ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Meteorology (from Greek: μετέωρον, metéōron, "high in the sky"; and λόγος, lógos, "knowledge") is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere that focuses on weather processes and forecasting (in contrast with climatology).Meteorological phenomena are observable weather events which illuminate and are explained by the science of meteorology. Those events are bound by the variables that exist in Earth's atmosphere. They are temperature, pressure, water vapor, and the gradients and interactions of each variable, and how they change in time. The majority of Earth's observed weather is located in the troposphere.

Meteorology, climatology, atmospheric physics, and atmospheric chemistry are sub-disciplines of the atmospheric sciences. Meteorology and hydrology compose the interdisciplinary field of hydrometeorology.

Weather

The state of the atmosphere at a given time and place, with respect to variables such as temperature, moisture, wind velocity, and barometric pressure.

Climate encompasses the temperatures, humidity, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and numerous other meteorogical factors in a given region over long periods of time, as opposed to the term weather, which refers to current activity. The climate of a location is affected by its latitude, terrain, persistent ice or snow cover, as well as nearby oceans and their currents. Climates can be classified using parameters such as temperature and rainfall to define specific climate types.

Major primary pollutants produced by human activity include:

Sulfur oxides (SO_x) especially sulfur dioxide are emitted from burning of coal and oil.

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) especially nitrogen dioxide are emitted from high temperature combustion. Can be seen as the brown haze dome above or plume downwind of cities.

Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, non-irritating but very poisonous gas. It is a product by incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood. Vehicular exhaust is a major source of carbon monoxide.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas emitted from combustion.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as hydrocarbon fuel vapors and solvents.

Particulate matter (PM), measured as smoke and dust. PM₁₀ is the fraction of suspended particles 10 micrometers in diameter and smaller that will enter the nasal cavity. PM_2.5 has a maximum particle size of 2.5 µm and will enter the bronchies and lungs.

Toxic metals, such as lead, cadmium and copper.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), harmful to the ozone layer emitted from products currently banned from use.

Ammonia (NH₃) emitted from fertilizer industries and agricultural processes.

Odors, such as from garbage, sewage, and industrial processes

Radioactive pollutants produced by nuclear explosions, war explosives, and natural processes such as the radioactive decay of radon.

Secondary pollutants include:

Particulate matter formed from gaseous primary pollutants and compounds in photochemical smog, such as nitrogen dioxide.

Ground level ozone (O₃) formed from NO_x and VOCs.

Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) similarly formed from NO_x and VOCs.

Carbon dioxide emissions

Total CO₂ emissions

10⁶ Tons of CO₂ per year:

United States: 2,790

China: 2,680

Russia: 661

India: 583

Japan: 400

Germany: 356

Australia: 226

South Africa: 222

United Kingdom: 212

South Korea: 185

Per capita CO₂ emissions

Tons of CO₂ per year per capita

Australia: 10

United States: 8.2

United Kingdom: 3.2

China: 1.8

India: 0.5

Environmental Aspects: The Basics

The identification of environmental aspects is an important step towards recognizing their impacts on our planet. This proves helpful in setting and formulating objectives, targets, and other programs that may be directed towards solving environmental problems.

1. Definition of Environmental Aspect
Environmental Aspect is an element of an organization's activities, products or services that can interact with the environment. There are two types of environmental aspects:

(i) Direct Environmental Aspect Activities over which a company can be expected to have an influence and control. For example, emissions from processes.

(ii) Indirect Environmental Aspect Actual or Potential activities over which the organization can be expected to have an influence, but no control. For example, supply chain controlled aspects, customer controlled aspects, aspects managed elsewhere within the same company.

2. Identification of Environmental Aspects
(a) Identify Activities, Services and Products.
(b) Draw up an inventory of all operations and processes, identify releases (normal, abnormal, accidental, and emergency situations).
(c) Consider direct and indirect environmental aspects.
(d) Consider:

Emissions to air.

Release to water.

Waste Management.

Contamination of land.

Impact on communities.

