Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA)

Hideo Naito, Ｄｉｒｅｃｔｏｒ of

Office of Industrial Waste Management , Environment
Bureau
City of Kitakyushu
 Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA)
・ Also called environmental assessment or
environmental assess

EIA means investigation, forecast and

evaluation of influence on environment by an
enterprise such as a large-scale land
development and construction; made by the
enterpriser before commencing the enterprise.
 History of establishing the
Environmental Impact
Assessment Act

In 1969, “National Environmental Policy

① Act (NEPA)” was enacted in USA
　 In 1984, “Implementation Scheme for
② Environmental Impact Assessment” was
decided by Japanese Cabinet 　　　　　
In 1993, “Environment Basic
③ Law” was enacted in Japan

In 1999, “Environmental Impact

④ Assessment Act” was
implemented in Japan
 Object of EIA Act

To determine the procedure for

arranging an assessment

To reflect the result of assessment

to the content of enterprise

The pertinent enterprise is executed

considering the preservation of environment
Enterprises to be the object of the Act

1. Road

2. River

3. Railroad

4. Airport

Other 13 enterprises (port and

harbor plans are added)
 Screening
Screening means to screen an
enterprise

Class 2 enterprise
Class 1 enterprise
Necessity of assessment
is judged
Enterprises to
All enterprises which assessment
is necessary

Implementation of environmental assessment

 Projects subject to EIA Law (No.1)
Type of project Class 1 Class 2
1.Roads
･ National expressways All
･ Metropolitan Expressway, etc. All (four lanes)
･ National roads Four lanes and 10km or more At least 7.5 and under 10km
･ Large-scale roads for forestry Two lanes and 20km or more At least 7.5 and under 10km

2.Rivers
･ Dams Capacity water area of 100ha or At least 75ha and under 100ha
more At least 75ha and under 100ha
･ Bank and watergate to control water Capacity water area of 100ha or At least 75ha and under 100ha
level floodway more At least 75ha and under 100ha
･ Lake water level adjustment facility Changes in shape of lake of
100ha or more
Changes in shape of lake of
･ Flood way 100ha or more

3.Railroads
･ Shinkansen super-express railroad All
(including standard Shinkansen super-
express railway)
･ Railroads 10km or more At least 7.5 and under 10km
 Projects subject to EIA Law (No.2)
Type of project Class 1 Class 2
4.Airports Runways of 2,500m or Longer At least 1,875m and under
2,500m
5.Power plants
･ Hydraulic 30,000kw of power or more At least 22,500kw and under
30,000kw
･ Thermal (excluding geothermal) 15,000kw of power or more At least 11,250kw and under
15,000kw
･ Thermoelectric (geothermal) 10,000kw of power or more At least 7,500kw and under
10,000kw

･ Nuclear All

6.Final waste disposal sites 30ha or more At least 25ha and under 30ha

7.Public water landfill or land 50ha or more At least 40ha and under 50ha
reclamation

8.Land readjustment work 100ha and more At least 75ha and under 100ha

9.Development of new urban residential 100ha and more in area At least 75ha and under 100ha
area
 Projects subject to EIA Law (No.3)
Type of project Class 1 Class 2
10.Creation of industrial complex 100ha or more in area At least 75ha and under 100ha

11.Urban infrastructure development 100ha or more in area At least 75ha and under 100ha

12.Development of distribution complex 100ha or more in area At least 75ha and under 100ha

13.Land creation by public cooperation 50ha or more At least 40ha and under 50ha

Port and harbor plan Landfill or dredging area 300ha or more

 Criteria for Determining Class 2
Projects
A: projects containing aspects that exert a large load
on the environment, compared with general projects
1.Project
characteristics
B: Projects whose overall plans correspond to the
environmental impact of Class 1 Projects

C: Projects exerting impact on particularly

environmentally sensitive geographical areas or sites

2.Regional D: Projects exerting impact on geographical areas or

circumstances sites designated by environmental conservation laws
characteristics and ordinances

E: Projects exerting impact on geographical sites, etc.

where the environment is in poor condition
 Scoping
To determine the method of
assessment (procedure for
methodological document)

Scoping means to narrow the

assessment down

Environmental Impact Assessment

Cabinet assessment
Act
Assessment is made at the Enterprise plan is examine at
stage where enterprise plan is early stage
definite
Standardized assessment: Assessment corr esponding to the
Change or revision of actual situation of local area:
enterprise plan is difficult Flexible review of enterprise is
possible by the reflection of
administrative standpoint and
inhabitants’ and other opinion
 Procedure of environmental assessment

