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Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering Management 690Management 690

(EEM 690) (EEM 690)

Faisal Anwar

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SyllabusSyllabus

Part 1: Environmental ManagementPart 1: Environmental ManagementEnvironmental planning, legislation and Environmental planning, legislation and assessment procedure. Environmental assessment procedure. Environmental Sustainability. Integrated land and water Sustainability. Integrated land and water resources management. Soil and Water resources management. Soil and Water pollution. Disposal of wastes. Hazardous pollution. Disposal of wastes. Hazardous Waste Management and control.Waste Management and control.

Part 2: OHSPart 2: OHS

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Teaching StaffTeaching Staff

Dr Faisal Anwar Dr Faisal Anwar

(Part 1: Environmental management)(Part 1: Environmental management)

Adjunct Professor Geoff TaylorAdjunct Professor Geoff Taylor

(Part 2: OHS(Part 2: OHS))

Lecture Time: 3 hours - Monday at 5.30pm.

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Lecture Schedule

WK

1. 27th August Environmental Management

2. 3rd September Environmental Management

3. 10th September Environmental Management

4. 17th September Work health and safety legislation

5. 24th September Environmental Management

6. 1st October Environmental Management

7. 8th October Environmental Management (Group presentation)

. 15h October Study week

8 22nd October Risk and accidents

9. 29thh October Aspects of safety, safety management

10. 5th November Technology and the person, error, AS 61508

11. 12th Novemberr Ergonomics, training and procedures

12. 19th November Fire, chemical and physical hazards

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Unit Assessment (Part 1-Environmental management):

1. Group presentation on (no report):

Environmental Impact Assessment of a project of your own choice [Marks-25]

2. Assignment-one report [Marks-25]

Introduction, Policy and Legislative Introduction, Policy and Legislative Frameworks for Environmental Frameworks for Environmental

Planning and ManagementPlanning and Management

Lecture 1 Lecture 1

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‘‘What is Environment ?’ What is Environment ?’

The term ‘environment’ means living things, their physical, biological and

social surroundings, and the interactions between all of these.

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What is Development ?

1. Infrastructures

• transport (roads, railways, airports, tunnels, bridges, harbours)

• Water (dams, reservoirs, water supply, sewerage, hydropower, irrigation, flood control, drainage, waste disposal)

• Building (residential/industrial, schools, hospitals, towers)

2. Resources

• Energy (oil and gas exploration)

. Mining and Mineral Exploration

• Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest (food production, logging, timber production)

3. Manufacturing/industryWhat is the impacts of these development in environment (land, bio-diversity, water, air), society and economy?

How to minimise the negative impacts and make this development sustainable (environmentally, socially, economically)?

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Findings - priorities

Overview of Environmental Status of WA (2007 Report)

http://www.soe.wa.gov.au/report/overview.html

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Of 34 environmental issues:

12% have improved since 1998.

~ 20% have remained steady or trend is unclear.

68% are likely to have deteriorated.

Overview

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Environmental issues and Prioritisation based on severity

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• Strengthen strategic leadership on environmental matters.

• Expand environmental education and community participation.

• Improve baseline environmental monitoring.

• Increase evaluation of environmental management actions.

• Ensure that the full value of environmental assets is considered in development decisions.

• Develop an environmental action plan in response to the SoE report.

Strategic recommendations (State of the Environment Report 2007)

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Climate Change

Observed trends:• Average annual WA temperature has increased (0.8°C since 1910).• Increase has not been uniform – significant seasonal variability

e.g. summer daily maxima in Kimberley have decreased up to 0.5°C since 1950.

Annual average temperature 1910–2006

Trend in average daily maximum temperatures.

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Observed trends:

• Substantial changes in regional rainfall since 1970s

• Average winter rainfall in the South West has decreased 15%.

• Total annual rainfall has increased in the Kimberley, east Pilbara and deserts.

Climate Change

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Observed trends:

• Sea level has risen 15cm at Fremantle over past 100 years.

Climate Change

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Observed trends:

• WA’s greenhouse gas emissions increased 17% between 1990 and 2005.

• WA’s proportional contribution to national emissions is increasing.

WA’s greenhouse gas emissions

Climate Change

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WA has 8 of the 12 national biodiversity hotspots.

Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of life: the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Australia is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. It is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/

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Trends:

• High population growth in Perth coastal corridors & SW coastal strip.

• Ongoing population decline in many wheatbelt and pastoral areas.

Population change

(1996 -2006)

Human Settlements

Settlement patterns

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Urban growth in Perth and Peel continues to contribute to loss of biodiversity (native vegetation, wetlands) on the Swan Coastal Plain.

Urban land growth Perth and Peel 1925–2004

Human Settlements

Settlement patterns

2020

Clearing in Perth

1998–2004

• Nearly 900

hectares cleared

per year (or 1 football oval per day)

Biodiversity

Settlement patterns

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Number of dwelling approvals has been increasing.• Single houses remain the dominant dwelling type (83% in 2005-06).• House size is increasing.• Household occupancy is decreasing.