Use of raw materials and natural resources.

Other local environmental and community issues.

3. Records of Environmental Aspects

Review based on sound understanding of environmental issues associated with the process.

Check that both Direct and Indirect Environmental Aspects have been included.

Check the method of assigning significance.

Check that both actual and potential aspects have been included.

Check that legislative requirements have been taken in view.

Environmental Aspect and Impact: The Basics

In the study of environment, it is essential to identify each possible environmental aspect and impact of it on our surroundings. The various environmental aspects each have a number of different impacts on the environment. Potential impacts must also be identified.

1. Commonly Used Definitions in the Study of Environmental Aspect and Impact
1.1. Environmental Impact Any change to the environment whether adverse or beneficial (wholly or partially) resulting from an organization's activities products or services.
1.2. Significant Impact The activity that results in substantial breach of statutory regulations under abnormal conditions.

Knowledge of environmental aspect and impact is necessary in order to have a thorough awareness of the world we live in.

2. Identification of Environmental Aspect and Impact

Inputs and Outputs of a manufacturing process

3. Cause and Effect
Activity Spray Painting
Aspect Emissions of Solvent to air
Impact Global Warming plus Ozone Depletion
Activity At start up of spray painting
Aspect Emissions of Solvent to water
Impact Water Pollution
Activity Spray on to the ground for 5 seconds
Aspect Contamination of land
Impact Land Pollution

4. Potential Environmental Impacts
4.1 Natural Resources
Possible Aspect Over consumption
Impact Depletion of minerals, raw materials, and energy sources
Possible Aspect Habitat destruction
Impact Depletion of living resources

4.2 Air
Possible Aspect CO2, CH4 fossil fuel combustion
Impact Global warming

Possible Aspect CFCs, halons, other chlorinated compounds
Impact Ozone layer depletion

Possible Aspect SO2 Nox NH3
Impact Acid precipitation

Possible Aspect Automobile, bus, truck emissions
Impact Rising ground level ozone

Possible Aspect Industrial emissions : evaporation
Impact Exposure to hazardous gases

Possible Aspect Energy installations
Impact Exposure to smoke

Possible Aspect Nuclear installation, wastes, natural sources
Impact Exposure to radioactivity
4.3 Land
Possible Aspect Hazardous or radioactive waste, air deposition
Impact Contamination

Possible Aspect Mining, construction, drainage
Impact Disturbance and soil erosion, loss of soil cover, water logging, disturbs groundwater, loss of habitats
 4.4 Visual, Noise, Nuisance
Possible Aspect Construction
Impact Visual

Possible Aspect Production, processes, waters
Impact Dust

Possible Aspect Machinery, traffic
Impact Odor, noise, vibration

Identifying the Source of Pollution

Pollution has greatly damaged our planet and continues to do so. There are different kinds of pollutants, each of which come from different sources. It is essential to identify the source of pollution, in order to be able to formulate a policy to eliminate it altogether.

1. Pathway of Pollutant:
A Pollutant is released along a pathway. This pathway allows migration of the pollutant to a target of varying sensitivity. This causes impact, harm, damage, or injury to the target. The source of pollution varies from case to case.

2. The Source of Pollution and Its Forms
Different products, processes and activities of our industrialized world together form the major source of pollution. The forms of pollution are as follows:

Solid

Liquid

Gaseous

Different forms of pollutant have different properties for mobility, migration and impacts, and each of these properties vary according to the source of pollution. 

2.1. The Source of Pollution: Solid Pollutants
Sources of solid pollution are as follows:

Contaminated Land.

Contaminated Debris (Toxic metals, Petrol pumps)

Spillage of Leakage of Raw Materials, Products or Wastes (Powders, Resins, Granules, etc.)Release of smoke and solids.

2.2. The Source of Pollution: Liquid Pollutants

Sources of liquid pollution are as follows:

Spilled Raw Material, Consumables, Wastes. Leakage from Machinery and Pipe work.

