Environmental Sensitivity Index Research Articles

Comprehensive risk assessment of marine radioactivity in the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi

In this paper, a marine environmental sensitivity index system was constructed based on three factors: the marine biological species sensitivity, the marine ecological value sensitivity and the social and economic sensitivity. Combined with numerical simulations of 137Cs in the Beibu Gulf under the condition of a level-7 nuclear accident, a comprehensive risk assessment of marine radioactivity under the simulated accident in the Beibu Gulf was carried out. The results show that the areas at high risk and medium-to-high risk to marine radioactivity are mainly concentrated within 30 km of the Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Plant. The medium-risk areas are mainly distributed in sea areas within 30–50 km of the nuclear power plant, and the other sea areas are low-risk areas. The distribution of the risk sources and the characteristics of the regional tidal currents are the main factors affecting the magnitude and distribution of the comprehensive risk of regional marine radioactivity.

Environmental Sensitivity Index Analysis for coastal protection of oil spill in Fakfak, Papua, Indonesia

<p>This study was conducted to analysis of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for anticipating the effect of oil spills on the environment in coastal areas. The study location is the coastal area and waters of the Karas District, Fakfak Regency, West Papua Province, Indonesia. The purpose of the study is to determine the priority of areas that are sensitive to oil spills. This method was carried out by scoring each unit of land based on vulnerability, conservation, and social values. ESI Analysis was carried out through geographic information systems and classified into 5 classes of sensitivity levels. The land use classification was carried out through satellite imagery and field surveys conducted in December 2018. The results of resource classification can be divided into 16 classes. The ESI analysis showed that most (51%) were categorized as insensitive, sensitive low 24%, very sensitive 15%, moderately sensitive 6%, and sensitive 4%. Although most are not sensitive, it should be followed by effective environmental protection to maintain sustainable development.</p>

OILMAP and ArcGIS provide qualitative validation of USCG Sector Geographic Response Strategies

Abstract With the promulgation of the Coast Guard's requirement for Geographic Response Strategies (GRS) Tiered Validation levels, oil spill modeling transitioned from being a reactive tool to a predictive instrument that can guide the placement of limited mission critical resources (boom, boats, personnel, skimmers, etc.) based on threats from current or forecasted operations. In collaboration with the RPS Group, the Coast Guard's Sector Delaware Bay and District Five, members of the Coast Guard Academy employed the OILMAP Oil Spill Modelling Program with ArcGIS to test and validate operational Area Contingency Plan's (ACP) Geographic Response Strategies (GRS). OILMAP is a rapid and effective modelling system that allows for accurate observation of oil movement and weathering. The scenarios were manipulated to effectively test the booming strategies currently in place and worst-case winds at 5 and 10 knots were utilized. The project also identified discrepancies with projected strategies due to changes in the environment. In subsequent studies, the OILMAP output layers of shoreline oiling and oil particle location were combined with the publicly available Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) shoreline data to quantify the impact of booming strategies. The success observed in both the qualitative and quantitative analysis show great promise in the future of establishing a methodology to optimize booming strategies based on data-driven scenarios tailored to each unique spill, season and weather condition.

Modeling pollutant dispersion scenarios in high vessel-traffic areas of the Lower Amazon River

Large ships are efficient in transporting oil and its derivatives. However, they can cause spills in the event of accidents. The aim of the study is to simulate oil dispersion processes in scenarios of likely accidents with ships traveling on sea routes interconnected with Amazonian ports and with the Atlantic Ocean. Navigation routes were based on traffic data to identify risk areas, as well as to compare them to data from the environmental (oil) sensitivity index and to results of numerical simulations of plumes dispersion. These three approaches were integrated to each other in order to assess potential environmental impacts of plumes on coastal biota and human populations. Scenarios results have indicated that the rainy season is the most critical period for plumes dispersion. But, depending on the emission point, plumes tend to remain close to the coast, extend up to 132 km within 72 h, affecting the biodiversity, protected areas and water supply systems from the urban areas.

