What must an environmental impact statement address before land use is permitted?

An environmental impact statement (EIS) is a crucial document that assesses the potential effects of a proposed project or land use change on various environmental factors. It serves as a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that decision-makers are aware of the environmental consequences before granting permission for development or alterations to land use.

The correct answer encompasses all relevant environmental factors, which include air quality, noise pollution, water pollution, chemical disposal, soil health, and impacts on vegetation. By addressing each of these components, an EIS provides a holistic view of the potential impacts, ensuring that all significant environmental issues are considered. This comprehensive examination helps in making informed decisions that facilitate sustainable development while minimizing harm to the environment.

Considering only selected aspects, such as air quality, noise pollution, or any individual factor, fails to acknowledge the interconnected nature of environmental systems. Each factor plays a role in overall environmental health, and therefore, multiple dimensions need to be analyzed and reported in the EIS for a full assessment of potential impacts.