Uncertainty Management in Environmental Impact Assessment

This article discusses the uncertainties that arise in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and explores strategies for managing them effectively. It highlights the importance of including stakeholders in decision-making processes and developing well-defined monitoring programs. The article emphasizes the need for clear communication and collaboration to mitigate uncertainties in EIA.

Running head: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Environmental Impact Assessment
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

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Uncertainty management consideration in EIA
The main aspect of the Environmental Impact Assessment is to provide complete
information to the stakeholders regarding the possible impacts that their projects might have on
the surrounding. However, as per the opinion of Larsen, Hansen & Nielsen, (2018), there are
always some chances of uncertainty that remains. Byambaa & de Vries (2019) has stated in this
context that these uncertainties are mainly because of the issues that may arise due to the
different types of complexities on the operations, systems and the designs of the large
environmental project (Jiricka et al., 2016).
Guivarch, Lempert & Trutnevyte, (2017) is of the opinion that the uncertainties mainly
arise in the SEA or the strategic environmental assessment. The uncertainty level varies due to
the different types of aspects that are prevalent in the Environmental Impact Assessment. The
uncertainties arise not because of the unknown impacts of the processes on the environment but
because of the complications or the lack of surety that is present within the process of monitoring
or the other kinds of problems. Neuendorf, von Haaren & Albert, (2018) has started in this
context that often there are several uncertainties that arise in the process of the EIA is because of
their excessively huge dependence on the proposed monitoring programs. The monitoring
programs are often not properly defined (Jiricka et al., 2016). As the monitoring programs are
themselves not properly defined it is really very tough for the EIA professions to find out the
probable likely impacts on the environment after they are about to carry on any particular
project.
Larsen, Hansen & Nielsen, (2018) is of the opinion that if the uncertainties are predicted
beforehand then the EIA professionals can make sure that some of the other kinds of solutions

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are proposed that would help in resolving the issues. There is a lack of proper clarity in the
methods that are scheduled by the EIA experts. Legal uncertainties are one of the major issues or
hurdles that are faced by the people or the respondents. This was often because of the poor and
the very unclear representation of the real situations that were about to take place or the
situations that are already existing (Leung et al., 2015). It is for this reason that the actual
outcomes of the EIA often remain covered and there is the fear of this uncertainty. It is often
seen that the uncertainties mainly arise due to the untimely inclusion of the stakeholders in these
aspects. Bodde et al., (2018) has argued that the stakeholders must be included in the decision
making process and the mitigation process as well. In other words, the uncertainties often arise
due to lack of a sufficient amount of useful solutions. Neuendorf, von Haaren & Albert, (2018)
has argued that the good and effective strategy that can be used for the purpose of minimizing
the uncertainties to some level is by including the stakeholders and also by motivating their
power of willingness. This can be done by giving the stakeholders right kinds of freedom and the
level of interdependency (Zijp et al., 2016). This will be allowing the people to collaborate with
each other and find out the right means for solving the uncertainties that might crop up due to the
Environmental Impact Assessment.
Khosravi & Jha-Thakur, (2018) has argued that the other kind of uncertainty that might
arise is the development of social uncertainty. This includes the uncertainties that may arise due
to the unclear discussion of the environmental values and also the improper definition of the
acceptable rules and the norms. Renn, (2017) has argued that the project management skills play
a very important role in finding out the steps that might be helpful in dealing with the social
uncertainties that might be developed. The stakeholders must be involved in the decision-making
procedures so that they can share their valuable feedbacks (Cardenas & Halman, 2016). They

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will also be sharing their feedbacks that will be helping to find out the proper solutions and also
mitigate the uncertainties that may arise. However, it must be noted that if there is a delay in the
inclusion of the stakeholders then they might feel rather opinions are not being considered and
they are being ignored. Thus, it can be said that in order to avoid the uncertainties the method of
conducting the monitoring processes of the EIA have to be restructured. This will be very helpful
for the purpose of mitigating the uncertainties.

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