EIA practitioner perceptions on the role of science in impact assessment

摘要: The process of environmental impact assessment (EIA) brings together a broad raft professional practitioners including policy-makers, administrators, decision-makers, government agencies, planners, engineers, scientists, social and business project managers as well the public. From diversity these it can be anticipated that people from different backgrounds will have expectations how should function in practice. This paper presents results follow-up survey EIA Western Australia. purpose research was to examine role science based upon experiences practitioners. Thirty-one were interviewed. These drawn Environmental Protection Authority (the peak body responsible for Australia) its supporting administrative agency Department Protection, other decisionmaking authorities, consultants officers. Interviewees also selected represent industry sectors (ie. planning, industrial resource development projects) urban remote settings. asked about prediction, monitoring activities, mitigation management, decision-making. indicate according type location or remote) stage process. Most participants indicated currently is greatest during earlier pre-decision stages provide basis activities baseline monitoring, prediction design). Science input post-decision generally perceived poorer quality. seen less important decision-making ongoing management. It kept balance with factors such socio-political economic considerations. Despite differences, overall, good hallmark effective greater advocated, particularly activities.