The Ocean Science Consultancy Toolkit is our new informative series designed to unpack some fundamental aspects of a multidisciplinary marine environmental survey. For the first installment of this series, we consider the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)—what is it, and when one is needed.

Defining an EIA

An EIA is an internationally recognized approach for identifying possible environmental consequences of an offshore development project in the early stages of planning. Its application is designed to facilitate the prevention and mitigation of any potential adverse impacts resulting from the proposed ocean-based activities.

EIAs provide a framework to ensure that all project decision-makers are fully informed and equipped with the data and analysis to prioritize the environment at the earliest possible time to afford project managers time to address any concerns. This ultimately ensures that proposals are fully understood by all stakeholders and interested parties before critical decisions are made.

There are five main stages to any EIA.

1. Screening: Assessing whether a full EIA is necessary.
2. Scoping: What does the final EIA need to report on?
3. Preparing the report: The EIA report needs to be completed to clearly outline any significant and likely impacts to the environment directly caused by the proposed offshore development.
4. Making an application and consultation: At this stage, the EIA report is published and made fully available to all interested parties.
5. Decision making: All comments and concerns must be assessed by the appropriate authority before any final decision about the development proposal is made. The decision notice is then published.

If the outcome is acceptable and the developer is granted permission to commence the project, developers are required to carry out all of the marine environmental monitoring as determined by the governing authority. Conducting an EIA for an offshore infrastructure project is, therefore, a fundamental step in helping ensure environmental sustainability and responsible development.

Why would an EIA be needed for a project?

Specific reasons for conducting an EIA may include one or more of the following.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many countries and jurisdictions have laws and regulations that require an EIA for projects that may have significant environmental impacts, with the understanding that the extent and scale of these impacts and identifying appropriate mitigation can only be determined through the assessment process. Compliance with these regulations is legally necessary to obtain permits, licenses, and approvals to assess and mitigate the significant effects of a project or development proposal on people and the environment.

Environmental Protection: An EIA identifies the resources at risk from a proposed activity and assesses the potential environmental impacts on those resources. This assessment provides an understanding of the potential risks and facilitates the development of appropriate mitigation measures to prevent or minimize these impacts. It ensures that the project is designed and implemented in an environmentally responsible manner, reducing potential harm to natural resources and social/cultural conditions.

Stakeholder Engagement: The EIA process routinely involves consultation and engagement with a variety of stakeholders and provides a formal mechanism for local communities, environmental groups, government agencies, and indigenous populations to improve decision making processes involving environmental and social issues. It provides an opportunity for these stakeholders to voice any concerns, provide input, and actively participate in protecting their interests. By incorporating their perspectives through engagement, the proponent can address community issues and needs, and mitigate potential conflicts.

Project Design and Planning: Conducting an EIA early in the project planning phase allows identification of potential environmental risks and impacts before significant investments are made. The assessment helps in designing appropriate engineering and operational controls, selecting suitable sites, and considering alternative options that may minimize environmental and social harm. This proactive approach can potentially save costs and prevent project delays or disruptions.

Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility: An EIA aligns with the principles of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. By evaluating the environmental consequences of a project, a balance is sought between economic development and environmental protection. It demonstrates commitment to minimizing negative impacts, promoting social welfare, and preserving the long-term viability of ecosystems, natural resources, and social conditions.

Extensive Offshore Energy Experience

Since 1970, CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) has successfully completed thousands of multidisciplinary survey projects for over 665 clients in 76 countries and has amassed enviable experience in assisting clients conducting work in the marine environment to design and implement policies, processes, and procedures established to prevent, minimalize, and mitigate any potential adverse impacts associated with offshore development activities.

In summary, an EIA is just one of the universally accepted survey tools available for evaluating marine environmental baseline conditions of a target development site.

To discuss how CSA can help provide experience marine scientific consultancy on an offshore development project, visit: https://www.csaocean.com/contact