CE-604-C Environmental Impact Assessment - Jun 2025 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
   aDefine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Describe how it is important in sustainable development and environmental management.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
   • Objectives and process of EIA in brief
   • Role in sustainable development - balancing development and environment
   • Role in environmental management - decision making, mitigation, monitoring
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)? Discuss its content, purpose and significance in the EIA process.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
   • Contents of EIS - baseline, impacts, mitigation, EMP
   • Purpose of EIS in decision making and public disclosure
   • Significance in EIA process with example
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain the concept and structure of a matrix methodology for impact identification. Discuss its advantages and limitations.
   How to answer

   • Concept of matrix methodology - Leopold matrix, actions vs environmental factors
   • Structure - rows, columns, magnitude/importance scoring
   • Advantages - systematic, visual, comprehensive
   • Limitations - subjectivity, no temporal dynamics, data intensive
4. 7 Marks
   bDescribe the checklist method for impact identification. What are its types, and how do they aid in systematic EIA?
   How to answer

   • Definition of checklist method for impact identification
   • Types - simple, descriptive, scaling, weighted checklists
   • How checklists ensure systematic coverage and no omission
   • Limitations and use in EIA
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the methods employed to predict and evaluate the potential effects of projects on water bodies and aquatic ecosystems.
   How to answer

   • Water quality and quantity prediction models - mass balance, hydrological models
   • Aquatic ecology assessment - habitat, biodiversity indices, bioindicators
   • Field sampling, laboratory analysis and mathematical modelling steps
   • Evaluation of significance and mitigation measures
6. 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

   • Meaning of cumulative impacts on air, water, noise, socio-economic
   • Challenges - data gaps, boundaries, interaction, uncertainty
   • Methods to address - GIS, modelling, monitoring, stakeholder input
   • Improving effectiveness of impact analysis
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain the activities carried out during the initial planning phase of documentation. Why is this phase critical to the success of a technical report or EIA document?
   How to answer

   • Initial planning activities - defining objectives, scope, team, schedule, data needs
   • Outline and work plan for technical/EIA report
   • Why critical - clarity, resource efficiency, quality and credibility
   • Consequences of poor planning
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat is meant by Environmental Audit? Explain the different objectives of it.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Environmental Audit
   • Objectives - compliance, resource efficiency, risk reduction, EMS improvement
   • Types/steps of audit in brief
   • Benefits for industry and regulators
9. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the primary advantages and disadvantages of incorporating the public in environmental decision-making? Give appropriate examples.
   How to answer

   • Advantages - legitimacy, local knowledge, conflict reduction, better decisions
   • Disadvantages - time/cost, conflicting interests, representation bias
   • Appropriate examples of dams, mining, industrial projects
   • Conclusion on balancing participation
10. 7 Marks
    bDescribe the criteria to be adopted in the selection of public participation techniques in EIA.
    How to answer

    • Criteria - representativeness, accessibility, transparency, timeliness, resources
    • Matching technique to project scale and affected community
    • Examples of techniques - hearings, surveys, workshops
    • Evaluation of effectiveness
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain the seven-step model for socio-economic assessment.
    How to answer

    • Seven steps - scoping, baseline, impact prediction, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, reporting
    • Explanation of each step for socio-economic environment
    • Use of surveys, demographic and economic data
    • Diagram/flowchart of model
12. 7 Marks
    bHow is Noise pollution assessed during the EIA process? Discuss the sources, prediction techniques, and strategies for impact reduction.
    How to answer

    • Noise sources in construction/operation phase
    • Prediction techniques - Leq, noise modelling, baseline monitoring
    • Assessment standards and impact significance
    • Mitigation strategies - barriers, scheduling, equipment control
13. 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

    • For any two chosen topics: definition and relevance to EIA
    • Key steps/methods/framework involved
    • Example or application in EIA practice
    • Significance and limitations
14. 7 Marks
    aIdentify the primary, secondary and tertiary impacts of the construction and operation of the Sewage treatment plant by developing an interaction matrix. Provide an explanation.
    How to answer

    • Project actions - site clearing, construction, operation of STP
    • Environmental factors - air, water, soil, health, ecology
    • Interaction matrix showing primary, secondary, tertiary impacts
    • Explanation of impact chains with example
15. 7 Marks
    bDevelop the descriptive checklist of environmental parameters likely to be affected by the proposed construction of a dam across a perennial river.
    How to answer

    • Purpose of descriptive checklist for dam project
    • Categories - physical, biological, socio-economic, cultural parameters
    • List of likely affected parameters for perennial river dam
    • Use in scoping and impact assessment