Assessment Process

The candidates meeting the qualification and experience requirements specified in the Scheme are assessed by the principal and co-assessors broadly on following aspects -

1. EIA coordinators– must have

   • knowledge of the sector/s and its probable impacts on the physical, ecological and social environments and their mitigation measures

   • clarity on concept of EIAs, role of an EC and knowledge of relevant legislations, policies, practices and guidelines

   • ability to plan for EIAs and coordinate the EIA team to achieve the best results

2. Functional area experts – must have :

   • knowledge of the functional area/s applicable in EIA context

   • ability to identify and quantify impacts, where applicable

   • ability to suggest/vet mitigation measures and clarity of role as FAE.

3. Functional area associates

   • Knowledge of the functional area

4. Associate EC, team member, mentor

   • They are met by the assessors during office assessment to assess their suitability for the role proposed, but not given any marks.

Note: Documentary evidences in support of work experience claimed would help assessment process.

To ensure data integrity, this section covers assessment of the following:

1. Collection, quality assurance and interpretation of primary data for physical, ecological and social environment, and

2. Collation, synthesis and interpretation of secondary data for ecological and social environment.

2.1 Field investigation for primary data

Assessment for this section covers the following for quality assurance:

1. verification of the scope of accreditation/recognition of the lab which should include AAQ, stack emission, water and waste water, soil and noise monitoring required for EIA study.

2. methodology for collection of primary data of physical environment including involvement of ECs and FAEs in selection of sampling locations, type of samples, parameters to be tested quality assurance of data collected, preservation and transportation of samples and interpretation of the data for use in EIA

3. methodology for collection of primary data of ecological environment including methodology followed, field equipment used, maintenance of field log book, quality assurance of data for seasonality, timing and duration of investigation identification of species; laboratory testing of field samples where applicable; interpretation of data in respect of impact on biological receptors(rare/ threatened/endangered/endemic species, and their habitat).

4. methodology for collection of primary data on socio economic aspects including the type of data to be collected; involvement of concerned FAEs; planning the scope for field based socio economic surveys, design of questionnaire for interviews and maintenance field log book.

2.2 Collation, synthesis and interpretation of secondary data

For secondary data on ecological and socio-economic environment assessment covers the following;

• methodology for identification of sources,

• ground validation and

• interpretation of data

Since the use of QMS in developing EIAs is a comparatively recent approach, the emphasis is on the content and coverage of the systems and procedures developed and understanding of the same in the organization.

Assessment includes verifying whether all the requirements of Appendix B of the Scheme have been covered by documented procedures backed by forms/formats/check lists for implementation of the same; the quality of the content of the procedures developed; understanding of the system including organizational awareness of the QMS and action plan/status of implementation.

In IA the EIAs are examined for assessment of the quality of EIAs prepared by an applicant organization prior to getting accredited as a baseline reference. The assessment, interalia, covers following parameters –

1. Site and project description with photographs, layout maps, process flow diagrams of the manufacturing processes, material balance, environmentally sensitive receptors like water bodies; wetlands and estuaries, forests, wild life sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves; human habitations, school and hospitals; archaeological and historic monuments; croplands industries and the like.

2. Consideration of alternative of sites, technology and processes.

3. Methodology for collection of -

   • Primary baseline data for physical environment (sampling location, preservation, analysis)

   • Secondary data (reference, relevance, authenticity, period, ground validation).

4. Interpretation of data for identification of environmental impacts and quantification, where applicable.

5. Interpretation of ecological and social baseline conditions and assessment of potential impact and mitigation measures.

6. Risks assessment and consequence analysis including emergency plan

7. Environmental management plan and its monitoring

8. Duly signed declaration of experts’ involvement in EIA preparation.

9. Compliance to TOR and public hearing

The following requirements aim to ensure the commitment from the accredited consultants towards continual improvement

1. Capacity building

   • System of assessing performance of experts,

   • Identification of training needs and

   • Providing necessary training for enhancement of skill and competence to deliver quality EIA.

2. Commitments towards quality of EIAs

   • Preparation of clear activity chart (with milestones) from start to completion for the EIA projects;

   • Meetings with project proponent and feasibility report/detailed project report (FR/ DPR) consultants to ensure better coordination for the EIA project and recording the same;

   • System of learning from the comments of the EAC/SEAC meetings and public hearing

3. Facilities –

   • Use of appropriate tools and software for impact assessment

   • Provision of computing and internet and video conferencing facilities,

   • Library, documentation center