Best Practice Eia On Selected Valued Ecosystem Components...

The two criteria chosen for best practice EIA in regards to cumulative effects are: 1. To identify the incremental direct and indirect effects of the proposed project on selected valued ecosystem components (VEC) within the area of the project location, and; 2. To identify other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future activities within the space and time boundaries that have been, are, or could contribute to cumulative effects on the VECs or their indicators. Potential cumulative impacts (also referred to as cumulative effects) should be considered as soon as practicable whilst identifying direct and indirect effects. Direct impacts result from the proposed activity and happen at the same time and place whereas indirect impacts are later in time or further in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable (United States Department of Transportation 2015). It is important to take into account the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed action, as this aids in determining the significance of a project (Unites States Department of Transportation 2015). It is common practice for proponents to identify the direct effects of a proposal, and overlook indirect and cumulative effects. It is vitally important for proponents to take into account both indirect and cumulative impacts to understand the bigger picture, and the impacts their project can have on surrounding VECs. The VECs can be determined; †¢ from information available on current or anticipated