During the scoping phase of the EIA, which activity is performed?

• A. Preparing the EMP
• B. Collecting baseline environmental data
• C. Defining the scope of the study and identifying significant environmental issues
• D. Evaluating impacts and proposing mitigation

Answer: (C)

In scoping, the main task is to set the boundaries of the assessment: decide what will be studied, where the study will apply, and which environmental issues are significant enough to warrant detailed analysis. This helps focus the EIA on the topics that matter most for the project and determines the depth and methods of the study.

That’s why the activity performed during this phase is defining the scope of the study and identifying significant environmental issues. Baseline data collection relates to understanding existing conditions, which informs the assessment but is not the defining action of scoping. Evaluating impacts and proposing mitigation occur after scoping, during the impact assessment and mitigation planning stages, and preparing the Environmental Management Plan comes later as part of follow-up planning.