Land : Rookery South Energy-from-Waste Generating Station - Case Study Example

hi can u added these points to my assigement please see the following points i have outlined about your essay: 1. in your paragraph Influence of naturaland man-made environment on developmentyou could write 1 or 2 sentences about the 39 "petitions against the project". please see this link http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/secondary-legi... http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/secondary-legislation/special-procedure-orders/rookery-south/petitions/ 2. In your paragraph Previous land use you could mention that the site has become a sanctuary for wildlife - please see this link http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-rookery-south-pit.html ... 3. In your conclusion you could mention again about the petitions to give more balance - at the moment it seems to be addressing covantas point of view but not much about the fears of the local residents. you could also use less certainty in your wordings about covantas intentions. "Theirhealth and environment will remain safe" - sentence could start with "They claim..." "The firm is a committed corporate citizen " - "They state..." Don"t forget that until the project is complete there is no evidence that they will meet all the petitioners concerns, so maybe you could finish your conclusion with this uncertainty. Land Study: Rookery South Energy-from-Waste Generating Station [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] [INSERT YOUR INSTITUTION’S NAME HERE] Overview of the proposal Waste management is a pressing issue in the developed world as firms, households, schools, hospitals and hotels among other facilities continue to churn out waste on a daily basis. This waste, if not well managed, is a menace to the environment. The Rookery South Energy-from-Waste (EfW) Generating Station is a proposed plan that will seek to manage waste from the surrounding areas of Bedfordshire and produce electric energy. The facility will be constructed near Stewartby, south of Bedford, at the previous site of the Rookery South Pit, a former extraction pit for brick-making clay (See Appendix A for a map of the proposed location). The proposed Rookery South Energy-from-Waste (EfW) Generating Station will process 585 000 tonnes of waste annually to produce 65MWe of which 55MWe will be exported to the national grid and the rest used by the facility and surrounding areas. Before commencement of any construction work, Covanta Energy must meet a number of requirements from various bodies. First on the line is the environmental permit that seeks clarification on the facility’s commitment to environment protection such as low odour and waste water emissions. Furthermore, the issue of the facility buildings interfering with the scenic views of the surrounding areas must be addressed. Covanta Energy has expressed its desire to meet these legal requirements such as the proposed design of the buildings which will be made of interlocking boxes as opposed to bricks or 3-stack boxes to reduce its height (See Figure 1). Covanta has explained this will not interfere with the facility’s capacity as it will have 9 times the total capacity per annum of the Isle of Man EfW (Covanta Energy, 2011). Therefore, this proposal shall address the impact the development will have on the people, environment, land history, transport and communication systems in the Bedforshire County. Figure 1: The Current Rookery South EfW Generating Station Design History of Land Use and Potential Impact of Project Nature and extent of urban/rural land development of the surrounding area since settlement Council documents indicate that the Bedfordshire area has largely been used for agricultural purposes in the past. The Land Utilization Survey of Britain of 1931 through a number of surveys resulted into maps with clear marking of forests, meadow, arable land, heathland, garden ground, waste land, ponds and built-up land. The use of majority of the land as indicated by these early maps has changed. During the Second World War, the British government embarked on a policy set to increase agricultural production in the country in order to support its troops in war and the rest of the country. Farmers in the county were given money to plough grasslands and convert them into farming land. Majority of these farmers had their dwelling houses constructed in their farms (Bedfordshire Borough County 2012). As such, the area doubled up as a residential and agricultural area. Currently the so called ‘sand pit’ has naturally transformed into sanctuary for Bedfordshire’s thriving wildlife including birds and wild plants (Hamer 2010). Owing to rapid economic development and population pressure, the area’s population has increased steadily and large portions of farmland have been replaced by town houses and estates. Currently the county borough is a residential area of choice for many households in the UK. Data from a 2003 survey show that the borough has over 60,000 houses serving 149,000 people in the Borough, of which just over 10,000 are owned by housing associations. Of these houses 25% of them were constructed before 1919, 13% between 1919 and 1944, 17% between 1945 and 1964 while the rest, 45% were constructed after 1964 (Bedfordshire Borough Council 2012). This shows that the area has a significant number of old houses whereby some of them could be in a state of disrepair. Strong vibrations from the proposed