Environmental Consulting ILA offers the full scope of Environmental Consulting (EIA) services to Clients which will assist them with the development of environmentally sustainable projects. At the same time ILA considers Clients' budget requirements in order to ensure that projects are also economically viable.
ILA has a highly reputable team of scientific specialists which we involve as and when required during an EIA Process.
The services offered by ILA include the following:
• Due diligence
A desktop assessment containing baseline information which highlights any possible fatal flaws. This is recommended when there is uncertainty regarding feasibility of a potential development site, land use or the level of assessment required. The outcome provides recommendations on the way forward and developable areas, i.e. feasibility of a site, and which environmental application process is to be followed (Basic Assessment or full Environmental Consulting).
• Basic assessment (BA)
BA is a condensed process which investigates both biophysical and social impacts associated with the activities. Mitigation measures are determined in order to limit and prevent detrimental impacts.
A Basic Assessment Report is compiled in a standard format provided by the deciding authority and a public participation process is conducted.
• Environmental Consulting (EIA)
Scoping is the first stage of a full EIA and determines the nature and extent of the required impact assessment. Key issues for investigation which are likely to be important during the EIA are identified.
Scoping entails refining of the project scope and identification of feasible alternatives, public participation and preliminary site investigation. The scoping report forms the basis of the terms of reference for the EIA stage.
During the Environmental Consulting (EIA) stage identified activities associated with the proposed development are assessed in depth to determine significance and extent of impacts on the various components of the environment. Both adverse and beneficial impacts are assessed.
An Environmental Impact Statement is compiled which concludes whether activities can proceed and under which specific conditions. The Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) entails the development of mitigation measures which will ensure that adverse impacts are avoided, or minimised and beneficial impacts are enhanced to result in maximum benefits.
The EMPr is the tool used to ensure that mitigation actions and monitoring requirements are methodically implemented throughout the construction, operational and in some cases, the decommissioning phases of a development.
• Environmental monitoring and compliance
During the construction phase of an approved development Authorities require environmental audits which audit whether measures provided in the approved EMPr are being implemented.
Auditing is conducted by an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) and entails monitoring of construction activities, as well as provisions for closure, as required in the EA and EMPr.