New residential dwelling approvals

Human Settlements

Settlement patterns

2222

Good news:

• Residential water use is declining in many settlements.

•Total residential water use in WA has remained fairly stable.

Average residential water use per capita

Human Settlements

Household water use

2323

Household energy use is increasing.

Average residential electricity use per

householdHuman Settlements

Household energy use

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Good news:

• Per capita municipal waste to landfill in Perth is declining.

•Per capita recycling in Perth is increasing.

Per capita municipal waste to landfill and recycled, Perth MR

Human Settlements

Waste generation

2525

Bad news:

• Total solid waste to landfill is increasing.

•Information about waste outside Perth is very poor.

Solid waste to landfill, Perth MR

Human Settlements

Waste generation

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Vegetation loss

or decline in the

South West

1996–2004.

Due to clearing,

drying climate,

fires, land

salinisation,

dieback.

Land

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Land

Land salinity

Increasing at the rate of about 19 football ovals per day.

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Wetland loss

About 1500 hectares of wetlands are being lost on the Swan Coastal Plain are being lost each year.

• Of particular concern – 6% CCWs lost between 1996 and 2004.

• 26% of important South West Wetlands are degrading.

Inland Waters

(CCW=Conservation Category Wetland)

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Eutrophication

• 110 wetlands and waterways have known eutrophication problems.

• WA has 10% of nation’s population, but uses 25% of fertilisers.

• About 66% of South West farmers

measure soil nutrients.

• About 75% of Wheatbelt

farmers measure soil nutrients.

Inland Waters

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• Links to the State Sustainability Strategy.

• Focuses on the ‘environmental integrity’ component of sustainability.

•Assessment of how well key economic sectors are using, managing, conserving and protecting natural resources.

Towards Sustainability

http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/3523/2066/

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• EPA assessed sector’s progress in implementing sustainability and environmental performance.

• Water Supply sector has only made limited progress.

Towards Sustainability

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Water use

•Exponential growth.

• Tripled in past 25 years.

• Can this continue without impacting the environment?

Water Supply

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Efficiency

• Household water use efficiency is improving.

• Can we improve any further?

Water Supply

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Water reuse

• State Water Strategy target of 20% treated wastewater recycled by 2020.

• In 2006:

~ 40% recycled in regional

communities

~ 9% recycled in Perth

~ av. 12% Statewide

Water Supply

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Water availability

•Perth has already exceeded its local water supplies.

• Inter-regional water transfers will become more common.

Water Supply

Environmental Awareness Environmental Awareness

for for

Project ManagersProject Managers

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The environmental regulators & their role.

Key aspects of environmental legislation, including recent changes.

Your responsibilities & liabilities.

On-site management of key environmental issues.

To have awareness and knowledge of:

Environmental Legislations and Environmental Legislations and Regulations Regulations

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Key RegulatorsKey RegulatorsWestern Australia:Western Australia: Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (+ Service Unit);Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (+ Service Unit);

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) - (old Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) - (old

Dept of Env + Dept of Conservation & Land Management Dept of Env + Dept of Conservation & Land Management

(CALM);(CALM);

Department of Water (DoW);Department of Water (DoW);

Conservation Commission; Conservation Commission;

Bush Forever Office (via Department of Planning and Bush Forever Office (via Department of Planning and

Infrastructures);Infrastructures);

Commonwealth:Commonwealth:

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,

Population and Communities Population and Communities (http://www.environment.gov.au/ (http://www.environment.gov.au/ ..

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Key Environmental LegislationKey Environmental LegislationWestern Australia:Western Australia:

Environmental Protection Act, 1986 Environmental Protection Act, 1986 (administered by DoE)(administered by DoE)

Wildlife Conservation Act, 1950 Wildlife Conservation Act, 1950 (administered by CALM)(administered by CALM)

Commonwealth:Commonwealth:

Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation ActEnvironmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 19991999 (administered by (administered by

Dept of Env and Heritage-DEH)Dept of Env and Heritage-DEH)

Environmental Protection Act, 1986 : Environmental Protection Act, 1986 : An Act to provide for an Environmental An Act to provide for an Environmental

Protection Authority, for the prevention, control and abatement of pollution and Protection Authority, for the prevention, control and abatement of pollution and

environmental harm, for the conservation, preservation, protection, environmental harm, for the conservation, preservation, protection,

enhancement and management of the environment and for matters incidental enhancement and management of the environment and for matters incidental

to or connected with the foregoing. to or connected with the foregoing.