facility could pose a huge threat to such aged buildings. A Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA) examines the potential impact of projects such as the Rookery South EfW Generating Station on the land and putting into consideration its history. Assets including designated and undesignated archaeological sites and historic buildings such as parks and gardens, monuments, areas of conservation, and registered battlefields are the focus of the assessment (Beinat & Nijkamp 2010). Since the Rookery South EfW Generating Station will be built in the location of a former clay pit, there is very little, if any, potential negative impact on historical assets. However, Covanta Energy (2011) claims that it acknowledges the possible disturbance of “currently unrecorded sub-surface archaeological features during those construction works that take place outside of the pit of minor significance” (Cultural Heritage, para. 2). Covanta has promised that any preservation of such discoveries will be discussed upon the discovery of such with the relevant authorities. Influence of natural and man-made environment on development A section of the residents of the Marston Vale and surrounding areas near the proposed site of the project are strongly opposed to the project (Ampthill, 2011; Infrastructure planning Commission 2012). One of the residents, Mrs S. Skoyles who made a petition to the IPC to suspend the project cited some of the following issues in a letter referenced 490; air emissions, negative impact on ecology, dust/odour, landscape and visual interference and noise pollution (IPC 2012). The resounding message to Covanta is the pollution generated from the facility combined with the eyesore of a massive processing plant viewable from long distances will ruin the historical beauty of the land. The residents are worried that the facility will pose a health hazard and that the detriments of the whole project outweigh the benefits (Ampthill, 2011; Hamer 2012). This project has faced stiff opposition from residents of the area and other stakeholders. In total, 39 petitions have been presented and even websites seeking petitions to oppose the project developed (Parliament 2012). Among these petitioners is the Marston Moretaine Parish Council. In their petition, the council cites issues such as increased traffic congestion in the area, poor public image of Bedfordshire as a whole among others (Parliament, 2012). Covanta has responded to these accusations with numerous promises and assurances. It has also publicised its strategies that will address the issues raised such as the low profile bulding design. The firm has also argued that it has consulted widely with Central Bedfordshire Council, English Heritage, and Bedford Borough Council to ensure that all legal and ethical issues are covered (Covanta Energy, 2011). The petitions against the project are not without historical and factual backing. Roughly 90% of the land consists of green space, water, and gardens and serviced by two railway lines and several roads (University of Portsmouth, 2009). Covanta Energy has indicated that, though the proposed site of the Rookery South EfW Generating Station is located between two railway lines, the waste will be transported from the serviced Lorries via roadway. According to the historical land use through 2001, the number of roads in the area is minimal compared to the amount of green space (University of Portsmouth, 2009). It may be that once the facility is operation, the existing road network will not be enough to service the residents and new facility. Reasons why proposed/constructed in this region/area Any development of major project in any area must be carried out after careful deliberation in consultation with all the stakeholders involved (Mason 2008). However, it is important to assume that not all stakeholders would be supportive of such an idea. However, the reasons to carry on with any proposed project must be more than opposing reasons. As such, the findings of the majority of the stakeholders involved in the consultations with Covanta must be convincing than the opposing voices. Supportive stakeholders and Covanta have given their supportive views on the project. Construction of the facility at land which was formerly a sand pit is one way of reclaiming the land. Used sand pits serve no purpose to the community and even pose a hazard to people and animals in the bush. While animals and people can be injured upon falling into open sand pits, the same are an eyesore. They tarnish the natural beauty and topography of the land. Again, the sand pits collect water during the rainy season. Stagnant water can encourage water borne diseases in addition to posing a hard of animals and people drowning. Constructing the facility on the sand pit will thus fill the sand pit and eliminate the eyesore as well as reclaim the land for valuable use. The Rookery South Energy-from-Waste Generating Station will offer numerous socioeconomic benefits of the people of Bedfordshire. First of all, the facility is expected to provide numerous job opportunities for the local people during the construction and even after. With the global economy and more specifically the UK economy facing uncertain times, the government and the private sector are committed to creating employment for the UK people (Bedfordshire Borough Council, 2012). The local government is also expected to benefit immensely from the construction of the facility there through