What is a Biophysical Environment - Assignment Example

Land Studies Name Course Name and Code Date Biophysical Attributes The biophysical environment is the abiotic and biotic surrounding of a population or an organization, and other factors that influence their evolution, development, and survival. The biophysical environment varies extensively ranging from microscopic to global (The Government of Western Australia 2016). The biophysical environment can be divided into built and natural environment. Some of the common biophysical attributes are the terrestrial environment, the atmospheric environment, and marine environment. Terrestrial Environment The terrestrial environment is the earth’s land, which includes the natural surface and manmade and sub-surface features. It also incorporates the interactions and interfaces between the oceans and the atmosphere (Golder Associates 2012). The terrestrial environment balances the different components that affect the ecosystem and habitats (The Government of Western Australia 2016). The terrestrial environment can further be divided into the natural and manmade environment. Natural It includes the soil, the animals, the underground water, and other ecosystems on the land surface or underground. Different species of plants and animals are found on the project site, and their consideration is important (New Perth Stadium 2016a). Varieties of birds, the niche of certain organisms and the transit routes may impact negatively the animals and plants (The Government of Western Australia 2016). The nature of the site creates unique challenges for construction. The area is swampy and is also low-lying, which creates challenges in adjusting the construction requirements (Department of Treasury, 2015). The area is also susceptible to flowing and other challenges associated with climate change. For example, any climatic change may result in conditions such as sedimentation, subsidence and foreshore erosion (The Government of Western Australia 2016). At the Burswood site, different types of plants are identified. Most of the trees are less than 30 years while most of the trees are Sheoaks especially around the Burswood Park Golf Course (Golder Associates 2012). Fringing riparian vegetation is also evident, which includes the Swan River riparian vegetation, artificial lakes and different varieties of trees (New Perth Stadium 2016a). Remnants of native vegetation are also within the construction site (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). Most of the vegetations were brought to the area while the riparian and lake sites were ecologically poor conditions and depauperate (Tourism Council WA 2016). Manmade It incorporates the numerous processes and equipment utilized in developing the structures and other human processes such as disposal (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). The Swan River bank is associated with numerous modifications due to many infilling and dredging programs because of numerous manmade developments (New Perth Stadium 2016a). The foreshore lacks the original landforms and habitats because of the constructions. Some of the uncontrolled filling activities include sewerage pumping station, an abattoir, the East Perth Power Station, rail workshops, tanneries and gas works. A byproduct of human activities is also common. For example, the construction of these different facilities such as rail workshops and gas works resulted in the deposition of certain chemicals and products on the site (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). The destructions or excavation of the site may release some of these chemicals, which are dangerous to the environment. Changing the terrain and other physical components within the project site raises additional problems and challenges. The area needs stabilization because of the numerous uncontrolled filling activities, and fulfilling these needs and requirements may create additional problems (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). The Atmospheric Environment The atmospheric environment is anything that is found in the air (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). It includes the different gasses, sound, light, ozone layer and all the features above the sea and land. To some extent, it may include birds and organisms that utilize the atmospheric environment for survival (New Perth Stadium 2016a). The site was classified as an area that contains a toxic mix of numerous chemicals due to the original use of the area (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). Some of the identified toxic materials include acid sulfate soil, biosolids, cinder ash, industrial waste, and asbestos. The atmospheric environment may also create additional challenges because of the nature of the construction and the current habitat and gasses in the environment (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). Asbestos are common within the area because it was an industrial plant that produced asbestos products. The asbestos can settle on the water surface affecting the marine life (Golder Associates 2012). A combination of other chemicals may occur, which affects negatively the environment. For example, chemical imbalance may create habitat changes and affect the movement of animals and growth of the plants (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). It is imperative to note plants rely on the atmosphere and atmospheric changes have a larger impact on the environment. Animals are found in the air including birds and insects. Pollution of the atmospheric environment prevents the animals and plants from surviving (Department of Treasury, 2015). Animals and humans rely on clear air for survival, and any degradation affects the development and fulfillment of objectives of humans (AAP 2015). For example, air transport relies on clear airway, and any pollution or contamination affects sustainability and survival of the