---
title: "EIA, environmental impacts, checklist method"
subject: "Project Engineering"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_7/project_engineering:eia-problems-impacts-checklist"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/eia-problems-impacts-checklist
site: BCT Engineering
---

# EIA, environmental impacts, checklist method

Project Engineering · Chapter 2: Project Appraisal and Project Formulation

- Asked in: 2065 Shrawan (old course), 8 marks
- Video: [EIA(Environmental Impact Assessment) ||Made easy🔥😎](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co9G_-L3_7U) —  Biology with Tanya 
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/eia-problems-impacts-checklist
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-2

## Question

Explain EIA. Describe the different environmental problems, the types of environmental impacts and the method of identification and comparison by the check list method.

## Short answer

EIA is a systematic assessment of a project's environmental consequences required before approval. Nepal faces deforestation, erosion, air and water pollution, and solid waste. Impacts are classified as direct/indirect, positive/negative, short-term/long-term, reversible/irreversible. The checklist method lists environmental factors; a weighted scoring checklist assigns scores to compare project alternatives.

## Answer

#### EIA

**Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)** is a systematic study to identify, predict, evaluate and mitigate the positive and negative effects of a proposed project on the physical, biological, social and cultural environment before decisions are taken. In Nepal, it is required by the Environment Protection Act, 2019 and Environment Protection Rules, 2020: IEE for smaller projects and full EIA for larger ones (for example hydropower above 50 MW, roads in sensitive areas).

#### Steps
1. Screening: decide whether IEE or EIA is needed.
2. Scoping: identify key issues and prepare the terms of reference.
3. Baseline study of existing environment.
4. Impact identification and prediction (checklist, matrix, network, overlay).
5. Evaluation of significance and comparison of alternatives.
6. Mitigation measures and Environmental Management Plan.
7. Report preparation, public hearing and review.
8. Approval, monitoring and auditing.

#### Environmental problems in Nepal
- Deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
- Soil erosion, landslides and flood in the hills and Terai.
- Air pollution in Kathmandu valley (vehicles, brick kilns, dust).
- Water pollution of rivers (Bagmati) from sewage and industry.
- Solid waste and poor disposal.
- Glacier retreat and climate change effects.
- Unplanned urbanisation and loss of farmland.
- Noise pollution and haphazard resource extraction (sand, boulders).

#### Types of impacts
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Direct / indirect | Immediate result vs secondary effect |
| Positive / negative | Beneficial vs harmful |
| Short term / long term | During construction vs during operation |
| Reversible / irreversible | Can recover or not |
| Local / regional / global | Extent of area affected |
| Cumulative | Added effect of many projects |
| Physical, biological, socio-economic, cultural | Component affected |



#### Identification and comparison by checklist method
A checklist is a list of environmental factors (air, water, soil, noise, flora, fauna, land use, health, employment, culture) against which the possible effects of the project are marked.

- **Simple checklist:** lists factors; the assessor ticks those likely to be affected.
- **Descriptive checklist:** adds the nature and measurement of impact.
- **Scaling / weighting checklist:** each factor is given a scale value (say -5 to +5) and an importance weight; the weighted scores are added for each alternative, and the alternative with the best total is preferred.

Advantages: simple, cheap, quick, ensures nothing is forgotten. Limitations: does not show interaction between factors or the cause and effect link, and gives subjective values.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. EIA is a systematic study done:
   A. After the project is completed
   B. Before decisions are taken, to identify, predict, evaluate and mitigate effects
   C. Only for financial returns
   D. Only for small projects
   Answer: B. EIA predicts and mitigates impacts before approval decisions. (Key point: EIA definition)

2. A reversible impact is one that:
   A. Cannot recover
   B. Occurs only globally
   C. Can recover after the cause is removed
   D. Happens only in construction
   Answer: C. Reversible/irreversible describes whether the environment can recover. (Key point: Impact types)

3. In a scaling/weighting checklist, how is the best alternative chosen?
   A. The one with fewest factors ticked
   B. The alternative with the best total of weighted scores
   C. The cheapest alternative
   D. By public vote
   Answer: B. Each factor gets a scale value and weight; weighted scores are added per alternative. (Key point: Scaling checklist)

4. A limitation of the checklist method is that it:
   A. Is expensive
   B. Is slow
   C. Does not show interaction between factors or cause-effect links
   D. Forgets factors
   Answer: C. Checklists are simple and cheap but do not show interactions and give subjective values. (Key point: Checklist limitation)

## Related in Project Engineering

- [EIA; environmental problems in Nepal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aeia-nepal-problems-improve) — Project Engineering, chapter 2
- [Short note: Environmental problems and impacts](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aenvironmental-problems-impacts-note) — Project Engineering, chapter 2, asked 2×
- [Short note: EIA](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aeia-short-note) — Project Engineering, chapter 2

## Related in other subjects

- [Environmental impacts of wind machine](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fenergy_environment_and_society%3Awind-machine-environment-impact) — Energy Environment and Society, chapter 4