Course Objectives:

To understand the need for and the process of environmental impact analysis;

To understand the strengths and weaknesses of data sources for, and evaluative methods of, environmental analysis;

To understand the relative roles of public and private participation in environmental analysis;

To develop the skills of preparing environmental impact reports.

Grades are based upon:
Two exams (February and March)
Assignments (2)
Group Project (Due in March)

Required Text: Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment by J. Glasson, R. Therivel and A. Chadwick.

Recommended Text: Guide to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by Michael H. Remy, Tina A. Thomas and James G. Moose.

Tentative Course Outline:

Introduction:

Introduction to environmental regulations (NEPA/CEQA), Overview of the EIS/EIR process.
Environmental impact factors and areas of consideration:
concept of environmental impact, choice of impacts, identification of impacts.
Methodological aspects of EIA:
methods adopted when doing an EIA, uncertainty involved with the methods and conclusions, ways of coping with uncertainty.
Efficacy of EIA:
evaluation of impacts prior to, during and after project implementation.
Application of EIA:
State differences in implementation of EIA, international implementation of EIA, the role of international agencies.

Note: During the course we will have at least one guest lecture. Also, you must form yourselves into groups of four or five for the group project.