Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a significant,
anticipatory, environmental management tool. International debate
focuses on its enhancement to meet the challenges of sustainable
development as well as demands for scientifically robust integrated
and participative decision-making. This handbook hopes to improve
practices by contributing an international, multidisciplinary,
ready-reference source to this debate.

Volume I addresses EIA principles, process and methods. Part 1
maps the EIA process and its impact on decision. It positions EIA
in the context of sustainable development and relative to other
decision tools, including economic valuation. It also positions
strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in a similar way. Part 2
addresses the elements of the EIA process and significant impact
assessment topics (air, water, ecological, social, risk, landscape
and visual) not only in terms of good practice but also
methodological evolution. This volume concludes by addressing
cumulative impact assessment and SEA methods.

Volume II provides a unique consideration for EIA implementation
and practice in Europe, Africa, the Far East, South America and
North America. It uses a number of project types to provide 'how to
do' guidance and addresses practice in policy and plan
assessment.

This book should be read by legislators, decision-makers,
economists, developers, industrial managers and consultants
involved in this significant field.