Environmental Assessment Techniques Research Articles

Comparison of conventional and geo-spatial EIA: A shrimp farming case study

Conventional and geo-spatial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) techniques are compared using pollution from shrimp farming as a case study. Conventional EIA procedures involved sampling and analysis through site visits. Results are presented as cause–effect–impact matrices. The geo-spatial EIA procedure involved sampling and analysis and fitting mathematical models for the spectral reflectance data obtained from satellite imagery. The mathematical models generated were then used to assess the spread of pollution over large areas, at different time intervals. This analysis showed that the geo-spatial EIA procedure offers advantages such as spatial and temporal variability as compared to conventional EIA procedures.

Quantitative-spatial assessment of the risks associated with high Pb loads in soils around Lavrio, Greece

The advantages of quantitative environmental risk assessment techniques over the more commonly used qualitative approach is widely accepted. Yet, correct implementation of quantitative risk assessment is a difficult task, given the present state of understanding of the environmental processes. One important parameter related to the level of risk is the extent and geographic spread of pollutants. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide a very powerful and highly flexible tool that increases the sophistication of the risk assessment methodology. Through spatial representation, the estimated risk becomes more comprehensive, thus facilitating the decision making process. In addition, valuable qualitative information can be incorporated into the risk assessment procedure with the help of GIS. This paper illustrates a methodology which incorporates a probabilistic risk assessment model within a GIS. The case study utilised to illustrate the methodology is a large industrial area around a number of decommissioned minerals production and processing sites with known high heavy metal loads at Lavrio, Greece. The spatial distribution of Pb concentration in soils was derived from 425 soil samples collected over a total area of 120 km 2. A risk assessment model was constructed to simulate and assess the risk associated with high Pb loads in soils in the study area. The methodology consists of a typical exposure assessment model, constructed for adult and child populations. The Pb exposure for both populations is compared with relevant reference dose levels providing hazard quotients. The results of the quantitative risk assessment study are analysed and presented in the form of GIS maps covering the study area.

Rendering of landscapes for environmental assessment

These days, computer graphics are playing an important role in giving lifelike information for the estimation of landscapes after finishing large-scale construction projects. However, how to create vivid photo-realistic images based on exact geometry and optical phenomena is still an essential issue. The authors introduce rendering techniques for visual environmental landscape assessment using computer graphics and/or video sequence images. The techniques are classified into three categories: computer generated images and montages for visualizing landscapes with photo-realistic rendering techniques, panoramic images and panoramic montages employing image-based rendering techniques made from video sequence images, and panned/zoomed video sequence images composited with computer generated images. The basic techniques and their validity are discussed by using practical examples.

Application of life cycle assessment to chemical processes

The literature on the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to process industry products and particularly to chemical processes has been reviewed. The main purpose of an LCA is to provide a quantitative assessment of the environmental impact of products over their entire life cycle, with a view to making improvements. Application to processes, which are key parts of the life cycle, is important in the context of process design and development, and in the analysis of processing chains. Reference is made to some important techniques for environmental assessment which interface with LCA when evaluating processes. The essential features of the LCA methodology are reviewed and some specific difficulties in the application of LCA are identified and discussed. These difficulties include allocation of impacts to multiple products, the definition of system boundaries, the quality of data, temporal and spatial characteristics, and impact assessment methods. Consideration is given to the combined use of LCA with economic evaluations, which is important in the process industry context. Finally, some cases of the application of LCA to specific chemical processes are reviewed.

AN ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENT FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM BY LCA TECHNIQUE

Social system and production system in the modem society are closely related to the wide field, and it becomes a complicated thing. Various environmental problems exist in the social structure. It is necessary to analyze the effect from various sides for the solution of such problems. Especially, the load to the environment may be made to increase in the integrated network infrastructure, if the consideration from the stage of plan and design to environmental harmony-ness is not sufficiently carried out. In this study, it stood at the viewpoint of life cycle of facilities until the disposal from the design, and environmental effect of disposal, operation and construction in the social foundation facility was determined quantitatively. Considering this background, as one step in solving these environmental problems the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique for environmental impact assessment will be examined in this research. As the result, the LCA technique can be called that the application to social foundation facilities represented for the waste water treatment system is also sufficiently possible and that to also make in addition, the wide-area environmental problem to be an object is possible, and that it is a point the quantitative evaluation, and that it is the very effective environmental impact assessment technique.

