Impact Prediction within EIA - Essay Example

Impact Prediction within EIA and Established Principles for Best Practice credentials) Introduction Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key instrument for the environmental policy of the European Union. This procedure is an instrument that is used for the formulation of preventive and comprehensive environment policies. Impact prediction is an important instrument in the development, planning, and use of resources and territory.It is the consideration of environmental concerns in all phases of the project, from its conception to its operations, including its closure, if any, thathelps design a project initiativethat is more concerned with the receiving environment, without compromising the technical and economic feasibility of the project. It takes into account all the components of the biophysical and human environments that are likely to be affected by undertaking of the projectand allows for an analysis and interpretation of the relationships and interactions that exist between factors influencing ecosystems, resources, and the quality of life of individuals and communities. Impact prediction also determines how significant the impact on certain components of the environment will be; either advantageous or contrary. Impact prediction is of importance simply because it helps in the identification of the critical elements on which choices and decision making should be based on. This process takes into consideration the views, comments and concerns of key individuals, groups and communities and in this respect, it reflects how the various stakeholders were involved in the project planning process and takes into account the results of consultations and negotiations made. For this reason, impact prediction is cleared from the objectives and criteria of the alternatives favored by the initiator.The environmental analysis conducted by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks and the report of the Office of Public Hearings on the environment contributes to clarifying the governments decision on this issue. The main aim of this report is to discuss the role of impact prediction within EIA and establish principles for best practice. This objective will be achieved by assessing two environmental statements. The two statements under assessment are Balloch Field Development by Maersk and Devenick Field Development Environmental Statement by British Petroleum. Literature The impact study must be designed and prepared according to the scientific method and must meet the requirements of the Minister and the Government on the project analysis, public consultation and decision-making. This way, one is able to understand the whole process of project development (Canter, 1996).More specifically, it: • Presents the characteristics of the project and explains the rationale, given the context of the invention; • Portrays the fairest possible environment in which the project is located and the evolution of the environment during and after the project implementation; • Demonstrates how the project fits into the medium with a comparative analysis of the impacts of various embodiments and defines measures to minimize or eliminate the negative impacts on the quality of the environment and maximize those likely improve it; and • Offers programs of surveillance and monitoring to ensure compliance with government requirements and obligations of the BP and MAERSK and to follow the evolution of some components of the environment affected by the project. The main focus of this section is the identification and assessment of impacts of the variant or variants selected during the different phases (Burton, 1993). The impact analysis should focus on more than one variant. It also includes a comparison of selected variants for the selection of the optimal variant. This section provides measures to mitigate negative impacts or compensate for unavoidable residual impacts, leading to the synthesis of the selected project (Glasson, 2005). Identification of Impacts The initiator determines the impact of the variant selected during the phases of preparation, construction and operation, and assesses the importance of using appropriate methodology and criteria. They consider impacts as positive and negative, or direct and indirect, as appropriate, cumulative, synergistic, delayed and irreversible, related to the project (Glasson, 2005).The determination of impacts is based on facts but their evaluation has an apprehended value of judgment. This assessment will not only help to establish thresholds or levels of acceptability, but will also help in determining the criteria for mitigation or monitoring requirements.The evaluation of the significance of an impact depends primarily on the affected component, its intrinsic value to the ecosystem (sensitivity, uniqueness, rarity, reversibility), as well as social, cultural, economic and aesthetic values assigned to these components by the population (Sadler, 2002). The importance of the impact of a particular component is determined by how much more the component is valued by the population in comparison to other components. The fundamental concern of the population is the dangers that the particular elements of the project poses to them with regards to their health and safety. Historical and archeological sites are also a concern to the population and also influence this assessment (Burton, 1993).The evaluation of the significance of an impact also depends on the intensity of change experienced by the affected environmental components (Noble, 2006). Thus, if an impact is