Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
time, with some handbooks or guidance manuals now on their second edition or with
multiple updates.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's EIA requirements are
typical of those of other lending institutions. The Bank's Environmental Procedures
(EBRD 2003) aim to ensure that the environmental implications of potential bank-
financed investment and technical cooperation projects are identified and assessed early
in the bank's planning and decision-making process, and that environmental
considerations—including potential benefits—are incorporated into the preparation,
approval and implementation of projects.
Initial screening discussions between the bank and the project sponsor sort the
proposed project into one of several categories:
• Category A projects likely to cause significant adverse impacts which, at the time of
screening cannot readily be identified or assessed. A full EIA is required for these
projects. Some types of projects automatically come under Category A; others are put
into Category A on a case-by-case basis.
• Category B projects likely to have less severe impacts than Category A projects. These
require a less stringent environmental analysis. The scope of the environmental
analysis is determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Category C projects likely to result in minimal or no adverse impacts and that do not
need analysis.
Where it is not possible to categorize the project during early screening, an initial
environmental examination is carried out to determine the appropriate screening
category. The screening process also determines whether an environmental audit is
required to identify the impact of past or current operations of existing facilities.
Public disclosure and consultation is required throughout the planning and assessment/
analysis processes of Categories A and B projects. The EBRD sets environmental
standards for each project. It may also specify an environmental action plan and/or
monitoring to be carried out by the sponsor as a condition of investment. Prior to making
a final decision about whether to lend money for the project, Bank officials review the
environmental due diligence information available, ensure that proposed mitigation
measures are agreed with the project sponsor, highlight opportunities for environmental
improvements, identify environmental monitoring requirements and any
technical/environmental cooperation initiatives that should be undertaken and advise on
whether the project complies with the Bank's environmental policy and procedures.
The Asian Development Bank's Environmental Assessment Guidelines (ADB 2003)
have similar screening and assessment requirements. The guidelines give more detailed
information about assessment of projects vs. programmes, a range of different sectors,
equity investments, etc.; they also stress consultation.
The World Bank perceives EIA as one of its key environmental and social safeguard
policies. Its Operational Policy/Bank Procedures 4.01 of 1991 require EIA for relevant
lending operations, and its Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (World Bank 1991)
and various updates explain the EIA process. EIA involves screening of the project into
assessment categories by Bank staff; preparation of an environmental assessment report
by the proponent; review of the report by Bank staff; an appraisal mission in which Bank
staff discuss and resolve environmental issues with the proponent; documentation of the
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