Identification and Mapping of Environmentally Sensitive Areas of the Coastal Strip of Guilan Province

Background: Oil spills caused by releasing liquid petroleum can spread on the coastal strip and affect coastal ecosystems, causing severe damage to the coastline environment and crisis in local communities. This study aimed to identify and map the environmentally sensitive areas of the coastal strip of Guilan Province, Iran, to oil spills using the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). Methods: The data required for the present study were collected through field studies, the GPS device, topographic maps of 1.25000 of the National Mapping Organization, maps of protected areas of the Environmental Protection Organization, satellite images, data of Guilan Province Industry, Mine and Trade Organization, and other relevant agencies. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) method and ESI were used to determine the sensitivity of the coastal strip of Guilan Province to oil spills. Moreover, to determine the weights of the criteria studied in the NOAA method, the analytic hierarchy process was used. Results: The final results of the study of the environmental sensitivity of the coastal strip of Guilan Province to oil spills showed that 21.15%, 39.66%, and 39.19% of the coastal strip have low, medium, and high sensitivity, respectively. Conclusion: High sensitivity mainly was related to the eastern part of the coast, located at the banks of estuaries of current rivers. Low sensitivity was also located along the seafront on fine- to medium-grained sand beaches, where less damaged in the event of oil spill pollution.

PREDIKSI POLA PERSEBARAN TUMPAHAN MINYAK MENGGUNAKAN DATA CITRA SATELIT SENTINEL-1 DI PERAIRAN BINTAN, KEPULAUAN RIAU

Bintan is one of the regions with annual cases of oil spills, which were excluded from tank cleaning and black waste disposal activities. In arranging oil spill response, it is important to know the areas that are potentially affected, using oil spill trajectory model by GNOME. SAR (Sentinel-1) data is used to create coordinates for oil spills location in GNOME. SAR data processing is using SNAP software, with Lee Algorithm filter (window 5x5). The areas that potentially exposed to oil spills are known based on Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). In this model, oil spill will reach the Bintan Coast within 2 to 5 days with average surface current speed of 4.28 m/s (West Monsoon). The estimated of oil total amount is 1,767 barrel, which 1,157 barrel polluted the coast, 606 barrel has evaporation and dispersion and the other 4 barrel was off map. The most sensitive area to oil spills are Trily Resort Center Bintan and Sebong Bay (Index 10D). The ESI average among the Bintan region are Index 3A and 3B such as Lagoi, Tanjung Berakit, Pulau Pangkil, Pulau Mapur, Cabana, Pulau Lobam, Pantai Mayang Sari, Pantai Indah Club Med Bintan, Bintan Lagoon Resort, Pantai Senggiling, and Pengudang.

Assessment of Environmental Sensitivity Index to Desertification Using GIS: Case Study in West El-Minia Governorate, Egypt

The aim of this work is the identification of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) to desertification in West El-Minia Governorate of Egypt using GIS, based on the MEDALUS model. Three main indicators in this model were considered, including: soil quality, vegetation quality and climate quality. Topographic maps, geologic maps, Landsat-8 satellite image, DEM, NDVI, land surveying, laboratory analyses and climatic data were used for estimating the ESI to desertification in the studied area. The results obtained in this study reveal that the very sensitive and sensitive areas to desertification were in the eastern and central parts of the studied area, where the soil, vegetation and climatic qualities are low. These vulnerable areas are representing 81.49% of the study area (543575 ha.). The western parts of the study area are characterized by low sensitivity to desertification and represent 14.68% of the total area (97907 ha.). The low sensitivity for desertification in the study area is due to the good soil quality and vegetation quality. Small area in the western part of the study area are medium sensitive to desertification and represent 4.43% of the total area (29579 ha.). Sand dunes and Hills occupied 3.83% of the total area. The factors that effect on the sensitivity to desertification are parent material, soil texture, soil depth, slope, vegetation type, drought resistance and erosion protection. The integration of these factors may lead to plan a successful resistance to degradation and very important for decision making in ESI to desertification in the study area.