Damaged Supply Lines and Drains 'Deliberate' Discharge of Effluent.Mobilization of Soil contamination – 'Leaching'.

2.3. The Source of Pollution: Gaseous Pollutants

Sources of Gaseous pollution are as follows: Process Fumes, Wastes. Decomposition of Organic Materials – Landfills and Waste. Evaporation of Organic and Volatile Chemicals. Naturally occurring Radioactive Gases.

Evidences of Environmental Effects

Most of the actions that we undertake as a result of living in an industrialized society affects the environment in a number of ways. It is therefore necessary to be aware of the consequences of our actions on the environment that we live in.

1. Commonly Used Definitions in Environmental Effects

1.1 What Is Environment?

Environment is the surrounding, in which an organization operates, including air, water, land, industrial resources and interaction with human beings and other living creatures including plants. It extends from within the house or within the company and spreads over the global system or society. Hence it is up to us to keep a watch on the way in which our different activities lead to different environmental effects whether beneficial or harmful.

1.2 What Is Pollution?

The presence of pollutants (that is, solid, liquid and gaseous substances in such concentrations which may prove harmful to the environment) in the environment is known as pollution. Increasing levels of pollutants all around us have led to adverse environmental effects.

2. Evidences of Environmental Effects

2.1 Loss of Biodiversity
It has been estimated that there could be as many as 50 million species of organisms on the earth. It is estimated that within thirty years, a third of this will become extinct if the present trend continues.

2.2 Atmospheric Effects
Global warming stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain and air quality.

2.3 Water Pollution
Sewage, chemical, air, other wastes, contamination of lakes, rivers etc.

2.4 Land Contamination
Land filling, illegal dumping of toxic waste, industrial spillages and disused land. 3. The Relation of the Environmental Significance and Sources of Emissions
Problem Stratospheric ozone depletion.
Environmental Significance  Degradation product of CFCs etc. Destroy stratospheric ozone layer which protects earth from excess UV sunlight).
Main Sources of Emission CFC, Halons, CH3CL, CCL4.

Problem Depletion of resources.
Environmental Significance Consumption of Non renewable resources.
Main Sources of Emission Power generation, manufacture of products like coal, etc.

Problem Acid rain.
Environmental Significance Reaction of acidic ions with water in atmosphere forms acidic precipitation.
Main Sources of Emission SO2, NOX, HCL, HF.

Problem Water Quality.
Environmental Significance Pollution of ground water, rivers, lakes, estuaries and sea affects not only the ecosystems within these waters but ecosystem.
Main Sources of Emission Gross inorganic biological factors, phosphates, and nitrates, thermal.

Problem Air quality.

Environmental Significance In addition to the other air problems (photochemical smog, acid rain, green house effect) particulate affect dispersion mechanisms.
Main Sources of Emission Dark smoke, other particulates.

It has now become necessary to reverse the harmful environmental effects caused by pollution. For better understanding of the polluting effects and for monitoring and implementing measures it is essential to go through the concept of the environment, analyze the environmental aspects and impacts and use these for controlling environmental issues by deriving tools like operational control procedures, for both significant and non-significant aspects and continually improving further the significant aspects by setting objective and targets and environment management plans.

Attending to the Global Environmental Problem

The global environmental problem is a growing concern, and needs to be attended to immediately. Spreading awareness of environmental problems, and responding to them without delay is absolutely necessary to deal with the global problem effectively.

1. The Pressures that Drive Our Attention to the Global Environmental Problem

Increasing complexity of environmental issues.

Proliferation of laws and regulations.

Increasing financial liabilities.

Greater public awareness.

Customer or consumer demand.

Competitive pressures and opportunities.

Increasing insurance premiums.

2. How the Pressures that Drive Our Attention to Tackling the Global Environmental Problem Can Be Dealt With

The Systematic Approach.

The Generic Approach (Applies to all sectors).

The Proactive Approach.

The Voluntary Approach.

The System Based Approach.

Focusing on Legislative measures and continuous improvement.

