Results Of Environmental Impact Assessment Research Articles

Radiation-hygienic situation in the area of sublimate production waste storage of JSC “AECC”

In accordance with the fundamentals of state policy in the field of ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, State Corporation «Rosatom» carries out the remediation of JSC “AECC” nuclear legacy sites. The article presents the results of environmental impact assessment carried out in 2021-2023 in the vicinity of sublimation waste storage facilities that are being decommissioned. Health physics studies involved ambient dose rate measurements, sampling (soil, groundwater) and analysis of radiological and non radiological environmental pollutants. The external gamma dose rate, as well as content of natural and artificial radionuclides in soil, don’t exceed background levels. While uranium presence in groundwater is found to be 10 times and higher then background level. The data obtained indicate that the accumulated wastes of sludge sumps (bottom sediments, pulp) сome into contact with natural water. Flooded storage facilities form a plume of contamination spreading out in the direction of groundwater flow. Given the current situation optimization of the existing environmental monitoring programs in the JSC “AECC” health protection zone is recommended and reference levels of uranium proposed.

MADM-Q, an efficient multi-attribute decision-making support system for offshore decommissioning

With decades of development, some offshore facilities are reaching their design lives and need to be decommissioned. However, due to the limitation of regulations, technologies, and other aspects, which decommissioning options should be chosen is a challenging task. This paper introduces a multi-attribute quantitative evaluation system called MADM-Q (Multi-Attribute Decision Making-Quantitative), which can show decision makers with decommissioning options’ cost, risk, and environmental impact assessment results. The system consists of an input, output, and three processing modules. The Engineering Cost Evaluation System (ECES) is the first bottom-up approach cost assessment model in offshore facility decommissioning research. The Hierarchical Analyst Domino Evaluation System (HADES) acts as the risk assessment module, considering Domino Effect Accidents (DEAs) and providing accurate and rapid quantitative risk assessment results. The third sub-model, Composite Impact Evaluation System (CIES) assesses the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project. The system can obtain the basic cost range and the Individual Risk Per Annum (IRPA) value of the project quickly by using some simple inputs. The results of ECES and HADES reflects excellent accuracy - 12% cost evaluation average deviation and 1.43E-04 IRPA evaluation bias. Although currently, the HADES is a quasi-dynamic risk assessment method, it would be easy to develop it into a real-time dynamic risk monitoring and assessment system by combining advanced technologies such as digital twin technology and sensor technology.

Life cycle assessment of three typical solar energy utilization systems in different regions of China

In the future, solar energy has a major impact on the transformation of energy supply, becoming an attractive option among renewable energy sources. This study compares three typical systems that use solar energy, namely solar water heater (SWH) systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems, under comparable conditions in different regions of China. The comparison is based on a life cycle assessment (LCA), taking into consideration the climate characteristics and energy supply in different regions. The corresponding environmental impact assessment results were obtained using the endpoint method and sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the factors that had a greater impact on the results. The findings indicate that SWH systems are more suitable for the southwest of China, where the power grid structure is dominated by hydropower. PV systems are recommended for northern and northeastern China, where coal power is the main source. In other parts of China, both PVT and PV systems are good options. Taking Shanghai as an example, applying PVT systems in Shanghai can reduce carbon emissions by 11.0% and 55.9% respectively, as well as decrease the environmental impact by 11.1% and 38.9% throughout whole life cycle, compared to PV systems and SWH.

Environmental impact assessment of a steel industry development plan using combined method involving Leopold matrix and RIAM.

The present study was conducted to determine positive and negative impacts of Sepid-Farab Kavir steel (SKS) complex development plan and to propose suitable managerial strategies by a combined method involving Leopold matrix and Rapid Impact Assessment matrix (RIAM). The SKS complex is located in Aran-Bidgol city, Isfahan, Iran. Two scenarios of project implementation and project cancellation were formulated for SKS complex development plan, which has two sub-phases: construction and operation Using Leopold and RIAM matrices, the direct and indirect impacts of the project on the study area was investigated. The impact analysis for project cancellation scenario showed that the obtained scores of construction and operation phases were -119 and -52, respectively. Also, for project implementation scenario, the obtained scores of construction and operation phases were + 302 and + 382, respectively. The number of positive impacts in the implementation and cancellation scenarios were 354 and 48, respectively, and the number of negative impacts in implementation and cancellation scenarios were 270 and 127, respectively. Also, comparison of positive and negative impacts frequency in the two scenarios, and in the two sub-phases, in RIAM indicated the project implementation will have positive impacts in social-cultural and economic-operational aspects compared to option of prevention, especially in operation phase. The results of environmental impact assessment of the mentioned project indicated the superiority of positive impacts over the negative ones.

