Environmental impact assessment for proposed developments in Prembrey Airport - Essay Example

? Environmental Impact Assessment for proposed developments in Prembrey Airport Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for theproposed runway extension in Pembrey Airport, Carmarthenshire County (2013) Table of contents Introduction 3 Power Supply 6 Lighting Installation 7 Fire Alarm System 8 Building/ runway Management and Security System 8 Standby Generator 9 Fire Fighting 9 10 Environmental impacts 12 Positive impacts 12 Negative environmental impacts 13 Mitigation measures to the negative impacts 14 Public participation 15 Conclusions 17 Bibliography 17 Introduction An Environmental impact assessment (EIA) study involves an investigation into the likely positive and negative environmental impacts that might influence the implementation of a proposed development or project (Lawrence, 2003). It also provides mitigative measures for any possible negative impacts. The study considers both the physical and social environment. The main aim of EIA is to promote a sustainable environment where the current developer does not compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy the same resources. This work entails an EIA study into the proposed developments or extension of Pembrey Airport in reference to likely fires in the new freight and customs warehouse as well as on the runway (Morgan, 2000). The report covers the project description, the existing environmental status of the site, the likely positive and negative environmental impacts, mitigation measures as well as the environmental legislations with respect to fire prevention in such developments among other issues. The EIA team carried out the project assessment using a combination of methods including ground surveys, questionnaires and interviews with the neighbors. Existing literature on statutory and other requirements was also reviewed (Wood, 2003). During the study, various Acts and Regulations were reviewed to gather information which would help in preparing the EMPs. The following baseline information was derived from the assessment of the proposed project: The project is being developed in a well-established commercial zone. Public consultations revealed that there were no significant negative environmental impacts resulting from the project. The project involves the management of socioeconomic effects and hence requires a detailed EMP. The project has significant positive socioeconomic and economic importance with potential for employment generation. This report contains the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed runway extension in Pembrey Airport. The proponent, Carmarthenshire County Council, contracted an environmental team to conduct the EIA study of the proposed development with regard to likely fires during the implementation and the operational phases of the project. The proposed site is situated within the recreational areas like the Ffos Las racecourse as well as the Machynys Championship’s golf course. Pembrey Airport is located about 11.8 km north-west of Llanelli and 17.9 km south of Carmarthen. The facility is used for training purposes, loading and offloading of cargoes, landings and takes-off among others. It is also situated a few kilometers from the Royal landing base but within a safe range. In this case, the client wanted to extend the length of the runway to 2400 meters (7.874 ft). This is to enable operations of the Air Bus A320 passenger aircraft, VIP corporate jets and horse/race car carrying freighters. Furthermore, the proponent wishes the facility to accommodate large military aircraft like C130 used for both monitoring logistics and training purposes. In addition to the runway, the proponent, Carmarthenshire County Council, plans to explore the full potential of the facility by proposing for developments of new terminal, customs as well as freight buildings for the site. The proposed development is greatly appreciated by the legislators of Welsh government since it would benefit the Carmarthenshire region and serve both the southern and western parts of Wales. This would expand the aviation sector in Welsh and neighboring parts. The operational phase of the project will involve offering spacious and modern freight office spaces and runways among others. Main inputs will be basic services such as electricity, emergency services, degradable and non-degradable goods, etc. Key outputs of the project will include degradable and non-solid wastes from construction materials. This may include plastics, metal chips, and waste electric cables among other materials in fireworks (Morris, 2001). Decommissioning phase will consider restoring the site to its nearest original built status if necessary. The operational phase will employ widely accepted fire hazard strategies such as low/recommended volume of electricity voltages, protective clothing when workers on duty, use of signs to warn workers of dangerous zones, escape openings in case of accidental fires, training staff on disaster preparedness and response strategies, installing and offering appropriate trainings on fire extinguishers within the facility and instalment of fire sensors among others. Project description This describes all major works associated with power connections in the proposed project. Power Supply Incoming Supply: ` Electrical power supply will be derived from the existing local power supply company and networked to the developed areas. Electricity will provide light energy during both implementation and operational phases of the proposed project. The power will also be used to drive the machineries in the newly constructed warehouses and power the digital sensors that will be installed in the new terminals and buildings among other purposes of electricity. The proponent will contract experienced electric firm to conduct all the connection firms to limit chances of electrical accidents. Power Distribution: Power derived from the closest transformers will be connected to the main electrical switchboard. From the main switchboard power will be distributed to the proposed buildings among other construction areas as indicated in the proposed project. This would be conducted through armored cables run in ducts and vertically through riser ducts in the construction areas. Power will also be distributed horizontally within the suspended ceilings. However, the relevant contracted firms would produce a comprehensive report of