animals and plants. The ozone layer is important in controlling climate and depletion or any adjustments on the ozone layer affect global temperatures (New Perth Stadium 2016b). The ozone layer controls the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the earth and degradation causes different medical conditions (Golder Associates 2012). The ozone layer and the numerous gases found in the atmosphere control the world and the development of different processes (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). Any adjustments on the ozone layer may affect the project and other manmade features. The Marine Environment The marine environment is the water areas in which animals and plants stay (New Perth Stadium 2016a). The Swan River is an iconic component for Western Australia and contains different plants and animals (Western Australian Planning Commission 2016). The strategy of developing the environment would result in infilling and compacting the site will result in an increase in groundwater follow (Golder Associates 2012). The ground water will flow to River Swan and other surrounding water bodies, which increases cross contamination of aquifers because of seepages into the river (The Government of Western Australia 2016). The artificial lake vegetation in the Burswood site has a regional value and presents numerous vegetation assemblages, which are common in the area that includes the Sea Rush/Bulrush understoreys and Paperbark canopies (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). At the Claisebrook site, most of the vegetation was introduced to the area, but there is also native vertebrate fauna, which includes different birds such as waterfowl (Department of Treasury, 2015). Different varieties of water birds are found in the Burswood site, and some of these bird species include Dusky Moorhen, Hardhead, and Musk Duck. Other birds that are found in moderate numbers and regular at the Burswood site include Australian Reed Warbler, Eurasian Coot, Purple Swamphen, Great Crested Grebe, Australasian Grebe, Pacific Black Duck, the Australian Wood Duck and the Black Swan. The following figure presents the species and individuals within the site (Foster, O’Reilly & Davila 2015). Lakes 1, 4, 5 and 9 indicate the highest number of species and attributed to numerous migratory routes. Lake 2 specifically hosts some migratory species; Lake 1 is irrigation; Lake 2 is hydraulically attached to Swan River. Lake 1 will be affected because of the nature of the construction while Lake 2 may be affected because of the proximity of the works. Lakes Affected (Source: Golder Associates, 2012) Major Degradation Issues Terrestrial Environment Soil pollution and degradation is the common problem associated with any construction. During the construction process, some waste materials and byproducts are dropped onto the terrestrial environment (Golder Associates 2013). For example, the machines used in the construction may discharge oil and diesel accidentally, which affects the environment. Any discharge to the environment whether from the equipment or other causes affects the environment and soil. The contamination may result in additional problems, and the environment may not be conducive for further developments. Displacing and killing of the animals on land due to pollution and movement of equipment is another direct consequence of the construction (Golder Associates 2012; New Perth Stadium 2016b). Understanding and protecting the animals and plants within the environment is important, but the larger consequences of the construction may not be understood. Killing and displacement of the animals affects the habitats and may create additional challenges such as mutations (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). Other consequences associated with killing and displacement of animals are extinction of unique creatures and organisms (Department of Treasury, 2015). An effective environment auditing and analysis is important in determining the animals, which are vulnerable and determine measures that can be employed in addressing the problem (Golder Associates 2012b). The project development affects the vegetation of the area because of movements and excavation. The soil is removed from one area to another, and the vegetative cover is directly affected (Golder Associates 2013). The habitats are affected while the ability to control soil erosion is also reduced. Vegetation aids soil erosion and removal of the vegetative cover affects the general environment (Golder Associates 2012). The degradation and excavation results in contamination of the underground water and flash floods/storm water may occur (Department of Treasury, 2015; New Perth Stadium 2016b). Hence, numerous problems are associated with excavation and other developmental requirements at the site. Atmospheric Environment The air quality will be affected because of the ground gases, asbestos fibers, airborne dust particles and weather conditions (Golder Associates 2013). These emissions affect the atmosphere differently. Some of the consequences include: Emissions and visibility – the emissions affects the visibility for both the animals in the air and other components that utilize the air (Golder Associates 2013). Birds are unable to move while airplanes will have additional challenges navigating. Acidic rain and ozone depletion – emissions of dangerous gases such as sulphate react with water in the atmosphere resulting in acidic rains. The ozone layer is also depleted because of emissions of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (The Government of Western Australia 2016). The consequences of the depletion are global warming and other problems associated with ozone depletion (Golder Associates 2012; New Perth Stadium 2016b). The acid rains “burn” the vegetation while the acid rain kills animals. The depletion of the vegetation also reduces the amount of food for the animals and