Fuzzy Logic Based Performance Evaluation of EIA Reports for Hydroelectric Projects

Abstract

The performance evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment is a difficult multi-dimensional process because the decision-making not only considers the technical facts but also the subjective values. Decision-support method like Fuzzy Logic Toolbox helps decision makers to bring equilibrium between facts and values. In this paper, an effort to make a better framework for EIA reports of Hydroelectric Projects is undertaken. Attributes considered are identification of issues and scoping, baseline conditions, alternatives, impact identification and prediction, risk assessment, mitigation, documentation, public participation and monitoring plan. Quality is defined through five parameters viz. Excellent, Good, Moderate, Poor and Inadequate. With the help of Fuzzy Logic Toolbox in MATLAB, different expert rules are made. Attributes are taken as inputs and the parameters are taken as membership functions. Ranges are defined for different parameters. Five EIA reports for hydropower projects from different locations of Northeastern India are selected and compared. Scores are given to the EIA reports for different hydropower projects. Suggestions for future improvements are provided.