MODULE 1

DEFINITION:

• The word Environment is derived from the French word “Environ” which
means “surrounding”.
• Our surrounding includes biotic factors like human beings, plants, animals,
microbes, etc and abiotic factors such as light, air, water, soil, etc.
• Environment includes water, air and land and the interrelation ships which
exist among and between water, air and land and human beings and other
living creatures such as plants, animals and micro organisms.
• By definition: “Environment refers to the sum total of all conditions which
surround man at a given point of space and time”
• EIA stands for "Environmental Impact Assessment." It is a process used to
evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or
development.
 NEED FOR EIA
• Identifying Potential Environmental Impacts: EIA helps in systematically identifying, predicting, and
evaluating the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects or developments.
• Decision-Making Tool: It provides decision-makers with comprehensive information on the
environmental consequences of various project alternatives, enabling them to make informed
choices.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: By assessing environmental impacts early in the planning
process, EIA helps to integrate environmental considerations into project planning and design,
promoting sustainable development practices.
• Public Participation and Transparency: EIA involves public consultation and participation, ensuring
that the concerns and views of stakeholders, including local communities, are considered in decision-
making processes.
• Mitigating Environmental Damage: EIA identifies potential adverse impacts and proposes measures
to avoid, minimize, or mitigate these impacts, thus reducing harm to the environment.
• Enhancing Project Design: Through EIA, project proponents can refine project designs and
incorporate environmental safeguards early in the project lifecycle, potentially reducing costs
associated with addressing environmental issues later.
• The EIA document itself is a technical tool that
identifies, predicts, and analyses impacts on the physical
environment, as well as social, cultural, and health
impacts.
• If the EIA process is successful, it identifies alternatives
and mitigation measures to reduce the environmental
impact of a proposed project.
• It is important to note that the EIA process does not
guarantee that a project will be modified or rejected if
the process reveals that there will be serious
environmental impacts.
• In other words, the EIA process ensures an informed
decision, but not necessarily an environmentally
beneficial decision.
EVOLUTION OF EIA: GLOBAL
 EVOLUTION OF EIA
Evolution of EIA world wide

• First introduced in United States of America through its National Environmental

Protection Act(NEPA)of 1969.
• Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Japan adopted EIA legislation in 1973,1974,
1981and1984, respectively.
• In July1985,theEuropean Community(EC) issued a directive making environmental
assessments mandatory for certain categories of projects.
• In Asia and the Pacific region, Thailand and the Philippines have long established
procedures for EIA.
• EIA was made mandatory in SriLanka in 1984. The EIA process in Africa is sketchy,
although a number of nations including Rwanda, Botswana and Sudan have some
experience of EIA.
• The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development(OECD) issued
recommendations on EIA to its constituent States in 1974 and 1979, and for
development aid projects in 1986.
• OECD issued guidelines for good practices in EIA in 1992
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1980 provided guidance on EIA
of the development proposals and supported research on EIA in developing
countries. UNEP, in 1987,setout goals and principles of EIA for the member countries
and provided guidance on basic procedures for EIA in 1988.
• The World Conservation Strategy pinpointed the need to integrate environmental
considerations with development in 1980.
• EIA became an integral part of World Bank policy in 1987.
• Asian Development Bank in 1990 published guidelines for EIA importance.
Evolution of EIA in India
• EIA in India was started in 1976-77, when the Planning Commission asked the
Department of Science and Technology to examine the river-valley projects from the
Environmental angle.
• This was subsequently extended to cover those projects, which Required approval of the
Public Investment Board. These were administrative decisions, and Lacked the legislative
support.
• The Government of India enacted the Environment (Protection) Act on 23rd May 1986.
• To achieve the objectives of the Act, one of the decisions taken was to make EIA
statutory. After following the legal procedure, a notification was issued on 27th January
1994.
• The Government of India under Environment (Protection) Act 1986 issued a number of
notifications, which are related to the environmental impact assessment Revised EIA
Notification in September 2006.
• Administrative aspects- India is the first country in the world to provide protection and
improvement of the environment in its Constitution.
 Environmental legislations in India-MEANING
1. Environmental Legislation means a plan of action adopted by the
Government rationalizing the course of action.
2. The environmental Legislation tries to enact all the laws of
environment in a justifiable manner
 Environmental legislations in India-

• The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974

• The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981
• The Environmental (Protection) Act 1986
• The Water (Prevention and Control) Act, 1974
OBJECTIVES

1. To prevent and control water pollution

2. To restore and maintain the wholesomeness of water.

3. The Act also confers some powers to the established bodies such as the central board and the state

board to control pollution of the water bodies.

