ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the main legal, operational and scientific tools used for environmental assessment and management within and around ports. Environmental factors associated with port development include land reclamation, dredging, construction, maintenance, and any related activity such as the disposal of materials waste and release of contaminants. Environmental risks may also stem from external factors such as safety and security incidents, earthquakes and seismic events, storms, hurricanes and similar adverse weather conditions. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a broad concept which covers a variety of tools and procedures aimed at the assessment and monitoring of the impact of a project, an activity, or an incident on the environment. The EIA is an important and useful tool for the administrations responsible for the protection of the environment because its application in advance to the activities to be developed in the country will allow the detection of impacts possible to be corrected.