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Other Environmental LegislationOther Environmental Legislation Ramsar Sites Ramsar Sites Bush Fires Act Bush Fires Act Aboriginal Heritage ActAboriginal Heritage Act Environmentally Sensitive AreasEnvironmentally Sensitive Areas Native Title ActNative Title Act Bush ForeverBush Forever Heritage ActHeritage Act

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Environmental Protection Act 1986Environmental Protection Act 1986

http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/agency.nsf/dec_main_mrtitle_304_homepage.html

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Environmental Harm OffenceEnvironmental Harm Offence

Direct or indirect damage to:Direct or indirect damage to:• native vegetation or habitat;native vegetation or habitat;• alteration of the environment to detriment or alteration of the environment to detriment or

degradation of environment or an environmental degradation of environment or an environmental value value

Any harm (actual Any harm (actual or or potential) that is not trivial or potential) that is not trivial or negligible is ‘harm’. negligible is ‘harm’.

‘‘Environmental harm’ is Environmental harm’ is notnot an offence if under a an offence if under a threshold, or threshold, or authorisedauthorised under law. under law.K

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http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/wa/num_act/epaa200354o2003421/s29.html#environmental_harm

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Two Classes of Environmental Harm:Two Classes of Environmental Harm:

1. 1. MaterialMaterial Environmental Harm Environmental Harm

Not trivial or negligibleNot trivial or negligible

> $20,000 damage/restoration cost> $20,000 damage/restoration cost

2. 2. SeriousSerious Environmental Harm Environmental Harm

Irreversible, high impact, wide scale, high conservation Irreversible, high impact, wide scale, high conservation

value/special significancevalue/special significance

> $100,000 damage/restoration cost.> $100,000 damage/restoration cost.

PenaltiesPenalties These are very high! ...These are very high! ...K

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Clearing Native VegetationClearing Native Vegetation

Definition of Clearing:Definition of Clearing:

Any activity that will result in the killing, destroying or Any activity that will result in the killing, destroying or damaging of native vegetation.damaging of native vegetation.

Environmental Protection Act 1986: Environmental Protection Act 1986:

Division 2: Clearing Of Native Vegetation Division 2: Clearing Of Native Vegetation

applies to:applies to:

Native (to the area) aquatic and terrestrial vegetationNative (to the area) aquatic and terrestrial vegetation Alive and deadAlive and dead Planted vegetation either funded, under a written law or for Planted vegetation either funded, under a written law or for

conservation purposesconservation purposesKey E

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Three Legal Avenues For ClearingThree Legal Avenues For Clearing

1.1. Clearing PermitsClearing Permits

2.2. Clearing Exemptions (bounded by the Clearing Exemptions (bounded by the Environmentally Sensitive Area Environmentally Sensitive Area provision)provision)

3.3. Schedule 6 of the Act: Relate to Schedule 6 of the Act: Relate to situations or conditions where clearing situations or conditions where clearing permits are not requiredpermits are not required

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Clearing PermitsClearing Permits Two types: Area and Purpose PermitsTwo types: Area and Purpose Permits

Apply only to the area and amount of clearing specified in Apply only to the area and amount of clearing specified in your applicationyour application

Expect Expect at leastat least 20 weeks (without appeals) for processing of 20 weeks (without appeals) for processing of application form, be sure to budget this into your project application form, be sure to budget this into your project timeframetimeframe

Applications require a Applications require a chequecheque covering the application fee covering the application fee (amount depending on extent of clearing)(amount depending on extent of clearing)

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Hierarchy for Clearing Native VegetationHierarchy for Clearing Native Vegetation

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Does the proposed clearing require a

Permit under Schedule 6 of EPAct

1986?

yes

noClearing is authorised

Is the clearing of an item described in the Prescribed

Clearing Regulation 5?

yes Is the clearing located in an

Environmentally Sensitive Area?

no

A Clearing Permit is Required

yes

no

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When Is A Clearing Permit Required?When Is A Clearing Permit Required?

Any clearing of native vegetation that is proposed to be done:Any clearing of native vegetation that is proposed to be done:

1.1. Within an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)Within an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)

2.2. That does not comply with an exemption of the Clearing That does not comply with an exemption of the Clearing RegulationsRegulations

3.3. Without compliance under Schedule 6Without compliance under Schedule 6

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Penalties for Illegal ClearingPenalties for Illegal Clearing Harsher penalties have been brought in as a Harsher penalties have been brought in as a

response to the need for tougher laws than those response to the need for tougher laws than those set out in the set out in the Soil and Land Conservation Act Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945:1945:

• $250,000 for individuals, plus $50,000 per $250,000 for individuals, plus $50,000 per dayday

• $500,000 for corporate bodies, plus $500,000 for corporate bodies, plus $100,000 per day$100,000 per day

• Plus possible remediation ordersPlus possible remediation orders

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Other Legal Other Legal RequirementsRequirements

(Further Environmental (Further Environmental Legislation)Legislation)

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Wildlife Conservation Act 1950Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

The Act provides for the conservation & protection of The Act provides for the conservation & protection of

native flora & fauna in WA. native flora & fauna in WA.