Methodological document To determine the

method of
assessment

Preparatory document for Procedure to

hear the opinion
assessment about the result

To determine the
Evaluation document result of
assessment

To monitor the
Follow-up environment after the
commencement of
enterprise
 Procedure to complete the methodological
document (scoping)
Submission of Preparation of plan for the
methodological document method of assessment

ne month and half Inhabitants’ Without local

opinion limitation
ithin 90 days

Opinion of Opinions of related

prefectural cities, towns and
governor villages are collected

Determination of method of assessment

 Procedure to complete the preparatory
document

Implementation of environmental assessment

Submission of
preparatory document
Inhabitants’ Without local
opinion limitation
ne month and half

Opinions of related
Opinion of
cities, towns and
prefectural
villages are
governor
collected
ithin 120 days
Procedure after evaluation document

Submission of
evaluation document
Opinion of Minister of the
Environment

Possible; only if the permission

and approval authority belongs
to national organization

Opinion of permission and

approval authority
Submission of revised evaluation document
(Determination of result of assessment)
Procedure after the commencement of enterprise

As a general rule,
environmental assessment is
Permission and approval
completed before the
of enterprise
commencement of enterprise.
Commencement of
enterprise

In the case where monitoring

after the commencement of
Follow-up
enterprise is stated in the
(Investigation after preparatory document
commencement)
 Re-execution of assessment after the public notice
of evaluation document
Provision of re-executing an
After the public notice of assessment is added in order
evaluation document to cover a case where the
environmental conditions
around the location of
enterprise has largely been
changed due to the situation
such as that the
commencement of enterprise
has been suspended for a long
time after the permission and
approval
Commenceme
nt of enterprise
 Environmental elements to be the
object of assessment

Preservation of natural element

of environment in good condition

Atmospheric Hydrological Soil

environment environment environment
Air Offensive Water Bottom Ground Soil
quality odor quality sediment
Noise and Topography
Groundwater and geology
vibration
Environmental elements to be the
　 object of assessment

Preservation of biodiversity and systematic

conservation of natural environment

Ecological
Animals Plants
system
Environmental elements to be the
object of assessment

Rich and friendly relationship

between human and nature

Opportunity
for activity to
Landscape become
familiar with
nature
Environmental elements to be the
object of assessment

Pollution load to environment

Greenhouse
Waste, etc
effect gas, etc
 Relationship between
EIA Act and ordinance

Enterprises Assessment
to be the cannot be
object of EIA obliged by
Act ordinance

However it is possible to establish an

original procedure
For example, demand to decrease the
scale of enterprise
It is possible
Enterprises to oblige
out of the assessment
object of EIA by ordinance
Act
Environmental impact assessment
system by local government
For
example
Local ・ Enterprises to be the
government object of assessment
has its own are put into narrower
assessment classification comparing
system with EIA Act.
・ Small enterprises are
taken into the object of
assessment.

・ Judgment procedure by
third organization is
added
・ Monitoring after
assessment is obliged
History of establishing
Kitakyushu City’s Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance

① In 1986, “Kitakyushu City’s Environmental

Management Plan” was formulated

② In 1987, “Guideline for the Application

of Kitakyushu City’s Environmental
Management Plan” was formulated.

③ In 1999, “Kitakyushu City’s

Environmental 　 Impact
Assessment Ordinance” was
implemented.
 Enterprises to be the
object of the ordinance

Enterprises Enterprises
to be the peculiar to
object of EIA the
Act ordinance

However the enterprises ・ Waste disposal and

to be the object of EIA
Act are excluded
(The scale of enterprise is
smaller than that of those to
be the object of EIA Act.)
　 treatment facilities
・ Sports and leisure
facilities
・ Other 9 enterprises
 Requirements for the scale of
enterprises to be the object of the
ordinance

Enterprises Enterprises
to be the peculiar to
object of the
EIA Act ordinance

1/2 of enterprises to be To be determined for

the object of EIA Act every kind of
enterprise, taking local
circumstances, etc. on
account
 Enterprises peculiar to the ordinance
１ and requirements for scale

Land Land Factory

reclamation reclamation or
for industrial for housing industrial
complex complex work site

Exhaust gas:
Area: 50ha or Area: 50ha or 40,000Nm3/h or more
more more Waste water:
5,000m3/d or more
 Enterprises peculiar to the ordinance
２ and requirements for scale

Waste Sports or Large-scale

treatment leisure architecture
facility facility

Treatment Total area: 100,000m2

capacity: 50 t/d Area: 20ha or or 　 more 　 Height:
or more more 100m or more
 Enterprises peculiar to the ordinance
３ and requirements for scale

