Environmental Management in Wales - Book Report/Review Example

Report on environmental management Report on Environmental Management in Wales 0 Introduction Governments around the world have realised the undesirable consequences of economic development on the natural environment and are making concerted efforts at the local, national and international levels with a view to control, prevent and where possible, reverse the environmental degradation resulting from the developmental efforts. The United Kingdom consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales has extensive legislation in this regard. Through the Wales Environmental Strategy, 2006, the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has put in place its framework for long term environmental protection of the Wales region. This report provides an over view of the various initiatives taken by the government with specific reference to six areas of concern viz., climate change, air quality, chemicals, energy and fuels, waste & recycling and noise & nuisance. In these six selected areas, the issues, existing and planned legislation, administrative aspects dealing with the roles, responsibilities and functions of authorities on the one hand and of the business & industry on the other are discussed together with the author’s comments and conclusions as appropriate. 2.0 Methodology WAG’s website ‘http://wales.gov.uk’ is the platform of the government to disseminate information to the public on its various activities and the information on ‘environment and countryside’ is comprehensive for detailed study of the governmental actions and administrative issues. This information is the main basis for this report. Report on environmental management 2 Wherever appropriate, additional information has been collected from sources relating to other international agencies like the UN Conference on Climate Change, EPA of the USA, European Parliament Fact Sheets etc., to put the Wales initiatives in the right perspective. Thus this report is based on the existing body of literature on the subject. 3.0 Findings in the Selected Areas 3.1 Climate change The Climate Change Act, 2008 of the United Kingdom is the enabling act that sets the stringent targets for reduction in carbon and other noxious emissions and granting the administrative powers to implement the act across the nation. It has special provisions for the Wales region. WAG’s Environment Strategy document of 2007 outlines its strategy to address the greenhouse gas menace by setting targets for reduction in emissions and the relevant regulations are issued under the Climate Change Agreements (Eligible Facilities) Regulations 2001 SI 662 and its amendments from time to time. These regulations spell the targets, incentives, roles and responsibilities of industries, charges levied as climate change fee, exceptions, annual returns, calculation of tax credits etc. in detail. In this effort UK is closely coordinating with the European and international efforts under the aegis of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 2009), the initiatives of the earlier conferences at Kyoto (1997) and Bali (2007), the forthcoming conference in December 2009 in Copenhagen. These initiatives are to be translated into legislative, regulative and administrative actions to give effect to the policies. In Wales, the local authorities are responsible for environmental quality Report on environmental management 3 issues, the Environment Agency is responsible for environmental regulation and improvements, and the government provides the funding, policy and legislative basis for improvements, according to the official website of WAG (wales.gov.uk). Dr. Grant of University of Wales, Aberystwyth, opined that, “The global environmental stresses and strains associated with climate change are getting worse, raising the stakes for the UK and other states” (as quoted by Evans, Walesonline.com, Nov. 11, 2009). Earth’s atmosphere comprises mainly of Nitrogen (78%) and Oxygen (21%), the reminder 1% being trace gases that include the greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, water vapour and nitrous oxide which act as the filtering medium against the ultraviolet rays from the sun (edugreen.teri.res.in, 2009). Energy production and consumption (apart from farming etc.) leads to release of carbon dioxide, which has the ability to trap the sun’s heat within the atmosphere and this is resulting in a gradual increase in the atmospheric temperature, leading to global warming or the climate change phenomenon. Climate change has adverse effect on life systems on earth apart from severely impacting natural phenomenon like polar ice stability, seasonal variations, coastal area flooding etc. In the implementation of the government’s strategy to counter climate change, environmental engineers will have an important role both in the government and in the industry for emission studies & control, quality analysis, policy formulation and implementation of regulations. Report on environmental management 4 3.2 Air quality Air quality is impacted by the pollutants that are released into the atmosphere by industry, transport, farming and other human endeavours. Atmosphere’s natural balance is disturbed with the increase of solid pollutants such as particulate matter and gaseous pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, among other gases. These