Avaliação de impacto ambiental no Brasil : análise de efetividade e propostas de aperfeiçoamento

Abstract

The analysis of the Environmental Impact Assessment systems (EIA) is a process pointing to its effectiveness and quality. This work developed this analysis for Brazil, using the model developed by Christopher Wood and widely applied and spread to other countries. The evaluation criteria used in this model are based on principles of "Good Practices in Environmental Impact Assessment" and were validated by Ortolano et al who consider five dimensions to the effectiveness of EIA: i) comply with the procedures, ii) document fullness required in EIA, iii) methods to assess the impacts, vi) influence on decision-making and v) weight given to environmental factors. The results indicated that environmental legislation in Brazil is limited in scope due to the existing administrative failures since the start of EIA driving, caused by a deficiency in the control and monitoring mechanisms, in addition to insufficient public participation throughout the process. This analysis resulted in a number of recommendations on the development of the EIA system in Brazil, in order to collaborate in improving their quality and effectiveness.