Generally, all native vertebrate fauna are protected, Generally, all native vertebrate fauna are protected, unless otherwise declared by the Minister as not unless otherwise declared by the Minister as not protected.protected.

All native flora situated on Crown land is protected. All native flora situated on Crown land is protected.

Declared rare flora (DRF) and Priority Flora is protected Declared rare flora (DRF) and Priority Flora is protected on both Crown land & private land.on both Crown land & private land.

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http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_1080_homepage.html

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Bush ForeverBush Forever

Government policy aims to protect Government policy aims to protect

10% 10%

(~50 000 ha) of regionally (~50 000 ha) of regionally significant vegetation & wetlands significant vegetation & wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain on the Swan Coastal Plain

Was prepared by the DPI, the Was prepared by the DPI, the DoE, & CALM.DoE, & CALM.

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Aboriginal HeritageAboriginal Heritage ‘‘Aboriginal Heritage’ is recognisedAboriginal Heritage’ is recognised & protected by State legislation & protected by State legislation

((Aboriginal Heritage Act, 1972Aboriginal Heritage Act, 1972) and is ) and is defined as:defined as:• Any Any place of importanceplace of importance to Indigenous people associated with to Indigenous people associated with

their traditional cultural life.their traditional cultural life.• Any Any sacred site of special significancesacred site of special significance to Indigenous people. to Indigenous people.• Any place that is or was associated with Indigenous people & is Any place that is or was associated with Indigenous people & is

of importance to the cultural heritage of the State.of importance to the cultural heritage of the State.

Aboriginal Heritage Sites may be either:Aboriginal Heritage Sites may be either: Ethnographic sitesEthnographic sites – ceremonial or mythological sites. – ceremonial or mythological sites.

These sites may have no distinguishing characteristics.These sites may have no distinguishing characteristics. Archaeological sitesArchaeological sites – where there is evidence of occupation – where there is evidence of occupation (eg. (eg.

middens, tools, engravings, paintings, fish traps.)middens, tools, engravings, paintings, fish traps.)

These sites are often found near existing or former water These sites are often found near existing or former water sources.sources.

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Native TitleNative Title

Native Title is the traditional rights and interests of Native Title is the traditional rights and interests of Indigenous people in relation to land & water according to Indigenous people in relation to land & water according to their traditional laws & customs.their traditional laws & customs.

Native Title is now recognised & protected by the Courts Native Title is now recognised & protected by the Courts & in Commonwealth legislation & in Commonwealth legislation (Native Title Act, 1993)(Native Title Act, 1993)..

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http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/nta1993147/

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Cultural HeritageCultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage Bill 2000Cultural Heritage Bill 2000

Heritage Council can register any structure Heritage Council can register any structure withoutwithout Ministerial approval.Ministerial approval.

Works approval is required from the Heritage Council Works approval is required from the Heritage Council for changes to any registered place.for changes to any registered place.

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Bush Fires Act (1954)Bush Fires Act (1954)

General Restrictions during Prohibited or Restricted General Restrictions during Prohibited or Restricted

Period include:Period include:• BurningBurning• Use of certain machineryUse of certain machinery• Use of explosives.Use of explosives.

Occupier of land required to extinguish bush fire on his Occupier of land required to extinguish bush fire on his land.land.

Local authority may require firebreaks.Local authority may require firebreaks.

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http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_106_homepage.html

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Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) Areas recognised by DoE that are of Areas recognised by DoE that are of

ecological and biological importanceecological and biological importance

Includes: wetlands, areas containing Includes: wetlands, areas containing Declared Rare Flora (DRF), areas of Declared Rare Flora (DRF), areas of significant faunal habitat, Threatened significant faunal habitat, Threatened Ecological Communities, areas Ecological Communities, areas covered under particular covered under particular environmental policiesenvironmental policies

Environment Branch can inform you Environment Branch can inform you whether your project falls within an whether your project falls within an ESAESA

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Working with the Legislation

Part 1: Environmental Approvals to Work

Part 2: Managing Environmental Issues

Part 3: Your Role and Responsibilities

5959

Working with the LegislationWorking with the LegislationPart 1: Part 1:

Environmental Approvals to WorkEnvironmental Approvals to Work

Ministerial Conditions (Part IV of E.P. Act)Ministerial Conditions (Part IV of E.P. Act)

• Apply if project has been formally assessed.Apply if project has been formally assessed.• Apply to various phases of a project Apply to various phases of a project (eg planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, (eg planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation,

decommissioning).decommissioning).

