Strategic Environmental Research Articles

A Nature-based Solutions Framework for Embedding Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation into Urban Land Use Plans through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

Climate change impacts comprise a particular challenge for authorities when reconciling the implications of land use planning decisions. Whilst Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is typically applied to the development of urban land use plans, the selection of mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change impacts can have knock-on effects on nature. However, Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) could provide an innovative means of addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation without these knock-on effects. The main aim of this research is therefore to propose a conceptual framework for embedding NbSs into the main stages of the SEA process to potentially enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban land use planning. This is achieved through a systematic literature review of academic and grey literature sources, with subsequent content analysis. This study demonstrates the value of matching these manifold NbS approaches to climate change impacts potentially addressed in SEA process stages and suggests how this might be achieved in practice focusing on urban land use plans.

Analysis DPSIR for the Strategic Environment Assessment in Planning Development in Agropolitan Areas and Minapolitan Areas in East Java

The development plan of Agropolitan and Minapolitan areas in the province of East Java is thought to pose a risk to the environment. Agropolitan/Minapolitan Area development will be followed by industrial sector development, increasing environmental risks such as environmental pollution, both air, soil and water due to waste from agricultural, aquaculture, and/or industrial activities, conversion of agricultural land and ponds, and destruction of other ecosystems. Policies, Plans and Programs (PPPs) Zoning planning and development in Agropolitan Areas and Minapolitan Areas in the form of production center zones, processing industry center zones, collection and distribution center zones is one of the PPPs that requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This research was carried out at the zoning locations in East Java Province’s Agropolitan and Minapolitan areas. The purpose of this study is to determine how environmental influences and impacts are caused by Policies, Plans, and Programs (PPPs) planning and zoning development in Agropolitan Areas and Minapolitan Areas in East Java Province in the form of production center zones, processing industry center zones, collection and distribution center zones. Regional environmental analysis and policy evaluation are carried out using the analysis six contents of SEA and DPSIR (Driving Force – Pressure – State – Impact – Response) approach which it is a framework for organizing information and data on environmental conditions. The research results show that data on environmental conditions from PPPs planning and zoning development in the Agropolitan and Minapolitan Areas of East Java Province in the form of production center zones, processing industry center zones, collection and distribution center zones consist of D3TLH water is exceeded and has not been exceeded, environmental impact and risk, service performance or ecosystem services, level of vulnerability to climate change, resistance level and biodiversity potential, and estimated environmental risk impact. The research’s findings indicate that SEA is a very beneficial and effective ongoing usage of evaluation tools to provide solutions or recommendations based on an in-depth review process that includes mitigation and alternatives.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free aqueous film forming foam formulations: Chemical composition and biodegradation in an aerobic environment

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been historically used in fire-suppression activities, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), given their unique structures and characteristics. However, the same properties that make them durable, resistant, and valuable also make them persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. This has led to recent investigations on alternative PFAS-free AFFF formulations for suppression of hydrocarbon-based fires. Such foams should contain certain classes of chemicals to remain effective, while being more environmentally friendly; part of the latter involves thoroughly characterizing the constituents and performing necessary biodegradability and toxicity studies. As part of the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), we performed comprehensive constituents’ characterization and assessed the biodegradability of seven PFAS-free AFFF and a reference PFAS-based AFFF. We discovered that most of PFAS-free formulations share similar constituents with similar biodegradability through a 28-day reaction period. In PFAS-based AFFF, 4:2 and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates (6:2 FTS) were identified with 6:2 FTS concentration at ∼ 9000 ng/mL. In biodegradation studies, the concentrations of 4:2 FTS and 6:2 FTS decreased while generating some perfluoroalkyl acids (PFCAs). These results increase the current knowledge on the biodegradability of AFFF alternatives but also highlight the need for future efforts on development of novel PFAS-free AFFF formulations that are more biodegradable than PFAS-based AFFF.