Quarry Final
and Land sewage
mining reclamation treatment
plant

Area: 20ha or Area: 50ha or Planned population:

more more 150,000 or more
 Basic flow of procedure for
assessment by ordinance

Methodological Nearly the same

document procedure in
Environmental Impact
Assessment Act
Preparatory
document

Evaluation
document Procedure
peculiar to
ordinance
Commencement
of enterprise

Investigation after
commencement of
enterprise
 2 Basic flow of procedure for
assessment by ordinance If required

Methodological
Public notice and inspection → Examination
document conference →Preparation and public notice
of mayor’s viewpoint

Public notice and inspection →Explanation

Preparatory conference →Opinion of inhabitants
document
→Examination conference →Preparation
and public notice of mayor’s viewpoint
Evaluation
document Public notice and inspection
Commencement If necessary
of enterprise
Notification of enterprise commencement
Investigation after →Planning document →Report →
commencement of
enterprise Examination conference →(Advice and
guidance) →Notification of enterprise
completion
 Environmental elements to be
the object of ordinance

Living Air Water Soil

environment

Air quality Water Topology and

quality geology
Noise and
vibration Bottom Ground
sediment
Offensive Ground
odor Soil
water

Natural Plants Ecological

environment Animals
system
 Environmental elements to be
the object of ordinance

Friendly Opportunity of
relationship Landscape activity to
between human become
and nature familiar with
nature

Pollution load Waste, Greenhouse

to environment etc effect gas,
etc
Peculiar to
ordinance

Wind Low-
Others Sunshine frequency
damage noise
 Technical guidance to
environmental impact assessment
This is to determine the technical matters necessary
for scientific and correct execution of
environmental impact assessment and investigation
after the commencement of enterprise
Common matters for Procedures for
environmental impact executing
assessment and investigation assessment
after the commencement 　 of
enterprise Characteristics of
enterprise and local
circumstances
Selection of
Common matters for assessment items
environmental impact
assessment Methods of
investigation on
present situation,
forecast and
evaluation
 Technical guidance to
environmental impact assessment
This is to determine the technical matters necessary
for scientific and correct execution of environmental
impact assessment and investigation after the
commencement of enterprise
Matters relating to the Selection of items
investigation after the and methods of
commencement of enterprise investigation

Contents of 　　　　
　　　
Matters relating to the methodological 　　
preparation of documents, 　 document,
etc. for environmental preparatory
impact assessment document,
evaluation document
and report of
investigation after
Kitakyushu City Environmental Impact
Assessment Examination Conference

Environmental Investigation after

impact commencement of
assessment enterprise

This is a third-party organization composed of

persons who are learned and experienced in air
pollution, water pollution, animals, plants, etc. so as
to make an objective and scientific examination of
technical matters.

For example, the opinion of this conference is

reflected to mayor’s viewpoint on preparatory
document.
New Kitakyushu Airport Kitakyushu Science and
4Major Projects Research Park
of
Kitakyushu City

Hibikinada Deepwater Hub East Kyushu Motorway

Port
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Examples of Environmental The State of Implementation of
Assessment in Kitakyushu Environmental Assessment

Year of Name of Project Laws,etc.,Basis of

Implementation Implementation
Fiscal 1994 Science and Research Park (1st Phase) Cabinet Meeting based
Assessment
Seitanomori Golf Course Prefectural
Conservation
Ordinance
Fiscal 1996 East Kyushu Motorway Cabinet Meeting based
Assessment
Revision of Port and Harbor Plans Port and Harbor Law
Waita Fishing Port Improvement Project Port and Harbor Law
Fiscal 1998 Ainoshima Fishing Port Improvement Project Port and Harbor Law
Fiscal 1999 Tonda Shore Reclamation Project Public Water Area Law
Fiscal 2000 Waste Treatment Facility Construction Project Municipal Assessment
Ordinance
Fiscal 2001 Science and Research Park (2nd Phase) Environmental Impact
Assessment Law
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu Science and Research Park North

Section Land Readjustment
(Science and Research Park Project
2nd Phase)

Purpose
The development of the Science and Research Park is a
project which aims at creating complex urban area with
purposes of assembling academic organizations of
education and research of the advanced science and
technology as well as desirable residence sections.
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu

Basis Environmental Impact Assessment Law

Type of Project Land Readjustment Project(Type 1 Project)

Scope Area:135.5ha

Agency in Charge The City of Kitakyushu (Urban Planning

Project)
Examples of Environmental EIA Law Corresponding Project
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Procedure
Method Papers Processing Feb 1999

Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment

Preparatory Papers Processing Nov 2000

Examination by Prefecture and Municipality

Examination by National Government

Assessment Papers Processing Dec 2001

Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu Prospective Area of the
Project in Red Color
Area:Approx.136ha
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Land Utilization Plan
 Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Summary of Discussion at
Kitakyushu EIA Examination
Arguments

・ The fact that development project takes place in the area with natural
environment of traditional villages where some rare species of animals
inhabit
・ Examination of concrete conservation measures for such rare species
of animals as “NIPPON BARATANAGO”, or Rhodeus ocellatus, a type of
bitterling, and “KASUMI SANSHO-UO”, or Hynobus nebulosus nebulosus,
a type of salamander
・ Examination of conservation measures for the local ecosystem including
rare species of flora and fauna
・ Appropriate ways of stating in the preparatory papers for environmental
conservation measures
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Identified Rare Species of
Animals

Rhodeus ocellarus Hynobius nebulosus nebulosus

Specie with fear of extinction Red Data Specie with fear of extinction Red Data
Book by Environment Agency Book by Fukuoka Prefecture
Species with Fear of Extinction Type ⅡSpecies with Fear of Extinction
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Environmental Conservation
Measures the Agency in
Charge plans to take
Conservation of Natural
Environment

・ Concerning rare species of animals such as Rhodeus ocellatus

and Hynobius nebulosus nebulosus, new habitat will be prepared
within the project area, and animals will be transferred from the
disappearing present habitats (Compensatory measures).
  ・ A portion of the Green areas and reservoirs around Mt. Funao
will be kept intact for the purpose of preserving the ecosystem.
  ・ Concerning rare species of plants “KINRAN”, wild oriental
orchid, Cephalanthera falcate, transplantation will be done from the
disappearing habitats to suitable locations within the project area.
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Opinion of Mayor of
Kitakyushu
Summary

・ The fact that the agency in charge is making the utmost effort in
environmental conservation measures is to be duly appreciated.
・ The presence in the project site of some rare species of animals
whose extinction is feared has been confirmed. In view of the lack in
scientific know-how as well as of a high level of uncertainty of
consequences of conservation measures, it is necessary to examine
further while inviting advice from academic authorities and
specialists even after the completion of environmental impact
assessment procedures.
・ A partial insufficiency in articles to be entered into the Preparatory
Papers has been noted. It is requested that necessary additions
and corrections be made.
Examples of Environmental
Assessment in Kitakyushu
Opinion of Mayor of
Kitakyushu
Other opinions

Air pollution
All possible measures should be taken to minimize the impact of the project
including noise, vibration and dust on the environment.
Water environment
Make every effort in prevention of water pollution as well as of washout caused by
execution of the project.
Natural environment
Correct the entry concerning sparrow hawks, a rare species of Raptores, to make
it more appropriate.
Miscellaneous
Care should be taken so that there will be no combined impact with the First
Phase of the Project for Kitakyushu Science and Research Park.
 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT （ SEA)

“Strategic Environmental
Assessment （ SEA)” or “Planned
Assessment” is an environmental assessment
objecting to the “policy plan and
program”,wherein consideration to
environment is integrated with decision
making at the planning and policy making
stage prior to starting a project.
SEA

Project Assessment Strategic Assessment

Timing of doing assessment When a project plan When a project plan is

has been fixed under discussion

Comparison and discussion Not required Always required

on several plans

Change of a project plan Difficult Sufficiently possible

Scope of evaluation Environmental aspect Environmental,social and

only economical aspect,etc.
SEA
Conceptual stage in
planning

Comparison and discussion on

　

several plans

Plan A Plan B Plan C Plan:Cancel the

project

Prediction and evaluation of

　

effects

Making the actual

　

plan
 SEA
Evaluation of effects
on the atmospheric Evaluation of Evaluation of
Toward more essential stage of decision making

air,water cumulative effects on social

quality,soil,natural and economical
envaironment,etc.
and complex
aspects
effects
Stage of
making
policy Strategic
Stage of Environmental
making a
plan Assessment
Current
Stage
of
environmen
practici tal
ng the assessment
project

Enlarging the range of prediction and evaluation

 SEA

Issue of Project
Assessment
Because of the assessment to be practiced at stage of the project
plan,which is almost fixed,the scope of actions employed will be
limited.
Advantages of Strategic Environmental
Assessment
Since consideration to the environment is discussed at the stage
of making the policy and plan,we may cope with the project
plan flexibly.
Prediction and evaluation of the influence to the local society,its
economical effect,etc. will pursue the way of more adequate
consideration to the environment together with influences to
the environment.
The prediction and evaluation of cumulative and complex
effects by several projects can be discussed and investigated.