Works Approvals (Part V of E.P. Act)Works Approvals (Part V of E.P. Act)• Apply to Scheduled Premises (eg Wastewater treatment plants).Apply to Scheduled Premises (eg Wastewater treatment plants).• Licence or Registration required prior to commissioning & Licence or Registration required prior to commissioning &

operating the asset.operating the asset. Conditions under Part IV and Part V of the Act are legal Conditions under Part IV and Part V of the Act are legal

requirements & breaches can result in significant penalties. requirements & breaches can result in significant penalties.

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Working with the LegislationWorking with the LegislationPart 2: Part 2:

Managing Environmental Issues: Planning and On-SiteManaging Environmental Issues: Planning and On-Site

Staff and Contractor ManagementStaff and Contractor Management

Heritage:Heritage: Aboriginal HeritageAboriginal Heritage Native TitleNative Title Cultural HeritageCultural Heritage

Fauna:Fauna: ProtectionProtection

Flora:Flora: Bush FiresBush Fires Bush ForeverBush Forever Clearing Native VegetationClearing Native Vegetation

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Air:Air:

DustDust Noise, Traffic, Vibration and BlastingNoise, Traffic, Vibration and Blasting

Water:Water: DewateringDewatering

Monitoring & Risk ManagementMonitoring & Risk Management

Soil:Soil: TopsoilTopsoil Acid Sulphate Soil (ASS)Acid Sulphate Soil (ASS) DiebackDieback Site RehabilitationSite Rehabilitation

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Benefits of Benefits of Good Environmental ManagementGood Environmental Management

• Due diligence Due diligence defencedefence under the EP Act; under the EP Act;• Environmental credibility & image (eg awards); Environmental credibility & image (eg awards); • Increased regulator & community trust, credibility;Increased regulator & community trust, credibility;• Reduced level & scrutiny of referral assessments;Reduced level & scrutiny of referral assessments;

• Good environmental management = avoiding causing Good environmental management = avoiding causing environmental degradationenvironmental degradation

• Therefore,Therefore,

Good environmental management = less work for you!Good environmental management = less work for you!

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Key Messages - OverallKey Messages - Overall

YouYou play a critical role in achieving good environmental play a critical role in achieving good environmental outcomes.outcomes.

Ensure:Ensure:• Culture of compliance & due diligence.Culture of compliance & due diligence.

• Adequate compliance programs (eg EMS) are in place & Adequate compliance programs (eg EMS) are in place & continuously monitored, improved, & documented. continuously monitored, improved, & documented.

• All stakeholders are consulted & all approvals are acquired All stakeholders are consulted & all approvals are acquired before construction/maintenance etc. before construction/maintenance etc.

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Key Messages – Overall (2)Key Messages – Overall (2) Ensure:Ensure:

• Early consultation & early advice;Early consultation & early advice;• Effective on-site environmental management Effective on-site environmental management

(especially for high-impact activities inc. clearing, (especially for high-impact activities inc. clearing, rehabilitation & disposal of chlorinated water);rehabilitation & disposal of chlorinated water);

• Responsible & capable contractors are selected; Responsible & capable contractors are selected; • All staff (inc sub-contractors) are trained & fully briefed.All staff (inc sub-contractors) are trained & fully briefed.

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Include in every recommendation or report on proposals Include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on -- official on --

(i) The (i) The environmental impactenvironmental impact of the proposed action of the proposed action (ii) Any (ii) Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be adverse environmental effects which cannot be

avoidedavoided should the proposal be implemented, should the proposal be implemented, (iii) (iii) AlternativesAlternatives to the proposed action, to the proposed action, (iv) The (iv) The relationshiprelationship between local short-term uses of man's between local short-term uses of man's

environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and productivity, and

(v) Any (v) Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resourcesresources which would be involved in the proposed action. which would be involved in the proposed action.

EPA requires …EPA requires …

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EPA potential outcomes (US Systems)EPA potential outcomes (US Systems)

CE - Categorical ExclusionCE - Categorical Exclusion From previous experience will not have env. impactFrom previous experience will not have env. impact Study not neededStudy not needed

EA – Environmental AssessmentEA – Environmental Assessment Done if no significant impact is expectedDone if no significant impact is expected An investigative toolAn investigative tool ~15 pages~15 pages Usually results in Finding of No Significant Impact Usually results in Finding of No Significant Impact

EIS - Environmental Impact StatementEIS - Environmental Impact Statement Requires more work than an EA Requires more work than an EA Full disclosure (specified by code)Full disclosure (specified by code) Requires record of decision to proceedRequires record of decision to proceed Can skip EA and do EISCan skip EA and do EIS

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SignificanceSignificance

Level of reporting depends on significance of Level of reporting depends on significance of proposed projectproposed project

CEQ (Council for Environmental Quality) CEQ (Council for Environmental Quality) regulations (40 CFR 1508.27) require regulations (40 CFR 1508.27) require consideration of consideration of context and intensitycontext and intensity. .

Context:Context: Society as a whole, the affected region, or locality. Society as a whole, the affected region, or locality.