Assessing Electrolyte Transport through an Aircraft Coating System Using EIS

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is frequently employed to nondestructively evaluate coating systems. However, there are several challenges associated with this approach. One of these challenges is associated with isolating the physical processes that are contributing to the measured impedance. We attempted to address this concern by measuring several of the coating system components before starting the exposures and attempted in-situ measurements of some properties during the course of the exposures.In this work, we analyze impedance data obtained from a two-layer coating system that was applied to AA 2024 substrates that were subjected to either immersion and simulated outdoor exposure conditions. The impedance data from the full coating system is compared with data obtained from coating systems in which gold electrodes were inserted between the layers of the coating system that could be used to monitor changes in each coating layer. Several equivalent circuit models were evaluated before settling on a modified coatings equivalent model. Using this approach, we were able to estimate several coating system parameters, including electrolyte penetration depth as a function of temperature, and solution concentration from the values obtained from the equivalent circuit model. Acknowledgments The Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) sponsored this project under work unit 5399. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Human Resource Development Perspective in Analyzing the Strategic Environment: Case on Inspectorate Probolinggo Regency

The purpose of this study was to conduct a strategic environmental analysis at the Inspectorate of Probolinggo Regency, East Java to improve the competence of auditors. The human resource development perspective is used here as a theoretical basis to identify factors both internally and externally, to then be identified and mapped in the form of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The results of this study reveal a description of the competitive environment of the Probolinggo Regency Inspectorate, especially in developing its auditors. Internally, the inspectorate environment is considered to be still less competitive due to the main weakness that stands out, namely the low personal awareness in auditor competency development. But the main strength identified is the internal training methods for auditors that are synchronized both inside and outside the workplace. Externally, the inspectorate environment is considered competitive considering the main opportunities, namely the existence of external training and competency tests for auditors, besides that the organization faces a major threat, namely changes in the landscape and the basis of the audit process in an organization.

Understanding democracy in the national interest amidst the dynamics of the strategic environment is VUCA

The dynamics of the development of the strategic environment is very rapid by experiencing VUCA conditions which are heavily influenced by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity that occur in almost every country, therefore the need for tactics from a country through understanding in order to create interests that will be achieved by a country, understanding Democracy is an understanding that is highly appreciated by the world, because with democracy humans prioritize their rights, like a double-edged knife that has benefits for human life, the development of democracy can also be used for crimes, such as the development of radicalism, proxy wars and crime using high technology, including the current global problem of the Covid-19 outbreak that can change the pattern of a country's strategic environmental system, the research method used is descriptive qualitative method, using data sources from reports, print media, and online media. The results of research on Democracy in achieving national interests in the midst of the dynamics of the VUCA strategic environment are very wary of because they can change the stability of a country's defense and security.

Corporation’s Liability on Illegal Dumping’s Impact on Climate Change according to the UNFCCC and its Implementation in Indonesia

Corporation illegal dumping’s impact on climate change illustrates that corporate economic crime in the environmental field (waste disposal) has a broad effect yet no significant correlation. If this correlation is adequately studied, it can contribute to enforcing legal accountability and optimizing efforts to reduce climate change. To see this correlation, it is necessary to ask whether a corporation has an economic interest that is fought for in disposing of waste irresponsibly and whether parties whose economic interests are harmed. As one of The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC's) members, Indonesia is a country that predominantly relies on its natural resources, while climate change is very detrimental to nature. This research is normative-juridical research which uses secondary type data. Research shows that The UNFCCC does not explicitly prohibit illegal dumping, but it does specify waste management guidelines that are not hazardous to the environment or public safety. Indonesia has ratified the UNFCCC instrument by through Law No. 6 of 1999. From this ratification, Indonesia's effort to reduce illegal dumping is seen through Environmental Protection and Management Plan, Strategic Environmental Studies, and Government Regulation no. 47 of 2012 concerning Social and Environmental Responsibility of Limited Liability. The economic interest of a corporation that illegally dumps is to avoid spending money because the procedure of adequate waste management is high cost.

