ARCH 4042: EIA is concerned with predicting environmental impacts - Environmental Impact

Internal Code: MAS5818

Environmental Impact:

EIA is concerned with predicting environmental impacts and seeking to facilitate decision making on the basis of the assessment of the significance of these predictions. So this definition begs the question of what is an environmental impact. How should we define the term? This is a question of more than academic interest since our view will influence the approach we take to identifying, measuring and mitigating impacts. A clear definition of an impact should also help us differentiate impacts from other terms such as sources, effects, receptors and the environment. Consider the following hypothetical scenario: A new dual carriageway road bypass is proposed for Highway One at Port Wakefield (in South Australia) which will allow highway unobstructed traffic flow at highway speeds (110km/h). One grade separated interchange will be built where Highway One intersects the Copper Coast Highway (serving the Yorke Peninsula), a new interchange will be built south of Port Wakefield and there will be an overpass to cross a local rural road immediately east of Port Wakefield. Part of the existing Highway immediately north of Port Wakefield will be removed and realigned to allow optimal integration with the northern interchange. There will also be realignment of the Copper Coast Highway into the interchange. The project is expected to cost $375m. Questions: Test out your definition by applying it to a number of terms, for example: 1. noise 2. water pollution 3. traffic congestion 4. safety 5. loss of retail trade etc It may help to consider the problem in a series of stages, for example, what will the development consist of, what inputs and outputs might it have, what and who will be affected, are there positives and negative effects to consider? You will probably need to arrive at a definition of environment before you can decide what is an environmental impact.