Impact prediction, evaluation and mitigation - Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment - page 132

One starting point to identify the dimensions of prediction in the UK is the legislative
requirements (see Table 3.4, Parts I and II). These basic specifications are amplified in
guidance given in Environmental assessment: a guide to the procedures (DETR 2000,
ODPM 2003) as outlined in Table 5.1. As already noted, this listing is limited on the
assessment
Table 5.1 Assessment of effects, as outlined in UK
regulations
Assessment of effects (including direct and indirect, secondary, cumulative, short-, medium-and
long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of project)
Effects on human beings, buildings and man-made features
1. Change in population arising from the development, and consequential environment effects.
2. Visual effects of the development on the surrounding area and landscape.
3. Levels and effects of emissions from the development during normal operation.
4. Levels and effects of noise from the development.
5. Effects of the development on local roads and transport.
6. Effects of the development on buildings, the architectural and historic heritage, archaeological
features, and other human artefacts, e.g. through pollutants, visual intrusion, vibration.
Effects on flora, fauna and geology
7. Loss of, and damage to, habitats and plant and animal species.
8. Loss of, and damage to, geological, palaeotological and physiographic features.
9. Other ecological consequences.
Effects on land
10. Physical effects of the development, e.g. change in local topography, effect of earth-moving on
stability, soil erosion, etc.
11. Effects of chemical emissions and deposits on soil of site and surrounding land.
12. Land-use/resource effects:
(a) quality and quantity of agricultural land to be taken;
(b) sterilization of mineral resources;
(c) other alternative uses of the site, including the “do-nothing” option;
(d) effect on surrounding land uses including agriculture;
(e) waste disposal.
Effects on water
13. Effects of development on drainage pattern in the area.
14. Changes to other hydrographic characteristics, e.g. groundwater level, watercourses, flow of
underground water.