Acute Toxicity of Eight Aqueous Film-Forming Foams to 14 Aquatic Species.

Researchers have developed numerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations to replace PFAS-containing AFFF used for fire suppression. As part of the Department of Defense's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), we examined the direct lethal effects of seven PFAS-free AFFF and a PFAS-containing AFFF on 14 aquatic species using a series of lethal concentration (LC50) tests. We assessed the LC10, LC50, and LC90 values using log-logistic and logit analyses. Across all aquatic species tested, we discovered that exposure to at least one PFAS-free AFFF was more or as toxic as exposure to the PFAS-containing AFFF. For most cases, National Foam Avio F3 Green KHC 3% and Buckeye Platinum Plus C6MILSPEC 3% were the most and least toxic formulations, respectively. Moreover, we found consistency among results from multiple experiments using the same minnow species (Pimephales promelas) and among closely related taxa (e.g., daphnids, amphibians). Lastly, the LC50 values for AFFF formulations trended lower for tested marine species as compared to those of freshwater species. These results dramatically increase the current knowledge on the potentially toxic effects of AFFF but also highlight the need for additional research and the development of new PFAS-free AFFF that are more "ecologically friendly" than those containing persistent PFAS.

Contributions of the French Strategic Environmental Assessment to Brazilian planning in water source areas: the Billings Reservoir sub-basin case

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a tool that aims to integrate environmental issues into decision-making processes, usually to support the development of sectoral or territorial plans and programs. SEA is mandatory in the European Union and is applied to water management in France. Water management in Brazil is inspired by the French model, but does not have SEA; in the state of São Paulo watersheds of interest for public supply have specific norms and can count on a Development and Environmental Protection Plan (PDPA). In this research we explore three potential contributions of SEA as adopted in French water management for the case of the PDPA of the Billings Reservoir sub-basin. We conducted an evaluative case study for this PDPA, a literature review on French practices, and comparative analysis. We conclude by indicating potential contributions of SEA for the definition of objectives, scoping, and study of alternatives of the PDPA-Billings.

OECD Case Studies of Integrated Regional and Strategic Impact Assessment: What Does ‘Integration’ Look Like in Practice?

Increasingly, protocols for assessing the impacts of land-uses and major resource development projects focus not only on environmental impacts, but also social and human health impacts. Regional and Strategic Environmental Assessment (RSEAs) are one innovation that hold promise at better integrating these diverse land-use values into planning, assessment, and decision-making. In this contribution, a realist review methodology is utilized to identify case studies of “integrated RSEA”—those which are strategic, have a regional assessment approach, and seek to integrate environmental, community and health impacts into a singular assessment architecture. The results of a systematic literature review are described and six RSEA-like case studies are identified: Kimberly Browse LNG SEA; HS2 Appraisal of Sustainability; Lisbon International Airport SEA; Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment; Nordstream 2 Transboundary EIA; and the Portland Harbour Sustainability Project. The case studies are examined according to their unique contexts, mechanisms and outcomes of their assessment protocols to determine the degree to which they consider more than environmental valued components, and the means by which they were included. Findings suggest that RSEA has a contentious relationship with the integration of more than environmental values, but that there are significant lessons to be learned to support project planning, especially for assessment contexts characterized by large, transboundary projects.

