such as language barriers, limited resources, and power imbalances?
    How to answer

    • Identify practical barriers: language, resources, power imbalance
    • Suggest strategies: multilingual outreach, capacity building, facilitation
    • Discuss inclusive timing, venue and feedback mechanisms
    • Evaluate effectiveness
15. 14 Marks
    Write a short note on any two:

    1. a)Significant Environmental Impacts
    2. b)How does network analysis contribute to the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
    3. c)Framework for Impact Analysis
    4. d)Key aspects involved in the writing phase of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation
    How to answer

    • Select any two sub-topics for short notes
    • Define key terms and framework for each
    • Explain relevance to EIA process with examples
    • Conclude with significance