taxes and levies charged to the company. Previous Land Use The proposed location of the Rookery South EfW Generating Station is the former site of the Rookery South Pit, a clay pit where brick clay was extracted. According to Covanta Energy (2011), the area is located within the “Northern Marston Vale Growth Area, an area that is set to grow through regeneration schemes and the expected development of some 19,500 new homes” (Site Advantages, para. 1). Covanta Energy (2011) feels there are numerous site advantages, which is why they chose the specific location. The given area does not interfere directly with policy protected areas (e.g. the Greenbelt). While the developers have identified roadways as the current method of transporting waste into the facility, they indicate the railways on either side of the location as benefits for potential railroad transport of waste in the future. The location is large enough so as to not cause direct adverse impacts on the environment and also to house the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on-site avoiding transportation of incinerator ashes away from the site for treatment and use additional outside land resources (Covanta Energy, 2011). Appropriateness of the development to the site and area The area has well connected transport lines and road network. This implies that there will be minimal further construction besides the facility premises in the area. Residents can thus be assured that the topography and natural beauty of the area will be minimally disturbed. Money that could have been used to construct additional transport lines will be directed to other important projects. The key requirement in decisions on providing new energy recovery and waste treatment facilities is sustainability (Covanta Energy, 2011). It is important for projects like this to help take care of the environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Covanta Energy cites the excellent benefits gained by transporting waste into a single, large-scale facility from a broader Waste Catchment Area (See Figure 2), reaching outside of Bedfordshire. Bedfordshire is the central location of the Rookery South EfW Generating Station and co-housed MRF. The proposed capacity of the facility means burdens brought about by transporting from such a wide area greatly outweigh the energy and operational efficiency that can be achieved. Figure 2: Waste Catchment Area Conclusion Covanta energy has assured residents of surrounding areas of Stewartby that Rookery South EfW Generating Station will have minimal negative impact lives and environment. Their health and environment will remain safe as all the legal and ethical requirements have been observed. The firm assured the public that it is a committed corporate citizen and has demonstrated so in other areas. As such, during the construction and even after, Covanta promises that all their worries and concerns will be addressed. Additionally, Covanta Energy has promised that the heritage of Bedfordshire as a county will be preserved and the firm will be a responsible citizen of Bedfordshire. Despite the numerous assurances from Covanta Energy, there is no guarantee that the concerns raised by the petitioners and other stakeholders will be met once the facility is up and running. References Ampthill, 2011, Issues further afield. Retrieved from http://www.ampthill.info/page41.htm Bedfordshire Borough Council. 2012, Borough strategy policies. Retrieved from http://www.planvu.co.uk/bbc/written/cpt2.htm Bedfordshire Structure Plan 2011. Retrieved from http://www.planvu.co.uk/ Bedfordshire Borough Council, 2012, Land use sources 20th century. Retrieved from http://www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/CommunityAndLiving/ArchivesAndRecordOffice/GuidesToCollections/LandUseSources20thCentury.aspx Beinat, E. & Nijkamp, P. 2010, Multicriteria Analysis for Land-Use Management. London, Springer. Communities & Local governments. 2012. Planning, building and the environment research and statistics. Retrieved from, http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningbuilding/ Covanta Energy, 2011. Rookery South Resource Recovery Facility project. Retrieved from, http://www.covantarookerysouth.co.uk/index.shtml Hamer, S. 2010. Save Rookery South Pit, Stewartby. Retrieved from http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-rookery-south-pit.html... Health and safety executive. Construction design and management (CDM), Retrieved from, http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm Infrastructure Planning Commission. Rookery South Energy from Waste Generating Station. Retrieved from, http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south- energy-from-waste-generating-station/?ipcsection=relreps&relrep=490 Lagro, J, 2011, Site Analysis: A Contextual Approach to Sustainable Land Planning and Site Design, London, John Wiley & Sons Mason, R. 2008, Collaborative and use management: the quieter revolution in place-based planning, New York, Rowman & Littlefield Parliament, 2012. Petitions against the Rookery South (Resource Recovery Facility) Order 2011. Retrieved from, http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/secondary-legislation/special-procedure-orders/rookery-south/petitions/ University of Portsmouth. (2009). A vision of Britain through time. Retrieved from http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_LAND&data_cube=N_LAND2001_SIMP&u_id=10032921&c_id=10001043&add=Y Appendix A Read More