The role of environmental impact statements in engineering and planning decisions

The introduction of environmental impact statements (eiss) has brought with it changes in the way that engineering and planning decisions are made. This paper describes the types of changes that resulted from a number of eiss in which the authors have been involved. The basic concept of the eis is to provide information upon environmental factors in relation to a specific project so that these factors can be incorporated with technical and economic factors in making planning and engineering decisions. How this information affected decisions for a number of projects is the focus of the paper. From this experience some general points are derived. Some of the main points are as follows. The eis process identifies environmental impacts leading to changes in site layout or site selection to avoid or minimise the effect of development on these areas. The eis is a vehicle for drawing out information about the site from government departments and the general public that is useful not only in environmental terms but also for engineering planning and design. The openness of the eis process provides a forum for resolving issues and discovering misconceptions about projects, particularly amongst the general public. The eis does not necessarily change decisions but usually leads to better informed decisions: the less technical nature of eiss is often better understood than the more technical style of engineering documentation (a).

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0858251248
• Authors:
  • Jenkins, B R
  • Woodhead, W R
• Conference:
  • Engineering Conference, 1980, Adelaide, Australia
• Publication Date: 1980

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 66-9
• Monograph Title: Engineering Conference 1980, Adelaide, 14-18 April 1980; Engineering in the 80's; conference papers, supplement and plenary sessions papers
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 80/2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environment; Environmental impact analysis; Geotechnical engineering; Impact studies; Interchanges; Planning
• ATRI Terms: Environment; Environmental impact assessment (EIA); Impact study; Interchange; Planning; Site investigation
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01438928
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• ISBN: 0858251248
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 9:55PM