Training Course on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) & Environmental Audit for Environmental Consultants

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

ü  Definition, purpose, and benefits of EIA

ü  History and evolution of EIA

ü  Core principles and objectives of EIA

ü  EIA in project lifecycle management

ü  Role of environmental consultants in EIA

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing a project concept note to determine its potential for environmental impact.

 

Module 2: EIA Screening and Scoping

ü  Understanding EIA screening criteria and procedures

ü  Methodologies for determining if an EIA is required

ü  Objectives and benefits of the scoping process

ü  Identifying significant environmental issues and alternatives

ü  Developing comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToR) for an EIA

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a mock EIA screening and developing a preliminary scoping matrix for a proposed industrial project.

 

Module 3: Baseline Data Collection and Analysis for EIA

ü  Importance of baseline data in EIA

ü  Identifying relevant environmental components (e.g., air, water, soil, biodiversity)

ü  Methods for collecting primary and secondary baseline data

ü  Data quality assurance and limitations

ü  Establishing environmental baseline conditions for impact comparison

ü  Practical Session: Designing a baseline data collection plan for a specific environmental aspect, such as water quality or ecological features.

 

Module 4: Environmental Impact Prediction and Significance

ü  Methodologies for impact prediction (e.g., matrices, overlays, modeling)

ü  Predicting impacts on physical, biological, and socio-economic environments

ü  Criteria for assessing impact significance (e.g., magnitude, duration, reversibility)

ü  Understanding direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts

ü  Dealing with uncertainty in impact prediction

ü  Practical Session: Applying an impact prediction matrix to a case study project to identify and characterize potential impacts.

 

Module 5: Environmental Impact Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

ü  Principles of the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimize, remediate, offset)

ü  Developing effective mitigation measures for negative impacts

ü  Designing enhancement measures for positive impacts

ü  Cost-benefit analysis of mitigation options

ü  Introduction to Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)

ü  Practical Session: Formulating specific mitigation and enhancement measures for identified impacts in a project scenario.

 

Module 6: Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement in EIA

ü  Legal and ethical basis for public participation in EIA

ü  Identifying and analyzing key stakeholders

ü  Designing and implementing meaningful consultation processes

ü  Managing stakeholder expectations and feedback

ü  Addressing public concerns and building consensus effectively

ü  Practical Session: Developing a stakeholder engagement plan for a large-scale infrastructure project.

 

Module 7: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Preparation

ü  Structure and content requirements of an EIA report/EIS

ü  Writing clear, concise, and scientifically sound EIA documentation

ü  Presenting complex technical information effectively

ü  Executive summary and non-technical summary preparation

ü  Quality assurance and quality control in EIA report writing

ü  Practical Session: Drafting key sections of an EIA report, focusing on the methodology and findings of impact assessment.

 

Module 8: EIA Review, Decision-Making, and Legal Frameworks

ü  Roles of regulatory authorities and review panels in EIA

ü  Technical review processes and criteria

ü  Public review and comment periods

ü  Decision-making criteria and legal considerations for project approval

ü  Conditions of approval and permitting

ü  Practical Session: Critically reviewing a provided EIA report against a set of regulatory guidelines and identifying potential deficiencies.

 

Module 9: Introduction to Environmental Auditing

ü  Definition, purpose, and types of environmental audits

ü  Benefits of environmental auditing for organizations

ü  Key principles and objectives of environmental auditing

ü  Roles and responsibilities of an environmental auditor

ü  Distinction between EIA follow-up and independent environmental audits

ü  Practical Session: Discussing the different scenarios where an environmental audit would be necessary.

 

Module 10: Environmental Audit Standards and Methodologies

ü  Overview of ISO 19011 (auditing management systems) and ISO 14001 (EMS)

ü  Compliance audits: assessing adherence to regulations and permits

ü  Environmental performance audits: evaluating effectiveness of environmental controls

ü  Due diligence audits for transactions

ü  Audit methodologies: desk review, site inspection, interviews

ü  Practical Session: Identifying the appropriate audit standard for various organizational objectives.

