What is one of the impacts a project may have on the environment according to an EIR?

The correct answer highlights the significant environmental consequences a project can have, particularly referring to modification of wetlands. Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide various ecological functions, such as water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for numerous species. When a project modifies wetlands, it can lead to disruptions in these functions, affecting biodiversity and ultimately impacting the health of surrounding environments.

The modification of wetlands is a critical concern in Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) as it requires careful analysis and often mitigation strategies to address the potential loss of these important ecosystems. Assessing the impact on wetlands is essential in understanding how the proposed project interacts with nature and contributes to environmental change. This aligns with one of the primary purposes of an EIR, which is to identify potential adverse environmental impacts and propose measures to mitigate them.

In contrast, increased property values, expansion of urban areas, and decrease in local wildlife, while they can be connected to project impacts, do not directly emphasize the ecological alterations that projects may cause as specifically as wetland modification does. The focus on wetland modification underscores a direct interaction with an specific environment that needs to be monitored and managed during project planning and execution.