Review of DEFRAs Six Areas of Responsibilities - Essay Example

REVIEW OF DEFRA’s SIX AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES (Date) 1.0. METHOD STATEMENT The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, commonly known as DEFRA is a Department of the Government of the United Kingdom that is in-charge of protecting the environment by encouraging households, business establishments and local authorities to align their activities in the protection of the environment particularly in mitigating climate change and pollution. This paper will report on the result of the review conducted on the website of DEFRA which is accessed at www.defra.gov.uk. A review is particularly conducted in its six selected areas of responsibility namely (1) business and the environment, (2) local environment quality, (3) farming and the environment, (4) pollution prevention and control, (5) recycling wastes, and (6) water issues. The report is structured with a presentation of the summary of the review of each area of responsibility of DEFRA. The review focuses on its aims and subsequent rationale for it, the legislative measures that support the implementation of these aims and its expected practical outcomes. A short analysis of the relevance of civil engineering in these areas of responsibility of DEFRA summed up the presentation of the report. 2.0. FINDINGS 2.1. Business and the Environment a. Results of website review What is DEFRA aiming to achieve and why? Overall, DEFRA aims to involve businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) in the protection and enhancement of the environment. This is necessary to achieve the goals of sustainable development outlined in the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002 in Johannesburg (DEFRA, 2008). Sustainable consumption, sustainable production and corporate responsibility are the key areas where businesses can exemplify the participation of the business sector in the environmental protection. The following are the specific objectives of DEFRA. To promote sustainable consumption and consumption as basis of economic growth by respecting the limits of the environment, lessen harm to the environment and sustainable use of environmental resources. To show example on the part of the government in leading corporate social responsibility through public procurements and in working with businesses in protecting the environment as part of its corporate social responsibility. To help businesses recognize the environmental impact of their operations through the creation of an environmental management systems through implementation of a guide for environmental reporting. To invest on innovations and technologies that promote environmental protection that help improve business competitiveness. To help increase productive use of natural resources to lessen the burden to the environment. To provide assistance to businesses in lessening the impact of their production processes to the environment. What are the main legislative measures? The Companies Act of 2006 and the Amendments to Pensions Act of 2001 are two main legislative measures that support DEFRA’s role towards business and the environment. What are their intended practical outcomes? The Companies Act of 2006 modified some requirements in the narrative reporting for compliance of businesses in the United Kingdom. Such report requires them to report on matters related to the environment and issues related to employees and community. The Amendment to Pensions Act of 2001, on the other hand, required environmental disclosures from UK Pension Fund Trustees through submission of environmental reports as basis for investment decisions. DEFRA’s objectives and its supporting legislative measures on business and the environment encourage UK businesses to implement environment friendly technology and processes in their production chains thereby lessening production waste and influencing sustainable consumption of households. Specifically, the following are the intended practical outcomes of this endeavour. Creation of a Business Resource Efficiency and Waste or BREW Management Programme that gives advice and assistance to businesses to minimise production waste. Creation of the Market Transformation Programme promoting products and services that use resources that provide less pressure to the environment such as water and energy. Creation of Energy Using Products Directive helping set standards for designing products that uses energy. Creation of a Guide to Green Environmental Living that helps people interested in tackling environmental protection. b. Analysis of relevance to civil engineering Civil Engineering is relevant DEFRA’s responsibility on Business and the Environment by helping BREW Management Programme or Guide to Green Environment Living provide relevant advice to businesses in designing their business or production buildings and infrastructures to minimise waste products thereby contributing to environment protection. Further, they can help in assisting or directly conducting research that bridge the support between civil engineering and environmentally supportive infrastructure that DEFRA can support later on. It can help prepare civil engineering calculations in the design of these infrastructure and guide government or businesses in determining budgets to these projects. 