Starting up; early stages - Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment - page 126

notably that for the Bristol Arena—and can be used as a vehicle for public participation
and/or the integration of different experts' analyses of a site.

4.8.3 Summary

Table 4.3 summarizes the respective advantages of the main impact identification
methods discussed in this section. 4 Given the complexity of many impact identification
techniques, it is understandable that many EIAs in the UK use checklists, simple matrices
and simple networks, or some hybrid combination including elements from several of the
methods discussed. Impact identification methods need to be chosen with care: they are
not politically neutral, and the more sophisticated the method becomes, often the more
difficult become clear communication and effective participation (see Chapter 6 for more
discussion). The simpler methods are generally easier to use, more
Table 4.3 Comparison of impact identification
methods

Criterion

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Checklists

Simple/question

Threshold

Matrices

Simple

Magnitude/time-dependent

Leopold

Weighted

Quantitative

EES/WRAM 3 3 3 3 3

Network

Sorensen

Overlay maps

1 . compliance with regulations;
2. comprehensive coverage (social, economic and physical impacts);
3. positive vs. negative, reversible vs. irreversible impacts, etc.;
4. secondary, indirect, cumulative impacts;
5. significant vs. insignificant impacts;
6. compare alternative options;
7. compare against carrying capacity;
8. uses qualitative and quantitative information;
9. easy to use;