Both short and long term effects are relevant. Both short and long term effects are relevant.

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ContextContext Filling one hectare of a one hundred-Filling one hectare of a one hundred-

hectare wetland probably could be hectare wetland probably could be considered not significantconsidered not significant

Filling one hectare of a two-hectare Filling one hectare of a two-hectare wetland may be considered, under wetland may be considered, under certain circumstances, a significant certain circumstances, a significant impactimpact

Same intensity, different contextSame intensity, different context

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Environmental AssessmentEnvironmental Assessment

Prepared when there is uncertainty as to Prepared when there is uncertainty as to significance of projectsignificance of project

Only discusses in detail areas where there is Only discusses in detail areas where there is potential for significant impactpotential for significant impact

No specific format but should include:No specific format but should include: Project descriptionProject description Project needProject need Alternatives consideredAlternatives considered ImpactsImpacts Comments and coordinationComments and coordination

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Example EA Contents in USAExample EA Contents in USA

Cover SheetCover Sheet Table of ContentsTable of Contents Description of the Proposed Description of the Proposed

ActionAction Project History Project History Project Purpose and Need Project Purpose and Need AlternativesAlternatives Project Impacts Project Impacts Socioeconomic Impacts Socioeconomic Impacts Air Quality and Noise Impacts Air Quality and Noise Impacts Threatened and Endangered Threatened and Endangered

Species Species Natural Areas and Wildlife Natural Areas and Wildlife

Habitat Habitat WetlandsWetlands

WoodlandsWoodlands Water QualityWater Quality Parks and Recreational Parks and Recreational

Facilities Facilities Cultural ResourcesCultural Resources Hazardous Waste Hazardous Waste River and Flood Plain River and Flood Plain

Crossings Crossings Other Potential Impacts Other Potential Impacts Comparison of Alternatives Comparison of Alternatives DispositionDisposition Comments and Coordination Comments and Coordination AppendicesAppendices

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Environmental AssessmentEnvironmental Assessment

Must be made available for public Must be made available for public inspection and commentinspection and comment

If it is determined that there is no If it is determined that there is no significant impact associated with the significant impact associated with the project, a Finding of No Significant Impact project, a Finding of No Significant Impact is preparedis prepared

If a significant impact is identified, an EIS If a significant impact is identified, an EIS must be preparedmust be prepared

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Environmental Impact Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)Statement (EIS)

Required when proposed action Required when proposed action has significant impact on has significant impact on environmentenvironment

Reports require several major Reports require several major sectionssections

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Sections for EISSections for EIS

Project purpose and needProject purpose and need AlternativesAlternatives Affected Environment SectionAffected Environment Section Environmental consequencesEnvironmental consequences Comments and Coordination sectionComments and Coordination section List of PreparersList of Preparers

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Following sl

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Following sl

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Projects…

of Infra

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Projects…

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Project Purpose SectionProject Purpose Section

Clearly states need for projectClearly states need for project Supports need for projectSupports need for project Why is agency proposing to spend large Why is agency proposing to spend large

amounts of money while also causing significant amounts of money while also causing significant environmental impactsenvironmental impacts

Explains why project is necessary and Explains why project is necessary and worthwhileworthwhile

Justifies why impacts are acceptable based on Justifies why impacts are acceptable based on project’s importanceproject’s importance

7676

Project Purpose SectionProject Purpose Section

CapacityCapacity - Is the capacity of the present facility - Is the capacity of the present facility inadequate for the present traffic? Projected traffic? What inadequate for the present traffic? Projected traffic? What capacity is needed? What is (are) the level(s) of service capacity is needed? What is (are) the level(s) of service for existing and proposed facilities? for existing and proposed facilities?

System LinkageSystem Linkage - Is the proposed project a "connecting - Is the proposed project a "connecting link?" How does it fit in the transportation system? link?" How does it fit in the transportation system?

Transportation DemandTransportation Demand - Including relationship to any - Including relationship to any statewide plan or adopted urban transportation plan statewide plan or adopted urban transportation plan together with an explanation of the project's traffic together with an explanation of the project's traffic forecasts that are substantially different from those forecasts that are substantially different from those estimates from planning process. estimates from planning process.

LegislationLegislation - Is there a Federal, State, or local - Is there a Federal, State, or local governmental mandate for the action?governmental mandate for the action?

7777

Project Purpose SectionProject Purpose Section Social Demands or Economic DevelopmentSocial Demands or Economic Development - New employment, schools, - New employment, schools,

land use plans, recreation, etc. What projected economic development/land land use plans, recreation, etc. What projected economic development/land use changes indicate the need to improve or add to the highway capacity? use changes indicate the need to improve or add to the highway capacity?

Modal InterrelationshipsModal Interrelationships - How will the proposed facility interface with and - How will the proposed facility interface with and serve to complement airports, rail and port facilities, mass transit services, serve to complement airports, rail and port facilities, mass transit services, etc.? etc.?

