Back to: Environmental Biology 500 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello superstar learner! I’m so glad you’re here again. You’re doing so well, and every step you take is getting you closer to becoming a powerful force for environmental protection in Nigeria and beyond. Today’s lesson is about two key steps in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process—Screening and Scoping. These two steps help determine what kind of environmental study is needed and what exactly should be studied. Don’t worry if it sounds complex—we’ll break it down into something very clear and familiar.
EIA Process: Screening And Scoping
What is the EIA Process?
The EIA process is a step-by-step method used to study how a proposed project might affect the environment. It’s like planning a journey—you don’t just wake up and travel. You check your map, decide where you’re going, and prepare properly. In the same way, EIA starts with steps that help guide the rest of the process. Two of these steps are screening and scoping.
Screening
Screening is the first step in the EIA process. It helps to decide whether a proposed project needs an EIA at all.
Imagine someone wants to build a small poultry farm in your village. Does that need a full environmental study? Probably not. But if they want to build a cement factory or oil refinery? Absolutely—because that could affect air, water, and many people.
Purpose of Screening:
To identify if a project is likely to cause significant environmental impact.
To decide the level of assessment needed—none, simple (preliminary), or full EIA.
Who Does the Screening?
The project developer submits a project description to the Federal Ministry of Environment, which then decides if an EIA is required.
Example:
A small school being built in a community may not need an EIA. But constructing a major express road through a forest reserve definitely needs a full assessment.
Scoping
Scoping is the second step in the EIA process. It identifies what specific environmental issues should be studied in detail.
Imagine you’re doing an assignment—you don’t research everything in the world. You choose a topic and focus. That’s what scoping does: it sets boundaries.
Purpose of Scoping:
To decide which environmental concerns are most important.
To involve the public and experts in deciding what the EIA report should cover.
To avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant information.
Activities Involved in Scoping:
Public consultation with local communities.
Site visits and stakeholder meetings.
Listing of likely environmental effects (e.g., air quality, noise, water use).
Example:
If a new mining project is being planned, scoping might focus on land degradation, water pollution, and effects on nearby communities.
Summary
- Screening decides if an EIA is needed.
- Scoping decides what the EIA should focus on.
- Both steps are important for saving time, protecting the environment, and ensuring community involvement.
Evaluation
- What is the purpose of screening in the EIA process?
- Explain what scoping means in simple terms.
- Give one example of a project that needs a full EIA after screening.
- Why is public consultation important during scoping?
You’re doing absolutely great, and I’m proud of your commitment to learning! Keep your passion alive—Nigeria needs people like you who understand the environment and care deeply about its future. Stay motivated, and remember—Afrilearn is here to guide you every step of the way. See you in our next class!