Geography 4/540

Environmental Impact Analysis

The EIA process is essentially the study and evaluation of change; change introduced by human activity on environmental systems. In a more formal sense EIA is also a device to assure disclosure of environmental consequences before human actions are taken.

EIA therefore, represents a departure from the mode of environmental decision making that had shaped the form and function of the American landscape prior to January 1, 1970. This course has been designed to introduce students to the legal, scientific and administrative considerations and procedures that define the environmental impact analysis process; focusing on the concept of environmental impact and the techniques and responsibilities that guide its discovery and mitigation in the United States as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970.

COURSE SCHEDULE

     Week                Topic                        

     1         Introduction to the EIA Process         

     2         NEPA and Its Implementation            

     3         Elements of EIA; Assesment Frameworks  

     4         Impact Assessment Methods

     EXAM #1

     5         Forecasting Impacts on Geologic, Soil, Vegetation, and Hydrologic Factors            

     6         Forecasting Noise, Air, Water Quality Impacts                              

     7         Forecasting Social, Cultural, and  Economic Impacts

     EXAM #2

     8         Evaluating Growth Inducing Impacts, Alternatives, and Mitigation Strategies

     9         The EIS Review Process                  

     10        Post EIS Monitoring and Impact Audits

     FINAL EXAM

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