plants (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). Therefore, acidic rain and ozone depletion result in numerous consequences. Air pollution and respiratory problems – release of the gases to the environment results in air pollution (Department of Treasury, 2015). The air pollution causes respiratory problems to humans and plants. In addition, air pollution prevents the plants and animals from development. The respiratory problems also cause additional social and economic problems (Golder Associates 2012). The solution is the creation of measures and strategies to eliminate or reduce air pollution during the construction period. Inhabitable for the birds and other creatures in the air (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). The birds will not be able to navigate and also to sustainable their natural requirements. The Marine Environment The project degrades the natural environment and also the marine environment (Golder Associates 2012b). The degradation is associated with the consequences of terrestrial environmental degradation and atmospheric degradation. Some of the consequences include: Degradation because of soil erosion and deposit of sediments into the water. The surface degradation results in movements of wastes to the water (Golder Associates 2013). It is attributed to the removal of vegetation, which usually limits erosions. The deposited sediments may reduce the movement and flow of water, which affects the water system habitat (Golder Associates 2012b). Faster vegetative growth affecting the development and growth of animals in the water. The deposition of sediments increases the fertility of the water, which results in faster growth of water vegetation (Golder Associates 2012; New Perth Stadium 2016b). The growth affects the animals such as fish in the water because of depletion of oxygen. The water animals will be affected, and the fish may also consume some dangerous metals and chemicals associated with the industrial developments (The Government of Western Australia 2016). Therefore, the aquatic life is affected because of soil erosion and the fertility of sediments in increasing the speed of growth of plants in the river or lake. Polluting the water inhibiting the survival of plants and animals in the water (Golder Associates 2013) Displacement of the animals/plants affecting the ecosystem Mitigation Strategies The degradation of the terrestrial, atmospheric and marine environment is directly associated with the construction of the project. The different environments come together to create additional challenges on the plants and animals (Golder Associates 2012). It is crucial to formulate and implement measures, which can be used to mitigate the problems. The following are some of the strategies of addressing these numerous degradations problems: Air quality management – it includes monitoring of weather, ground gases, asbestos fibers, airborne dust particles (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). In addition, during the construction and utilization of the site, minimization of dust that may be generated should be capitalized. The surface water management – it includes management of storm water and in-river works with the aim of minimizing the impact of water quality on the Swan River ecosystem. Strategies such as gross pollutant traps can be used to manage stormwater discharged from the site (Golder Associates 2012). In addition, Water Sensitive Urban Design principles may be utilized to manage other forms of storm water depending on the different conditions associated with the processes. Groundwater – the Department of Water and other institutions should manage groundwater through issuing appropriate licenses (New Perth Stadium 2016a). Excavations or pilling the water table may create population and dewater, and Acid Sulphate Soil monitoring and management are imperative (The Government of Western Australia 2016). Terrestrial contamination- the strategies that should be employed include soil management procedures and measures in analyzing the situations and determining the impact of any decision (Departent of Treasury, 2015; New Perth Stadium 2016b). The analysis should be based on soil contamination and should incorporate numerous processes including the discharges from the construction equipment and utilization of the completed project (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). The analysis should be long term in which it allows earlier mitigation processes and strategies. Marine contamination – the contractors and other stakeholders should incorporate appropriate management procedures and measures to prevent marine and water contamination (Golder Associates 2012). For example, dredging of river and lakes should be controlled in that measures exist in disposing the sediments appropriately. It includes testing and treating the sediments to prevent the site from contamination. Acid Sulphate Soils – the terrestrial soils within the site are classified as Acid Sulphate Soils. The sediments and soils below the water table may require removal and transported to a facility for treatment (Golder Associates 2013). The aim is to reduce the impact of the contents of the soil to the ecosystems. These problems can be avoided through appropriate treatment and disposal of the Acid Sulphate Soils. Asbestos – the land was historically used as an industrial plant for asbestos products. Some of the activities that occurred on the foreshore include infilling programs and uncontrolled land filling activities. Based on the research carried out, asbestos are found in the river sediment and may be presented within the uncontrolled areas (Golder Associates 2012). A specially designed Asbestos Management Plan should be appropriate to ensure remedial activities are incorporated in addressing asbestos and related consequences of the use of asbestos (The Government of Western Australia 2016). The identification and