BIM-based environmental impact assessment for infrastructure design projects

Sustainability is becoming a key factor in the decision-making process of infrastructure projects throughout their lifecycles. In particular, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the design phase is becoming a matter of significant importance, for both public and private sectors, given the long-term impacts of design decisions on the environmental performance of infrastructure projects. Traditionally, EIA is performed by a sustainability expert at the end of the design cycle, by which time the modification of design is both costly and time-consuming. In recent years, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is leveraged to better integrate EIA with the design practices. However, there are several limitations with how this integration is approached: (1) EIA is normally performed by software other than the one used for the design. This renders the continuous EIA based on incomplete BIM models difficult; (2) there is a lack of explicit data structure for the integration of EIA and BIM data. This limits the interoperability and flexibility of the EIA tools in terms of accommodating to different EIA databases; (3) in the majority of the cases the integration of EIA and BIM is not bidirectional, which results in the incapacity of the designers to immediately visualize the results of EIA in the design platform and to track the progress of the design in terms of EIA; and (4) the BIM-based EIA has rarely been implemented in an infrastructure project. Therefore, this research aims to develop a continuous BIM-based EIA for infrastructure projects that utilizes an explicit data structure to (1) systematically integrate data from various sources, and (2) enable bidirectional data exchange between BIM and EIA. The framework allows designers to run an automated EIA at any point in the design stage and immediately assess the Environmental Impact Score (EIS) of their design choices. A prototype is developed and tested on a case study to indicate the feasibility of the proposed framework. The framework is assessed in terms of functionality, ease of use, scalability, and contribution to raising sustainability consciousness through a workshop with experts. It is shown that the framework is able to quickly provide designers with accurate information about the potential environmental impact of all objects in infrastructure design projects. The workshop with experts showed that the tool clearly makes it easier to perform EIA compared to the existing, highly fragmented, process. This allows the design team to use this assessment on the same level as other design parameters in the decision-making process.

Ineffective Public Participation for EIA: The Cause of Environmental Issues in Malaysia?

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) foster communication between participators to yield a more environmentally sound decision for a proposed development. Public participation is an integral element in EIA to ensure a successful EIA. Effective public participation encourages community empowerment, fair and democratic decisions and reduce thus avoid public confrontation and delay. Effective public participation is one of the key pillars to achieve effective EIA. Environmental issues are known to be the negative outcome of a poorly implemented EIA process. This paper discusses seven environmental cases that were produced from ineffective application of EIA such as Bakun Dam, Murum Dam, Baram Dam, bauxite mining in Kuantan, gold mining in Bukit Koman, sturgeon farming in Kuala Tahan and Lynas plant. The seven cases focused on the lack of public participation in the administration of EIA. Public objections and protests were results of ineffective public participations and ineffective EIAs in the chosen cases. Four out of seven cases have made substantive results where the projects stopped or ceased due to the public objections. Meanwhile, the three cases went on till today. Conclusively, these cases has shown that public participation in EIA is a valuable tool which encourages transparent decision-making process and defies corrupted influences.

Development of a Novel Binder Using Lime and Incinerated Sewage Sludge Ash to Stabilize and Solidify Contaminated Marine Sediments with High Water Content as a Fill Material

In this study, incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) was applied to replace ordinary portland cement (OPC) and quick (unhydrated) lime at different ratios of 0%, 20%, and 50% for improving the properties of marine sediments with high water content by solidification/stabilization (S/S) method. Then, the effects of different binders and curing time (7 and 28 days) on sediment properties, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear strength, durability, and leachability of metals were investigated. Test results indicated that lime–ISSA binder had several advantages over OPC–ISSA binder owing to its lower cost, lower environmental footprints, and better strength gains. The UCS, deformation resistance, and shear strength of the specimens prepared using lime as the binder were improved with the increasing addition of ISSA, and the water permeability was also effectively reduced. The results of environmental impact assessment (in particular leaching characteristics) indicated that the leachability of heavy metals in the lime–ISSA stabilized sediments was effectively mitigated. The proposed fill material complied with the acceptance criteria for engineering fills applications. A series of spectroscopic/microscopic laboratory tests including mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to investigate the mechanisms controlling strength development and metals immobilization. The chemical reactions between the sediments, ISSA, and lime resulted in the formation of hydrated cementitious compounds that facilitated the decrease in pore volume and increase in strength and stabilization of heavy metals. On the whole, the lime–ISSA system could replace the OPC–ISSA binder to particularly improve the geotechnical and environmental properties of the contaminated sediments.