 SALIENT FEATURES/PROVISIONS
• Define water pollution related terms ( pollution, pollutants , sewage etc).
• Maintenance & restoration of quality of all types of surface and underground water
• Establishments of boards-CPCB&SPCB
• Assigns powers and functions to boards.
• Prohibits disposal of polluting matter to flow of water in a stream.
• Provides punishments for violation of act-fine& imprisonment(section-43/45/45A)- 3
months to 7 years and fine)
Section 2 of the Act contain certain definitions:

1. “ Board “ means either the central board or the state board.

2. Section 2 (e) of the Act defines what is pollution, according to Section 2(e) Pollution means any
contamination of water or alteration of the physical, chemical and biological properties of water or
disposing of any sewage waste in water which is likely to cause nuisance or renders such water to be
harmful to public health or safety or to domestic, industrial or other legitimate use or harmful to the
life and health of the animals and aquatic plants.

• AGENCIES FOR CONTROLLING WATER POLLUTION

1.Central Board- Central Pollution Control Board

2.State Board- State Pollution Control Board

FUNCTIONS OF CENTRAL BOARD (SECTION 16)

1. Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water
pollution.
2. Coordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them.
3. provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor
investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or
abatement of water pollution.
4. Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in for the prevention,
control or abatement of water pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may
specify.
5. Organize through mass media a comprehensive program regarding the prevention and control
of water pollution.
FUNCTIONS OF STATE BOARD (SECTION 17)

1. To plan a comprehensive program for preventing and controlling the pollution of the wells and
streams in the state and to secure its execution.
2. To advise the State Government on matters relating to prevention and controlling water
pollution.
3. Collaborating with the central board to train persons employed or to be employed in preventing,
controlling water pollution.

4. To evolve methods of utilizing the sewage and suitable trade effluents in agriculture.
5. The state Board has the authority to set up laboratories to enable the board to perform its
function efficiently, including collecting samples of water from any stream or sewage or trade
effluents.
Prevention and Control of Water Pollution

• According to Section 19 of the Act, the orders passed by the state board will only apply in the areas that are
affected by water pollution.
• it is up to the state board to determine which area is to be declared water polluted and which is not, this can be
done by making reference to a map or making reference to a line of any watershed or the boundary of any
district.
• According to Section 20 of the Act, the state board also has the power to inspect any land, conduct
surveys or gauge in an area if it thinks fit for controlling or preventing water pollution.
• It can also ask any company, industry to dispose of the information pertaining to the construction,
installation, and operation of its establishment.

• Section 21 of the Act empowers the state board or any employee on its behalf to analyze any stream
or well for the purpose of preventing and controlling water purpose.
.
• According to Section 25, no person is allowed to set up an industry or start a new operation or
processor to any treatment of sewage without prior approval of the state board, the state board
may grant him a notice of approval and only after that he is entitled to continue or start a new
business.
• If a person starts a new operation before prior approval of the board, the board may impose any
conditions as it may think fit for not obtaining notice of approval.
 The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 and amended in
1987 to provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in India.
• The main objectives of the Act are as follows:
– To provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
– To provide for the establishment of central and State Boards with a view to implement
the Act.
– To confer on the Boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act and assign to
the Boards functions relating to pollution.

• The following are the definitions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
• Section 2(a) defines an ‘air pollutants’ as any solid liquid or gaseous substance which may
cause harm or damage the environment, humans, plants, animals or even damage property.
A 1987 amendment to the act also added ‘noise’ in the list of harmful substances.
• The air act defines ‘air pollution’ as the presence of any dangerous pollutant that makes the
air unbreathable
• The key features of the Act include:
– Advising Central Government of Air and Air Pollution related issues
– Research about the causes and impact of Air Pollution
– Spread awareness to stop air pollution
– To establish central and State Boards and empower them to monitor air quality
and control pollution
– The Air Act consists of 54 sections that aims to define the terms associated with
air pollution and related aspects.
– Person Whoever contravenes any of the provision of the Act or any order or
direction issued is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
three months or with a fine of Rs. 10,000 or with both, and in case of continuing
offence with an additional fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 for every day
during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first
contravention.section-37
 FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL BOARD(section-16)

• The main functions of the Central Board shall be to improve the quality of air
and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. These are:
 To advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of
the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution.
 To plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention,
control or abatement of air pollution.
 To co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them.
 To provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and
sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and
prevention, control or abatement of air pollution.
 FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE BOARD-(section17)