3. Actions that Will Help Tackle the Global Environmental Problem and Improve Environmental Performance

Management Strategies.

Modifying organization structure or roles and responsibilities to enhance effectiveness of Environmental Management.

Modifying or formalizing procedures.

Training and building awareness of the global environmental problem.

Developing and building awareness of the global environmental problem.

Developing, implementing, monitoring, inspecting, record-keeping and reporting systems.

Technology Strategies.

In effect, we have to go in for a system to control environment related issues and that system is available in EMS. (Environment Management System IS/ISO 14001: 1996 updated to IS/ISO 14001: 2004).

Formulating Environmental Policy Targets

Environmental policy targets are an integral part of any environmental policy. A number of issues have to be considered when formulating environmental policy targets and objectives. Environmental objectives might be dedicated to tasks like reduction of waste and elimination of pollutants.

1. Issues to be Considered in Environmental Policy Targets and Objectives

(a) How do environmental policy targets and objectives reflect both the environmental policy and significant environmental impacts associated with the organization’s activities, products or services?
(b) What have the employees responsible for achieving the environmental policy targets and objectives achieved in its development?
(c) How have the views of interested parties been considered?
(d) What specific measurable indicators have been established for the objectives and targets?
(e) How are the environmental policy targets and objectives regularly reviewed and revised to reflect desired improvements in environmental performance?

2. Environmental Policy Targets and Objectives
Environmental objectives can include commitments to

Reduce waste and the depletion of resources,

Reduce or eliminate the release of pollutants into the environment,

Design products to minimize their environmental impact in production, use and disposal,

Control the environmental impact of sources of raw material,

Minimize any significant adverse environmental impact of new developments,

Promote environmental awareness among employees and the community.

3. List of Environmental Policy Targets and Objectives
The objectives and targets are tabulated below by taking the example of solid waste disposal which is common for all industries. In the format can be revealed the present and achievable targets and their final relevance to the Environment Management Programme (EMP) for affecting improvements.

Objectives
Solid waste disposal
Targets
(a) Description Identification of sites for various wastes, segregation, storage in temporary sites, construction of permanent sites, storage and disposal
(b) Quantity (Consumption or Usage)

Present Stored in unidentified condition on land

Achievable Storage of waste at identified places and their disposal as per procedure

Eliminate or Reduce Reduce

Performance Indicator
(A) Short Term;
(B) Long Term (50 % in each year). Complete removal of waste.

(c) Time Frame Will be depicted in EMP (Environment Management Programme)
(d) Responsibility Section Head (HOS) or Stores

An Environmental Management Plan for Solid Waste Disposal

There are several kinds of environmental management plans and programs dealing with different aspects of the environment. The problem of efficiently disposing of solid wastes is a major problem. In this article is discussed an environment management program for solid waste disposal.

Environmental Management Plan No.01
An Environmental Management Plan for Solid Waste Disposal is depicted below in a format which is drawn from its objective and targets. Environment Management Plan takes place through both short term and long term measures. The Environment Management Plan is monitored under the heads of present status, responsibilities and target dates.

Objective Solid waste disposal
Present Status Stored in unidentified condition on land
Target Identification of sites for various wastes, construction of storage sheds and disposal thereof.
Responsibility Section Head

(A) Environmental Management Plan for Solid Waste Disposal Through Short Term Measures

Segregation of present waste and initiating of disposal action.

Identification of the site depending on the type of waste.

Putting placards

Issuing instructions to all including contractors for dumping waste in specified areas or sites.

Disposal of waste as per procedure.

Work to start from --/--/-- as per SI No. ---

(B) Environmental Management Plan for Solid Waste Disposal Through Long Term Measures

Putting of proposal for construction of permanent sites.

Approval of proposal by competent authority and seeking financial approval by concerned authority.

Construction of site as per proposal to start from --/--/--

Construction of site as per proposal to end on --/--/--

Issuing instructions to all including contractors dumping waste in specified areas.