Modelling material cascades — frameworks for the environmental assessment of recycling systems

The authors develop a methodological framework for the environmental assessment of materials recycling systems. Typically such systems exhibit both dynamic and non-linear behaviour. By contrast, many existing environmental assessment techniques (such as Life Cycle Assessment and Materials Flow Analysis) employ a static linear model of the underlying system. This paper first reviews some of the attempts to develop dynamic non-linear models for materials systems. It then discusses the structural peculiarities of recycling systems drawing attention in particular to the presence of dynamic features (such as time lags between production and disposal) and non-linearities (such as the dependency of scrap collection energies on the flow of material through the recycling loop). The principal analytic task of this paper is to construct an illustrative case study, in which different modelling techniques are used to assess the energy requirements of a hypothetical recycling system possessing both dynamic and non-linear features. The difference in system energy intensity derived using the different types of model are analysed. Finally, the paper discusses the policy implications of these results.

The Aim of Environmental Impact Assessment Techniques

The Aim of Environmental Impact Assessment Techniques

A review of refugee environmental-oriented projects in Africa: a case for environmental impact assessment

The refugee situation is examined in relation to its environmental consequences. Few studies apply environmental impact assessment (EIA) techniques to refugee projects and, when they do, it is usually after the camps have been set up. Four important conclusions are that: environmental assessments would provide the data crucial to deciding what local communities and refugees require; environmental education must be locally specific and down-to-earth; a coordinated approach by the various agencies would avoid duplication and waste; and environmental issues must be part of a national framework. The debate will continue as to the impact of refugees on the environment: without empirical data the argument is academic. EIAs would provide the data: EIAs are required for environmentally sound projects. Unsuccessful programs cost as much or more than successful ones: EIAs would increase the success rate. EIAs would be worth the money.

Conceptualizing Environmental Stress: A Stress–Response Model of Coastal Sandy Barriers

/ The purpose of this paper is to develop and apply a conceptual framework of environmental stress-response for a geomorphic system. Constructs and methods generated from the literature were applied in the development of an integrative stress-response framework using existing environmental assessment techniques: interaction matrices and a systems diagram. Emphasis is on the interaction between environmental stress and the geomorphic environment of a sandy barrier system. The model illustrates a number of stress concepts pertinent to modeling environmental stress-response, including those related to stress-dependency, frequency-recovery relationships, environmental heterogeneity, spatial hierarchies and linkages, and temporal change. Sandy barrier stress-response and recovery are greatly impacted by fluctuating water levels, stress intensity and frequency, as well as environmental gradients such as differences in sediment storage and supply. Aspects of these stress-response variables are articulated in terms of three main challenges to management: dynamic stability, spatial integrity, and temporal variability. These in turn form the framework for evaluative principles that may be applied to assess how policies and management practices reflect key biophysical processes and human stresses identified by the model.

New developments and final reflections on the use of visual literacy and environmental evaluation for the participation of community groups in design

Involving community groups in the design processes concerning their city or neighbourhood, can play a role in creating responsive environments and achieving a high level of satisfaction for communities. Interaction between clients and professionals is essential to encourage the resolution of disputes at the design stage rather than once actions have been taken, since their different roles and expertise could enrich the process of interaction. This study supports the idea of a form of participation based on research in environmental experience. Visual literacy is trained, and a combination of environmental assessment techniques and informative activities are linked to encourage community groups and professionals to work together on the generation and development of observational and analytical skills. The aim is to generate a structure for the involvement of local communities in urban renewal actions as an informed, organised and effective activity and then, to apply this approach in praxis.