• The function of any State Board may be specified that are as follows-
 To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution
and to secure the execution thereof.
 To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement
of air pollution.
 To collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution.
 To collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of persons engaged or to be
engaged in programmes relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution and to
organize mass-education programme relating thereto.
 To inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think necessary, assess the
quality of air therein and take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in
such areas.
 The Environmental (Protection) Act 1986
• The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in the year 1986. It was enacted with
the main objective to provide the protection and improvement of the environment
and for matters connected therewith.
• The Act covers all forms of pollution; air, water, soil and noise. It provides the safe
standards for the presence of various pollutants in the environment. It prohibits the
use of hazardous material unless prior permission is taken from the Central
Government.
• The Act is an “umbrella” legislation designed to provide a framework for Central
Government coordination of the activities of various central and state authorities
established under previous laws, such as the Water Act and the Air Act.
 Environment Protection Act and Rules, 1986

Important Definitions
• “Environment" includes water, air and land and the inter- relationship which exists among and between water,
air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property. [S-2(a)]

• "Environmental Pollutant" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration as may
be, or tend to be, injurious to environment [S-2(b)]

• "Environmental Pollution" means the presence in the environment of any environmental pollutant [S-2(c)]
 Environment Protection Act 1986

Central Government is most powerful under EP Act

• General Powers of the Central Government (S-3)
-Take all necessary measures for environment protection.
-Coordinate the actions of State Governments
-Lay down standards of environment quality and pollutants.
-Execute nationwide programmes.
-Restriction of areas for industries, etc.
-Inspecting industrial premises,
-Preparation of manuals, codes or guides

• The Central Government may appoint

officers and entrust them with such
powers and functions as it may deem fit. (S-4)
 Environment Protection Act 1986

Central Government is most powerful under EP Act

• The Central Government is empowered to issue directions to any person, officer or any
authority . (S-5)

• The Central Government is empowered to make rules to regulate environmental pollution on

the following matters: (S-6)
- the standards of quality of air, water or soil
- the maximum allowable limits of pollutants
- the procedures for the handling of hazardous substances
- the prohibition and restriction on the location of industries
- the procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents
 Environment Protection Act 1986

Central Government is most powerful under EP Act

• The Central Government is empowered to issue directions to any person, officer or any
authority . (S-5)

• The Central Government is empowered to make rules to regulate environmental pollution on

the following matters: (S-6)
- the standards of quality of air, water or soil
- the maximum allowable limits of pollutants
- the procedures for the handling of hazardous substances
- the prohibition and restriction on the location of industries
- the procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents
 Environment Protection Act and Rules, 1986

Prevention, Control, And Abatement Of Environmental Pollution under EP Act, 1986

• No person/industry is allowed to pollute the environment. (S-7)

• Procedures and processes are laid down to control pollution. (S-9)
• Monitoring authority can carry out inspections. (S-10)
• Power to take samples (As per prescribed procedure). (S-11)
• Samples are tested in environmental laboratories. (S-12)
 Environment Protection Act and Rules, 1986

Salient Features Of The Act

• Central Government is most powerful.

• Environmental labs are established or
authorised by Central Govt., State Govt.,
CPCB or State PCB.
• Standards are laid down by Central Govt.,
State Govt., CPCB or State PCB.
• Stringent penalties and punishments.
• Person having highest authority is prosecuted.
• Hazardous wastes are defined and special procedure is laid down.
• Locus standi is relaxed. Any person can file a case.
• This Act is also applicable to Government Department.
• This is an Umbrella Legislation.
 Environment Protection Act and Rules, 1986

Umbrella Legislation
There are several Rules laid down under the EP Act. Few of the important Rules are as under-
• Environment Protection Rules, 1986
• Hazardous Waste Rules, 1989 (Now 2016)
• Bio Medical Waste Rules, 1998
• Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2000
• Noise Pollution Rules, 2000
• Ozone Depleting Substances Rules, 2000
• Battery Waste Rules, 2001
• Plastic Waste Rules, 2011
• Electronic waste Rules, 2011
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Pollutant Standard(s)
Carbon Monoxide 9 ppm (10 mg/m3)
35 ppm (40 mg/m3)

Lead 1.5 µg/m3 Quarterly Average

Nitrogen Dioxide 0.053 ppm (100 µg/m3) Annual

Particulate Matter (PM10) 50 µg/m3Annual

150 ug/m324-hour

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 15.0 µg/m3Annual

65 ug/m324-hour

Ozone 0.08 ppm 8-hour

0.12 ppm1-hour

Sulfur Oxides 0.03 ppm Annual

0.14 ppm24-hour
3-hour10.5 ppm (1300 ug/m3) (Secondary Standard)

All are Health-based “Primary” Standards, except as noted.