their works to enable the proponent make recommendations or adjustments to match the financial budget of the entire project. Furthermore, the proponent or the company will mobilise its internal electrical specialist to supervise all the electrical works in the proposed project. Power Outlets: Power outlets (plug points) will be provided at all the construction sites. These shall derive power from the distribution boards or consumer units. The conduit system for the power outlets shall be heavy gauge PVC type concealed in the building fabric. The wiring will be by PVC cables run in the concealed conduits. Lighting Installation The connections for the lighting installation will consist of PVC insulated/coated cables which run in conduits concealed in the building fabric. Compact fluorescent and down lighters with energy saving lamps will be installed in the circulation areas and washrooms. The public areas will also be provided with energy saving lamps for ceiling mounted, suspended and wall mounted lights. Lighting sensors shall also be installed in public areas to switch lights off automatically during long periods of non-occupancy as an energy saving measure. The external areas will be lit by weatherproof lighting (Hirschler, 2002). These shall be either wall or pole mounted to suit their location. Security lighting will be controlled by photocells, which will switch them on and off automatically. There shall also be overridden switches to the photocell units should it be necessary to put the lights on at other times. Fire Alarm System An electrical fire alarm system shall be installed in its control and indicator panel suitably located on the ground floor with a repeater panel in the manager’s and security officer’s offices. The alarm system will be activated in the event of a fire breaking out in any part of the building. The alarm can be raised by an observer breaking glass of the nearest contact or by smoke or heat detector being activated. As a result of activation, fire alarm bells will ring and the location of the fire will be displayed at the control panel on the necessary action to be taken. Smoke detectors will be installed in the passageways, offices and plant rooms (Thompson, 2001). The fire alarm system shall be the addressable system type allowing for the exact location of the fire to be displayed on a monitor. The fire alarm system will also be linked to the security system. Building/ runway Management and Security System All the building/runway equipment will be connected to a central monitoring system, from where the whole system would be controlled. However, the connections could also be done to the existing control room, depending on its ability to handle more connections. This equipment is made of pumps, fire fighting/metering equipment, automatic water sprinklers in case of accidental fires among others. Considerations will be made for microwave detectors used to switch lights on/off in response to occurrence in the circulation areas. Furthermore, special equipment will be installed to monitor/control the use of natural light when sufficient natural light is available, especially in circulation areas; this would help conserve the energy. A security system comprising of closed circuit television (CCTV) will be provided in management areas to enable security personnel monitor movement within the premises. The security alarm system will include a facility for calling for backup from designated security firms. Standby Generator A standby generator to provide electricity in times of power failure will be installed in the newly constructed sites to boost the existing one. The generator will have an automatic start arrangement for conveniences. The generator shall remain off when normal power is resumed and be ready for the next start when required. Fire Fighting The fire fighting equipment shall comprise of a sprinkler system in the public areas and corridors. Hose reels and portable fire extinguishers will also be provided within the building. The sprinkler system shall be activated by heat being sensed by the sprinkler head, which in its turn sets off the sprinkler pump. The hose reels on being opened will be pressured by a hose reel pump, and the nozzle would then be directed to extinguish the fire. The portable fire extinguishers will be of two types: one for normal fires and one for electric fires. Fire hydrants will also be suitably located around the building. Pic. 1. Existing fire fighting measures Environmental impacts Positive impacts Creation of employment The proposed project will provide a wide range of electrical works in the airport. This will include unskilled labor, consultants and electrical engineers among other specialist. This project would reduce poverty as per the millennium development goals, which regard poverty as serving on a daily budget less than a dollar. Furthermore, the project would ensure that the hired professionals and unskilled labor benefit during construction, operation/maintenance as well decommissioning phases. Provision of spacious runway and customs warehouse and offices This will enable the facility to expand its operations by handling the Air Bus A320 Passenger aircraft, VIP corporate jets and military aircraft like C130. This would boost the company’s returns among other benefits. More operational spaces like the customs are more likely to increase productivity and the overall company turn out. Business booster recreational centers Completion of the proposed project would ensure easy landing and boarding of tourists in the neighboring recreational facilities like Ffos Las racecourse, Jack Nicholas designed and Machynys championship golf course. This would boost their business since more tourists or recreational clients prefer destinations with advanced transport and communication systems. Improved disaster management at the airport The installation of advanced fire alarms and fire sensors will limit the chances of fire accidents within the airport in general. The sensors will be installed in both the runway and newly constructed custom warehouse among other facilities. All workers will also be trained on how to use the sensors or alarms and avoid areas with such fires or dangers. Negative environmental impacts This explains some of the likely negative environmental impacts in all the phases of the project. These impacts will cover both the runway and custom warehouse. Firebreak outs Accidental fires are likely to occur during the construction