An ideal EIA system would:
(i) Apply to all projects that are expected to have significant environmental effects and address all impacts that are expected to occur due to that project.
(ii) Compare alternatives to a proposed project, management techniques & mitigation
Measures
(iii) Result in a clear EIS which conveys the importance of the likely impacts.
(iv) Include broad public participation.
(v) Be timed so as to provide information for decision making.
(vi) Be enforceable.
(vii) Include monitoring and feed-back procedures.
The benefits of EIA:
(i) Reduced cost and time of project implementation.
(ii) Increased project acceptance.
(iii) Avoiding impacts and violation of laws and regulations.
(iv) Improved project performance.
(v) Maintenance of biodiversity.
(vi) Improved human health.
(vii) Fewer conflicts over natural resource use.