Environmental and bioeconomic characterisation of coastal and marine systems of Cameroon, including risk implications of the Chad–Cameroon pipeline project

Abstract We assess the status of Cameroon’s coastal and marine environment, from field survey results and analysis of existing environmental and bioeconomic datasets. The study was undertaken at a broad level, and at greater resolution in the area likely to be influenced by the Chad–Cameroon pipeline. Thirty-six coastal sites are characterised using a proven, robust environmental assessment technique. Solid waste was more prevalent and abundant than beach oil, and both were most common around Douala towards Kribi. Offshore sampling was undertaken at 77 sites, 80% of which were dominated by mud or silt fractions, whereas hard substrata were uncommon. Key biological resources were identified in three main areas of the Cameroon coast, from the analysis of existing environmental data, using a Geographic Information System: (1) northern region around Ndian (mangroves); (2) central region in and around Douala (mainly mangroves and including a protected area); and (3) southern region between Kribi and Campo (mangroves including a protected area). Coastal uses/pressures are greatest around Douala, an area associated with at least five different major uses/pressures. Other parts of the coast appear to have fewer uses/pressures, although these areas are extensive. Coastal areas where concentrated biological resources coincide with coastal uses/pressures are extensive, encompassing much of the coastal zone. These are indicative of resource–use conflicts, where management action should be a high priority. Areas where biological resources coincide with multiple/heavy coastal uses and pressures are fewer and less extensive. Cameroon’s coastal resources (e.g. fisheries) are of direct significance. Their ecosystem services are also important, an estimated US$ 8.3 billion y-1 nationally. This is equivalent to US$ 600 person-1 y-1, a figure approximating per capita gross national product (US$ 610). Within the pipeline project area, ecosystem services may be ca. US$ 1.5 billion y-1, or US$ 105 person-1 y-1. Estimated project benefits from royalties are equivalent to only US$ 4 person-1 y-1 over 30 years and about 1700 jobs. Major project costs are ca. US$ 1.8 billion. Valuations of both ecosystems and the project necessarily make assumptions. Nevertheless, even large reductions in individual habitat values do not undermine the remarkable overall value of ecosystem service and natural capital, nor their importance in cost–benefit analysis. Our assessment of overall risk of coastal oil pollution in the project area combines probability of spillage (based on previous work), and a modified index of environmental sensitivity. This estimates the extent of coastline and habitats at risk, and the associated degree of overall risk. High risk areas include: (1) area between Enyangoe and Ondja (north/central project area); (2) area from Loiaba to south of Biyo (south/central project area); and (3) segment of coast to the north and south of Campo (south project area). The same process can be applied using different oil spill scenarios or more comprehensive datasets.

Environmental and bioeconomic characterisation of coastal and marine systems of Cameroon, including risk implications of the Chad–Cameroon pipeline project