SafetySafety - Is the proposed project necessary to correct an existing or potential - Is the proposed project necessary to correct an existing or potential safety hazard? Is the existing accident rate excessively high? Why? How will safety hazard? Is the existing accident rate excessively high? Why? How will the proposed project improve it? the proposed project improve it?

Roadway DeficienciesRoadway Deficiencies - Is the proposed project necessary to correct - Is the proposed project necessary to correct existing roadway deficiencies (e.g., substandard geometrics, load limits on existing roadway deficiencies (e.g., substandard geometrics, load limits on structures, inadequate cross-section, or high maintenance costs)? How will structures, inadequate cross-section, or high maintenance costs)? How will the proposed project improve it?the proposed project improve it?

7878

AlternativesAlternatives Describes reasonable alternativesDescribes reasonable alternatives Discusses how they were selectedDiscusses how they were selected Proves clear basis for choosing among the optionsProves clear basis for choosing among the options Should explain alternatives that were rejected early in the process Should explain alternatives that were rejected early in the process

because they were found to be unreasonablebecause they were found to be unreasonable All reasonable alternatives should be discussed at comparable level of All reasonable alternatives should be discussed at comparable level of

detaildetail No requirement for “preferred” alternative at this stageNo requirement for “preferred” alternative at this stage But if one has been selected, this must be statedBut if one has been selected, this must be stated No-build must always be includedNo-build must always be included

May be a reasonable alternativeMay be a reasonable alternative Serves as a benchmark against which the impacts of other projects Serves as a benchmark against which the impacts of other projects

can be comparedcan be compared Include appropriate mitigation measuresInclude appropriate mitigation measures

7979

AlternativesAlternatives

Should give clear indication of WHY Should give clear indication of WHY particular range of alternatives was particular range of alternatives was developed, through what process, and developed, through what process, and with what public and agency inputwith what public and agency input

8080

Affected Environment SectionAffected Environment Section Enough description to understand the area Enough description to understand the area

and impact of alternativeand impact of alternative Should discuss, commensurate with Should discuss, commensurate with

importance of project, existing social, importance of project, existing social, economic, and environmental settingeconomic, and environmental setting

Should identify environmentally sensitive Should identify environmentally sensitive featuresfeatures

Effective with graphics or imagesEffective with graphics or images

8181

Environmental consequencesEnvironmental consequences

Describes impact of alternatives to the affected Describes impact of alternatives to the affected environmentenvironment

Documents methodologies to evaluateDocuments methodologies to evaluate Forms basis for comparison of alternativesForms basis for comparison of alternatives Should provide enough information to Should provide enough information to quantifyquantify the the

impactimpact Discuss both impacts and mitigationDiscuss both impacts and mitigation Mitigation must be considered for all impacts Mitigation must be considered for all impacts

regardless of significanceregardless of significance

Mainly for EIS …

8282

Special DocumentationSpecial Documentation

Acquisition of publicly owned or used Acquisition of publicly owned or used public parkspublic parks

public recreational areapublic recreational areapublic wildlife refugepublic wildlife refugehistoric site historic site

Most stringent law (except Endangered Species)Most stringent law (except Endangered Species) Avoidance alternative must be selected even if Avoidance alternative must be selected even if

not preferrednot preferred

8383

EffectsEffects Assessment of impacts should include direct and Assessment of impacts should include direct and

indirect effects, as well as evaluation of what indirect effects, as well as evaluation of what cumulative effects might occur due to other actionscumulative effects might occur due to other actions

Direct effects: caused by action and occur at the Direct effects: caused by action and occur at the same time and placesame time and place

Indirect Effects: caused by action but occur later in Indirect Effects: caused by action but occur later in time or at a distance from the project but are time or at a distance from the project but are reasonably foreseeablereasonably foreseeable Induce growth Induce growth Changes in land use patternsChanges in land use patterns Related effects on air, water or other natural systems, Related effects on air, water or other natural systems,

including ecosystemsincluding ecosystems

8484

MitigationMitigation Major consideration in developing Major consideration in developing

transportation projects is to reduce adverse transportation projects is to reduce adverse impacts to the environmentimpacts to the environment

Mitigation must be considered for all impacts, Mitigation must be considered for all impacts, whether or not the impacts are significantwhether or not the impacts are significant

All reasonable mitigation All reasonable mitigation measures that could improve measures that could improve the project are to be identified the project are to be identified and includedand included

8585

MitigationMitigation The CEQ regulations define mitigation to The CEQ regulations define mitigation to

include: include: AvoidingAvoiding the impact altogether by not the impact altogether by not

taking a certain action or parts of an action. taking a certain action or parts of an action. MinimizingMinimizing impacts by limiting the degree impacts by limiting the degree

or magnitude of the action and its or magnitude of the action and its implementation. implementation.