pollutants have a significant adverse impact on the health of human beings and also pollute the land and river streams when they mix with rains and return to earth as acid rains. Welsh government passed the Clean Air Act, 1993 with a view to regulate and control the release of pollutants into the atmosphere and formulated policies to facilitate cleaner ways of working. The Climate Change Act 2008 itself is a part of the air pollution control legislation. Utility companies and industries release the exhaust gases into the atmosphere through chimneys and the Clean Air Act stipulates the ‘minimum height’ standards for such chimneys with a view to achieve a wider dispersal and therefore, dilution of pollutants in the surrounding areas, apart from zoning restrictions for setting up industries (wales.gov.uk). Use of pollution control equipment such as bag filters and electrostatic precipitators for solid pollutants and scrubbers for gaseous pollutants is mandated by the norms set for the exhaust gas composition before dispersal through chimneys. Air quality is impacted by any number of economic activities and WAG has been addressing these issues through a series of regulations under the Air Control Act and the Climate Change Act. Some of them are Crop Residues (Burning) (England & Wales) Regulations 1993 SI 1366, Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations Report on environmental management 5 2007 SI 3538, Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002 SI 528 and its amendment, Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulations 2009 SI 261 together with trading schemes and amendments, NEW Motor Vehicles (Refilling of Air Conditioning Systems by Service Providers) Regulations 2009, Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations Order 2007 SI 3072, etc. Guidelines under these regulations help the consumers to understand the significance of the relevant acts and the ways in which they can help to reduce air pollution for example, as in the case of vehicle emissions. Environmental engineers along with engineers in other disciplines have to understand these regulations in all stages of engineering viz., design, engineering, manufacture, installation and operation. Power plants, mineral processing and transport sector are the major contributors to air pollution, and equipment design and plant engineering are critical areas of responsibility for environmental engineers. 3.3 Chemicals Chemicals pose environmental problems in manufacture, handling, storing, transportation, usage and disposal. They cover a wide range of concerns – from benign to hazardous and dangerous substances. Welsh legislation in this regard covers all these areas as well as packing and labelling. Plastics are an important petrochemical based product group with extensive use as well as possibility for recycling. For example, Recoup, a leading organisation in the UK for plastic waste management, states that 11% of all household waste is plastic, of which 40% constitutes the plastic bottles (2009). Components of lead acid batteries are both hazardous (acids) and reusable (lead plates). Report on environmental management 6 Many of the chemical substances like acids and petroleum products pose great danger if accidents occur while in transportation. The Exxon-Valdez crude oil spill and its impact on marine life is a case in point (Thinkquest, 2006). Spillage and contamination of land in the railway yards and sidings occurs due to rail transport of chemicals and petrochemicals and this would require extensive remediation. WAG notified several regulations in respect of chemicals to encourage recycling, re-use, and to mitigate environmental damage and accidents. Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008 SI 2164, NEW Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 SI 1348, Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail & Road Regulations 1996, NEW Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 SI 716, Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 SI 743 & its amendments, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002/2677 & amendments, Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2008 SI 37 & amendments etc. are the some of the major areas of Welsh legislation in the field of chemicals (wales.gov.uk) etc. In other words, WAG legislation has covered all possible areas of concern in the chemicals field and is in step with EU and international efforts. Chemicals and petrochemicals as a group is a vital sector of any economy, encompassing mining, mineral processing, manufacturing and transportation. In addition, many chemicals are categorised as hazardous in nature, requiring special training and knowledge while dealing with them. Legislation mandates that accidents and incidents Report on environmental management 7 are to be recorded and reported to the authorities as and when they occur apart from filing annual returns on compliance. Thus, the scope for environmental engineers to play a decisive role in implementing government regulations, prevent accidents and to protect the environment is immense. 