What is the purpose of an environmental impact assessment?

• A. To ensure compliance with zoning laws
• B. To evaluate potential environmental effects of a construction project
• C. To assess the financial feasibility of a project
• D. To identify subcontractors for the project

Answer: (B)

The purpose of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a construction project. This process involves systematically analyzing the anticipated impacts on the natural and human environment, including air and water quality, wildlife, ecosystems, land use, and social implications. The EIA helps project developers and regulatory agencies identify possible negative effects and consider measures to mitigate these impacts before the project is approved and constructed.

Conducting an EIA is essential for informed decision-making, ensuring that projects do not harm the environment unnecessarily. It facilitates transparency and public participation, allowing stakeholders to express their concerns and influence the project planning process. This thorough assessment is vital for sustainable development, balancing the needs for infrastructure and development against the protection of environmental resources.

In contrast, compliance with zoning laws focuses on land use compatibility and local regulations, assessing financial feasibility relates to the economic aspects of a project rather than environmental impacts, and identifying subcontractors is concerned with the logistics of project execution rather than its environmental consequences.