What are the best practices for reporting air quality information during an EIA?

Air quality is a crucial aspect of environmental impact assessment (EIA) for any project that may affect the atmosphere, such as industrial plants, mining operations, or transportation infrastructure. Reporting air quality information during an EIA involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting data on the existing and predicted air pollution levels, as well as the potential impacts and mitigation measures. In this article, you will learn about the best practices for reporting air quality information during an EIA, based on international standards and guidelines.

1 Scope and objectives

The first step in reporting air quality information during an EIA is to define the scope and objectives of the air quality assessment. This includes identifying the sources and types of air pollutants, the receptors and exposure pathways, the spatial and temporal boundaries, the baseline and future scenarios, and the criteria and indicators for evaluating the impacts. The scope and objectives should be aligned with the EIA terms of reference, the legal and regulatory requirements, and the stakeholder expectations.

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John Ouma

Affiliate Member of The Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC) | Waka Africa Organization, Co-Founder Waka Gram | University of Oxford- Hillary 2024 SoCC | McKinsey Africa-Fellow | 2024 MWF and AFRICA KOMMT Semifinalist
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In my experience as a climate action enthusiast and a chemist, I have come across different reports on air quality globally. Some places like California had worse air quality 50 years ago and right now, that has changed. Places such as Iraq and China have much worse air quality in some of their cities than it was 50 years ago. So what has changed? I believe that the answer lies in data utilization in formulating objectives on improving air quality and the traction done to achieve the objectives.

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Hardik Siroha

Driving Environmental Compliance & Progress|AEE cum Sub Regional Officer at Haryana State Pollution Control Board|
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Determine baselines pollution. If no major polluting activity is there, then what will be the air quality. Check for previous Source Apportionment studies. A Carrying Capacity study is icing on the cake.

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2 Data collection and analysis

The next step is to collect and analyze the data on the air quality conditions and trends, both in the project area and in the wider region. This may involve field measurements, laboratory tests, literature reviews, modeling simulations, or a combination of these methods. The data collection and analysis should follow the best available techniques and quality assurance procedures, and should account for the uncertainties and limitations of the data sources and methods. The data should also be compared with the relevant standards and guidelines for air quality, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the national or local authorities.

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Hardik Siroha

Driving Environmental Compliance & Progress|AEE cum Sub Regional Officer at Haryana State Pollution Control Board|
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Try to pinpoint sources. Point as well as non-point. Run some models if need be. More you know the terrain, better you fight.

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3 Impact assessment and mitigation

The third step is to assess the impacts of the project on the air quality and the associated health and environmental risks, and to propose mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for the negative impacts. The impact assessment should consider the direct and indirect, short-term and long-term, cumulative and synergistic effects of the project, as well as the alternatives and scenarios. The mitigation measures should be based on the best available technologies and practices, and should be feasible, effective, and cost-efficient. The impact assessment and mitigation should also include a monitoring and evaluation plan to track the performance and outcomes of the measures.

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Hardik Siroha

Driving Environmental Compliance & Progress|AEE cum Sub Regional Officer at Haryana State Pollution Control Board|
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Avoidance is the best mitigation. So if a place already has high level of air pollution, try to avoid that. Next, go for the reduction in emissions. Maybe go for - 1)Water sprinkling (use treated waste water if possible) 2) Go for wide and broad leaves trees, native species should be adopted. 3) Maintain roadside green kerbs.

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4 Reporting and communication

The final step is to report and communicate the air quality information during the EIA process, both in written and oral forms. The reporting and communication should be clear, concise, and consistent, and should highlight the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the air quality assessment. The reporting and communication should also be transparent, inclusive, and responsive, and should address the questions, concerns, and feedback of the decision-makers, the public, and other stakeholders. The reporting and communication should also follow the ethical and professional standards and codes of conduct for air quality assessment.

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Hardik Siroha

Driving Environmental Compliance & Progress|AEE cum Sub Regional Officer at Haryana State Pollution Control Board|
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Be transparent in your reports. Don't hide anything from Regulators. Take your problems to them, discuss with locals, experts as well as already existing projects on this area. Don't wait to commit all mistakes yourself to learn.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Hardik Siroha

Driving Environmental Compliance & Progress|AEE cum Sub Regional Officer at Haryana State Pollution Control Board|
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A good start is half done. Take the pain in the starting and you can avoid disruptions at latter stage. Don't forget to factor in Meteorology in all your reports.

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What are the best practices for reporting air quality information during an EIA?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Scope and objectives

2 Data collection and analysis

3 Impact assessment and mitigation

4 Reporting and communication

5 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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What are the best practices for reporting air quality information during an EIA?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Scope and objectives

2 Data collection and analysis

3 Impact assessment and mitigation

4 Reporting and communication

5 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Services

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