First Implementation of Improved Mathematical Matrices for Environmental Impact Assessment Using Quality Criteria: A Case Study in Golpayegan Township Compost Plant, Iran

Environmental impact assessment is an important tool in assuring that development projects will go according to environmental limits. The need for a systematic method of evaluating the environmental effects of a project or a plan has been recognized for several decades. In this study application of improved mathematical matrices for environmental impact assessment was suggested. For this, quality criteria for improving of mathematical matrices are used. Mathematical matrices in association with geographic information system can be used as a strong approach to EIA of most development projects. In mathematical matrices, important criteria for site selection of the plant are studied. Then effects are assessed in GIS and their significance is studied based on which appropriate site for compost plant is selected. In the present study, Golpayegan city in Isfahan Province was selected to perform site selection. Three alternatives for site selection of compost plant are studied. According to the results, alternative 3 was the best. Application of mathematical matrices makes the EI assessors to use GIS in EIA, which results in more accurate, applied and objective results. In this approach, magnitude, extent and duration of impacts, synergistic effects, cumulative effects, controversy among the experts and quality criteria are the criteria included in the formula. This comprehensive approach that also includes compensation criterion will make achieving consensus between proponents and EI assessors a reality.