 

Module 11: Environmental Audit Planning and Preparation

ü  Defining audit scope, criteria, and objectives

ü  Developing an audit plan and checklist

ü  Documenting audit protocols and procedures

ü  Team selection and roles for an audit

ü  Pre-audit information gathering and analysis

ü  Practical Session: Preparing an audit plan and preliminary checklist for a hypothetical environmental compliance audit of a manufacturing plant.

 

Module 12: On-Site Audit Execution and Evidence Collection

ü  Conducting opening meetings and site walkthroughs

ü  Techniques for collecting objective audit evidence (documents, observations, interviews)

ü  Interviewing personnel effectively

ü  Verifying information and data integrity

ü  Managing non-conformities and observations during an audit

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing an auditor-auditee interview session based on a provided scenario.

 

Module 13: Environmental Audit Findings and Non-conformities

ü  Classifying audit findings (e.g., non-conformity, observation, best practice)

ü  Documenting non-conformities and their root causes

ü  Assessing the significance of findings

ü  Developing corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs)

ü  Linking findings to regulatory requirements and environmental risks

ü  Practical Session: Writing up audit non-conformities based on observed discrepancies during a mock audit.

 

Module 14: Environmental Audit Reporting and Communication

ü  Structuring a comprehensive environmental audit report

ü  Presenting audit findings, observations, and recommendations clearly

ü  Communicating audit results effectively to management and stakeholders

ü  Executive summary and detailed findings

ü  Ethical considerations in audit reporting

ü  Practical Session: Drafting an executive summary and key findings section of an environmental audit report.

 

Module 15: Post-Audit Follow-up, Corrective Actions, and Verification

ü  Importance of post-audit follow-up

ü  Tracking and verifying implementation of corrective and preventive actions

ü  Evaluating the effectiveness of implemented CAPAs

ü  Lessons learned from the audit process

ü  Maintaining an audit trail for compliance

ü  Practical Session: Developing a follow-up plan for specific non-conformities identified in an audit report.

 

Module 16: Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Auditing

ü  Overview of ISO 14001:2015 EMS standard

ü  Role of environmental audits in EMS implementation and certification

ü  Continual improvement cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) within EMS

ü  Integrating EMS with other management systems (e.g., Quality, OHS)

ü  Auditing EMS performance

ü  Practical Session: Identifying the EMS elements to audit for a specific business unit.

 

Module 17: Legal Compliance and Regulatory Auditing

ü  Key environmental legislation and regulatory requirements for specific sectors

ü  Understanding permit conditions and compliance obligations

ü  Methodologies for legal compliance audits

ü  Identifying legal risks and liabilities

ü  Strategies for ongoing legal compliance management

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a mock regulatory compliance audit based on a given set of environmental permits.

 

Module 18: Integrated EIA and Audit Practice & Emerging Trends

ü  Synergy between EIA and environmental auditing in project lifecycle

ü  Use of technology in EIA and auditing (e.g., GIS, drones, data analytics)

ü  Integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors

ü  Climate change considerations in EIA and audits

ü  The future of environmental consulting: challenges and opportunities

ü Practical Session: Discussing how EIA and audit findings can inform each other for continuous environmental improvement.

About Our Trainers

The training will be delivered by a cadre of highly experienced and certified environmental professionals, including lead environmental consultants and seasoned environmental auditors, each with over 15 years of practical expertise in conducting complex EIAs and comprehensive environmental audits across diverse industries globally. Our trainers bring a wealth of real-world knowledge, having successfully managed significant environmental projects, advised on compliance strategies, and navigated intricate regulatory landscapes. Their blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience ensures a highly relevant, practical, and impactful learning journey for all participants.

 

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality training that empowers Environmental Consultants to excel in both Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Auditing. Our courses are meticulously designed to be current, relevant, and highly practical, equipping participants with advanced actionable skills and a deeper, integrated understanding of environmental management best practices. We strive to foster a learning environment that encourages engagement, critical thinking, and the application of knowledge to real-world environmental challenges, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for leading roles in the consulting industry.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program for you. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

 

Accommodation and Airport Pick-up

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202