Spatial distance-based integrated evaluation of environmentally sensitivity for ecological management in northwest China

Identifying environmentally sensitivity regions and levels is an important aspect of resource management, especially in large arid ecosystems that exhibit sensitivity to climate change. This paper selected northwest China with complex and diverse environmental problems as the study area, and constructed the environmental sensitivity index (ESI) system including human intervention, disaster risk, land environment, biological and climate indicators, which were composed of thirteen factors. Then the environmental sensitivity was analyzed through using geographic information system (GIS) technology and spatial distance index (SDI) method. The temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of environmental sensitivity in Northwest China in the past 16 years were discussed. The results showed that: (1) the environmental sensitivity in the study area was in the medium level and its spatial heterogeneity was significant. The high and extremely sensitivity were mainly concentrated in the western and central areas, while the normal and low sensitivity were mainly distributed in the southeast of northwest China. (2) The ESI value decreased from 0.477 in 1987 to 0.429 in 2016, which reflected that the environmental conditions in northwest China have improved in the past 17 years, but not obviously. The regional sensitivity was still unstable, and the fluctuation change area was 232,136.28 km2, accounts for7.71% of the total area. This showed that local government had made some progress in environmental protection, but it still has a long way to go because of the deterioration of the regional environment in northwest China. (3) The SDI method can simply and directly inflect the environmental sensitivity distribution and change patterns, which provided management partitions with well-founded and more viable for planning and implementing effective environmental management.

Oil spill contingency plan (OSCP) by environmental sensitivity index (ESI) analysis at East Barito District, South Barito District and Kapuas District (Tamiang Layang, Buntok and surrounding area), Central Kalimantan Province

The central Kalimantan has envolved into a new oil and gas industry area where potential impact on environmental need to be anticipated comprehensively for environmental protection from oil spill. The locations are East Barito District, South Barito District and Kapuas District (Tamiang Layang, Buntok and surrounding area), Central Kalimantan Province. The main problem of this study is determining areas of sensitive and vulnerability to oil spill. The aims of study were to identify the factors and components that affect the level of ESI to oil spill and analyse and establish environmental sensitivity rank for oil spill contingency plan. The methodology of study carried out by identifying and assessing each landuse unit and analyse performed by GIS method with ESI formula. Interpretation and classification of landuse used Landsat TM imagery that acquired in 2014 and updated in 2018 and field survey in October 2014. The result of analysis showed environmental sensitivity index divided into four categories, dominated by high sensitive (40,8%) due to the presence of protected and conservation forest, less sensitive (31,9%), moderately sensitive (14,6%), and insensitive (12,8%). General condition of study area is lowland and swamp area and potential to flood. The environmental protection from oil spill should be mitigated and prioritized for sustainable development.

Sensitive Resource and Traffic Density Risk Analysis of Marine Spill Accidents Using Automated Identification System Big Data

This study developed a new methodology for analyzing the risk level of marine spill accidents from two perspectives, namely, marine traffic density and sensitive resources. Through a case study conducted in Busan, South Korea, detailed procedures of the methodology were proposed and its scalability was confirmed. To analyze the risk from a more detailed and microscopic viewpoint, vessel routes as hazard sources were delineated on the basis of automated identification system (AIS) big data. The outliers and errors of AIS big data were removed using the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm, and a marine traffic density map was evaluated by combining all of the gridded routes. Vulnerability of marine environment was identified on the basis of the sensitive resource map constructed by the Korea Coast Guard in a similar manner to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration environmental sensitivity index approach. In this study, aquaculture sites, water intake facilities of power plants, and beach/resort areas were selected as representative indicators for each category. The vulnerability values of neighboring cells decreased according to the Euclidean distance from the resource cells. Two resulting maps were aggregated to construct a final sensitive resource and traffic density (SRTD) risk analysis map of the Busan–Ulsan sea areas. We confirmed the effectiveness of SRTD risk analysis by comparing it with the actual marine spill accident records. Results show that all of the marine spill accidents in 2018 occurred within 2 km of high-risk cells (level 6 and above). Thus, if accident management and monitoring capabilities are concentrated on high-risk cells, which account for only 6.45% of the total study area, then it is expected that it will be possible to cope with most marine spill accidents effectively.

