Discuss the Process That Environmental Impact Assessment Goes Through to Be Accepted as a Working Document in Ghana

Question:

Discuss the process that Environmental impact Assessment goes through to be accepted as a working document in Ghana.

Answer:

Environmental impact Assessment goes through various stages with the EPA, the proponent and the various shake holders to be able to pass as a working document.

In Ghana EIA is intended to identify the impacts (both beneficial and adverse) of a proposed public and private development activity. Often, the focus is dominantly environmental (biophysical); but good practice also addresses social and economic aspects. In Ghana it is the sole responsibility of the Environmental Protection agency to decide what constitutes significant environmental impact. In the process of carrying out its responsibility the EPA consults a committee with the membership from the various sectors of the economy. However in doing this if the EPA is of the Opinion that the undertaking could result in a significant environmental impact the proponent is asked to consult with interested and affected groups to come up with a scoping report. These groups may include Relevant Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assembly Relevant Ministry and Departments Other stakeholders (affected and interested parties) all stakeholders must be effectively consulted/involved for their inputs and to address any concerns and requirements of theirs in the EIA. The scoping entails a detail analysis of the potential impact of the proposed project on the environment. This report is used by the EPA to take the decision as to whether or not the proponent should do a full scale EIA for the project in question. If the decision is to do a full scale EIA, this could have to cover the following areas

* A detailed description of the proposed project and the analysis of the reasons for the project. This has to do with the purpose for the project.

* The objectives of the project, the goal of the project. What the project seeks to achieve.

* If there are alternatives to the projects, if there are other alternatives to the projects being proposed.

* A description of the current environment that would be affected directly or indirectly by the project.

* A prediction of future environmental conditions of the area with and without the project.

* Proposed measures to prevent or mitigate adverse environmental impact.

* A proposal for environmental management programmes to cover constructional operational and decommissioning stages of the project.

This report if submitted to the EPA is graded as A: no task left incomplete, B: Only minor omissions and inadequacies C: Satisfactory despite omissions and