Disposal of waste as per Procedure ---, SI No. --- to start from --/--/--

The Benefits of Switching Over to the ISO-14001 Standard

The ISO-14001 standard is an international standard which deals mainly with environmental management. It is a generic management system standard, and hence can be applied to all kinds of organizations.

Why Should You Register With the ISO-14001 Standard?

(a) It is a great improvement tool.
(b) It works as a check on legislation compliance.
(c) It helps save costs.
(d) It is helpful in the process of waste management.
(e) It provides more market opportunities to the organization.
(f) It betters the organization's corporate image.
(g) It leads to greater customer demand.
(h) It helps formulate better emergency plans.

However, do note that the ISO-14001 Standard is part of an Integrated Management System that focuses on environment. It is not a stand-alone.

What Are the Benefits of the ISO-14001 Standard?

 It helps provide market place leverage.

It helps demonstrate environmental leadership.

It provides an integrated approach to Environmental Management.

It promotes sound Environmental Management.

 It is system dependent, and not person dependent.

Why Should You Choose an Environmental Management System Like the ISO-14001 Standard?

It provides a structured and systematic approach.

It helps in the control of environmental aspects.

 It helps by checking that the organization is complying with the various legislations.

 It results in an improvement of the environmental performance.

 It works favorably with quality management systems.

What Are the Potential Indirect Benefits of Environmental Management Systems Like the ISO-14001 Standard?

It leads to an enhanced corporate image.

It results in enhanced marketing capabilities.

It improves staff morale.

It helps achieve better customer relations.

It results in better community relations.

An Introduction to A Few IS/ISO Quality, Safety and Environmental Standards

In this article are discussed a number of international safety, quality, and environmental standards. All of these are interconnected and are areas to which sufficient attention must be paid.

Quality, safety and environment are closely connected with each other, and various management systems exist at present. On comparison of a number of safety, quality and environmental standards, we see that many clauses and sub-clauses are similar. Quality, safety, and environment are important fields to which attention must be paid.

1.  The various IS/ISO safety, quality and environmental standards are given below:

(a)   IS/ISO 9001:2000
(b)   IS/ISO 14001:1996
(c)   IS 18001:2000
(d)   IS/ISO 19011:2002
(e)   IS/ISO 14001:2004

2.  Details of each standard:

(a)   IS/ISO 9001: 2000 (Quality Management Systems – Requirements):
This international standard specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization wishes to demonstrate its ability to provide products that consistently meet customer needs and the necessary regulatory requirements.  It attempts to promote customer satisfaction by applying the system effectively. In this are included certain processes that will keep on improving the system, and which will simultaneously assure conformity to the customer as well as to the appropriate regulatory needs. It is a certification against international standard.

(b)   ISO 14001: 1996 (Environmental Management Systems – Specifications With User Guidance):
This international environmental standard specifies requirements for environmental management systems, to enable an organization to formulate a policy as well as objectives that consider the various legislative requirements and the important environmental impacts.  The ISO 14001: 1996 can be applied to those environmental aspects which the organization can control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. It is applicable to the organization that hopes to put into practice, as well as look after and improve its Environmental Management System, while assuring itself that it is conforming to its environmental policy, and at the same time demonstrating this conformance to others. It applies to those organizations that seek certification or registration of their Environmental Management Systems, and which hope to make a self-determination and self-declaration of conformance with ISO 14001. It is a certification against international standard.

(c)   IS 18001: 2000 (Occupational Health And Safety Management Systems – Specifications With Guidance):
This standard prescribes requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to enable an organization to formulate policy objectives, taking into account legislative requirements and information about significant hazards and risk which the organization can control and over which it can be expected to have an influence, to protect its employees and others, whose health and safety may be affected by the activities of the organization. It is not a certification against international standard; it is by national body only.

(d)    ISO 19011: 2002 (Guidelines for Quality and /or Environmental Management System):
This international standard has the function of providing guidance on the principles of auditing, managing audit programs, conducting quality management system audits and environmental management system audits as well as guidance on the competence of quality and environmental management system auditors.

