PANJIM: The National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI) has begun the process to conduct the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of the proposed modernized solid waste treatment facility at Bainguinim. The year-long study will assess the environmental impact of the proposed facility in the area and its natural resources along with possible social and economic impact on the state. “The study will also include the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon impact of the facility,” Sachin Ambe, municipal engineer, Waste Management Cell of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), said. The decision to conduct EIA was taken after the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) sought a detailed analysis from CCP over the possible social, economic and environmental impact on the State due to the proposed facility at Bainguinim. The analysis has been sought considering that the State has already undertaken construction of two such plants in Saligao (North Goa) and Cacora (South Goa). “The EIA study is important to get environment clearance (EC) from the state environment department,” Ambe said. Government has decided to set up the treatment plant at Bainguinim based on German technology on Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) basis, at an estimated cost of around Rs 140 crore. CCP had applied for consent from the environment department for setting up the facility.