Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Petts J. 1999. (ed). Handbook of Environmental Assessment. Blackwell Science. 2 vols. £175.
Vol 1: EIA Process, Methods and Potential. Pp xii + 484. ISBN 0 632 04772 0
Vol 2: EIA in practice: Impact and Limitations. Pp xi + 450. ISBN 0 632 04771 2

These massive volumes represent a state-of-the-art look at EIA. Volume 1 is concerned with the theory and structure of EIA. Part 1 considers the use of EIA as a decision-making tool. Topics range from sustainability, cost-benefit analysis and public participation to EIA and IT, decision-making and other decision tools. There are numerous tables, graphs and diagrams alongside brief case studies illustrating the points being made. Part two focusses on process and method in terms of the EIA itself - scoping, monitoring, risk and strategic analysis - and the various aspects which can be monitored - air, water, society, ecology, landscape and cumulative effects. Volume two takes the EIA into practice. Part 1 looks at quality and effectiveness of EIA with a critical review of the process and a comparison with other techniques. This part also covers training and quality control. Part 2 examines EIA internationally through two studies - transboundary effects and multilateral finance. Part three deals with international examples continent by continent. Here there is numerous tables and maps outlining current practice. Much of this work is not easily seen elsewhere which makes this a unique insight into global practice. Part four takes the sectoral approach - policy, land use, waste, transport, energy, mining and water. This is an outstanding work on the topic of EIA. Its coverage makes it a major reference tool for anybody investigating this area (although a cheaper paperback version would probably help spread the word faster). There is simply more data and analysis available here than in other volumes - it should be seen as one of the classic texts on EIA.