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This chapter describes scoping, the second step of a health impact assessment (HIA). Scoping provides a blueprint for the planning and execution of the HIA while identifying potential hurdles and opportunities. The scoping process involves defining how the HIA will be managed and resourced; identifying which health issues will be carried forward into the assessment; and determining the methods that will be used for analyzing impacts. This chapter concludes by presenting three case studies that demonstrate different aspects of scoping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter describes the overall objectives and methods of health impact assessment (HIA). It presents a range of definitions, along with key features of the purpose, process, and implications of HIA. Three key defining features of HIA are highlighted: informing decision-making; following a structured but flexible process; and examining the full range of potential impacts to health outcomes and health determinants. The chapter then highlights the steps used in an HIA: screening (determining if HIA is required or useful), scoping (planning the HIA approach), assessment (identifying impacts to health and distribution of effects), recommendations (developing strategies to enhance health benefits and minimize harms), reporting (communicating results to decision-makers and stakeholders), evaluation (understanding the effectiveness of the HIA), and monitoring (tracking changes over time). The chapter discusses when in the decision-making cycle HIA can be most effective, who may commission or conduct an HIA, and the variation in approaches and methods that may be used. It also discusses the typology of HIA: An assessment can be rapid, intermediate, or comprehensive. Each type has a different speed, levels of stakeholder involvement, and intensity of data collection, and each occupies a different place within the need for HIA. Ultimately, HIA is a heterogeneous and flexible practice that is tied together by a core set of commonalities and principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kern River 2003 Expansion Project was the first major natural gas project recently approved and constructed under what has become the FERC Pre-Filing Process. The project involved looping approximately 720 miles of existing pipeline in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California, and construction of 3 new and modifications to 6 existing compressor stations. Given the energy demand situation in California, and commitments to shippers to be in-service in May 2003, it was necessary to expedite other permitting as well, compared to a traditional approach, while complying with existing regulations. Preparation of the FERC application began in February of 2001, a complete application was filed on August 1, 2001, the Certificate received in July 2002, and notices to proceed by spread were received beginning in August 2002 to allow construction to meet the in-service date. A number of key activities were moved into the pre-filing and pre-certificate phases, notably selection of a third-party EIS contractor and initiation of interagency scoping before the August 2001 filing, submittal of draft resource reports for FERC staff review in advance, an aggressive field survey program, and early issues resolution or mitigation plan completion. This approach allowed preparation of the post-certificate implementation plans to be underway before the final EIS and certificate were issued. Other permits and approvals followed parallel schedules. Clearly defining the project scope, consulting early and often with federal and state reviewers and other stakeholders, as well as developing supporting information and plans needed early in the filing process significantly expedited the 2003 Expansion Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]