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Environmental Impact Assessment

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to introduce students with the importance and tasks of environmental impact assessment, research planning and management, and to develop methods for assessing environmental impacts. Environmental performance indicators and indicators, public participation in decision-making and alternative solutions are examined and evaluated.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After successful completion of this course, student:
Knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical issues of environmental impact assessment; (3 tests)
Have the capacity to assess and analyse the quality of the environment and the state of the waters and to plan and manage the environmental impact assessment procedure (2 seminars).

Be able to participate as an expert in the environmental impact assessment procedure according to his or her specialisation (2 seminars).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The importance and tasks of the environmental impact assessment. Basic principles for the assessment of environmental impacts. (2 h)
2. Environmental Load Indicators and Indies. Nature of the environmental impact assessment interdisciplinārais. (2 h)
3. Methods for assessing environmental impacts. LR Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (2 h)
4. Workshop 1: Assessment of environmental impacts: relevance, tasks, methods, legislation (2 h)
5. Test 1 (2 h)
6. Identification of the affecting factors and procedures for carrying out the initial assessment. Identification of raw data sources. (2 h)
7. Criteria for assessing the environmental impact of the proposed action. Expected performance factors (2 h)
8. Workshop 2: Environmental indicators and characterisation of the environment affected by the Indians. (2 h)
9. Forecast and assessment of impacts on the air environment. Forecast and assessment of impacts on water resources (2 h)
10. Forecast and assessment of impacts on soil and groundwater. (2 h)
11. Test 2 (2 h)
12. Workshop 3: forecast and assessment of impacts on water and soil resources (2 h)
13. Forecast and assessment of impacts on biological systems. Visual impacts and aesthetic resources. (2 h)
14. Participation of the public in decision-making. Opinions on working and closing reports. Environmental monitoring (2 h)
15. Workshop 4: forecast and assessment of impacts on biological resources (2 h)

16. Test 3 (2 h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. The student should prepare himself for tests on topics and home reading in lectures.

2. Student to prepare himself for seminars on the subject

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

1. General. The evaluation of the study course depends on the sum of points obtained during the semester, tests and practical work. A maximum of 100 points can be obtained, corresponding to 10 points.
2. Activities:
a. tests, where up to 10 points can be obtained (a total of up to 30 points);
b. Four workshops where up to 10 points can be obtained (total maximum 40 points);
D. participation in all classes (total maximum 10 points, at 100% visit);
e. Works submitted within the specified deadline have been submitted to the e-study system (total up to a maximum of 10 points).
The final assessment according to the total amount of points received during the semester:
• less than 50 points – 3 (unsatisfactory);
• 50...54 points - 4 (almost satisfactory);
• 55...59 points - 5 (satisfactory);
• 60...69 points - 6 (almost good);
• 70...79 points - 7 (good);
• 80...89 points - 8 (very good);
• 90...95 points - 9 (excellent);
• 96...100 points - 10 (with distintion).

An examination in written form at the end of the semester shall be organised for students who have obtained a lower grade of 8 parties in the joint rating.

Compulsory reading

1. Red. M. Kļaviņš, J. Zaļoksnis. Vide un ilgtspējīga attīstība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010. 334 lpp.
2. Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējums. Rīga: Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma valsts birojs, 2002. 208 lpp.
3. Vircavs M. Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējums. Rīga: Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2001. 123 lpp.
4. Canter Larry W. . Environmental Impact Assessment. McGraw - Hill, Inc., 1996. 660 P.

Further reading

1. LR likums "Par ietekmes uz vidi novērtējumu". [tiešsaiste]. [skatīts 27.05.2014.]. Pieejams: http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=51522

Periodicals and other sources

1. Vides vēstis: Vides aizsardzības kluba žurnāls.Rīga : Vides aizsardzības klubs. ISSN 1407-2939.
2. National Geographic. [tiešsaiste]. Official Journal of the National Geographic Society. ISSN: 0027-9358. [skatīts 27.05.2014.]. Pieejams: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/

Notes

Professional bachelor study program Environment and Water Management