Environmental Impact Analysis - Assignment Example

? ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS The consumption of nuclear power as a medium of local fuel has drastically raised in a very short period of time and an estimation states that its usage might increase in the near future. It needs to be realized at this point that the consumption of this form of fuel/energy has its own different aftereffects. This effect can be much diversified ranging from the environmental impacts, changing the balance that is created in the system drastically. It also leads to social problems that are interconnected to the perception of the people who reside in the area where such plants are situated. Nuclear power initiates from fission reaction in which the uranium atoms split into smaller constituents. The energy that is released during this fission reaction is used to produce steam. This steam is then further used in turbines to produce electricity. This method of electricity generation in accumulation is responsible to generate 20 percent of the electricity that is produced within the United States of America. There are more than hundred nuclear power plants currently in the United States of America that are producing this form of energy. (U.S. Energy Information Administration) Uranium is a radioactive metal that is cannot be regenerated by any humanly process. There are specific methods that are used to extract Uranium like the conventional mining technique or by leaching of chemicals. As soon as uranium has been extracted it is then sent to the uranium processing plants so that they are converted in fuel that can be consumed for various purposes. This fuel is then carried to the nuclear plants for further work. (uranium reserves estimate, EIA) Furthermore when the fuel reaches the plant it is sent to the nuclear reactor, reactions occurs when the neutrons present in uranium undergo collisions that generates heat and produces a chain reaction. Through this process heat is obtained which produces steam to generate electricity in turbines. The environmental impacts of such reactions are mentioned as follows: Despite the fact that the government and other authorities in concern have formulated strict laws to protect the health of the people as well as to secure the environment irrespective of that there are still a vast range of the environmental problems and impacts that are linked to the generation of electricity through this medium. In my paper I would be discussing the various ways through which this form of energy is impacting us. Heat rejection is one of the major concerns that our environment is facing. In the same way we experience with the thermal generated power plants which produce electricity through fossils etc. nuclear power plants also need some way through which they can radiate heat energy which is part of their condensing system. (Bulletin of the atomic scientists, 1946, pg 17)The quantity of the heat that is generated from the various parts of the generating plant differ but an estimate states that about 60-70% of heat energy is released from the plant when a nuclear fuel is ejected.It is usually seen that some of the plant that uses a cooling towers whereas some plants have created an artificial lake or a naturally formed body of water. (Hoffelner, 2013, pg 309) Apart from that it is greatly affecting the marine life that are a part of the environment in which the heat is given out. Another adverse effect that the heat causes in the water is the changing of rate at which the rivers flow also the anomalies present in the water of the sea. A research that was done shows that the apparent rise that occurs in the sea level is almost 3mm/year in the Northeast coast of United States of America. (Kopytko, 2011, pg 318-333) These nuclear power generation plants do not produce normal radiation like carbon , sulphur dioxide or various other gases present in the environment, instead of that these plants radiate emissions which contain uranium which is far more harmful and has many adverse effects. Like mentioned earlier, the marine life suffers from the waste generated in the lakes and rivers. A lot of water is required by such plants in order to keep the cooling procedure going therefore these plants such up the water from the lakes and rivers which effects the survival of the marine life that is present in it. (Washington, DC: U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, 1993. Pg 80) Radioactive metals as well as the salts that are deposited by such nuclear power plants which settle down in water. Apart from them the water that gushes out of these plants is of very high temperature therefore it dents the quality of the water which is a source of survival of many humans as well as the aquatic animals. At times these power plants also excrete harmful radioactive or isotopes of hydrogen that further help in polluting the environment. (Melfort, 2003, pg 108) The harmful material that is discharged when uranium is mined and the runoff of water that occurs can easily develop impurities in the drinking water found underground as well as the water found on ground level with the radioactive remains. The gases that are emitted from a nuclear plant can comprise of various different intensity and form. Such nuclear plants consume diesel based generators which are used as an alternate