2.2. Local Environmental Quality a. Results of website review What is DEFRA aiming to achieve and why? DEFRA is responsible for creating rules in maintaining quality of local environment in UK particularly spaces shared by the public. It coordinates with local authorities to constantly uphold the maintenance of “cleaner, safer and greener public spaces” (DEFRA, 2008). Maintaining environmental friendliness in this area will help influence the sensitivity of communities and citizens thereby affecting their behaviours. DEFRA believes that a clean, safe and greener local environment can prevent deviant social behaviours and mitigate social crimes. Also, cleaning of litters have been costing local government councils 500 million pounds every year which makes the objective of local environmental quality significant. Specifically, DEFRA aims to achieve the following: To prevent litter in public spaces such as chewing gum, cigarettes, food and drinks, carrier bags, drugs, and litters in beaches. To promote street cleansing across UK. To prevent fly posting and graffiti on buildings, street furniture and other structures. To prevent illegal dumping of waste or fly tipping which can pollute the environment consequently damaging health of UK citizens. To address problems on odour, insect, smoke and artificial light nuisance. To promote responsible ownership of dogs, abandoned vehicles and trolleys. What are the main legislative measures? The following are the main legislative measures related to local environmental quality: Environmental Protection Act of 1990 Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse Regulations of 1992 on Town and Country Planning on the Control of Advertisement Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act of 2005 Dog Control Order Regulations of 2006 Vehicle Excise and Registration Act of 1994 Antisocial Behaviour Act What are their intended practical outcomes? The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 specifically Section 89 outlines the responsibilities of local government authorities and other regulatory bodies in the schedule of clearing and prevention of litters in public places as well as control of environmental nuisance. The Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse specifically contain the power of local authorities to give out Notice of Litter Abatement or Notice of Street Control to institutions or citizens that are not following the litter free drive of the country. Section 87 of the Act prohibits throwing or dropping of litters in public places. Offenders are subject to penalties and prosecution. Section 79 stipulates the duties of local government authorities in investigating complaints related to different types of environmental nuisance emitted from premises of industries, trading and other types of businesses harmful to health of citizens. The Regulations of 1992 on Town and Country Planning on the Control of Advertisement declare fly posting illegal. Offenders can be prosecuted which will be initiated by Department for Communities and Local Government. The Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act of 2005, which is an amendment of Environmental Protection Act of 1990, provide guidelines to local government authorities on how to assess artificial light and insect nuisance. Under this Act, individuals disturbed by light nuisance can ask for mediation or report the problem to the Environmental Health Department. Also, the Act replaced the Dogs Act of 1996. It allows local authorities and parish councils to create Dog Control Orders to prevent dog fouling and restrictions on areas for dogs, among others. Consequently, the Dog Control Order Regulations of 2006 outlines the amount of penalty for non-compliance with dog control orders. Section 2.1 of the 1978 Act considers vehicle abandonment a crime meriting penalty or imprisonment. Consequently, the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act of 1994 can be used by local authorities to removed vehicles with unpaid taxes. Overall, the Antisocial Behaviour Act also supports the goal of DEFRA to promote quality of local environment. Graffiti, for instance, is considered an indication of antisocial behaviour as well as nuisance behaviour (Respect.Gov.UK, 2008). b. Analysis of relevance to civil engineering Civil Engineers can help design buildings or infrastructures that limit problems on odour, insect, smoke and artificial light nuisance among establishments and households. They can work with local authorities in the implementation of the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 in determining the implementation of provisions related to these nuisances in the local environment. Also, they can help sit down in mediation for complaints to assess whether there is probable cause for the complaint in terms of compliance to anti nuisance regulations. Thus, civil engineers can work as local government engineers in this situation. 