Course aims:

 Teaching the specific legislation and environmental impact assessment methods;
 Presenting the concepts, techniques and specific procedures used in environmental impact assessment;
 Training of practical skills needed to use noise measurement instruments and air pollutants dispersion modeling software - AERMOD;
 Preparing an environmental impact assessment study within project classes

Course Entry Requirements:

N/A

Course contents:

Course main topics:

Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Procedural stages of the Environmental Impact Assessment process

Public participation in Environmental Impact Assessment for plans and programs

Environmental balance

Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment study

Assessment of plans and projects likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites

Site report for IPPC environmental permitting

Environmental risk assessment

Methods and techniques of Environmental Impact Assessment

Implementation phase of the Environmental Impact AssessmentLegal aspects of Environmental Impact Assessment

Seminar main topics:

Environmental monitoring

Methodology for Environmental Impact Assessment

Health Impact Assessment

Methodology for assessing plans and projects likely to significantly affect Natura 2000 sites

Qualitative assessment of environmental factors

Measures for reducing environmental impact

Methodology for Environmental Impact Assessment of plans and programs

Teaching methods:

Lectures and seminars (The course is given as a combination of lectures and seminars.)

Learning outcomes:

Proper identification of all potential environmental effects resulting from the implementation of a certain project

Ability to establish appropriate measures for reducing the environmental effects of a specific project

Interpretation of environmental quality indicators in relation to the maximum admissible limits regulated by the relevant legislation

Ability to establish an appropriate environmental monitoring program

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

A two-hour written examination (70% of the final grade)Carrying out practical work / project writing. (30% of the final grade)

Recommended reading:

• Guidance on EIA Scoping, 2001, European Commission;
• Guidance on Integrating Climate Change and Biodiversity into Environmental Impact Assessment, 2013, European Commission;
• Strategic Environmental Assessment Better Practice Guide - methodological guidance for strategic thinking in SEA, 2012, Maria do Rosário Partidário, Lisbon;