---
title: "Short note: EIA"
subject: "Project Engineering"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_7/project_engineering:eia-short-note"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/eia-short-note
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: EIA

Project Engineering · Chapter 2: Project Appraisal and Project Formulation

- Asked in: 2070 Chaitra (old course), 4 marks
- Video: [🌍 “EIA & IEE Explained: Smart Environmental Assessment for Better Projects”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNoXqf-qV7g) — TotalBlend
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/eia-short-note
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-2

## Question

Write a short note on EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment).

## Short answer

EIA is a systematic process to assess the environmental consequences of a proposed project before decisions are made. Steps include screening, scoping, baseline study, impact prediction, evaluation, mitigation, public hearing, and monitoring. Benefits include avoiding costly mistakes, protecting resources, improving design, and supporting sustainable development.

## Answer

**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.

**Benefits:** avoids costly mistakes, protects resources and people, improves design, gives public participation, and supports sustainable development.

## Check yourself

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

1. Screening in EIA decides:
   A. Whether IEE or EIA is needed
   B. The mitigation cost
   C. The final approval
   D. The public hearing date
   Answer: A. Screening is the first step, deciding the level of study. (Key point: Screening)

2. Which step comes right after baseline study?
   A. Approval
   B. Impact identification and prediction
   C. Screening
   D. Monitoring
   Answer: B. Order: screening, scoping, baseline, impact identification and prediction, evaluation... (Key point: Order of steps)

3. Which is a benefit of EIA?
   A. Avoids costly mistakes and gives public participation
   B. Removes need for design
   C. Guarantees zero impact
   D. Reduces approvals
   Answer: A. EIA avoids costly mistakes, protects resources, improves design and supports sustainable development. (Key point: Benefits)

## Related in Project Engineering

- [EIA, environmental impacts, checklist method](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aeia-problems-impacts-checklist) — Project Engineering, chapter 2
- [EIA; environmental problems in Nepal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aeia-nepal-problems-improve) — Project Engineering, chapter 2
- [EIA; shadow pricing, externalities, social CBA](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aeia-shadow-pricing-externalities) — Project Engineering, chapter 2

## Related in other subjects

- [PROR environmental impact and schematic](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fpower_plant_design%3Apror-environmental-impact) — Power Plant Design, chapter 3