Exercise 3A Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is a Leopold matrix ?
It is a qualitative environmental impact assessment method. It used to assign numerical weighting to potential environmental impact of a proposed project activity on a chosen set of valued components. Each cell contains a quantification of impact magnitude and impact significance.
What are the cons of a leopold matrix ?
It can be a very subjective process , this is mainly because there are no set standards / criteria for assigning magnitude and significance to valued components . It relies solely on the user judgement and expertise.
It can favor biophysical components over socioeconomic because of how easily quantifiable the former is over the latter .
Can be very time intensive due to the high level of detail .
No consideration of uncertainty every impact is treated as something that is sure to occur.
There is very little room for public involvement due to its subjective and sometimes technical nature.
It only considers primary effects ,not secondary.
What are some of the strengths of the leopold matrix
It is great tool to directly assess the impacts specific projects activities on the environment or valued components.
It a low cost assessment method.
It is a great initial assessment tool to highlight areas of importance for more complex studies .
Applicable to all types of projects with environmental components.
Can be easily expanded or contracted to suit project needs.
What are the strengths of a network diagram ?
It shows the outcome of accumulated impacts.
If done properly is an easy way for a viewer to understand the cause and effect pathways betweeen A proposed project and environmental components.
It can assess multiple impacts at the same time.
A visual tool that makes communication easy.
What are the weaknesses of the network diagram
Does not contain any information about the magnitude and significance of impacts on the vcs.
Can become complex very quickly .
Potential to oversimplify potential risks and effects leading an incomplete analysis.
Very subjective to the user..
Cannot be used as a stand alone tool.