(e) ISO 19011:2002 (Guidance for Improvement):
        This deals with various ISO standards available for quality environmental safety and guidelines.

The Various Aspects of an Environmental Impact Study

Environmental impact surveys or studies have to be undertaken in order to find out what are the possible impacts that might occur at a given site. Only once we have found out what the possible impacts are, can we work out measures whereby those impacts may not adversely affect the site.

1. An environmental impact study to evaluate the significance of impact can be facilitated by considering the following:

[A] Environmental concerns:

scale of the impact

severity of the impact

probability of occurrence

duration of the impact

[B] Business concerns:

potential regulatory and legal exposure

difficulty of changing the impact

cost of changing the impact

effect of change on other activities and processes

concerns of interested parties

effect on the public image of the organization

2. An environmental impact study can point out its significant issues:-

Issues that:

Result from a direct release of prescribed noxious or persistent substances.

Result from poor management of resources, raw materials or wastes.

Cause capital or revenue expenditure which could be avoided

Currently cause the enterprise to be out of compliance.

May result in civil litigation and criminal procedures

Are perceived to be significant by the public or customers

Restrict future strategic development of the company

Affect validity of Insurance

3. An environmental impact study can be used to attach significance to the impacts:-

Factors that may be considered in doing this include the following:

It is an internal company activity

It is not a comparison against the size of another organization's similar aspects or impact

It is based or internally defined and documented criteria

It is based on a consistent application of those criteria.

4. An environmental impact study also involves the evaluation of significance of impact:-

Significance impact evaluation of environmental aspect in quantitatively evaluated by FMEA: -   (Quantitative Method)

FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)

Most robust and reproducible

Based on ERPN (Environment Risk Priority Number)
                 
EPRN = Severity x Occurrence x Failure to Detect

Depending upon such factors it is classified as significant and non-significant.

Significant Environmental Aspects in a Compressor

We associate the compressor with a great deal of noise pollution. Working with a compressor can be a jarring experience for the nerves and the ears. However, it is not as though there are no precautions that can be followed while using a compressor. How do we control the significant environmental aspects of a compressor? Find out by reading this article.

The significant environmental aspects of all industrial units have to be studied and analyzed.
This entails significant environmental aspect studies using case studies. Objectives and targets, operational control procedures and environment management plans have to be drawn up. This article that provides a case study will prove helpful to industries that are drawing up an environment aspect register.

Case Study for the Evaluation of Environment Aspect of a Compressor

Activity: Operation of a Compressor

Identification of Aspects and Impacts (Inputs and Outputs of a manufacturing process or operation):

Aspects: (a) Spillage of oil; (b) Noise pollution

During the operation of a compressor house, the following are the significant environmental aspects and impacts. These are shown as linkages:

Compressor Aspect: Spillage of oil
Compressor Impact: Soil and groundwater contamination

Compressor Aspect: Noise pollution
Compressor Impact: Health hazards

Evaluation of Environmental Aspects for a Compressor

1.
Aspect: Spillage of oil
Evaluation of Impact (Severity of Impact Scale: 1-5; Trivial-1, Fatal –5): 3
Legal and Other Required Regulations: Legal
Significant/Non-significant: Non-significant
OCP No.: OCP D/N No. 01

2.
Aspect: Noise pollution
Evaluation of Impact (Severity of Impact Scale: 1-5; Trivial-1, Fatal –5): 3
Legal and Other Required Regulations: Legal
Significant/Non-significant: Significant
OCP No.: OCP D/N No. 01

An Environmental Management Program (EMP) for a Compressor

An Environment Management Program (EMP) analysis for a compressor consists of the following:
Objective: To avoid oil spillage during the running of an industrial compressor.
Present Status: Oil leakage is taking place regularly.
Target: To reach a point of zero oil spillage.
Responsibility: Section Head

Find about the various terms that are commonly used in the evaluation of significant aspects by the reading the article on Aspects. Also, learn more about the Environmental Management Program by our article of the same name.