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:

The course covers the following main topics:  Introduction to environmental impact assessment;  Procedural stages of environmental impact assessment;  Public participation in environmental impact assessment for plans and programs  Environmental balance;  Environmental Impact Assessment study;  Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites  Site report for IPPC environmental authorization  Environmental risk assessment  Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment  Implementation phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment  Legal aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment The seminar covers the following main topics:  Environmental monitoring  Methodology for Environmental Impact Assessment  Health Impact Assessment  Methodology for assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites  Qualitative determination of the environmental factors;  Measures to reduce environmental impact;  Methodology for environmental impact assessment for 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 of implementing a certain project  Ability to establish proper measures for reducing the environmental effects of a specific project  Ability to use instruments for measuring environmental noise  Interpretation of environmental quality indicators in relation to the maximum admitted limits regulated by the relevant legislation  Ability to establish a proper environmental monitoring program  Ability to use GIS software for mapping the environmental impact of pollutants.

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;