2.3. Farming and the Environment a. Results of website review What is DEFRA aiming to achieve and why? Overall, DEFRA’s aim in relation to farming and environment is to promote and enforce measures that mitigate pollution of any forms derived from farming processes as well as promote environment friendly agricultural practices to help reduce impact on climate change and promote sustainable farm production. The following are its specific aims. To promote environment friendly farmland management protecting soil and minimising air and water pollution. To educate farm owners on the harmful effects to environment and subsequent reduction emission of ammonia, nitrous oxide, and methane which are commonly emitted in local farming processes. To promote the role of agriculture in addressing climate change particularly in the generation of bio-energy and production of non-food products. Specifically, DEFRA promote changes in farming practices to counteract climate change. To promote biogas production from anaerobic digestion technology to UK farmers to address reduction in emission of greenhouse gas and proper waste management. To ensure proper management of common lands and address issues related to its registration, agricultural management and protection. To promote farmland conservation, land use and planning through the use of environmental impact assessment. To provide information on issues related to the use, management and protection of water and water courses. What are the main legislative measures? The following are the main legislative measures related to farming and the environment: Air Code Soil Code Water Code Commons Act of 2006 Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000 Rights of Way Act of 1990 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act of 1953 Access to the Countryside (Exclusion and Restrictions) Regulations of 2003 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order of 1995 What are their intended practical outcomes? The Air Code, Soil Code and Water Code implement measures to protect environment from air pollution, soil pollution and depletion and water pollution as a result of farming activities in the UK. It also helps mitigate climate change as a result of farming practices. The Commons Act of 2006 stipulates measures addressing concerns related to registration, agricultural management, and protection of common lands. It allows sustainable management of common lands with the partnership of commoners and landowners assisting councils to regulate common land grazing and other agricultural activities. Further, it streamlines the consents system in the works and fencing of common lands; hence ensuring its protection through consistent application of regulations on abuse, encroachment and authorized development. Consequently, the Countryside and Rights of Way or CROW Act of 2000 has a provision granting public right of foot access to nearly all registered common land. However, this access might be limited in some areas for the protection of interest of land management or wildlife. Also, the CROW Act of 2000 introduces the rights of people to walk on open country and registered common lands. Access can be restricted, though, for 28 days every year to allow for regular land management of mountains, moor, heath, down and common land in England. Restriction on this measure, though, is stipulated in the Access to the Countryside (Exclusion and Restrictions) Regulations of 2003. It allows long lease land owners and land managers to dedicate their lands as access lands under the Act which DEFRA supported by providing guidelines on its process. On the other hand, the Rights of Way Act of 1990 for England and Wales stipulates the detailed responsibilities in maintaining the rights of way in the countryside. It allows ploughing of footpaths and bridleways passing through fields that are not edge paths within 14 days of initial disturbance with a possible extension of 28 days. It also guarantees the quality of the surface by requiring a minimum of one metre for footpath and minimum of two metres for bridleway. Occupation of a right of way by a bull is considered an offence by the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The only exception allowed are (i) 10 months and below bulls and (ii) bulls belonging to unrecognised breed of dairy and found at large in the same path with cows or heifers. Protection of livestock in farmlands is also enforced by DEFRA through the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act of 1953. It considers trespassing on the part of a dog owner or land holder when the said dog is found running around within a foot path. Consequently, it is also considered an offence for a dog to be running around in an enclosed field of sheep. Dogs attacking or chasing livestock is also an offence. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order of 1995 provides a permission for general planning to limited type of minor farming land area development. Likewise, it permits development to farmers. Overall, the Government recognised the necessity of a constructive approach towards the country’s diverse rural economy. Thus, it created a Government Booklet on A Farmer’s Guide to the Planning System to guide farmers on the regulatory processes involved in land use and planning. b. Analysis of relevance to civil engineering Civil engineers can aptly work in this area of DEFRA’s responsibility particularly in the implementation of supervision of the Town and Country Planning Order of 1995 in terms of analysing and approving plans submitted by land owners and commoners related to development of farming land area. They can check the accuracy of such plans in relation to compliance of the Order. Consequently, Civil Engineers can assess whether the said application for development plan merits provision of development permits. Civil Engineering also plays crucial roles in the implementation of the Rights of Way Act of 1990 for England and Wales since part of its provision ensures the quality of surface of footways and bridleways. They can help assess the quality of