Environmental Sensitivity Index maps in a high maritime transit area: The Moroccan coast of the Gibraltar Strait study case

The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe and Africa and constitutes an important maritime transit area with an associated high risk of oil spill accidents. In this paper, a geomorphologic and environmental study has been carried out to obtain Environmental Sensitivity (ESI) Maps to beach oiling events along the protected coastline of Jbel Moussa (north Mediterranean coast of Morocco), which belongs to the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM) and is declared as RAMSAR site.ESI maps are of great interest to generate information about coastline sensitivity and provide a concise summary of coastal resources that are at risk as well as allow choosing sound cleanup strategies. Results show that beaches investigated have a high diversity in geomorphology and dynamic behaviours and show sediments with different level of permeability. These factors are of great interest to determine the hydrocarbons residence time in beach sediments. This coastline also showed a great diversity of flora, with an important forested area, a lagoon and fauna, which includes mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Further, the area constitutes a natural refuge for migratory birds and hosts a small colony of Barbary Macaque. Anthropogenic uses are very limited because it is a rural area characterized by agricultural and traditional fishing activities.The crossing of the information obtained allowed determining different degrees of coastal sensitivity and accessibility, sound methods and techniques of intervention and cleanup, which ranged from natural recovery to flushing/washing. Last, taking into account the road network connections, four hydrocarbons stocking areas were determined.

Environmental sensitivity index mapping as a prevention strategy against oil spill pollution: A case study on the coastal area of South Sumatera Province in Indonesia

Coastal areas are vulnerable to oil spill pollution from tanker accidents or unappropriated operational procedures from the oil and gas industry. This study was aimed to develop a prevention strategy to minimize damage and to ensure vulnerable natural resources and local community fisheries economic activities in coastal areas are protected. The local community utilizes fisheries resources in coastal waters of South Sumatera Province as their main livelihood. The potential of fish and shrimp resources in this area is quite abundant due to the existence of good mangrove ecosystems and located in the high-organic environment of Musi River estuary. On the other hand, the area is highly potential to be threatened by oil spill accident from the nearby of Bangka Strait just right in front of the Musi Estuary. A model named Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) has been developed to classify the level of sensitivities along the shoreline and habitats of the study area to protect such area. Environmental sensitivity index takes into account the vulnerability, biological and socio-economical characteristics for each coastal environmental feature such as fisheries resources and mangrove ecosystem. These three fundamental ESI elements are transferred into three indexes, i.e. Vulnerability Index, Ecological Index and Social Index. Spatial analysis through the geographic information system of overlay technique is applied to determine each environmental feature to produce ESI Map. The results of the ESI analysis show that coastal waters which are habitat of brackish water fishes and shrimps harvested by passive fishing gear such as Kelong (a combination of Guiding Barrier and Fixed lift net) and Sero (Guiding Barrier) are categorized as the sensitive category, while other offshore waters are classed as moderate level. Shoreline type and mangrove ecosystems classified as very sensitive. As consequences, this area must be a top priority in protecting the area from any of oil spill pollution. ESI analysis can be used as an appropriate tool in the determination of priority area need to be protected from any oil spill events.

Environmental sensitivity index assessment algorithm in coastal areas: A method

Accuracy of data is needed for assessment of environmental sensitivity index (ESI) in coastal areas. This paper aims to create an algorithm and database system for calculating ESI values with three main elements, vulnerability index (VI), ecological index (EI) and socio-economic index (SI). The themes that are calculated include the type of beach, coral reef, mangrove, seagrass ecosystem, and location of community economic activities such as tourism, port, agricultural land, fishpond, salt ponds, mariculture, and capture fisheries. Algorithms are compiled for ESI calculations so that they are structured and accurate through the compilation of databases from VI, EI, and SI determinants, preparation of input tables, and presentation of results of ESI calculations. The database is built using Microsoft Excel software.

