Checklists provide a systematic way to help ensure that all likely events resulting from the project are considered. Standard checklists can be developed for similar projects.
Checklists’ form can vary according to the type and detail of information required. They can be developed for a wide range of situations, for example, to enable comparison of alternative options; to take into consideration past, present and future actions; to consider the impact on environmental components (e.g. water quality, ecology), and to consider the impact on sensitive resources or geographical areas. Information in checklists is usually presented in tabular form.