Developing environmentally acceptable desalination projects

Abstract

Developing an environmentally acceptable desalination project has the following overall benefits: protection of the environment, minimize planning approval time-scales, minimize time for arranging funding or reaching “financial close” and minimizing overall construction time-scales. This can be achieved if the developer recognizes that the project will be environmentally “driven” from site identification to decommissioning and as such develop a project strategy with this in mind from day one. Project cost and other factors (e.g., engineering, water demand) are important, but these can be integrated into environmental considerations. Above all, an environmentally acceptable project is one that fulfils the requirements of sustainable development. Sustainable development has been characterized as a way of social, economic and political progress that meets “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs”. The following environmental issues should be addressed to meet the above concept: (1) Site Identification/Site Selection — site identification is often based on engineering factors to minimize cost of infrastructure whereas site selection should be based on environmental and engineering factors to ensure timely award of consents and licences; (2) Public Relations — public relations is an important issue in the “stakeholder concept”. In such cases the developer is encouraged to provide an analysis of alternatives to demonstrate to the public why the selected site and technology are ideally suited at the selected location. This could be achieved via written and oral consultation as well as exhibitions; (3) Planning Approvals (design, construction and operation) — it is important to obtain all national and funding agency approvals. An early review of consents and licences required is recommended; (4) Environmental Standards/Plant Performance — the plant should be designed to environmental standards set by national government and funding agencies. In the absence of these standard, World Bank Guidelines are to be consulted; (5) Climate Change Issues — many countries are now signatory to the climate change protocol. The use of combined heat and power and the choice of generating technology is an important consideration in this aspect. Reduced interest rates in obtaining funding is another driver to consider climate change issues; (6) Environmental Management Plans — these are required for the construction and operational phases of the project. These plans should also include the setting up of community liaison groups to allow public feedback. The above environmental requirements and issues have been reviewed in this paper using the author's personal experience.