 Noise standards for automobiles
Category of Vehicle limit in dB(A)

(a)Motorcycle,scooters and three wheelers. 80

(b)Passenger Cars 82

(c)Passenger or commercial vehicles upto 4 MT 85

(d)Passenger or commercial vehicles above 4 MT and upto 12 MT 89

(e)Passenger or commercial vehicles exceeding 12 MT 91

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 Noise standards for,domestic appliances and construction
equipments
Category of Domestic Appliances/Construction Equipments Noise limits in
dB(A)

a)Window air conditioners of 1 tonne to 1.5 tonne 68

b)Air Coolers 60

(c)Refrigerators 46

d)Diesel Generator for domestic purposes 85-90

e)Compactors(rollers),Front loaders, Concrete mixers,Cranes(movable), 75

Vibrators and Saws

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 Environment Impact Assessment(EIA)
Notification 2006 (Govt. of India)

• The required construction of new projects or activities or the expansion or

modernization of existing projects or activities listed in the Schedule to this
notification entailing capacity addition with change in process and or technology
shall be under taken in any part of India only after the prior environmental
clearance from the Central Government or as the case may be, by the State Level
Environment Impact Assessment Authority
• It includes
Schedule 1:
• List of projects requiring environmental clearance from central government.
Schedule 2:
• (Application form) industry should submit application form for the environmental
clearance to Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Schedule 3:
• (composition of expert committee for giving environmental clearance).Experts from
various disciplines including air pollution, risk analysis, social service, NGOs,
economics, water pollution, etc. constitute this committee
Schedule 4:
• Procedure for public hearing
• All projects and activities are broadly
categorized into two categories-Category A
and Category B based on
 Spatial extent of impacts
 Impacts on natural and man-made resources
 Impacts on human health
Projects not requiring EIA
• Pipe line project – EIA will not be required

• Projects listed in the schedule to notification

(as Category A and B projects) require EIA.
• Some of the projects are given in the
following table.
 STEPS IN EIA PROCESS
The EIA process involves a number of steps, some of which are listed below:
1.Project screening:
• screening often results in a categorization of the project and from this a decision
is made on whether or not a full EIA is to be carried out.
2.Scoping:
• It is the process of determining which are the most critical issues to study and
will involve community participation to some degree.
• It is at this early stage that EIA can most strongly influence the outline proposal.
 The key benefits of scoping include:
• Early stakeholder identification, engagement, input and identification of issues of
concern;
• An assessment focused on key, likely significant impacts on known biodiversity,
their inter-relationships and sensitivities;
• Early identification of existing data and data gaps;
• Early identification of the need for seasonally dependent surveys so that they can
be accommodated in the schedule of work.
3. Consideration of alternatives:
• This seeks to ensure that the proponent has considered other feasible
approaches, including alternative project locations, scales, processes, layouts,
operating condition and the no-action option.
 4. Description of the project/development action:
• This step seeks to clarify the purpose and rationale of the project and understand
its various characteristics, including the stages of development, location and
processes.
5.Description of the environmental baseline:
• This includes the establishment of both the present and future state of the
environment, in the absence of the project, taking in to account the changes
resulting from natural events and from other human activities.
6.Identification of key impacts:
• This brings together the previous steps with a view to ensuring that all potentially
significant environmental impacts (adverse and beneficial) are identified and
taken into account in the process.
 7.The prediction of impacts:
• This step aims to identify the likely magnitude of the change (i.e., impact) in the
environment when the project is implemented in comparison with the situation
when the project is not carried out
8.Evaluation and assessment of significance:
• This seeks to assess the relative significance of the predicted impacts to allow a
focus on key adverse impacts.
• Formal definition of Significance is the product of consequence and likelihood as
Significance=consequence X Likelihood
9.Mitigation:
• This involves the introduction of measures to avoid, reduce, remedy or
compensate for any significant adverse impacts.
 10.Public consultation and participation:
• it ensure quality, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness of EIA, and that the
public views are adequately taken into consideration in the decision making
process.
11.(Environment Impact Statement)EIS presentation:
• This is a vital step in the process. If done badly, much good work in the EIA may
be negated.
12.Review of EIA report:
• This involves a systematic appraisal of the quality of the EIS, as a contribution to
the decision-making process.
13.Decision making:
• At this stage, decisions are made by the relevant authority of the EIS (including
consultation responses) together with other material considerations as to
whether to accept, defer or reject the project.
 14.Post-decision monitoring:
• This involves the recording of out comes associated with development impacts,
after the decision to proceed with the project. It can contribute to effective project
management.
15.Auditing:
• This follows monitoring and involves comparing actual out comes with predicted
outcomes, and can be used to assess the quality of predictions and the effectiveness
of mitigation. It provides a vital step in the EIA learning process.