We assess the status of Cameroon's coastal and marine environment, from field survey results and analysis of existing environmental and bioeconomic datasets. The study was undertaken at a broad level, and at greater resolution in the area likely to be influenced by the Chad–Cameroon pipeline. Thirty-six coastal sites are characterised using a proven, robust environmental assessment technique. Solid waste was more prevalent and abundant than beach oil, and both were most common around Douala towards Kribi. Offshore sampling was undertaken at 77 sites, 80% of which were dominated by mud or silt fractions, whereas hard substrata were uncommon.Key biological resources were identified in three main areas of the Cameroon coast, from the analysis of existing environmental data, using a Geographic Information System: (1) northern region around Ndian (mangroves); (2) central region in and around Douala (mainly mangroves and including a protected area); and (3) southern region between Kribi and Campo (mangroves including a protected area). Coastal uses/pressures are greatest around Douala, an area associated with at least five different major uses/pressures. Other parts of the coast appear to have fewer uses/pressures, although these areas are extensive. Coastal areas where concentrated biological resources coincide with coastal uses/pressures are extensive, encompassing much of the coastal zone. These are indicative of resource–use conflicts, where management action should be a high priority. Areas where biological resources coincide with multiple/heavy coastal uses and pressures are fewer and less extensive.Cameroon's coastal resources (e.g. fisheries) are of direct significance. Their ecosystem services are also important, an estimated US$ 8.3 billiony−1 nationally. This is equivalent to US$ 600person−1y−1, a figure approximating per capita gross national product (US$ 610). Within the pipeline project area, ecosystem services may be ca. US$ 1.5 billiony−1, or US$ 105person−1y−1. Estimated project benefits from royalties are equivalent to only US$ 4person−1y−1 over 30 years and about 1700 jobs. Major project costs are ca. US$ 1.8 billion. Valuations of both ecosystems and the project necessarily make assumptions. Nevertheless, even large reductions in individual habitat values do not undermine the remarkable overall value of ecosystem service and natural capital, nor their importance in cost–benefit analysis.Our assessment of overall risk of coastal oil pollution in the project area combines probability of spillage (based on previous work), and a modified index of environmental sensitivity. This estimates the extent of coastline and habitats at risk, and the associated degree of overall risk. High risk areas include: (1) area between Enyangoe and Ondja (north/central project area); (2) area from Loiaba to south of Biyo (south/central project area); and (3) segment of coast to the north and south of Campo (south project area). The same process can be applied using different oil spill scenarios or more comprehensive datasets.

The Early Years of Holland's Research: Some Personal Reflections

This article provides a personal account of some of John Holland's theoretical, empirical and developmental work during the period 1954 through 1963. It shows that fun as well as creativity characterized aspects of the development of the Vocational Preference Inventory, the Environmental Assessment Technique, and two large-scale longitudinal research enterprises.

A new (old) approach to inshore resources management in Samoa

Increasing populations and development in many of the small Pacific Island nations have placed heavy pressures on coastal environments and on inshore fisheries. The population of Samoa, in the Southwestern Pacific, has increased 5–6-fold in the past 150 years. Wetlands, lagoons and coral reefs have been seriously degraded because of inappropriate land-use and fisheries practices and recent catastrophic cyclones, and many fish and invertebrate stocks have declined in the past 10–15 years. A research program was established in 1990 to determine the status of the coastal and inshore environments, to monitor inshore subsistence and commercial fisheries, to determine the status of stocks, and to identify potential management actions. An inventory of inshore resources was produced using aerial photography and ground and underwater surveys. Fisheries catch and effort were established through a national census, questionnaire surveys in households and schools, and creel and market surveys. A major aid program was commenced in 1995 by the Australian government (AusAID) to assist Samoa to establish an effective inshore fisheries and environment management program. A key strategy was the devolution of powers in inshore fisheries management back from the national government to the villages and local fishers. A culturally appropriate co-management model was developed and tested, and has now been adopted by many villages. An inshore fisheries extension capability was developed within Samoa's Fisheries Division to assist villagers to undertake their own environmental and fisheries surveys; identify major factors affecting fisheries; identify ways of reducing these factors; establish an agreed (between village council and national government) plan of management and regulations; and establish their own fisheries management bodies. By the end of 1997 the Inshore Fisheries Extension Service had been established and trained; 26 villages had entered the co-management program and established their own plans of management; and 20 fisheries reserves had been established. The techniques for inshore environmental and fisheries assessment and management developed for Samoa are applicable, with appropriate modification, to subsistence fishing communities elsewhere in the South Pacific.

Activity Accounting Technique for Environmental Noise Assessment in Mechanized Surface Mining

The authors have developed the Activity Accounting Technique for predicting far field noise levels due to operation of specific set of mining machinery. The technique is based on the breaking down of the mining operations into a number of activities and establishing their duration and average location. By estimating the noise levels due to these activities, the overall noise field near a surface mine can be predicted. Experiments were undertaken at a quarry to validate the model developed based on this technique. Results of these experiments are discussed in this paper. The Activity Accounting Technique has the scope of elaborate application for prediction of environmental noise near mining sites. In a system where the activities involved and their duration can be estimated one can develop a noise quality prediction model based on near field spectrum of the sound pressure levels due to the activities. However, this method will be more useful if an acoustic database can be evolved for all the possible activities for different alternative equipment system.