An approach to environmental sensitivity index study at coastal area toward oil spill accident: A case study on the northern and southern coast of Madura Island

Coastal resources and their local community economic activities are prone to oil spills pollution from tanker accidents or unappropriated operational procedures from the oil and gas industry. This study was aimed to develop supporting a prevention strategy to minimize damage and to ensure vulnerable natural resources and the local community in coastal areas are protected. Two methodologies applied to perform an integrated Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) named IPIECA (International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association) method and methodology that was developed by an expert from the Center of Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University (CESI, Composite ESI). The area study was located in the coastal area of Madura Island, East Java Province. Various ecosystems, shoreline types, and coastal area utilizing types have resulted in many combinations of ESI. The highest level of sensitivity will be prompted by the existence of an important ecosystem and economically land use utilizing. The important ecosystems, such as mangrove ecosystems, will result in more sensitive areas in IPIECA criteria than in CESI criteria. Consistently, in terms of socio-economic activities, land use, which has high production value and a high amount of persons employed, will be categorized as a very sensitive area.

Study on Pollution Risk Index Based on ESI and Stochastic Simulation

A calculation method of the risk index of oil spill pollution is presented, and main factors are considered in the method, such as the shoreline environmental sensitivity index ESI, the environmental sensitivity index SI, the statistical probability of the pollution, and the minimum time to be polluted. After 600 stochastic simulations of oil spill trajectory and fates model, the calculation of the pollution probability is carried out for the probability of the pollution to each segment of the shoreline and the minimum time to be polluted. The ESI and SI indexes, which indicate the shoreline environmental sensitivity, are determined by satellite image analysis, field investigation, data investigation and so on. The calculation method can be applied to the risk assessment of the oil spill accident with environmental conditions not determined, and provide the basis for the emergency preparedness and planning for the oil spill accident. The method was applied in Jiaozhou Bay, and the changes of the risk index along the shoreline was analyzed.

Analysis Of Village Building Index In Village Development In Kuala Sub-District

This study aims to analyze the village building index in the development of village in Kuala sub-district of Nagan Raya regency. This research is descriptive qualitative and quantitative. The object of this study is 17 villages in the region of Kuala sub-district, while the data used in this study is sourced from primary and secondary data derived from document review, observation, FGD, and interviews from 2015 to 2017. Data analysis technique using descriptive analysis in the form of tables and diagrams, while the quantitative analysis using multiple regression test with the dependent variable percentage of village fund accumulation 2015-2017, independent variables are Environmental Sensitivity Index, Economic Conditions Index, Healthy Family Index and Village Building Index. The results showed that the analysis of the use of village funds for development in Kuala sub-district positively influence. Then with the development of village infrastructure and empowerment, the status of villages in the region of Kuala sub-district increased with an average developing status of 71 percent and advanced village status of 23 percent.

Development of a Marine Environmental Information System (MEIS) using data on Land–Sea Interactions in the Nakdong River Estuary, South Korea

Lee, J.-H., Choi, J.U., Jung, H.-S., Kwon, J.-I., and Woo, H.J., 2019. Development of a Marine Environmental Information System (MEIS) using data on Land–Sea interactions in the Nakdong River Estuary, South Korea. In: Lee, J.L.; Yoon, J.-S.; Cho, W.C.; Muin, M., and Lee, J. (eds.), The 3rd International Water Safety Symposium. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 91, pp. 191-195. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The Nakdong River in South Korea is about 510 km long and is subject to natural erosion and sedimentation and various potential sources of human pollution, such as urban dumping and input from industrial complexes and many cities. This study developed a marine environmental information system (MEIS) to understand the land–sea interactions and provide data on the characteristics of the brackish water zone around the barrier islands. The MEIS was run in real time (1-s intervals) and made periodic marine observations (one to four times a year). The real-time data were largely obtained from a closed-circuit television and automatic weather stations using long-term evolution communication at two stations in March 2016. Since May 2015, the data have included periodic observations of surface sediment distributions (n = 90), the characteristics of suspended sediments in inlets and channel (n = 4), the brackish water zone environment during spring tide ebb and flood (n = 14, three lines), the seasonal variation in sedimentation along tidal flats (n = 29, three lines), and landscape classifications of the sub-environment (n = 30) in the barrier islands. The collected information includes real-time and a huge heterogeneous dataset characterized by multi-dimensional, multivariate, and spatiotemporal distribution variability. The system enables data management, and open access is necessary. The MEIS will enable effective estuary management and contribute to reducing the damage caused by natural disasters. Real-time prediction information has been integrated with environmental sensitivity index maps, which are provided using a geographic information system to enable a response strategy.

