Virtual Tutorial

Baseline information forms the foundation of an EIA, resembling piling of a building. A good baseline study enables potential impacts from a project to be predicted and evaluated. Where necessary, a baseline survey shall be carried out to determine the existing environmental conditions on the site. Let me give you some tips about the baseline data collection and survey for an EIA study.

For carrying out a baseline survey, both project proponents and consultants should possess first hand knowledge on

• site constraints,
  
• site conditions,
  
• location and status of sensitive receivers etc.

A good planning is needed for baseline survey which might sometime be resource demanding.

Baseline surveys shall normally include the site of the project, its access, and any other areas likely to be impacted during construction and operation (or decommissioning).

The type and duration of baseline surveys shall be such that there will be adequate information taking account of natural variation to define the existing conditions.