HOW CAN 3D GIS BE USED TO BETTER STORE, INTEGRATE AND COMMUNICATE RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS?

Abstract. In the United Kingdom, the process of conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal requirement for projects of considerable size or those that can affect the environment. EIA results are presented as an Environmental Statement, which includes multiple long reports often covering thousands of pages on large developments and includes complex information that is hard to understand for the intended audience of planners and the general public. To facilitate understanding, environmental professionals often use 2D maps. However, this approach is only partially useful, as it is difficult to locate specific information or to identify information related to a specific location on a very large site. This paper presents a pilot study into whether 3D GIS provide an alternative to better present, integrate and communicate the EIA results, with specific focus on three core environmental datasets: noise, air quality and bats’ flight paths, in relation to the building model of a real world development site. We focus in particular on off-the-shelf technologies that would be available to a standard Environmental Consultancy not having access to bespoke development, and will be usable by the planners, public and other decision makers, and look at tasks including 3D georeferencing, integration and visualisation of the data to be explored. It was concluded that while 3D GIS has a potential for environmental modelling, current technology and standards of data collection limit the practical use of 3D GIS at this stage.

Environmental Impacts and Recovery After the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in Korea.

The Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) on December 7, 2007 was the worst oil spill recorded in Korea, with the release of approximately 10,900tons of crude oil and 375km of coastline polluted along the west coast of Korea. Cleanup operation was conducted by official and contract responders as well as volunteers for massive oil containment and removal of heavy accumulations of stranded oil. Together with the oil cleanup, a long-term environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the HSOS was initiated based on the Marine Environmental Management Act, which covers oil contamination in a multimedia environment, toxic effects on organisms, and ecosystem injury. This review summarizes the long-term monitoring results of HSOS EIA focused on (1) pollution status of seawater, sediment, and bivalves, (2) ecotoxicological effects, and (3) ecosystem recovery. Overall, concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment indicated that their concentrations were well down to at or near background or pre-spill contamination levels at most sites after 1year. The potential toxic effects of residual oils in sediments have decreased to background levels in most coastal areas of Taean. The entire ecosystem in the most affected area of the Taean coasts appear to be considerably, but not fully, recovered at present, namely after 8years of the HSOS. The presence of lingering oil and elevated contamination levels at several sites still require continuous long-term monitoring.

Participatory governance in the transformation of the South African energy sector: Critical success factors for environmental leadership

Socio-economic development and economic growth is connected with the intensive use of energy resources, which poses also risks to long-term viability of the biosphere by causing natural resource depletion and environmental degradation. One of the options to reduce Human and environmental risks from extensive energy generation are renewable energy sources. However, there are several barriers for transformation of energy sector towards a greater share of renewable energies. Human factors such as social support or opposition are crucial drivers for this transition. This paper examines the state of infrastructure projects in South Africa and assesses how lessons from these projects can contribute to improve development of energy transformation in the country. It analyses the challenges of applying participatory governance in the energy transition in South Africa, as a critical component of successful infrastructure project implementation, and of insights into fostering environmental leadership. The paper is based on the case studies analysis of ten large infrastructure projects in South Africa and focuses on public participation in these projects, its effects and challenges by applying the ladder of public participation methodology. Findings from the study support the scientific arguments that public participation in decision-making regarding deployment infrastructure projects creates an enabling environment for successful implementation. In conclusion public participation was only in the context of environmental impact assessment which is a mandatory requirement for infrastructure projects in South Africa. Currently public participation is manly regarded as a reactive measure to conflict resolution. It is organized to provide feedback on the results of environmental impact assessment, mainly as a way to address conflict, which has already emerged. Our results show that provision of information and consultation are the two most frequent levels of public participation. Land use issues and questions about benefits and impacts from infrastructure projects on local communities are the most frequent concerns.

Ensuring Environmental Safety During the Construction and Operation of Tunnels in Residential Areas

In recent years the rate of construction of transport tunnels and metro tunnels has increased in Russia. The geography of their facilities covers almost the entire territory of our country, including megalopolises with dence building system.The construction and operation of all types of tunnels are associated with the negative impact of technological processes on the environment.This article describes the differences of negative impact features of the tunnel construction comparing to the impact from construction of facilities on the surface. The factors affecting the level of negative impact are shown. Some results of environmental impact assessment and ecological monitoring are given.

