Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted for projects, policies and programs to investigate the possible positive or negative environmental consequences including natural and human health as well as socio-economic aspects. In both fresh and marine environments, EIAs are challenged by the ubiquitous variability in effect parameters and the inherent dynamics of the ecosystems at stake. Moreover, increasing emphasis is being placed on qualification of the uncertainty of EIA predictions as well as on the validation of EIA predictions and tools used for EIAs.

Most countries have their own EIA legislations or use international legislations in this context however, EIAs are mandatory for most projects likely to influence our environment. 

THE CHALLENGES

• Compliance with increasingly strict environmental requirements / legislations
• Effective management of the cumulative impacts of existing/concurrently occurring projects
• Responding to heightened community/NGO concerns about the environment
• Climate change adaptation
• Optimising projects with respect to time, energy and cost savings

APPROACH

At DHI, we adopt an ecosystem-based approach to ecological challenges. Highly intuitive models are applied in concert with accurate field investigations, thus allowing more comprehensive descriptions of baseline components and impact quantifications. DHI staff apply their extensive ecological research skills and numerical modelling expertise to develop industry-leading environmental technology designed to effectively address challenges related to the uncertainty of EIA predictions, validations and tools.

SOLUTIONS

• Numerical modelling (including ecological and habitat modelling) to optimise development and reduce impacts and costs
• Advanced monitoring technology to provide more accurate data for model calibration and verification of predictions
• Multimedia animations of model and impact assessment results to enhance communication and engagement with stakeholders
• Integrated modelling approaches used to segregate and correctly quantify cumulative climate change impacts

THE ULTIMATE GOAL

ENSURING MINIMAL IMPACT OF PROJECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

SOFTWARE, TOOLS AND SERVICES

DHI has conducted EIAs all over the world for large marine constructions, oil and gas exploration and production, sewage discharges as well as restoration and conservation projects. Our tools and services include:

• Advanced numerical modelling using MIKE Powered by DHI software:
  • 1D and 2D modelling of flood risk (MIKE FLOOD)
  • 3D modelling of complex hydrodynamics and associated sediment or water quality processes (MIKE 3)
  • Agent-based modelling (ABM Lab)
  • Depth-integrated 2D modelling of hydrodynamics, sediment transport and coastal processes (MIKE 21)
  • Simulation of coastal evolution and shoreline stability (LITPACK)
  • Transformation of an aquatic ecosystem into a reliable numerical model for accurate predictions (MIKE ECO Lab)
• Underwater noise modelling/assessment
• Habitat modelling
• In-house environmental/toxicological laboratories
• In-house field survey teams/services
• GIS and spatial data analysis and presentation
• Remote sensing (DHI GRAS)
• Groundwater modelling (FEFLOW)
• In-house design and hosting of secure web-based data portals and Decision Support Systems (DSS)
• Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) for transparent assessment of environmental impacts capacity building and training by THE ACADEMY by DHI