monitoring including remedial actions are aimed at preventing asbestos catastrophe at the site. Terrestrial flora and fauna – it includes management to ensure that any impacts on fauna are addressed promptly (The Government of Western Australia 2016). It includes implementation of measures that reduces the impact of contamination of the environment and also encourages conservation (Golder Associates 2013). It may include movement of the habitants and species and determine the impact of the animal movement on the overall health of the ecosystem and habitant. Aquatic flora and fauna – the site for the construction are known for dolphins where the dolphins feed and transit. The measures implement should ensure the dolphins and other animals are allowed to move freely (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). The strategy incorporates the views of Swan River Trust in creating a framework for determining the management zones size and timing of monitoring measures. These strategies are important because different stakeholders with experience on the site are involved. Vibration and noise construction activities – the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 have clear directives on handling noise and reducing the impact of noise on the environment. The daytime constructions should be done between 7 am and 7 pm between Monday and Saturday (Golder Associates 2012). The need to work outside of these hours will require seeking approval from relevant authorizes based on Australia Standard 2436-1981 Guide to Noise control on Construction, Maintenance, and Demolition Sites. The equipment and other tools should have defined noise levels based on the requirements and expectations of the environment (Departent of Treasury, 2015). The movement of the trucks and other transportation means should be considered and preventive measures incorporated (Golder Associates 2012b; Hassel 2014). For example, hooting without consideration on the impact on the environment should be avoided. Emissions – During the construction, different types of emissions are emitted, and it is imperative to note the sources of the emissions and the consequences of the emission (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). The means of transports usually uses diesel and diesel emits carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide (Department of Treasury, 2015). To protect the environment against emissions, documentation of the different emissions is appropriate and employing mitigating strategy based on nature of emissions (The Government of Western Australia 2016). For instance, the emissions from the transport resources can be controlled through effective maintenance and adhere to the transportation codes (Golder Associates 2012). Water can be sprinkled to reduce the amounts of dust produced during movements and excavations. Protecting materials may also be used to reduce the distance in which dust and similar materials can move across the air (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). Hence, different maintenance approaches can be employed depending on the causes of the emissions. Underwater noise and vibrations – animals in the water areas can move around, and some animals such as dolphins can be affected because of underwater noise (Golder Associates 2012). Working with different stakeholders enables determination of the appropriate mechanisms to prevent or reduce noise and vibrations (New Perth Stadium 2016a). For example, working with the Swan River Trust organization is one of the methods, which can be used to address the problem (Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia 2016). References AAP. (3 Sep. 2015). WACA to shift Test matches to new Perth Stadium at Burswood. WA today. Retrieved from http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/waca-to-shift-test-matches-to-new-perth-stadium-at-burswood-20150903-gjeaxp.html Department of Treasury. (2015). Swan River Pedestrian Bridge Development Applications Explanatory Report. Retrieved from http://assets.mra.wa.gov.au/production/f9f232a0f053e4c23afcd800877af44a/swan-river-pedestrian-bridge-development-application.pdf Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia. (2016). NEW PERTH STADIUM Environmental Impact Assessment. Retrieved from www.epa.wa.go Foster, G., O’Reilly, N., & Davila, A. (2015). Sports Business Management: Decision Making Around the Globe. Sydney: Routledge Publishers. Golder Associates. (2012a). New Perth Stadium: Flora and Fauna Surveys Report Addendum. Retrieved from https://consultation.epa.wa.gov.au/seven-day-comment-on-referrals/a601372/supporting_documents/Attachment%202%20Flora%20Fauna%20Survey%20Addendum.pdf Golder Associates. (July 2013). New Perth Stadium: Project Environmental Management Plan. The government of Western Australia. Golder Associates. (October 2012b). New Perth Stadium: Environmental Impact Assessment – Section 38 Referral Supporting Document. The government of Western Australia. Hassel. (7 Aug. 2014). Winning New Perth Stadium Design Revealed. Retrieved from http://www.hassellstudio.com/en/cms-news/winning-new-perth-stadium-design-revealed New Perth Stadium. (2016a). Swan River Pedestrian Bridge Environmental Management. Retrieved from http://www.perthstadium.com.au/docs/default-source/new-Perth-Stadium-files/srpb-environmental-management.pdf?sfvrsn=0 New Perth Stadium. (2016b). Homepage. Retrieved from http://www.perthstadium.com.au/news-and-information/latest-news/news-article/2013/01/30/environmental-protection-authority-determination The Government of Western Australia. (2016). New Perth Stadium. Retrieved from http://www.perthstadium.com.au/ Tourism Council WA. (2016). Perth Stadium: Economic Game Changer Document. Retrieved from www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/ Western Australian Planning Commission. (2016). Draft new Perth Stadium Management Plan. Retrieved from www.planning.wa.gov.au/ Read More