Eliminating Contract Document Conflicts with Environmental Impact Assessment: An Example from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Government agencies, environmental consultants, and the public alike are frustrated by poor the coordination between agency planning and environmental impact assessment (EIA). Contracts for project design, construction, and management too often fail to provide for EIA, or to accommodate its results. A systematic review of standard contract documents and guidelines used by one major U.S. government agency revealed that they seldom took into account the need for EIA or provided for integrating the results of EIA into planning. Correcting these deficiencies was not very difficult. Other agencies may be well advised to undertake similar reviews. Environmental Practice 18: 270–273 (2016)

A quantitative evaluation of the sustainability or unsustainability of three tunnelling projects

There is a perception that tunnelling is sustainable. This is because it occurs underground, and consequently does not significantly interfere with surface or atmospheric processes unlike other anthropogenic activities. However, the tools and assessments used in tunnelling projects to evaluate sustainability in the construction and operational phases are primarily concerned with the reduction of carbon footprint and environmental performance. This does not provide a suitable approach to determining the sustainability of a tunnelling project directly. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the other hand does have this potential. However, it requires two things: (1) a suitable quantitative-based method of EIA; and most critically and (2) a means to evaluate sustainability from the EIA results. Based upon the recent work of Namin et al. (2014) concerning a new EIA methodology for tunnelling projects, this paper applies an established mathematical model of sustainability to the results of the EIA to determine the sustainability or unsustainability of tunnelling projects. The model’s application, in the form of an algorithm, evaluates three case studies assessed by Namin et al. (2014). The results are analysed and discussed in respect to the three projects’ construction and operation phases. The broader context of the results is then discussed in respect to the use of underground space as a means to achieve sustainability.

Modified rapeseed oil/silane coupling agent-montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared by in-situ method: Synthesis and properties

The environmentally friendly flame retardant fatliquoring agent has aroused the attention of tannery industry. In this study, rapeseed oil and montmorillonite were used to prepare flame retardant fatliquoring agent. Firstly, silane coupling agent modified montmorillonite was prepared from Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) and silane coupling agent γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Then the modified rapeseed oil/silane coupling agent modified montmorillonite nanocomposites was obtained by using silane coupling agent modified montmorillonite and rapeseed oil through in-situ method. The as-prepared modified rapeseed oil/silane coupling agent modified montmorillonite was applied in fatliquoring process of goatskin garment leather. Flame retardancy, softness and mechanical properties of the fatliquored leather were tested. Compared with those of the leather fatliquored by modified rapeseed oil (MRO), flame retardancy, softness and tear strength of the leather treated by modified rapeseed oil/silane coupling agent modified montmorillonite were improved. The results of environmental impact assessments indicated that the modified rapeseed oil/silane coupling agent modified montmorillonite nanocomposites did not increase the pollution to the environment.

탄소저감요소를 적용한 건설재료의 환경영향평가 비교 연구 - 콘크리트 제품 생산단계에서의 지구온난화 영향을 중심으로-

Environmental impact assessment techniques have been developed as a result of the worldwide efforts to reduce the environmental impact of global warming. By using the quantification method in the construction industry, it is now possible to manage the greenhouse gas is to systematically evaluate the impact on the environment over the entire construction process. In particular, the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions at the production stage of construction material occupied is high, and efforts are needed in the construction field. In this study, intended for concrete products for the construction materials, by using the LCA evaluation method, we compared the results of environmental impact assessment and carbon emissions of developing products that have been applied low-carbon technologies compared to existing products. As a result, by introducing a raw material of industrial waste, showed carbon reduction. Through a comparison of the carbon emission reduction effect of low-carbon technologies, it is intended to provide academic data for the evaluation of greenhouse gases in the construction sector and the development of low-carbon technologies of the future.

The challenge of implementing the European network of protected areas Natura 2000.

Established under the European Union (EU) Birds and Habitats Directives, Natura 2000 is one of the largest international networks of protected areas. With the spatial designation of sites by the EU member states almost finalized, the biggest challenge still lying ahead is the appropriate management of the sites. To evaluate the cross-scale functioning of Natura 2000 implementation, we analyzed 242 questionnaires completed by conservation scientists involved in the implementation of Natura 2000 in 24 EU member states. Respondents identified 7 key drivers of the quality of Natura 2000 implementation. Ordered in decreasing evaluation score, these drivers included: network design, use of external resources, legal frame, scientific input, procedural frame, social input, and national or local policy. Overall, conservation scientists were moderately satisfied with the implementation of Natura 2000. Tree modeling revealed that poor application of results of environmental impact assessments (EIA) was considered a major constraint. The main strengths of the network included the substantial increase of scientific knowledge of the sites, the contribution of nongovernmental organizations, the adequate network design in terms of area and representativeness, and the adequacy of the EU legal frame. The main weaknesses of Natura 2000 were the lack of political will from local and national governments toward effective implementation; the negative attitude of local stakeholders; the lack of background knowledge of local stakeholders, which prevented well-informed policy decisions; and the understaffing of Natura 2000 management authorities. Top suggestions to improve Natura 2000 implementation were increase public awareness, provide environmental education to local communities, involve high-quality conservation experts, strengthen quality control of EIA studies, and establish a specific Natura 2000 fund.

