ABSTRACT
Environmental assessment (EA) is used in this chapter as a portmanteau term for environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA). EIA is the evaluation of the effects likely to arise from a major project significantly affecting the natural and man-made environment. Consultation and participation are integral to this evaluation. EIA is a systematic and integrative process for considering possible impacts prior to a decision being taken on whether or not a proposal should be given approval to proceed. EIA requires, inter alia, the publication of an EIA report describing in detail the environmental impacts likely to arise from an action. SEA is an equivalent process undertaken at the policy, plan and/or programme (PPP) level.