more extensive, frequent, sustained or intense, it will be important. Where appropriate, the impact should be located across the study area, region or province (e.g. Loss of biodiversity). (Blaikie, 2003). The study describes the methodology used, as well as uncertainties or bias thereto. Techniques and methods used must be objective, specific and reproducible. The reader should be able to easily follow the reasoning of the initiator to determine the impacts. The study presents a monitoring tool to link the project activities and the presence of structures with environmental components. It may be synoptic charts, checklists or impact statements (Emmett, 2000). The study clearly defines the criteria and terms used to determine the anticipated impacts and to classify them according to different levels of importance. Criteria, such as those presented in the table below, can help to identify and assess the significance of impacts (Charles, 2000). Criteria for determining factors • the intensity or magnitude of the impact (degree of disturbance of the environment influenced by the degree of sensitivity or vulnerability of the component) • the extent of the impact (spatial dimension such as length, size) • the duration of the impact (temporal aspect, irreversible) • frequency of impact (intermittent) • the probability of impact • the ripple effect (relationship between affected component and other components) • sensitivity or vulnerability of the component • uniqueness or rarity of the component • sustainability of ecosystem component (sustainability) • the value of the component to the entire population • formal recognition of the component by a law, policy, regulation or official action (park, ecological reserve, farmland, threatened or vulnerable species, wildlife habitat, plant habitats, archaeological sites and classified sites and historic districts, etc.). • risks to health, safety and well-being of the population Environmental Statement This is a statement determining the impacts on the biophysical environment, considering the effects on the quality of surface water and groundwater (particularly for water supply), the integrity of water bodies, potential aquifers (amount water available), air quality, soil quality, contamination of the environment, forest vocation land, vegetation, wildlife and their habitats. These elements of the environment are either endangered or vulnerable or are likely to be deemed so. For this reason, there is a risk of the loss of biodiversity of the environment; crops, farm animals and acoustic and visual media (Petts, 1999).Effects on the quality of surface water are assessed based on the environmental discharge objectives of the aquatic environment. These define the concentrations and loads of different contaminants that may be released while ensuring the maintenance and recovery purposes. To establish these goals, the initiator must consult technical manuals produced by the Directorate of monitoring the state of the environment of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks (Noble, 2006).These guides contain criteria that can help in making critical judgments about the quality of a water body or a point-source discharge of contaminants into the water (James, 1991). To estimate concentrations of contaminants found in the area potentially affected by air emissions, the initiator performs an atmospheric dispersion modeling contaminant, using the guide produced by the Department for monitoring the state Ministry of the Environment (Glasson, 2005).This must provide maps at an appropriate scale showing the concentration curves. BP and MAERSK may compare the results of modeling the criteria of air quality produced by this Directorate (Noble, 2006).The study takes into account, where appropriate, the environmental effects of the project on the major issues such as atmospheric or climate change, the depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, ground-level ozone (smog) and emissions of toxic compounds. The initiator can then consult various international documents relating to these key issues, such as action plans, protocols, conventions or agreements (Glasson, 2005).The study shows the impact on the current and planned use of land, mainly agricultural uses, forestry and commercial perimeters of urbanization, protection perimeter works on groundwater catchment, as well as the area lots and farmland, changing access to buildings and land, the destruction of existing subdivisions, the expropriation of buildings, and fragmentation of properties. It also reflects the impact of work on the ground and the basement where the archaeological heritage and landscapes are built (Sadler, 2002).It provides an estimate of the local and regional economic benefits associated with the project. Economic impacts may include employment opportunities or contracts at the regional level, prices and wages, income distribution, the value of land and property, the tax base and local government revenues (Diori, 1996). The study considers the social impacts of the project, its effects on the population itself and its composition, lifestyle, community relations and quality of life of the local community. These may include the relocation of individuals and business, lifestyle modification, loss of green space, and disadvantages of traffic on the roads (noise, odors, dust, among other).It also considers the impact on utility infrastructure, both communal and institutional, such as roads, power lines, water intakes, housing, health services and public protection, trails, parks and other natural areas (Charles, 2000).In addition, the