Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
conducted only when it is generally accepted that the site poses an obvious and significant
risk to human health and the environment. Combining the investigation and evaluation
process can shorten the time required to investigate a site and save financial resources,
provided the necessary amount of environmental risk is removed to protect human health
(USEPA 1988).
4.2.8 Natural Resource Damage Assessment
An NRDA is a study that evaluates the damage or injuries to the environment (USEPA
2009). The term injury refers to an actual adverse impact to, or loss of, a natural resource.
Damage refers to the monetary cost of restoration or replacement of the natural resource.
The USEPA (2009) defines a natural resource as
• Land
• Air
• Water
• Fish
• Biota
• Wildlife
• Groundwater
• Drinking water supplies
• Other potentially identifiable natural resources
NRDAs are usually conducted after the extent of contamination has been defined and
before any final remedy is implemented. Typically, an NRDA is conducted at large sites
where there is clear evidence a human-induced environmental impact has significantly
degraded the ecological and natural resources of a specific region.
4.2.9 Environmental Impact Statement
An EIS is conducted to identify and evaluate the positive and negative biophysical, social,
and other environmental effects that a proposed development action may have on the
environment (Glasson et al. 2005).
An EIS includes
1. Describing the proposed action or activity to be conducted.
2. Describing the extent to which the proposed action or activity will potentially
affect the environment.
3. Analyzing each potential environmental impact.
4. Presenting a range of development alternatives for the public to consider regard-
ing the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action. Included in this
range of alternatives is a “no action” option, meaning the project should not be
undertaken.
If the EIS process concludes that the proposed action has a high potential to cause significant
environmental degradation, other options may be required to reduce the environmental
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