Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
12
Was the Environmental
Assessment Adequate?
Identifying Issues, Finding Solutions
Critical review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important
element of environmental assessment for a new mining development. If
the EIA is prepared by external experts, as is often if not always the case, the
mining company normally scrutinizes the EIA documentation internally before
releasing the document to government authorities for approval. This is to ensure
that the document meets the company standards, that the project description
accurately represents company planning and that commitments made on behalf
of the company are fi nancially and technically achievable. Government authorities
conduct their own internal review as the basis for decision-making.
Review of environmental assessment is not restricted to the planning stage of a new
project, but may be carried out at any stage of the project. Environmental auditing assesses
the environmental performance of an active mine, and as such, is best suited to compare
actual with predicted impacts. The environmental audit helps to check whether environ-
mental mitigation measures achieve the expected results. This chapter provides guidance
to both reviewing an EIA as well as auditing an active mine.
The environmental audit helps
to check whether environmental
mitigation measures achieve the
expected results.
12.1 REVIEWING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Defi ning Review Purpose and Objectives
An environmental assessment review can serve several purposes, each requiring somewhat
different reviewer skills. Usually, an environmental assessment review is part of the EIA
approval process. It also serves to collect public opinions on a proposed mining project.
Occasionally, an independent reviewer is asked by stakeholder groups (such as poten-
tial investors in a new mine venture) to review environmental assessment in terms of its
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