Environmental and Genetic Variance in Children's Observed and Reported Maladaptive Behavior

The genetic and environmental contributions to children's maladaptive behavior are assessed in a sample of 154 twin pairs (77 MZ twin pairs and 77 DZ twin pairs), who range in age from 6 to 11 years. To bridge the strengths of behavioral genetic methods and environmental assessment techniques, we use a multimethod, multimeasure approach to data collection, and analyze the data using behavioral genetic modeling techniques. Results indicate that genetic variation accounts for a majority of the variance in parent-reported child maladaptive behavior (average = 62%). One parent-report measure also suggests a smaller, significant contribution of shared environmental variance. In contrast to the parental ratings, the observational coding and global impressions of parent-twin interactive behavior suggest that shared environment is the primary source of variance accounting for parent and child maladaptive behavior. This is due, in part, to the direct influence one's interactive partner has on the expression of maladaptive behavior in an interactive setting. When controlling for the co-participant's behavior, genetic variation increases and shared environmental variation decreases.

Optimal solvent design for environmental impact minimization

A systematic procedure to select solvents in mass separating agent (MSA) driven technologies so as to account for plant-wide point source or post-release environmental interactions is presented in this paper. A three step procedure is proposed involving identification of all agent-based operations within the process of interest, determination of a list of candidate solvents satisfying separation task operational and environmental constraints, and selection of an optimal solvent candidate based on global plant-wide process and environmental constraints. Environmental impact assessment techniques including post-release environmental damage are also incorporated in the solvent selection framework. Two examples are presented to illustrate the viability of the approach; trade-offs are discussed regarding cost and environmental impact objectives.

Pricing aircraft emissions at Lyon-Satolas airport

The cost of air pollution from aviation at Lyon-Satolas airport for 1987, 1990, 1994, and 2015 is estimated by linking environmental assessment techniques that yield an emissions inventory for aircraft operations with economic cost evaluations of air pollution from ground based sources in Lyon (e.g. road transport, industry, and agriculture). To highlight both the uncertainty that exists regarding the economic assessment of damages from air pollution's effects and the variation in ‘willingness to pay’ for environmentally sustainable transportation, estimates are expressed as a range covering four possible scenarios. These scenarios differ along two parameters: rural vs urban impact of pollution and minimal vs potential preferences for environmental protection in a particular jurisdiction. Such an approach produces a range of estimates that could be applied to virtually any airport, thus allowing public officials not only in Lyon, but also elsewhere, to factor the approximation of environmental costs that they judge to be most appropriate into airport planning and aviation policy development.

The Sociological Shaping of a Technique for Environmental Assessment

The Sociological Shaping of a Technique for Environmental Assessment

Land contamination at industrial sites –A risk model

AbstractThe paper focuses upon work undertaken at a number of manufacturing sites within the UK. An environmental risk assessment technique has been developed to allow quick and effective actions to be made in order to reduce liabilities and pollution incidents. Recent papers investigating the historic and current causes of contaminated land have paid little attention to proactive risk reduction and preventative measures. The model takes account of current facilities, site management and environmental awareness within industrial sites, to ensure that future risks are reduced. The risk criteria have been identified in terms of the physical aspects of the site, and the site's management and facilities in terms of hazard control. Each risk criterion is given a ranking that allows site specific and process specific information to be included. Pre‐determined risk criteria are used to prioritize sites for remedial action. The model outlined is a prioritizing tool that allows areas that may require increased management to be identified. It has been developed on a number of industrial sites, and is subject to on‐going revision and refinement. In the development of the model it has been evident that a proactive approach to environmental management increases awareness to problems and can rapidly yield benefits in terms of potential contamination, waste minimization and environmental liability. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.