study indicates the potential impact on public health in particular considering the concentrations or loadings of contaminants (water, air, and if appropriate, floors) that the population may be exposed, particularly in regard to vulnerable groups such as persons hospitalized, children, and the elderly.These impacts are estimated on criteria based on public health considerations and taking into account existing background noise in the receiving environment. Regarding risks to public health, an appropriate level of analysis should be used. If concern is expressed, further studies, such as a comprehensive risk analysis may be required to characterize the risk more accurately (Burton, 1993). Balloch Field Development: Infrastructure Maersk Oil is committed to conducting business in compliance with all applicable laws and maintains an ISO 14001 certificate, which it independently attained in 2011 to environmental management (EMS) in the context of broader management system (BMS).Maersk Oil commitments for environmental protection are well defined in the HSEQ policy (Environmental report MAERSK).The target location in the basement for all proposed wells is given the name Balloch.The areas may be subject to minor variations, after detailed planning of the wells. The results of the first well determine the flexibility of the second all on the basis of the order in which they are drilled (Environmental report, MAERSK). Adopted from: (Environmental report MAERSK) Devenick Field Development: Infrastructure The development is located in UKCS Block 9/29a and 9/24b Devenick in the northern part of the North Sea. It is 186.7 km south east of Fair Isle, 234 km northeast of Aberdeen and 3.2 km from the border with UK / International Norway. The plan includes the creation of two wells (S1 and S2), which is related to the work and the use of subsea manifolds infield shortly.The manifold, in turn, being connected to the then Marathon Oil UK Limited (MOUK), is managed via the East Brae platform through a pipe of 33.5 km. The Devenick development is at a depth of approximately 114 m (Emmett, 2000; Environmental Report BP). COMPARISON OF IMPACT PREDICTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE Devenick Field Development Environmental Statement The project can be divided into, drilling, construction and installation commissioning, production, and decommissioning.Drilling activities, including the installation of wellhead guard S1 (WHPS) begun in 2010 and ended in the middle of 2011 (Environmental Report BP). The environmental impact of the construction method of the superstructure and the use of materials and energy to produce, transport, installation and operation were considered in the routing of the pipes and umbilical’s to avoid potential conservation areas or habitats of interest, and subsea structures protection (Environmental Report BP).The initial impact of a cargo ship, the tensile strength, and the load incurred due to lacerations that can be applied to the arts of fishing on carved pipes, can be considerable. This is expected to fill the trench and the intake manifold of Devenick East Brae that helps protect your computer from trawling and piping.The return operation also provides thermal insulation and reduces the risk of thermally induced disturbance instability (Blaikie, 2003).Biological communities are in a constant state of flux and are able to adapt to undisturbed conditions or rapidly recolonize an area that has been disturbed. The seabed in the wellhead lines, the ramp, and the flow are not described as disturbed sediments and environments. There alsohas been no known physical disorders of these sediments and it is unlikely that the physical impact on the seabed development by Devenick may cause cumulative effects (Environmental Report BP). Environmental Statement: Balloch Field Development Balloch development is the central nervous system in which the depth of water gradually deepens from south to north. Major water bodies in the North Sea can be classified as water of the Atlantic coast of Scotland, the NNS coastal waters, and the Jutland channel. The Mainstream regional CNS is well mixed, vertically entering coastal waters in the North Atlantic and to a lesser extent, Fair Isle stream entering the North Sea to the Orkney Islands north Dooley (Environmental report MAERSK).The sea temperature affects the properties of seawater and the fate of spills and discharges into the environment. The surface temperatures (SST) in the north-east Atlantic coast and the UK have increased since 1980 and the temperature increase is fastest in the southern North Sea (SNS) and the Canal. Adopted from: (Environmental report MAERSK) Regional contributions and inputs of localized coastal discharges of oil and gas can affect the existing quality in different regions of the North Sea.Water samples with high levels of chemical contamination in the North Sea are usually found in the mouth and coastal sites, which are subject to high industrial use. Concentrations of total hydrocarbons at sea are considered high, typically in the immediate vicinity. The concentrations generally fall to baseline levels within a very short distance from the discharge point (Environmental report MAERSK). Lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are hydrophobic chemicals that are suspended in water because they generally absorb solid particles. The PAH concentrations in the background are often below the detection limit. Similarly, due to its poor solubility, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) concentrations in water are generally very low ( Read More