the surface of these rights of ways and determine whether these edge paths or not as indicated in the Act. Thus, they can help assess whether to allow the ploughing of these paths for 14 days or extend it to 28 days as the Act stipulates. Consequently, Civil Engineers have relevant roles in the implementation of the CROW Act of 2000 and of the Access to the Countryside (Exclusion and Restrictions) Regulations of 2003 in terms of determining whether certain lands are considered access lands or common lands or not. They can also develop the guidelines for the process of determination. Civil Engineers can also work as soil engineers to help farmers determine ways to prevent soil erosion or help conserve soil in their farmlands. Consequently, they can help design efficient or environmentally friendly farming infrastructures that meet the requirements of Codes of Air, Soil and Water. 2.4. Pollution Prevention and Control a. Results of website review What is DEFRA aiming to achieve and why? Pollution Prevention and Control is an important aspect of DEFRA’s area of responsibilities since it is the area that directly impact on the environment particularly climate change. Thus, its specific aims in this area must be focused and coordinated with relevant agencies to achieve successful implementation and oversight on the area. The following are its specific objectives: To regulate pollution particularly from industrial activities with the enforcement of Environmental Permitting Regulations or EPC. To promote the roles of Environment Agency and local authorities in the enforcement of EPC. To facilitate consultations related to pollution prevention and control. To promote the use of Best Available Techniques or BAT in pollution control from identified industrial activities. To promote the implementation of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control or IPPC as an effort to balance the cost to industry operators and the benefits to the environment. What are the main legislative measures? The following are two main legislative measures related to Pollution Prevention and Control: Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations of 2007 Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations Act of 1999 What are their intended practical outcomes? The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations of 2007 covers licensing and permitting of operations of industrial activities to ensure that they follow measures that prevents and controls pollution emitted from its operations. It streamlined and combined the waste management licensing and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations Acts of 1999 to create a single environmental permit that has a common approach to permit applications, maintenance, surrender and enforcement. The following are the industrial activities monitored and covered by the licensing regulation. Industries Activities 1. Energy combustion, gasification, liquefaction and refining activities 2. Production & Metal Processing ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and surface treating metals and plastic materials 3. Mineral production of cement and lime, activities involving asbestos, manufacturing glass and glass fibre, production of other mineral fibres, other mineral activities, and ceramic production 4. Chemical organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, chemical fertiliser production, plant health products and biocides, pharmaceutical production, explosives production, manufacturing activities involving carbon disulphide or ammonia, storage of chemicals in bulk 5. Waste management disposal of waste by incineration, disposal of waste by landfill, disposal of waste other than by incineration or landfill, recovery of waste and production of fuel from waste 6. Others paper, pulp and board manufacturing activities, carbon activities, tar and bitumen activities, coating activities, printing and textile treatments, the manufacture of dyestuffs, printing ink and coating materials, timber activities, activities involving rubber, the treatment of animal and vegetable matter and food industries, intensive farming 7. Solvent Emission Directive Solvent emission activities b. Analysis of relevance to civil engineering Civil Engineering’s role is relevant in meeting the aims of DEFRA on pollution prevention and control particularly in ensuring that industrial activities follows measures stipulated in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations of 2007 to control emission of pollutants into the environment. They can help assessing compliance by industries to this measure by reviewing or investigating construction of new buildings with proper emission facilities as required by the regulation or inspecting existing industrial establishments and assessing if their current emission facilities meet the regulations requirements. Also, it can help set standards for construction and design of industrial infrastructures to meet the regulations requirements in terms engineering calculations, among others. They can also take the advisory role on the planning and control of ways to minimise air and water pollution. 