ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF LAND TRANSPORT IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES .1.

Developing countries have unique problems and needs which must be cons idered when attempting to identify and evaluate the environmental impa cts of land transport. This paper presents a review of the relevant li terature that can be used to identify, evaluate and mitigate environme ntal impacts of land transport facilities (development and operation) in developing countries. After examining the relevant characteristics of land transport development in such countries, the paper discusses t he environmental effects. Controls and countermeasures associated with each category of impacts are also reviewed under the broad categories of air, noise and water pollution as well as land use changes and soc ial and ecological impacts. Issues concerning environmental impact ass essment/analysis process and transport of hazardous materials are then addressed. The procedures established by the World Bank for the envir onmental assessment of Bank-financed projects are mentioned. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the responsibilities of the deve loping countries in meeting the growing challenge of environmental deg radation.