The Use of the Leopold Matrix in Carrying Out the EIA for Wind Farms in Serbia

Although the Energy Sector Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia until 2015 envisages an increasing share of renewable energy (RE) in the total energy balance of the country and although there are plenty of wind energy initiatives resulting in the elaboration of planning and project documentation, no wind farms have yet been built in Serbia. One of the significant problems in the realization of these projects is the unjustifiable resistance of a part of local authorities and population, particularly related to the possible environmental impacts of the planned projects. In this context, the paper addresses the possibility of using the Leopold matrix in carrying out the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for “Kladovo” Wind Farm in Serbia (case study). The Leopold matrix is a framework method for assessing the environmental impact of a project. The novelty in this method, presented herein, refers to the evaluation of planned project activities relative to a group of criteria related to: significance (spatial dispersion), probability and duration of impact. The obtained EIA results have enabled the precise identification of possible environmental impacts of “Kladovo” Wind Farm project, as well as removal of dilemmas and problems related to the public resistance to the realization of the project through a transparent relationship with stakeholders.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Transport Infrastructure Projects in Sri Lanka Way Forward

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is established for the purpose of managing impactson environment due to development projects and to enhance the environmental quality wherepossible. However recent past incidents concerning several projects have raised the question,“Are we utilising EIA effectively?” Therefore this study was conducted to find the possiblemethods of improving the quality of EIA and enhancing its usage in decision making process.Several past EIA reports in Sri Lanka related to Civil Engineering projects specially transportinfrastructure projects were studied for this purpose and compared with several recent EIAreports from other countries to identify possible improvements.Identified problems can be categorised in to two, i.e. problems in the established EIAframework and methodologies adopted in the impact assessment. Main problems identified inthe framework are the lack of broad frameworks of environmental and social protection, lackof accountability in EIA process, deficiency of public participation and the absence of properpost development monitoring system. These ambiguities are manipulated by developers asthey see the EIA process only as a rubber stamp to start their projects. Necessary legislatureshould be developed to address these issues and they should also focus on giving a properweight to the results of EIA in the decision process.The problems identified in the assessment process are the lack of incorporating cumulativeeffects of development projects and sustainability concepts. Analysing impacts should focusmore on concepts of environmental resources and limitations, rather than just focusing on thenarrow impacts of the project. In this regard concept of compensation pools which is widelyused in other countries could be used to address damages done in the development. Further inthe impact assessment the product of magnitude of the impact and the duration of impactshould be taken into account rather than just focusing on the magnitude. Further in addition tothe project based EIA process, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) can be practicedto overcome the inherent weaknesses of the reactive nature of EIA and to direct developmentin the right direction before taking irreversible decisions.

Environmental Impact Post-Assessment of Dam and Reservoir Projects: A Review

Abstract After dam and reservoir projects are completed, the actual environmental impact can be investigated by Environmental Impact Post-Assessment (EIPA), and can be compared to the predicted results of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The differences of environmental impact between actual and predicted results can be used to testify the rightness of the EIA predicted results and the reasonability of environment protection design. Furthermore we can assess the environmental quality of the completed projects. According to the environmental impact characteristics of dam and reservoir construction, the methods and contents of EIPA were concluded in this article, which also could provide a reference for environmental management of dam and reservoir projects in order to maximize positive impacts and reduce negative impacts.

Comparison of environmental impact of building materials of three residential buildings

Building industry is responsible for 1/3 of total CO2 emissions and consumes 40% of primal energy in the industry. This paper presents the results of environmental impact assessment of building materials in three houses based on Life Cycle Assessment of the whole life cycle. Building materials were evaluated by special tool by Createrra. CO2 emissions related to life cycle of building materials vary from 0,176 kg CO2eq/kg − 0,305 kg CO2eq/kg, SO2 emissions range form 0,836 g SO2eq/kg − 1,656 g SO2eq/kg and primal energy intensity reached values from 2,347 MJ/kg to 2,534 MJ/kg.