Saturday, November 13, 2010

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Over the years, development projects have transformed the physical and social environment in Nigeria, enhanced poverty alleviation and created job and health opportunities. However, many of these projects have negative environmental and health impacts which compromise the sustainability of the projects.

The increasing concern on the negative effects of development projects in most countries of the world including Nigeria, led to the enactment of several legislation, policies and guidelines which have imposed limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the environment and on resource exploitation which invariably pose a threat to the heath, well-being and quality of life of humans. In this regard, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been applied as a veritable tool to reduce, mitigate or ameliorate adverse environmental effects of such projects.

Since its inception in the early 1970’s EIA has become an effective decision making tool to assist decision makers in ensuring the integration of economic development and important environmental issues. EIA is a tried and tested instrument for analyzing the effects of development proposals on the environment and to mitigate their potential adverse effects.

The goal of this course therefore, is to develop the knowledge and skills of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) for EIA good practice. The course gives an overview of EIA. It introduces the concept of EIA, outlines its history, placing it within the current framework of sustainable development and discusses:

• the what, why, and how of EIA;
• the role of stakeholders, most especially the beneficiary community; and
• The legal implications of EIA.

Emphasis is given to the aspect of EIA study and the Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The introduction of Health Impact Assessment as an integral part of EIA is discussed as a separate topic.

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