Requirement 10
Requirement
Environmental Science
Environmental Impact Study
Identify the environmental impact topics that would need to be addressed for a construction project such as building a house, adding a new building to your Scout camp, or one you create on your own that is approved by your counselor. Evaluate the purpose and benefit of the proposed project, alternatives (including a no-action alternative), and any environmental consequences. Discuss with your counselor.
Identify the environmental impact topics that would need to be addressed for a construction project such as building a house, adding a new building to your Scout camp, or one you create on your own that is approved by your counselor. Evaluate the purpose and benefit of the proposed project, alternatives (including a no-action alternative), and any environmental consequences. Discuss with your counselor.
Environmental Impact
Human activities can have far-reaching effects on the environment, even for seemingly simple projects like building a house. Construction can disrupt soil; wildlife such as moles, shrews, foxes, owls, and pollinators like bees; and cause soil erosion. Careful planning is needed to reduce these impacts, such as saving topsoil and controlling erosion.
Every project involves trade-offs: while a new home might reduce wildlife habitat, it may also reduce human commuting times and carbon emissions. Evaluating these competing impacts is a core part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Environmental impact assessments are undertaken for projects that could affect the environment. These documents evaluate the project’s environmental effects, unavoidable harm, alternatives, short-term versus long-term impacts, and permanent use of resources. They allow agencies and the public to review and guide responsible development.
When a federal agency proposes new regulations or actions that may affect the environment, it is required by law to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS). Federal, state, and local agencies and the general public may review the proposed activity before it begins. An EIS, which may be as long as 1,000 pages, must discuss five environmental concerns:
Identifying invasive species can be both interesting and enjoyable, and it gives you useful knowledge you can share with your patrol or troop. Research where these species came from, how they spread, and ways they can be controlled. Scouts can also help with removal projects at school, in the community, or at camp.
- The environmental impact of the proposed action
- Any harmful environmental effects that cannot be avoided
- Alternatives to the proposed action
- Short-term use of the environment versus maintaining and enhancing the environment’s long-term productivity
- Any permanent commitment of resources.
Explanation of EIAs
What Is an EIA?
What Is Essential for an EIA?
Tips for Your Report Presentation
Take time at the start of this requirement to watch the videos and think in detail about as many different environmental impacts as possible.
Suggested Activity: Mind Map Your Construction Project
Suggested Activity: Mind Map Your Construction Project
Sometimes a visual representation can spark further ideas and creativity. Why not make a mind map for this requirement?
How to set it up:
- Write the project name in the center and/or draw a picture.
- Draw branches for Purpose/Benefits, Environmental Impacts, Alternatives, and Mitigation/Management.
- Under each branch, add smaller branches for specifics: e.g., under Wildlife, note “birds,” “insects,” “small mammals.” Under Soil, note “erosion,” “topsoil removal.”
- Use colors or symbols to show the severity or importance of impacts.
Template
Template
Use the template to record your observations or as inspiration for your own template design.
Now that you’ve understood about environmental impact topics,
find out about careers in environmental science.