2.5. Recycling and Wastes a. Results of website review What is DEFRA aiming to achieve and why? Implementing measures to control wastes and recycle it is necessary in curtailing environmental degradation. This is particularly significant in the midst of unsustainable consumption of natural resources and climate change. It is estimated that 100 million tonnes of wastes are generated every year from household, commercial and industrial activities which can be recycled to conserve energy thereby helping mitigate climate change processes. The following are the specific objectives of DEFRA in its area of responsibility related to recycling and wastes. To promote recycling of wastes to households, commercial and industrial establishments. To promote ways in making recycling easier and accessible. To educate UK citizens in the relevance of waste recycling and its impact to climate change. To facilitate consultations on incentives to households that recycles their wastes. To help empower local authorities enforce its responsibilities in waste collection and disposal. To promote awareness of the responsibility of producers or businesses in waste recycling and management. To coordinate implementation of relevant regulations related to recycling and waste management. What are the main legislative measures? The following are the legislative measures and directives crucial to achieve the goals of DEFRA in recycling and wastes: EU Waste Framework Directives Environmental Protection Act of 1990 Environmental Act of 1995 Information on the Waste and Emissions Trading Act of 2003 Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 Finance Act and Landfill Tax Regulations of 1996 Waste Minimisation Act of 1998 Household Waste Recycling Act Environmental Permitting Regulation of 2007 Waste Duty Care of England and Wales Regulations of 2005 What are their intended practical outcomes? The EU Waste Framework Directive covers a legislative framework in the collection, transport, recovery and disposal of waste products in the European Union that UK must comply. It ensures recovery and disposal of waste in an efficient and sustainable manner to protect the environment and health of people while encouraging reduction in the production of waste and encourage its recycling or reuse. It includes permitting, registration and inspections requirements to reach this goal. UK Directives related to electrical and electronic equipment, waste oil, hazardous waste, packaging waste, landfill, end of life vehicles, batteries and waste incineration are included in this framework. These directives practical outcomes mainly addresses safe disposal of waste, reduction of waste products, recycling of waste or using of waste as secondary source of energy thereby limiting pressure to the environment. The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 and 1995 aims to lay down measures to households and business establishment. Information on the Waste and Emissions Trading Act of 2003 provides guidelines on industries or businesses related to curving harmful effects of emissions from their respective business activities. The Producer Responsibility Obligations Regulations of 1997 gives responsibility to producers or businesses in waste management in their premises. The Finance Act and Landfill Tax Regulations of 1996 provides higher tax rate to landfill activities thereby encouraging diversion from landfill which emits methane gas that contributes to climate change. The Household Waste Recycling Act, on the other hand, provides measures in encouraging households to segregate their waste and recycle it. Doorstep or kerbside collection services are provided by the government to support this Act through the various councils in the country. Also, a Recycling on the Go drive was also put up to make recycling bins accessible to the public. The Environmental Permitting Regulation of 2007 replaced the Waste Management Licensing Regulations of 1994 which encourages waste segregation and issue environmental permits through the Environment Agency. It also works to ensure industrial or business activities do not have the environment and the people. The Waste Duty Care Regulations of England and Wales of 2005 require householders to be responsible on the transfer of household waste to authorised personalities to encourage proper waste management. b. Analysis of relevance to civil engineering Civil engineering can help design waste recycling infrastructures that the government can implement particularly with relevant industries to minimise waste or encourage recycling. Civil engineers can pilot research on this area and help the government determine the budget for such innovations. They can help design infrastructures to lessen waste derivatives in industries and households particularly in waste collection, transport, recovery and disposal which is the mandate of the EU Waste Framework Directives. Such infrastructure research and development can become major contribution of DEFRA to encouraging businesses to recycle or reuse their wastes. 