Extending the capability of the component interaction matrix as a technique for addressing secondary impacts in environmental assessment

There are few simple and efficient techniques available for the identification of secondary impacts during the scoping stage of environmental impact assessments. The component interaction technique has therefore been developed to structure a preliminary investigation of secondary impacts. The technique is based on the component interaction matrix, first described as an aid to environmental assessment by Ross in 1974. The environment is modelled as a list of components, and direct dependencies between these components are then recorded. Computerized matrix powering procedures are employed to structure the data to facilitate an investigation of the secondary impact potential in the system. Chains of dependence between components can be traced, and components can be ranked in order of their ability to initiate secondary impacts, or their susceptibility to secondary impacts. The procedures essential to the definition of the component interaction matrix ensure that the preliminary analysis of secondary impacts is based on a comprehensive and structured consideration of the environment. The technique is designed to complement the use of any of the wide range of impact analysis methods currently employed, but which are unable to consider secondary impacts.