Discuss environmental impact assessment methodologies ?
Ans.The impact identification and assessment can be made through several ways.Each one represents a methodology. Besides the one already explained, there are six other different methodologies in the literature based on the way the impacts are identified and assessed. A critical overview of the methodologies is given below 1. Ad Hoc: These methodologies provide a minimum guidance for impact assessment. They merely suggest broad areas of possible impacts (e.g.,impacts on lakes, forests, etc.,) rather than defining specific parameters to be investigated. This is given exogenously to the analyst. 2. Overlays: These methodologies depend upon a set of maps on the environmental characteristics (physical, social, ecological, and aesthetic) of the proposed project’s vicinity. These maps are overlaid to produce a composite characterization of the regional environment. Noting the impacted environmental attributes within the project boundaries then identifies impacts. 3. Checklists: