Final answer:
An environmental assessment may be conducted through screening or comprehensive study, public consultation or public hearing, preliminary review or scoping, and environmental impact statement or environmental audit.
Step-by-step explanation:
An environmental assessment is a process of evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or activity. If an environmental assessment is required, the Minister of Environment may decide between two primary means of conducting it:
a. Screening or comprehensive study: Screening is a preliminary analysis to determine if a comprehensive study is needed. A comprehensive study involves a detailed examination of potential environmental effects and possible mitigation measures.
b. Public consultation or public hearing: Public consultation is a process of seeking input from the public, while a public hearing is a formal meeting where individuals can provide oral feedback or testimony on the proposed project.
c. Preliminary review or scoping: A preliminary review is an initial assessment of the potential environmental impacts, whereas scoping involves identifying the key issues and concerns to be addressed in the assessment.
d. Environmental impact statement or environmental audit: An environmental impact statement is a comprehensive document that describes the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project and outlines possible mitigation measures. An environmental audit, on the other hand, is an independent assessment of an organization's compliance with environmental regulations and standards.