and operational phases of the project. This may result from faulty connections, inappropriate materials or components, excess power voltage transmissions, natural disasters like wind breaking electrical components, human ignorance, faulty planes, air buses or jets among other facilities supported by the runways and the head on collisions on the runway among other causes (Morr, 2006). These fires, if not well controlled or managed, may lead to loss of the company resources and even human life. Spillages of planes, jets among massive faulty facilities may spill their fuels on the runway. The volatile or flammable spills may cause fire break-out when sparked by cigarettes, sparks from fractioned metal parts or even sparks from open fires. a) Disruption of normal operations in the neighboring recreational facilities. Both the construction and operation phases of the project are likely to have some negative implications for the operations in the neighborhood. The runway and customs operations may produce excessive noise beyond recommended decibels; this may cause some sense of discomfort in such areas. Tourists and other clients in the recreational facilities may opt to seek same services in more comfortable destinations. This may see closure of such facilities. Accidental fires may come with the general state of confusions in both the airport and its neighboring businesses. Disruption in power supply The construction and the operational phase of the project may lead to disruption of power supply at the airport as a whole and its surroundings. The mains may be switched off to limit chances of electrical accidents during constructions. This may limit surrounding establishes or businesses without standby generators. Furthermore, such disruptions may cause transmission of excess volts in the surrounding lines which may cause accidental fires or damage electrical appliances. Mitigation measures to the negative impacts Mitigation measures to fire outbreaks The proponent would ensure he contracts experienced firms or individuals to conduct all critical installation works. Such firms should ensure they use the correct installation equipment as per the manufactures’ instructions. Recommended electricity voltages should be labelled on the machineries among other electrical appliances to guide the operators in the airport. Workers should be trained in disaster preparedness and responses to help limit the impacts of accidental fires within the premise. The proponent will ensure the project incorporates installation of working fire extinguishers in strategic corners in the establishment (Ashford, 2001). Furthermore, workers will be trained on the usage of such appliances. Fire detectors should also be installed in strategic positions within the airport. Such sensors should be able to commute responses to the central monitoring centers for appropriate actions to be taken. Mitigation measures to the disruptions of normal operations in the neighbouring establishments The proponent should fence the project sites to limit disturbances to the surrounding facilities. Such disturbances may result from noise and vibrations during the installation of electrical appliances and sparks metal works among others. Furthermore, the project should use environmentally friendly materials and coated alloys, which have limited sparks or vibrations. The neighboring establishes should be informed of ongoing works to prepare psychologically. The proponent should invest in sound proof and vibration materials in enclosing the construction site. This would absorb major disturbances to the neighbors. Disruption of power supply The proponent should inform its neighboring establishes on the ongoing works so that they can activate their standby generators in case the power supply is disrupted. Major electrical works should be conducted at night or during weekends when most establishes are closed. The proponent can make a special request to the local electricity distributing company to establish a subsidiary or alternative distribution line when the main lines are switched off while electrical works are underway. The company should also install standby generators to ensure other airport operations are not paralysed by construction works. Public participation The key findings of the study were obtained from interview sessions by key individuals within the airport and its neighboring establishes. Some committed bodies or individuals were offered questionnaires to air their views, as far as the proposed project is concerned. They both mentioned the beneficial and negative implications of the proposed project. Some of their positive and negative verdicts are discussed above. However, there was no serious comment or negative impact that would hinder the implementation of the proposed project. The proponent committed that it would adhere to the provided environmental plan to ensure all the mitigation measures are observed. Environmental management plan (EMP) Impact Mitigation measures Responsible party Estimated Duration Estimated cost($) Fire outbreaks Installation of fire alarms and sensors Provide disaster preparedness and response trainings Proponent/ contractor 12 months 850,000 Disruption of neighboring normal operations Sound and vibrations proof fencing Proponent/contractor 12 months 230,000 Table 1. Some of the areas the proponent will commit to ensure the success of the proposed project. Conclusions The above project would have more benefits compared to its negative environmental impacts. It would be the role of the proponent to ensure all the mitigations are observed for the benefit of the social and physical surroundings of the proposed project site. Otherwise, the environmental team would comment the project for implementation phase. Bibliography Ashford, N. 2001. Airport operations. New York: McGraw Hill Education. Hirschler, M. 2002. Fire Hazard and Risk Assesment. London: ASTM international. Lawrence, D. 2003. Environmental Impact Assesment: practical solutions to recurrent problems. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Morgan, R. 2000. Environmental Impact Assesment: A methodological approach. New York: Springer. Morr, E. 2006. The protection guide to hazardious materials. New York: Pearson. Morris, P. 2001. Methods of Environmental Impact Assesment. New York: Taylor& Francis. Thompson, N. 2001. Fire Hazards in the Industry. New York: Elsevier. Wood, C. 2003. Environmental Impact Assesment. New York Prentice Hall. Read More