3.4 Energy and fuels Renewable energy development is the cornerstone WAG’s efforts for combating climate change, according to their website. To this extent, non-conventional sources of energy like tidal waves and wind are being investigated and promoted. One of the important projects under investigation is the Severn estuary tidal power scheme, commenced in 2008 and after studies are completed, a decision is expected by 2010 on the scope and extent of implementation to generate tidal power (wales.gov.uk). It is interesting to note that WAG is involving the public fully in this important project so that their concerns are taken into account. Of the 10 different technology/location/investment options initially considered, five have been short-listed in the earlier phase and in the final phase of consultations and implementation, 3 options are likely to be implemented. This is a long term project and might take up to 2023 for full implementation. Energy is both expensive to buy and is a major source of pollution when consumed. Energy consumed within homes is both an indicator of the efficiency of energy use and for many, its affordability. WAG’s legislation has therefore rightly lays emphasis on the efficiency of the equipment that uses energy. This mandates the manufacturers to furnish energy consumption of their products, and the dealers to display such information so that consumers are aware of the relative efficiency of products from Report on environmental management 8 different makers. This is facilitated by Eco-labeling of products and is in consonance with the corresponding EU legislation in this regard. “Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, A Fuel Poverty Commitment for Wales” reflects the WAG’s concern for taking care of people of low income even while encouraging efficient use of energy. The act targets a 30% reduction in the energy consumed in homes within specified time limits and puts the onus of achieving this on local authorities who have to create awareness and provide incentives to home owners (wales.gov.uk). Significant changes are taking place in the design of both industrial products and residential houses with special emphasis on energy usage efficiency. Making maximum use of natural sunlight, insulating from cold and preventing heat from dissipating are important factors for efficient use of energy for homes. Environmental engineers have to work in close association with architects to achieve these goals. 3.5 Waste and recycling WAG recognizes the fact that waste production can not be avoided and therefore lays importance of re-using, recycling and composting. England and Wales produce over 100 million tonnes of waste each year the Wales government has set a target to achieve at least 40% recycling and composting of municipal waste by 2010 (wales.gov.uk). The National Waste Strategy deals with recycling and composting of waste by businesses and public sector, and campaigns for creating public awareness in waste reduction and disposal. One of the important initiatives is the proposal to levy a charge of single-use Report on environmental management 9 carrier bags made from polythene. These bags are a major source of litter and hence are to be replaced with more eco-friendly materials and usage/disposal behaviour. Waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment is an important cause for concern around the world. WAG passed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations, 2006 SI 3289 deal with this issue and covers registration of producers of such equipment and controls land filling with such waste. Similarly, the End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 SI 2635 and its amendments deal end-of-life management of vehicle waste through re-use, recycling and disposal methods. The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 3538 define the procedures for industrial permits, waste incineration etc. and the duties of the regulators. The concept of ‘duty of care’ is promoted through enabling legislations like the Environment Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 and its amendments in order to control activities of any one who imports, exports, produces or disposes harmful waste products. The foregoing is only a sample list of the multiple and wide ranging legislative actions taken by WAG to reduce, regulate and control waste generation and disposal. For environmental engineers, economical usage of materials, manufacturing processes are important aspects that are to be built into product designs. Re-use and recycling add further value to the concept of waste reduction and therefore reducing environmental degradation. Report on environmental management 10 3.6 Noise and nuisance The adverse impact of noise on human beings such as loss of hearing or increased stress levels etc. occurs when the decibel levels and the period of occurrence exceed the thresh hold limits. For example, the US Environment Protection Act (EPA) specifies 55 decibels for outdoor and 45 decibels for indoor as the average levels over a relatively long period, as acceptable and identifiable with normal human activities and recreation, without suffering hearing damage (2009). The WAG’s initiative in controlling noise and nuisance is based on the EU directive and is incorporated in The Environmental Noise (Wales) Regulations 2006. The strategy is based on creating environmental maps for the noise generating areas based on such criteria as population, major road networks and railway networks, and airports. In those areas where the noise levels exceed the statutory limits and impact a large population, action plans are to be drawn for noise reduction. Nuisance relates