Introduction - Environmental Impact Analysis: Process and Methods - page 6

be either a standard method or more commonly a combination of stan-
dard methods and ones developed to meet the specific needs of each action
and environmental setting. In the latter case the methods and approach
should be reviewed with the decision makers and key stakeholders before
they are implemented to ensure acceptance of the results reached from the
environmental analysis. The environmental impact analysis methods should
be strictly followed with clear and full documentation of any variance. Also,
as with the chemical analysis, some level of quality assurance and quality
control is necessary.
This topic presents environmental impact analysis as an approach embody-
ing the concepts of science and technical procedure. Each analysis should be
designed to address a specific question and most often should test a series of
hypotheses. For example:
r Which pollutants could be discharged from a chemical plant?
r Which are the environmental receptors found in the vicinity of the
chemical plant?
r Will the pollutants reach the environmental receptors?
r If they do reach the receptors, at what concentration?
r What is the sensitivity of the receptors to the predicted concentrations?
r If the receptors are to be affected, what are the implications on an
ecosystem level?
r Which alternatives and mitigation measures best meet the pur-
pose and need, while balancing all environmental and economic
considerations?
The approach to environmental impact analysis presented in this topic is
not strictly science, because the analysis is always constrained by funding,
schedule, flexibility of the proposed action, and stakeholder's interests. Even
if environmental impact analysis cannot reach the height of pure science it
should never resort to “voodoo science” relying on undocumented assump-
tions, subjective and qualitative opinions, hand waving, or adherence to
untested preconceived notions.
Once a reader has mastered this topic she or he should be ready to jump
into the fray of a multidisciplinary environmental analysis and make a mean-
ingful contribution. Readers should also learn how their particular technical
discipline and other areas of expertise can be integrated into the environ-
mental analysis. Similarly, they should be able to determine whether the
necessary expertise is represented or available to the team and then ask the
right questions to conduct a successful environmental analysis that meets
the goals expressed in this chapter.