Environmental impact assessment in coastal habitats : an evaluation of predictions

Abstract

A survey of environmental impact statements (EISs) prepared for coastal projects was undertaken to evaluate the degree to which environmental impact prediction changed over the 20-year period since EISs were required. Statements were evaluated for the level of technical information used in making predictions as well as the degree to which predictions were testable. Overall, the level of prediction has increased over time with a greater number of statements including more detailed predictions that are based on available technical information. Fewer statements include only general, and untestable, predictions. Eighty-eight randomly selected EISs and 17 non-randomly requested EISs were evaluated. Thirty-seven of these statements were found to have testable predictions and/or technical information adequate to allow detailed evaluation of the validity of the predictions. This additional information would greatly enhance future environmental predictive abilities.