How is "environmental impact assessment" related to hazardous materials?

The concept of an "environmental impact assessment" (EIA) is fundamentally concerned with understanding and evaluating the potential effects of proposed projects or activities on the environment, particularly when hazardous materials are involved. This assessment is critical to identifying how these materials can affect various environmental components, such as air quality, water sources, and soil integrity.

By conducting an EIA, stakeholders can ascertain the potential risks and impacts of hazardous materials on the environment. This process includes evaluating how substances might be released into the ecosystem, their effects on local wildlife, and the overall health of the environment. Such evaluations are crucial in making informed decisions about project feasibility, necessary mitigation strategies, and implementing measures to protect environmental health and public safety.

The other choices, while related to hazardous materials, do not directly pertain to the primary function of an environmental impact assessment. These options focus on cost, storage guidelines, and training programs, which are important aspects of hazardous materials management but are not specifically tied to the core objective of assessing environmental impacts.