Prediction of Mobility and Burial of Objects on Sandy Seafloor

A numerical model was developed to predict mobility and burial of seafloor cylindrical objects. The model contains four components: 1) object's physical parameters such as diameter, length, mass, and rolling moment; 2) dynamics of rolling cylinder around its major axis; 3) empirical sediment scour model; and 4) seabed environmental characteristics such as currents, waves (peak period, significant wave height), sediment density, and medium sediment grain size. Under the sponsorship of the Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, a field experiment was conducted from April 21 to May 23, 2013 off the coast of Panama City, FL, USA to measure both objects' mobility using sector scanning and pencil beam sonars and simultaneous environmental time-series data of the boundary layer hydrodynamics and sediment transport conditions for driving mobility. Comparison between modeled and observed data shows the model capability. Future work needs to consider more realistic object shapes and motions such as pitch and yaw, and wavy seabed.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW AND POLICY IN PROTECTING AND MANAGING THE KRUENG PEUSANGAN WATERSHED, ACEH PROVINCE, INDONESIA

The Krueng Peusangan watershed in the Aceh Province, Indonesia, has an important role in the daily life of residents in the surrounding areas. The watershed serves as a supply of clean water, shelter, food sources, and sources of income for hundreds of thousands of people. Forest encroachment activities, mining, plantations, and land conversion have interrupted the watershed balance. These various activities cause threats of loss of forest area, biodiversity extinction, water crisis, flooding, human-animal conflict, and also global warming and food crisis. Therefore, this article analyses the law and policies issued by the Central, Provincial, and Regency/City Governments related to the management of the Krueng Peusangan Watershed and to examine the legal framework needed for watershed protection and management. This type of research is normative legal research using the regulatory, conceptual, and case approaches. The results revealed that the existing legal framework has not fully protected watershed rescue. The policies issued are still partial and have not been integrated on a regional or sectoral basis. This paper suggests that the Government of Aceh and Regency/City Governments to revise several Qanun, i.e., the Mid-Term Development Plan Qanun, the Watershed Management Qanun, Strategic Environmental Assessment Qanun, Qanun of Environmental Protection and Management Plan, and laws and regulations in the environmental, forestry, plantation and mining sectors.

English

Wetlands are one of the world’s most important environmental assets but currently face complex challenges. Wetlands’ long-term sustainability require participation of the riparian communities in their management, yet this involvement in seeking solutions to wetland’s resources use remains a grave challenge. Yala Wetland, Kenya is a very important resource whose challenges revolve around land and water resource use for competing interests and from catchment degradation. Consequently, action research was conducted to assess level of and effectiveness of Yala Wetland Community Participation in Yala Strategic Environmental Assessment and Land Use Planning processes through Yala Project Advisory Committee Framework. The study targeted 410 local communities, thirty-four key informants, and 187 students from learning institutions. The study revealed that utilization of Yala resources has been partly informed by how the wetland communities perceive its formation. Further, they identified key environmental issues, their root causes and corresponding opportunities that Yala Land Use Plan needed to address. The analysis also showed existing gaps in integration of community information and scientific information, disconnect between decision making and requisite scientific and practical evidence; and absence of community sensitive governance structure. The study integrated local communities’ vast knowledge and planning information and formed Yala Swamp Management Committee with communities at the centre of conservation. Additionally, there is a secretariat led by a Community Facilitator to coordinate execution of the Conservation Area Management Plan 2019-2029. The final Yala Land Use Plan developed in participatory manner itemized three main land uses namely Conservation areas, Agricultural areas and settlement areas.   Keywords: Yala Wetland, Community Participation, Land Use Planning, Governance.

Convergence of Levenberg-Marquardt Estimates of Nonlinear Parameters in EIS Analysis of Coated Aluminum Panels

