Answer:




Explanation:


The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is a systematic process that aims to identify, predict, and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or development. Baseline data is an essential component of the EIA process as it provides information about the existing status of the identified study area.




Characterizing the Existing Status:


Baseline data helps in characterizing the existing status of the study area by providing information about various environmental parameters such as air quality, water quality, soil quality, biodiversity, and socio-economic conditions. This data serves as a reference point against which the potential impacts of the proposed project can be assessed and compared.




Importance of Baseline Data:


Baseline data is crucial in the EIA process as it helps in:


- Understanding the current environmental conditions and identifying any existing environmental issues or concerns in the study area.
- Identifying sensitive or protected areas that need to be safeguarded during the project implementation phase.
- Establishing a baseline against which the potential impacts of the proposed project can be measured and monitored.
- Providing a basis for developing appropriate mitigation measures to minimize or avoid adverse environmental impacts.
- Facilitating the comparison of pre-project and post-project environmental conditions to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures.




Conclusion:


In conclusion, baseline data plays a vital role in the EIA process as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the existing environmental conditions in the study area. This data helps to assess the potential impacts of a proposed project and inform decision-making regarding the project's feasibility, design, and implementation. Therefore, the statement that baseline data characterizes the existing status of the identified study area is true.