to the annoyance caused by undesirable odours, business activities, celebrations or excessive use of flood lighting etc. As in the case of undesirable noise, nuisance is a cause for concern as it disturbs tranquility of life and sleep. Welsh government has enacted regulations to control nuisance that define which of the activities can only take the plea of adopting best practices while defending an action against nuisance. Noise abatement through appropriate design of rotating machinery through static and dynamic balancing, use of anti-vibration systems, sound enclosures are some of the measures which environmental engineers adopt to overcome noise pollution. Noise Report on environmental management 11 mapping plans of the Welsh government helps to make better choices for location of industrial plants. Conclusions The Welsh government’s approach to environmental management is in consonance with the UK approach and closely linked to the EU Directives. These efforts are keeping in step with the major international efforts to reduce global warming due to increasing carbon emissions. WAG’s legislations cover the entire gamut of human activities which have a direct or indirect bearing on the natural environment. In specific reference to the six areas discussed above, the following conclusions are drawn: Climate change is a global problem and all countries have to co-operate with the international efforts to limit carbon emissions into the atmosphere and thus prevent accumulation of greenhouse gases. The adverse impact of failure to do so will be quite severe, particularly for the Low Countries and coastal regions. WAG’s Environmental Strategy, 2007 document outlines its commitment to play its role in this regard. Air pollution is the next major cause for concern in view of its widespread reach and damage causing ability. Industrial and transport sectors are the major culprits but they are also the major sectors of any economy. Air pollution control through appropriate technological devices such as filters & scrubbers and dispersion of exhaust gases from taller chimneys over a wider area etc. is the only means to control air pollution. WAG’s Clean Air Act, 1993 is the main legislation in this regard. Report on environmental management 12 Chemicals pose problems due to their hazardous nature and need control at almost every stage of production, handling, storage, transportation, usage and waste disposal including the containers. Major environmental disasters such as the Exxon-Valdez oil spill in Alaska gave rise to the principle of ‘polluter pays’. Plastics made from petrochemicals are not easily bio-degradable and form a major part of household waste. Welsh government has formulated comprehensive regulations to control and mitigate chemical and petrochemical related environmental issues. Renewable energy sources development is the strategy being followed by WAG to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Severn Estuary project to harness tidal wave energy is the major initiative and the involvement of public opinion in the finalising the contours of this project helps to overcome any possible objections. ‘Energy saved is energy generated’ is the principle behind the Welsh government’s Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act, 2000, that mandates the authorities to help poor households to economise on the use of energy without causing them discomfort. National Waste Recycling Strategy documents the approach to waste management through re-use, recycling and composting. Specific targets for re-use and recycling have been identified to ensure that measurable results are achieved. WAG’s efforts to control noise and nuisance are implemented through The Environmental Noise (Wales) Regulations 2006. It has adopted the strategy of mapping of the major areas connected to road and rail networks, airports, Report on environmental management 13 industrial areas etc. which would help in the decision making for economic development with least noise pollution. Environmental engineers have roles as varied as the environmental concerns – both in spheres of engineering and in administration. Report on environmental management 14 References EduGreen, (2009), Climate change, Available at: http://edugreen.teri.res.in. [Accessed November 18, 2009]. EPA, (2009), Noise levels, Available at: http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/noise/01.htm [Accessed on November 19, 2009]. European Parliament Fact Sheets, Air Pollution, Available at: http://www.europarl.eu.int/factsheets/4 [Accessed November 17, 2009]. Evans, R. (2009), Talk can lead to action on climate change challenge, Available at: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/11/06/talk-can-lead-to-action-on-climate-change-challenge-91466-25103604/ [Accessed on November 19, 2009]. Recoup (2009), Plastic waste and reuse, Available at: http://www.recoup.org [Accessed on November 20, 2009]. Welsh Assembly Government, (2009), Available at: http://wales.gov.uk/?lang=en [Accessed on November 18, 2009]. Thinkquest, (2006), History, Exxon Valdez, available at: http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/History/exxon_valdez.html [Accessed on November 21, 2009]. UNFCCC, (2009), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Available at: unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/conveng.pdf [Accessed on November 19, 2009]. Read More