RectifyingRectifying the impact by repairing, the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment. environment.

More …

8686

MitigationMitigation Reducing or eliminating the impact over Reducing or eliminating the impact over

time by time by preservation and maintenance preservation and maintenance operationsoperations during the life of the action. during the life of the action.

Compensating for the impact by Compensating for the impact by replacing replacing or providing substituteor providing substitute resources or resources or environments. environments.

8787

Environmental JusticeEnvironmental Justice

Neither minority nor low-income populations may Neither minority nor low-income populations may receive disproportionately high and adverse receive disproportionately high and adverse impacts as a result of a proposed projectimpacts as a result of a proposed project

Representatives of any low-income or minority Representatives of any low-income or minority populations that could be affected shall be given populations that could be affected shall be given the opportunity to be included in the impact the opportunity to be included in the impact assessment and public involvement process.assessment and public involvement process.

8888

EIA Report- Asian Development Bank :

Summary of Environmental Impact

Assessment-Subregional Transport Connectivity

Project in India

8989

Content of the Report Prepared by ADB for a Highway Project in India

9090

9191

Integrated Project Approvals System (Department of Industry and Resources, WA)

9292

9393

Outline of Integrated Project Approvals System-Complex Projects

9494

Community Engagement in Community Engagement in Environmental PlanningEnvironmental Planning

9595

IntroductionIntroduction

Environmental Protection AuthorityEnvironmental Protection Authority

Underpinning PhilosophyUnderpinning Philosophy

Statutory RequirementsStatutory Requirements

Guidance for Proponents/CommunityGuidance for Proponents/Community

Best Practice ExamplesBest Practice Examples

ConclusionsConclusions

9696

Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Authority of Western AustraliaAuthority of Western Australia

Environmental Protection Act 1986Environmental Protection Act 1986 Statutory AuthorityStatutory Authority Serviced by Department of EnvironmentServiced by Department of Environment Statutory processesStatutory processes ““Neither :-Neither :-

(a)(a) the authority; northe authority; nor(b)(b) the Chairmanthe Chairmanshall be subject to the direction of the shall be subject to the direction of the Minister”Minister”

9797

Underpinning PhilosophyUnderpinning Philosophy

Community right toCommunity right to :- :-

- know;- know;

- be informed;- be informed;

- be involved; and- be involved; and

- object- object

9898

Statutory RequirementsStatutory Requirements

The Act prescribes :-The Act prescribes :- All proposals to be advertisedAll proposals to be advertised Appeals on level of assessmentAppeals on level of assessment Community comment on Review DocumentsCommunity comment on Review Documents EPA assessment report advertisedEPA assessment report advertised Appeals on EPA adviceAppeals on EPA advice Appeals Convenor (independent) hears Appeals Convenor (independent) hears

appeals and advises Minister for the appeals and advises Minister for the EnvironmentEnvironment

Minister makes final decisionMinister makes final decision

9999

Guidance for Guidance for Proponents/CommunityProponents/Community EPA websiteEPA website Industry Guide to Community Involvement Industry Guide to Community Involvement

(EPA/DoE)(EPA/DoE) Community Toolkit – A practical guide for working Community Toolkit – A practical guide for working

more effectively with people and groupsmore effectively with people and groups Consulting Citizens – A resource guideConsulting Citizens – A resource guide Scoping Document :-Scoping Document :-

http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/1919_5%20EIA%20Scoping%20Document1919_5%20EIA%20Scoping%20Document%20Guide_1-11-04.pdf %20Guide_1-11-04.pdf

100100

Best Practice ExampleBest Practice Example

1.1. Planning for consultationPlanning for consultation

2.2. Engaged professional facilitatorEngaged professional facilitator

3.3. Community forum – identify issuesCommunity forum – identify issues

4.4. Community Reference Panel –Community Reference Panel –

- identify issues- identify issues

- receive information- receive information

- provide advice- provide advice

- endorse technical reference panels- endorse technical reference panels

- iterative process- iterative process

101101

5.5. Submit a Community Reference Panel Submit a Community Reference Panel endorsed Environmental Protection endorsed Environmental Protection Statement to EPAStatement to EPA

6.6. Expedited EPA processExpedited EPA process

7.7. No appeals from local communityNo appeals from local community

102102

ConclusionsConclusions Public consultation gives a much better outcomePublic consultation gives a much better outcome Need clear objectives for process and outcomesNeed clear objectives for process and outcomes Need adequate resourcing including technical and other Need adequate resourcing including technical and other

supportsupport Need to allow sufficient time for participants to digest and Need to allow sufficient time for participants to digest and

respond to informationrespond to information Independent professional facilitators to help the process Independent professional facilitators to help the process

achieve better outcomesachieve better outcomes Public consultation does not remove need for decision Public consultation does not remove need for decision

makers to make decisionsmakers to make decisions