Roads and the environment : a handbook.

This handbook is primarily concerned with specific road projects, ranging from major works on new alignments to minor rehabilitation and maintenance activities on existing roads. The techniques discussed can be applied to in-depth environmental assessment studies, or to modest action plans for dealing with environmental aspects of small projects. The handbook is divided into three parts. Part I,"Environmental assessment processes", describes the main components of a typical environmental assessment study and how the assessment should be integrated into the project cycle. Guidelines are provided for overall study definition, including requirements for baseline studies, impact analysis, mitigation options and costing, and plans for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of specific actions. Part II, "Environmental impacts and mitigation measures", discusses specific impacts and mitigation measures in some detail, with emphasis on 1) the natural environment, including soil, water, air, plant and animal life; 2) the human and social environment, including community life and economic activities, land acquisition and resettlement, traditional or indigenous peoples, landscape, cultural heritage, noise and road safety. The key points and an environmental checklist are presented for each section to highlight the problems which are most likely to be encountered in the particular environment. Guidelines for actions to be taken by the road agency to avoid problems in each environment are then suggested with advice on items for terms of reference for further studies. The handbook includes examples of features incorporated into projects to have a positive effect on the environment, such as reestablishing local vegetation, improving water flows, and protecting sensitive sites. Part III, "Analysis tools", provides details of some technologies and methodologies which may be useful in the assessment of the environmental impacts of a road project, including sections on maps, aerial photography, computer programs, training, and public involvement. A bibliography is provided after each chapter.