3.3.2 Scoping
During the early seventies application of NEPA in the USA led to preparation of many EISs which were more 'encyclopaedic than analytic'. As a result consensus emerged that the process of EIA should include a sub-process 'that starts early, involves all affected parties and enables agencies and the writers of the EISs to pinpoint significant issues warranting study and analysis' (Gilpin 1994). Consequently, the concept of scoping has been enshrined in the 'Regulations for Implementing Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (1979)' (hereinafter called the NEPA Regulations 1979). Part 1501.7 of the NEPA regulations (1979) state that "There shall be an early and open process for determining the scale of issues to be addressed and for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. This process shall be termed scoping" (USCEQ 1978). Therefore, scoping may be defined as the early, open process of considering the issues and choices of alternatives to be examined in the EIA of a particular human action. Beanlands and Duinker (1983) suggested that scoping should identify the attributes of components of the environment for which there is public (including professional) concern. In essence scoping exercise comprises a careful consideration of existing information relevant to the assessment and an organised involvement of other agencies (Beanlands 1988). Basic objective of scoping is to make the EIA report 'balanced and thorough' by identifying and studying the real problems and by ensuring that issues of no real concern do not consume undue time and effort (USEPA 1993).

To summarise scoping establishes the terms of reference for an EIA by achieving the following:
1. Identification of concerns and issues for consideration.
2. Determination of the varying depths of analysis to which the alternatives and impacts are to be subjected to.
3. Saving on time by focussing the EIA on real issues.

Like other components of the EIA process, scoping should also not be considered as an 'one off' activity. Scoping may extend well into the planning and design phase depending on whether new issues arise for consideration. On the other hand 'screening', if conducted properly, may help identify issues of significance.

However, there are some possible dangers associated with scoping. For example early public involvement and inter-agency politics could cause considerable delays to the EIA. As observed by Kennedy (1987) environmentalists rarely agree to eliminate any issue. As a result more issues often come from scoping meetings than were originally included. Determination of the 'significance' can only be done using highly subjective criteria and accordingly, when public participation is allowed, 'public concern' often gains undue importance in determining issue significance.

Moreover, in complex projects, many of the potential impacts may be beyond the understanding of the general public (Beanlands 1988). The situation is particularly so in developing countries. It is therefore suggested that in order to be effective, scoping process in EIA may include involvement of professionals rather than public in general.