Equivalent circuit models are frequently employed to analyze electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. However, aside from some simple cases in which the equivalent circuit element parameters can be estimated directly from a plot of the data, the parameters for each of the equivalent circuit elements must often be estimated through the implementation of a nonlinear least-squares regression method. One frequently-used approach is the powerful Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. This algorithm functions as a damped least-squares method that performs an interpolation between the steepest-descent and the Gauss-Newton methods for estimating nonlinear parameters. However, there are several challenges to using a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to model EIS data. The nonlinear nature of the impedance equations along with the difference in the magnitude of the parameter values can result in the algorithm failing to converge to a local minimum in the parameter space. This convergence challenge can be seen in determining equivalent circuit values for undamaged coating systems that have a high pore resistance, a small capacitance, as well as contributions from the underlying metal substrate. A Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, along with a heuristic approach to use the raw data to improve the initial parameter estimates, is implemented that provides an improved approach for nonlinear regression fits of equivalent circuit models. A comparison of three equivalent circuit models fits, with residuals, for a two-layer coating system on an aluminum substrate is shown in the attached figure.Figure caption: Plot of EIS data (+ symbols) from a cured coating system prior to any environmental exposures compared with 3 equivalent circuit model fits (solid lines). The model fits were obtained using an NRL-developed Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear regression fitting routine.The Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) sponsored this project under work unit 5399. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. Figure 1

KOMPONEN CADANGAN DALAM SISTEM PERTAHANAN KEAMANAN RAKYAT SEMESTA DI ABAD 21

The dynamics of strategic environmental development have created a complex spectrum of threats, challenges and risks, the development of the strategic environment always brings changes to the complexity of threats and challenges to the defense of the State. Threat predictions that arise at any time can be categorized into three types of threats, namely military threats, nonmilitary threats, and hybrid threats. The establishment of the Reserve Component is considered not including the priority agenda and even shows irregularities in determining the priorities of the security sector reform agenda. If the government has the goal to strengthen the defense sector to be more professional, strong and modern, then the development of the main component, the Indonesian National Army (TNI), should be a priority agenda and need to be put forward by the government. The research will address what is seen as necessary by building universal people's defense and security systems in the face of military, non-military and hybrid threats. Based on the type of research, this research is included in case study research, while based on purpose, this research is a policy reserach, case study research is a study conducted intensively, detailed and in-depth on a particular organization, institution or symptom. Various national development activities carried out by the government to achieve the objectives contained in the Opening of the 1945 Constitution, namely protecting all Indonesians in the Universal People's Defense and Security System (Sishankamrata) are carried out in an integrated and sustainable manner in accordance with the priorities and needs of the country set through short-term and long-term national development programs. Implementation of spare components in support of the universal people's defense system in the 21st century. The reserve component is mandatory to be established in Indonesia as part of Indonesia's defense force, especially in the face of aght that is non-military.

A framework to assess food security in regional strategic environmental assessment

Today, food security is central to global social policy and sustainable development agendas; yet food security considerations have not yet widely penetrated environmental impact assessment (IA) practice. This paper investigates criteria and approaches to food security assessment that align with Regional Strategic Environment Assessment (RSEA); a form of IA commonly used to influence natural resource development programmes. The research is based on interviews with seven international food security experts about how food security assessment can be performed at a regional scale, responsive to the impacts of natural resource developments. Analysis of data reveals essential components, key considerations, and procedural requirements for food security assessment within RSEA processes. Based on the evidence, we conclude that food security assessment in RSEA cannot be approached in a piecemeal fashion. To be successful: it must include holistic and comprehensive consideration of all four food security dimensions; communities should be profiled in early stages of the assessment to characterize the regional food system and define its importance to food security; vulnerable populations should be prioritized in the assessment; and it is critical to incorporate meaningful and influential opportunities for public participation. Finally, the recommended approach to analyze food security in RSEA is ‘system analysis’ which includes examination of food system pathways. A conceptual and methodological framework to assess food security in RSEA is presented, intended as a guide for practitioners wishing to incorporate food security into RSEA and RSEA-like initiatives.

