EIS

When a development project is taken then its environmental consequence are evaluated, the evaluation are called EIS.

Factors/Consideration for new project in EIS:

The comprehensive review for EIS studies incorporates the economic impact along with the effect on employment, housing, and other aspects of new development. The following list prepared by the Urban Land Institute, shows what groups may be affected by a proposed project that would consider in EIS

Physical proximity:

• Persons living or working on the land proposed for development
• Persons living or working immediately adjacent to the proposed development
• Persons in neighborhoods surrounding the proposed development
• Persons within commuting distance (For example, one our by public transit) from proposed commercial & industrial development.

Business relationship:

• Builders, REALTORS, bankers and others directly involved in the development
• Owners and managers of business or property in the neighborhood

Political jurisdiction:

• Citizens of the local jurisdiction containing the development
• Citizens of immediately adjacent jurisdictions and of the entire metropolitan area
• Citizens of the state and nation

Socio-economic and demographic:

• Age group
• Racial and ethnic groups
• Persons of various income levels, from poor to affluent

Other interest groups:

• Tourists
• Landowners
• Others

The long-term public interest:

• All present groupings over time
• Future generations

Hence the EIS must indicate how much of these groups will be affected by the proposed development. On the final analysis, the report must consider the long term public interest which will be influenced by the new project.

Elements/Main parts of EIS
The five main parts of an Environmental Impact Statement are given below:

1. The Probable environmental impact of the proposed action
2. Any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided upon approval of the proposal
3. Alternatives to the proposed action
4. The relationship between local short-term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term activities
5. Any Irretrievable and irreversible commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed action, should it be implemented.

Criticisms of EIS

• Non-compliance
• Overlapping jurisdiction
• New environmental policies
• Industry criticisms