Improving Transport Project Appraisals
In the Islamic Countries
147
Category Data and information required
- Workforce required for implementation of the project
(minimum and maximum)
- Workforce required for operation of the project (minimum and
maximum)
- Alternatives and options
 Status of surrounding environment including the following:
- Air quality
- Soil and topography
- Oceanography
- Surface and ground water
- Land environment (fauna/flora)
- Marine environment (fauna/flora)
- Land use of selected site and its surroundings
- Land ownership (original owner)
 Environmental Assessment
- Identification of the general potential impacts of the project and
suggested alternatives
- Identification and analysis of key effects of the project on: air
quality; marine and coastal environment; surface and
underground water; flora and fauna; land use and urban
development; residential clusters; general scenic view; others
 Assessment of Significant Impacts
- Quantification and rating of the significant impacts on natural
resources
- Estimates on the relative damage to the area and the extent of its
potential
- Estimated lifespan of the facilities
- Studies on the possible mitigation of anticipated impacts
 Summary of the significant impacts after mitigation processes
Sources: Royal Decree 34/2001.
Generic requirements on the content of an EIA are available in Royal Decree No. 34/2001.
However, in order to address the insufficient implementation of EIAs specifically for transport
projects, the 2011 Strategy stressed the need for a stronger guidance by the Presidency for
Meteorology and Environment (PME) for transport implementing agencies. In particular, the
preparation by PME of practical guidelines to measure the environmental impact of transport
infrastructure projects was foreseen. According to the Strategy, PME would be the lead agency
for developing EIA guidelines and cooperate to this end with the concerned Ministries and
entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Saudi Ports Authority, Railway Authority, Ministry of
Municipal and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Aviation, and GACA. In addition, promotion
and capacity building measures were called for, aiming to enhance the implementation of EIAs
for roads, railways, ports and airports.