to support the electricity crisis whenever required. At times these generators are tested frequently to ensure their working. These generators are the cause of the greenhouse gases that are found in the environment. The greenhouses gases comprise of several gases. In addition to these gases that are caused by these generators, the gases exhausted by constructions that possess radioactive activities that are present in nature. (Apikyan& Diamond, 2010, pg 78) Apart from them the plants are victimized by the reactors that contain the boiling water. The exhaust used to eject out air is radioactive in nature too. These radiations and the wastage that is produced then undergoes a thorough channel so that it becomes less harmful and abides to the restrictions that are set by law. This waste which is excreted can cause severe damage to skin resulting in various skin diseases. (Damian, 1992, pg 596-607) In short the impact that is widely seen and is most alarming is the effect of such power plants on the environment."A significant concern of nuclear power facilities is the ability to safely contain the radiation inherent in the system." (Environmental effects) Initially to set up a nuclear power plant ample space is required; preference is given to such places which are located near a water supply. It also requires clearing forests up because usually such areas have much space. (Mooney, 1997, pg 50) Clearing of forest misbalances the ecological systemas many creatures dwell in such a region they are deprived of their habitats. Research shows that because of the increasing pollutants that are discharged in the water the marine life is suffering resulting in loss of various fishes and reducing their population in water in the United States. The sulphur dioxide that is produced is then absorbed by the environment eventually leading to the formation of acid rain that further harms the drinking water which is consumed by humans. It also harms the efficiency and production rate of the soil making the land barren. (Renn, 2000, pg 85) Apart from thesethere are other dreadful side effects that can be seen on vegetation as well on human beings. (Environmental impact, 2012, pg 96) Since these nuclear power plants are a major threat to the environment initiates need to be taken in order to limit and minimize the adverse effects of such reactors. These plants should be designed in a way that the safety remains the utmost priority and no harm is caused on the outside world in case of emergencies. These plants and their stakeholders need to be very careful to abide by the rules and regulations set by the government which are designed in a way that the human life stays protected. Apart from this the water that is required for cooling should not disturb the aquatic life and an alternate mean should be adapted for water consumption and the discharge produced. Safety of those working in nuclear power plants should of prime importance and necessary measures should be taken in order to make sure that the workers are safe while performing their duties in such plants. Such measures include handling of equipments in the core of reactor through a remote which keeps them away from harmful radiations. Also physical shield and allowing the workers to work only for a limited time are important for the safety of workers. Continuous monitoring of their health and to the level of radiation they are exposed should also be done. These measures help maintaining a safe environment in nuclear plants. To imply these effects the government of US has taken certain steps and froze 19 final reactor licenses as per the orders of U.S court of appeals and the nuclear fuel stored in those sites was sentenced dangerous both for humans and environment. (Environment news service) if such measures are taken the stakeholders will remain alert and then we will surely have a safer environment, Works cited Safety of Nuclear Reactors.(n.d.).World Nuclear Association. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Safety-of-Nuclear-Power-Reactors/#.UW7fcbX7C7c Environmental Effects .(n.d.). Home | Course Web Pages | Jack Baskin School of Engineering | UC Santa Cruz. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http://classes.soe.ucsc.edu/cmpe080e/ U.S. Freezes All Nuclear Power Plant Licensing Decisions | Environment News Service. (n.d.). Environment News Service. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http://ens-newswire.com/2012/08/07/u-s-freezes-all-nuclear-power-plant-licensing-decisions/ Kopytko, N., & Perkins, J. (January 01, 2011). Climate change, nuclear power, and the adaptation–mitigation dilemma. Energy Policy, 39, 1, 318-333. Damian, M. (January 01, 1992). Nuclear power:The ambiguous lessons of history. Energy Policy,20, 7, 596-607. International Conference on Environmental and Economic Impact on Sustainable Development, Incorporating Environmental Economics, Toxicology and Brownfields, Brebbia, C. A., & Chon, T. S. (2012). Environmental impact. Southampton: WIT Press. EIA's Energy in Brief: What is the status of the U.S. nuclear industry?.(n.d.). U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http://www.eia.gov/energy_in_brief/article/n U.S. Uranium Reserves Estimates .(n.d.). U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/nuclear/page United States. 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