An example would be the assessment of the reduced value of fish catches due to water pollution or hydrological changes. Both methods have weaknesses and must be used judiciously. A recent publication by Phillips et al . In addition to summarizing the impacts of the alternatives under study this report must include a section on follow up action required to enable implementation of proposals and to monitor long-term impacts. The purpose of an EIA is not to reach a decision but to present the consequences of different choices of actions and to make recommendations to a decision maker.
Recommendations are a crucial part of the Environmental Impact Statement.
The format of the report should preferably follow a standard as recommended by the appropriate institution or required by legislation. The executive summary of the EIS should only be 2 to 5 pages long and the main report, excluding appendices should be preferably about 50 pages long and no more than 100. An exceptionally complex study might require 150 pages. Experts preparing an EIA must appreciate that the final report will be read by a wide range of people and the subject matter may be technically complex. Senior administrators and planners may not understand the importance of technical arguments unless they are presented carefully and clearly.