Which specific characteristic of a project most accurately determines if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required during the screening phase?

The potential for significant environmental impact is the characteristic of a project that most accurately determines if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required during the screening phase. This determination is based on an initial assessment of the project's characteristics, location, and scale. If a project is likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment, an EIA is typically required to fully investigate and mitigate those impacts. Significance is determined through various criteria, including the magnitude, extent, duration, and reversibility of potential impacts, as well as the sensitivity of the affected environment and the presence of protected or endangered species. For instance, a large-scale industrial facility located near a protected area would likely trigger an EIA due to the potential for significant impacts on air and water quality, habitat loss, and biodiversity. The screening phase uses these criteria to efficiently identify projects that pose the greatest environmental risk, ensuring that resources are focused on the most impactful assessments.