Environmental Impact Assessment

1. Define Environmental Impact Assessment and its scope.
2. Describe the legal and institutional framework for EIA in Nigeria.
3. Classify and categorize different types of Environmental Impact Assessments.
4. Explain the key elements of the EIA process.
5. Describe the basic guidelines and procedures for conducting an EIA.
6. Discuss the role and function of EIA in promoting sustainable development.

13 weeks, about 60 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: The definition and legal basis of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process

   • Unit 1: Definition and scope of EIA · 4 hours

     Read the definition of EIA.. Understand the scope of EIA.. Identify the main purpose of EIA.. Answer self-assessment questions..

   • Unit 2: Institutional Arrangement EIA legislation & Lead Agencies · 4 hours

     Explain the origin and legal framework for EIA.. Distinguish the lead agencies for EIA process in Nigeria.. Answer self-assessment questions..

2. Week 2Module 2: Classification and categorization of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 1: Classification of EIA · 4 hours

     State the various types of EIA based on the purpose and theme or concern.. Describe each of the theme or concern.. Answer self-assessment questions..

3. Week 3Module 2: Classification and categorization of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 2: Other categorization of EIA · 4 hours

     Describe and appraise the three categorizations – regional, sectoral and life-cycle Assessment as part of EIA classification.. Answer self-assessment questions..

4. Week 4Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 1: Screening · 4 hours

     Differentiate which proposed activity requires mandatory EIA.. Establish which proposed activity does not require an EIA.. Justify why an EIA may not be required in certain peculiar circumstances.. Answer self-assessment questions..

5. Week 5Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 2: Scoping · 4 hours

     Identify the issues to be considered in scoping.. Formulate the Terms of Reference (ToR) or 'EIA-scope draft report'.. Answer self-assessment questions..

6. Week 6Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 3: Identifying and evaluating project alternatives · 4 hours

     Formulate and appreciate the consideration of alternatives to a proposed action.. Evaluate different types of alternatives that can be considered.. Answer self-assessment questions..

7. Week 7Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 4: Mitigating measures · 4 hours

     Propose some appropriate mitigation measures to address common potential environmental impacts arising from project level activities.. Build the mitigation measures into a monitoring plan.. Answer self-assessment questions..

8. Week 8Module 3: Key elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 5: EIA report and certification · 4 hours

     Develop an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.. Explain the Approval / Certification process.. Answer self-assessment questions..

9. Week 9Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   • Unit 1: Preliminary activities · 4 hours

     Recall preliminary activities in the EIA process, those of screening and scoping.. Answer self-assessment questions..

10. Week 10Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    • Unit 2: Impact identification · 4 hours

      Discuss preliminary identification of potential impacts.. Discuss preliminary screening for impact importance.. Answer self-assessment questions..

11. Week 11Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    • Unit 3: Baseline study · 4 hours

      Collect the information to describe the baseline environment of a proposed activity.. Report on seasonal differences.. Answer self-assessment questions..

12. Week 12Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    • Unit 4: Impact evaluation · 4 hours

      Practise the identification of potential impacts from a projectlevel EIA.. Investigate potential impacts from similar activity/action.. Answer self-assessment questions..

13. Week 13Module 4: Basic guidelines and procedures of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    • Unit 5: Mitigation measures · 4 hours

      Identify mitigation options from the prediction and assessment of relevant effects/impacts.. Develop mitigation measures for identified relevant effects/impacts of a simple agricultural project.. Answer self-assessment questions..

    • Unit 6: Documentation, decision making & Post audits · 4 hours

      Justify the need for documentation in the EIA process.. Appraise the decision making process in EIA.. Demonstrate the importance of post audits in EIA.. Answer self-assessment questions..