2.6. Water Issues a. Results of website review What is DEFRA aiming to achieve and why? Water is an important component of the daily lives of UK households and businesses. Setting measures to protect it and addressing issues related to it is for the benefit of the entire country. Thus, it is part of DEFRA’s key areas of responsibility. The following are its specific objectives related to this area: To promote sustainable delivery of secure water supplies. To improve and protect water environment. To promote fair, affordable and cost reflective water charges. To reduce water sector emission of greenhouse gases. To push for sustainable and effective management of surface water. To implement measures to help prevent flooding and coastal erosion. To encourage sustainable use of waterways. To promote measures ensuring quality of water environment in UK such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. What are the main legislative measures? Water Act 2003 Private Water Supply Regulation of England of 2008 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations of 1999 Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Water of 1998 Groundwater Regulations of 1998 What are their intended practical outcomes? The Water Act 2003 puts the government in-charge promoting water conservation through the implementation of a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Assessment. It also conducts Environmental and Equal Treatment Appraisals to assess its impact to the environment and society. On the other hand, Private Water Supply Regulation of England 2008 ensures the conduct of audits and inspection of water companies in England to ensure that they comply with the Water Quality Regulations. Drinking Water Inspectorate immediately investigates customer complaints and incidents affecting water supplies in the area. Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations of 1999 helps guarantees safe connections of water sources. Specifically, it assures that water sources aside from the mains are not connected to pipes, fitting or materials connected to the mains. Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Water of 1998, on the other hand, provides information on farm waste management planning. The Groundwater Regulations of 1998 stipulates protection from contamination of water located below the water table or in aquifers, wells and boreholes. Control of discharges from this source towards groundwater must be implemented. b. Analysis of relevance to civil to engineering Civil engineering can help ensure designing and implementing infrastructures that help control floods and soil erosion particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. They can help analyse the risks association with water issues particularly floods and soil erosion thereby they can help design infrastructures that meet the appropriate standards to withstand such calamities. They can assist in conducting feasibility studies during the pre-construction phase of infrastructures to determine the appropriateness of the plan, design and materials for water related infrastructures to withstand environmental impact. Civil engineers’ role in assuring the security of physical infrastructures of establishments and government premises to ensure quality support to water supply and its waste is crucial in ensuring safe drinking water to the public. These infrastructures must ensure that the country’s water supply is free from human threats or natural contaminations. This is the key role of civil engineering to DEFRA’s responsibility towards water issues. 3.0. CONCLUSION Civil Engineering has a relevant role in the achievement of DEFRA’s aims and responsibilities towards the protection of the environment. It is particularly crucial in ensuring that physical infrastructures related to businesses, local environmental quality, farming, pollution prevention and control, waste and recycling, and water facilities are designed and constructed according to environmentally approved standards. Its role is also crucial in helping DEFRA design guidelines related to these areas as well as conduct consultations to gather relevant feedback in the implementation of DEFRA’s role in environment protection by influencing lifestyle and manner of production of households and businesses. Overall, Civil Engineering can relevantly assist DEFRA in achieving its objective by primarily helping in enforcing environmentally related law and regulations in the United Kingdom. BIBLIOGRAPHY Department of the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs (2008). Business and the Environment. (Updated on 12 November 2008). Accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/index.htm on 25 November 2008. Department of the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs (2008). Local Environment Quality. (Updated on 2 June 2008) Accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/index.htm on 25 November 2008. Department of the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs (2008). Farming and the Environment. (Updated 24 April 2008) Accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/environment/index.htm on 25 November 2008. Department of the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs (2008). Pollution Prevention and Control (Updated on 14 November 2008) Accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ppc/index.htm on 25 November 2008 Department of the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs (2008). Recycling Waste (Updated 28 October 2008) Accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/index.htm on 25 November 2008 Department of the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs(2008). Waste Issues (Updated on 29 October 2008) Accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/index.htm on 25 November 2008. Respect.Gov.UK (2008). What is Anti-Social Behaviour?[Online] (Updated 18 March 2008) Accessed at http://www.respect.gov.uk/article.aspx?id=9066 on 25 November 2008. Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000). Office of Public Sector Information [Internet] Accessed at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000037_en_1 on 26 November 2008. Read More