Guidelines for Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment in Disasters

future interventions.
Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, Version 4.2 December 2003
The interventions summarized in Rating Form 4 cover the most common types of relief
assistance. Other types of interventions are possible and need to be assessed for negative
impacts.
Step Two
In the second step, relief interventions which are planned or underway are screened to
determine whether potential negative environmental impacts have been addressed in project
design or operations. This screening takes place by answering the questions in the third
column with a yes or no in the fourth column. Potential negative impacts which have not
been addressed, that is have no answers, become issues which require follow-up as a result
of the assessment. (All interventions should be monitored in real time for negative impacts
and this list amended accordingly.)
The form also includes possible avenues for consequence avoidance or mitigation. This
information can help identify ways to address negative impacts when they are identified.
Step Three
The third step is to identify which of the interventions:
1. Should be changed to avoid negative impacts,
2. Need to be implemented despite negative impacts, which should be in turn
addressed through other short-or long-term interventions, or
3. Should be canceled or avoided due to possible or actual negative impacts.
These determinations will aid in the Consolidation and Analysis process (see Module
Two) and in planning and design. Of course, canceled interventions do not need to be
considered further unless they are judged to have already caused environmental damage.
Note that the Coping Strategy intervention needs to be updated for each disaster. These
coping strategies are likely to be significant in scale and scope (upwards of 80% of disaster
relief can be provided by the survivors themselves), with consequent impacts on the
environment.
To the degree possible, the disaster survivors and their neighbors should be involved in
discussions about mitigating the negative environmental impacts of relief activities.
Decisions to accept environmental damage as necessary for effective relief delivery
should not be taken without consultation with survivor representatives if at all
possible.
The avoidance/mitigation options listed on the form can require further assessment and
planning, possibly involving specialists and requiring community involvement, to be used
effectively in countering the negative impacts noted. The Key Resource list in Annex A
should be consulted as a starting point for information and advice on ways to avoid or
mitigate environmental impacts.
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