Investigation of natural resilience capacity of soil features affected by low severity ground wildfire after three years in Mediterranean forest ecosystem

Wildfires are one of the succession dynamics in the ecosystem, however forest ecosystems have natural resilience capacity to combat with natural disturbance regimes depend on local ecologic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate natural resilience capacity status of the soil’s physical, chemical and hydrological features exposed to low severity ground wildfire after three years in the Bulutoglu village, Kahramanmaras. Particle size distribution, soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content (OM), dispersion ratio (DR), moisture content (MC), field capacity (FC), colloid/moisture equivalent (CM), particle density (PD), bulk density (BD) and porosity ratio (PR) analysis were performed on two groups of soils (burned and unburned counterpart). The environmental sensitivity index (ESI) include soil, vegetation, climate, and management quality of the study area was determined by MEDALUS methodology. According to the results, there is no environmental sensitivity in the study area. It was determined that the negative effects of soil properties improved significantly after three years from the wildfire except for the PR and BD values. There was no statistically significant difference between the analyzed two soil samples groups. It was concluded that the difference between the bulk density and porosity ratios is not only due to the effects of the fire but also with grazing pressure, especially on the unburned area. According to the results, the burned area suffered from low severity ground wildfire has substantially been naturally rehabilitated itself within three years. Environmentally sensitivity (ESI) of the study area was a play an important role in the recovery of soil features. Additionally recommended avoiding some activities that will compress the soil for increasing natural resilience capacity after a wildfire.

Environmental sensitivity index for oil spills in colombian rivers (ESI-R): Application for the Magdalena river

The Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) mapping has been used globally for oil spill planning and response purposes in coastal areas since its development in the 1970s. However, application to riverine habitats has been very limited. Following US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formats and adapting them in working sessions held by a multidisciplinary team and in special sessions with experts and consultants in Colombia, this paper describes the development and application of the sensitivity index to develop maps for the conditions of the middle Magdalena River in Colombia. The index developed (ESI-R) is useful for application on other major rivers in Colombia and areas with similar characteristics. The use of the index to develop maps for smaller rivers and streams is likely to require further development.

Evaluating the desertification vulnerability of a semiarid landscape under different land uses with the environmental sensitivity index

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the desertification vulnerability of an approximately 1,000‐ha area in Anatolia, Turkey, comprising semiarid oak (Quercus spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.) forests and the adjacent cultivated lands by using the environmental sensitivity index (ESI). We calculated the ESI values for 632 randomly selected sites in the study area by entering the desertification indicators vegetation cover, plant type, soil depth, rock fragments, soil texture, slope gradient, drainage, parent material, mean annual precipitation, slope aspect, aridity index, land use intensity, and policy enforcement into the web‐based model Desertification Indicator System for Mediterranean Europe. The spatial structure of the ESI values was then evaluated using semivariograms and kriging‐interpolated surface maps. The mean ESI value was significantly greater in the cultivated areas (1.47; range = 1.25–1.61) than in the pine (1.32; 1.03–1.45) and oak (1.28; 1.18–1.57) forests (P < 0.01). The ESI was moderately spatially dependent in the oak forests and cultivated areas and strongly spatially dependent in the pine forests, as evidenced by the corresponding semivariograms. The ordinary kriging‐interpolated maps showed that most of the cultivated areas were critically vulnerable to desertification, whereas the majority of the forested areas were moderately vulnerable. We examined how the ESI values varied with soil organic matter (OM) content as an independent variable and found that the OM content was significantly moderately correlated with the ESI (n = 632, r = −0.51, P < 0.01), suggesting that the ESI could be used to evaluate the desertification vulnerability of similar landscapes across Turkey.