Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

In addition to predicted impacts, those impacts that could result in the event
of an accident or unplanned event within the Project (eg traffic accident, fire)
are required to be taken into account. In these cases, the probability of the
event occurring needs to be considered. The probability is defined as low
(impact is unlikely to occur), medium (impact may occur infrequently) and
high (impact may occur frequently).
7.2.2 Assessment of Significance
There is no statutory definition of ‘significance’ and its determination is
therefore necessarily partially subjective. For the purposes of this EIA, the
following definition of significance has been adopted:
“An impact is significant if, in isolation or in combination with other
impacts, it should, in the judgment of the EIA team, be taken into account
in the decision-making process, including the identification of mitigation
measures (by the Project) and consenting conditions (from Regulators and
Stakeholders).”
Criteria for assessing the significance of impacts stem from the following key
elements:
• Status of compliance with relevant Nigerian legislation, policies and plans
and any relevant Nigerian or industry policies, standards or guidelines;
• The magnitude (including nature, scale and duration) of the change to the
natural or socio-economic environment (eg an increase in noise, an
increase in employment opportunities), expressed, wherever practicable,
in quantitative terms. The magnitude of all impacts is viewed from the
perspective of those affected by taking into account the likely perceived
importance as understood through stakeholder engagement;
• The nature and sensitivity of the impact receptor (physical, biological, or
human). Where the receptor is physical, the assessment considers the
quality, sensitivity to change and importance of the receptor. For a human
receptor, the sensitivity of the household, community or wider societal
group is considered along with their ability to adapt to and manage the
effects of the impact; (1) and
• The likelihood (probability) that the identified impact will occur. This is
estimated based upon experience and/or evidence that such an outcome
has previously occurred.
(1) Although not directly relevant to this assessment, in cases where the receptors were biological, its importance (eg its
local, regional, national or international importance) and its sensitivity to the impact would have been considered.
AZURA EDO IPP
7-5
DRAFT EIA REPORT