A Strategic and Smart Environmental Assessment of Rapid Urbanization in Beijing

One of the key challenges of developing countries is to tackle the mitigation of the impacts of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization. Assessing this phenomenon is crucial to lessen the consequences for the environment and society. ‘Literature has been concentrated in planning strategies for the cities’ adaptation and engagements to the principles of green development ensuring a long-term quality of life for their citizens. Hereby, smart technologies and applications consist of two of the most encouraging concepts for solutions for achieving the 2030 and 2050 horizon targets towards clean energy transition and carbon neutrality. In academia, scholars have already raised the importance of ‘smartness’ to define the adaptative patterns for the global pressures of climate change and uncontrolled urban growth. The mitigation of these phenomena is crucial to ensure the cities’ future and lessen their impacts. This study seeks a strategic and smart-driven vision to leverage smartness on the phenomenon of rapid urbanization that occurred in the case of Beijing, China. Defining and evaluating the environmental impacts in line with the RIAM approach as one of its main targets. Future works can be focused on addressing solutions in similar cases in further developing countries to not only overcome environmental, but also economic, social, and digital complications.

Overcoming Divisive Strategic Environmental Assessments for Offshore Oil and Gas in Nova Scotia, Canada

In Nova Scotia, strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) are used to scope the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas activities in the early stages of regulatory decision-making. This study examined stakeholder perceptions and involvement in SEAs for offshore oil and gas decisions on areas being opened by the provincial government for development. Stakeholder comments from 12 SEAs (2003–2019) were evaluated, and 25 interviews with strategic actors involved in the assessments were undertaken and coded. The results reveal actors in Nova Scotia are divided over the effectiveness of a sector-specific SEA: while federal–provincial governments and the regulator were satisfied with SEA function, non-governmental stakeholders questioned the credibility of the regulator as well as the intent and utility of SEAs. Policy recommendations are outlined to remedy gaps in SEA processes, notably implementing integrated management via marine spatial planning in the region.

Monitoring Coating System Changes Using Equivalent Circuit Fit Parameters

Organic coating systems are used to manage the corrosion of metal surfaces subjected to atmospheric degradation. These coating systems are frequently complex and multilayered and capable of providing several functions, including: substrate adhesion, corrosion inhibition and electrolytic barriers. In addition, the service environment can be equally complex with exposure to UV radiation, wet/dry cycling, and application of thermal and physical stresses on the substrate and coating system alike.Refining our ability to predict service life and explain how these coatings evolve over the course of their lifetimes provides an opportunity to decrease maintenance costs and aid in future coating development. These objectives can be achieved by the development of predictive models that incorporate the fundamental effects of relevant service environment parameters. This would provide reliable damage predictions based upon the measured environmental data thereby decreasing our dependence on proxy corrosion sensors.To that end, the first phase of this project has focused on testing and monitoring an aircraft coating system that is comprised of a surface pretreatment, an epoxy primer with inhibitors, and a polyurethane topcoat exposed to a variety of degradation conditions that simulate the extreme ranges of environmental stresses expected to be seen in-service. Coating condition was monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and characterized with equivalent-circuit models so that changes to the coating system properties could be quantified and tracked over time.Regression models for the changes in the coating system properties are being developed and will be validated by follow-on outdoor exposure testing in the next phase of the program. Acknowledgments The Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) sponsored this work under program WP19-1017. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Navy, or the U.S. government.

Scenario planning tools for mitigating industrial impacts on First Nations subsistence economies in British Columbia, Canada

The Montney Play Trend (MPT) is a 1090 km2 region in northeast British Columbia that produces approximately one-third of western Canada’s natural gas output. In response to a proposed expansion of the MPT in 2016, the Government of British Columbia launched a Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment (RSEA) to identify the necessary conditions to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes. In this paper, we describe the methods and scenario planning tools that were developed to estimate how the development of the MPT might affect the subsistence economies of First Nations in the region. To demonstrate the utility of our approach, two impact assessments—Prince Rupert gas transmission pipeline and the Coastal GasLink pipeline—are presented. While no scenario can provide a definitive portrayal of exactly what will happen in the future, the tools that were co-developed are serving as an effective starting point for exploring possibilities that are at least consistent with current knowledge and can serve as a platform for collaborative learning and conflict management.