The BritishIUniversityIin Egypt College of EngineeringI Department ofIArchitectural Engineering
EIA CASE STUDIES COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Emad 148538 Hassan 151826 Ahmed 145674 Kareem 143707
ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT (19ARCH16H)
SupervisedIBy: Dr. walaa salahI Lecturer inIArchitecture Department BUEI I2019-2
Table of Contents Abstract................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 5 2. Literature review ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Implementation In egypt : ............................................................................................................... 7 2.2 CategoriesIof EIAIprojects I ........................................................................................................... 7 2.3 ProcessIof Iimplementing theIEIAISystem (EIA, 2020)................................................................ 9 2.4 Tool and methods required for establishing an EIA: ..................................................................... 9 2.4.1 Checklists: ................................................................................................................................... 10 2.4.2 MatricesI ..................................................................................................................................... 11 2.4.2.1 Types of Matrices ..................................................................................................................... 11 2.4.3 NetworksI .................................................................................................................................... 15 2.4.4 MapIoverlays and GIS................................................................................................................ 15 2.4.5 Professional judgement andImeeting of experts: ....................................................................... 16 3. Method ............................................................................................................................................. 17 3.1 EIAItool comparative analysis ...................................................................................................... 17 3.1.1.1 EIA Tools and methods project application ............................................................................ 17 3.1.1.2 Evaluating the Environmental and Social Impacts ................................................................. 18 3.1.1.3 Determining the environmental and social impacts ............................................................ 19 3.1.1.4 The importance of the predetermined impacts ................................................................... 20 •
The Sign ................................................................................................................................ 20
3.1.1.5 The final matrix for the ESIA.................................................................................................. 23 3.1.1.6 Discussion and Results ............................................................................................................. 24 3.1.1.7 Limitations of Using Leopold Matrix .................................................................................. 25 3.1.1.8 suitability of Matrices tool ....................................................................................................... 25 3.1.1.9 Mitigation measures ............................................................................................................. 25 3.2 EIA Tools and methods project application: ................................................................................ 28 3.2.1 Impacts of the projects on the environment ............................................................................... 29 3.2.1.1 PositiveIimpacts ofIthe Jetty ................................................................................................ 29 3.2.1.2 Negative impacts of the Jetty ............................................................................................... 30 3.2.2 Tools and methods used for Identifying the impacts ................................................................. 30 3.2.3 Mitigation measures.................................................................................................................... 33 1
3.2.3.1 Sedimentation, Erosion and theIshoreline:.......................................................................... 33 3.2.3.2 Air pollution and noise:........................................................................................................ 34 3.2.3.3 Soil pollution waste: ............................................................................................................. 34 3.2.3.4 disturbance of marine organisms ........................................................................................ 34 3.2.3.5 PublicIhealthIand safety ...................................................................................................... 34 3.2.4 EnvironmentalIManagementIPlan (EMP) ............................................................................. 35 3.2.5 Discussion and results ................................................................................................................. 37 3.2.6 Limitations of using the Checklists ......................................................................................... 37 3.2.7 Suitability of the Tools ............................................................................................................... 38 3.2.8 Comparison ................................................................................................................................ 38 4 .Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 39 5.References ......................................................................................................................................... 41
2
List of figures FGURE 1 EXAMPLE OF LOW IMPACT TYPE A PROJECTS (SOURCE: EEAA, 2020) .............................................................. 8 FIGURE 2 EXAMPLE OF TYPE B PROJECTS (SOURCE: EEAA, 2020) ............................................................................... 8 FIGURE 3 TYPE C PROJECTS (SOURCE: EEAA, 2020) .................................................................................................. 9 FIGURE 4 EXAMPLE OF TYPES OF EIA CHECKLISTS ( SOURCE : DEVELOPED BY AUTHOR,2020) .................................. 10 FIGURE 5 EIA CHECKLIST ( SOURCE : EIA TRAINING MANUAL,2020) .................................................................... 11 FIGURE 6 SIMPLE MATRIX, (SAURAB, 2016) ............................................................................................................ 11 FIGURE 7 SIMPLE MATRIX, (SAURAB, 2016) ............................................................................................................ 12 FIGURE 8 DIVISION OF THE CELLS, (SAURAB, 2016) ................................................................................................. 12 FIGURE 9 LEOPOLD MATRIX, (SAURAB, 2016) ......................................................................................................... 13 FIGURE 10 THE COMPONENT INTERACTION MATRIX, (SAURAB, 2016) ....................................................................... 13 FIGURE 11 TYPES OF MATRICES, (RESEARCHER,2020) ....................................................................................................... 14 FIGURE 13 EIA NETWORK( SOURCE : EIA TRAINING MANUAL,2020) ..................................................................... 15 FIGURE 14 EIA GIS AS AN ENVIROMENTAL TOOL ( SOURCE : EIA TRAINING MANUAL,2020) .......................................... 16 FIGURE 15 IMPORTANCE OF THE IMPACTS ............................................................................................................... 23 FIGURE 16 ESIA MATRIX ........................................................................................................................................ 24 FIGURE 17 MANAGING AND MITIGATION METHODS ................................................................................................... 26 FIGURE 18 POSITIVE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT, (RESEARCHER,2020) ........................................................................ 30 FIGURE 19 THE LEVELS OF IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, (HASSAN, 2020)............................................................... 31 FIGURE 20 PROJECT’S AREAS OF EFFECT, (RESEARCHER,2020) ................................................................................ 35 FIGURE 21 MONITORING PLAN, (RESEARCHER,2020) ................................................................................................ 36 FIGURE 22 EIA PLAN OF THE RESEARCH .................................................................................................................. 36 FIGURE 23 LIMITATIONS OF THE CHECKLIST TOOL, (RESEARCHER, 2020) ................................................................... 38 FIGURE 24 EXAMPLE OF THE ENVIROMENTAL IMPACTS IDENTIFIED (SOURCE:DEVELOPED BY AUTHOR,2020) ............. 39
3
Abstract Environmental
impact
assessment
(EIA)
is
a
system
to
estimate
and
examine
unintended harmful impacts that affect the environment which occurs in the developed projects as well as taking social, cultural, economic aspects into consideration and enhancing the project to minimize or mitigate the negative effects and maximize the positive impacts to keep human health save. EIA aims to expect harmful consequences impacts at early stage in the project planning and design, seeking solutions and methods to reduce or eliminate these impacts, direct the project to fit the local environment and show these predictions and options to the decision-makers. There are different methods to assess projects with respect to EIA: checklist, questionnaires, calculations, simulations. These methods may be different according to the project nature, type, context, location, and data. This report aims to compare between the used methods used for EIA in two case studies: (Environmental Impact Assessment of Marine Structures in El Sharm El Quible region on the coastal area of the Red Sea and (Evaluation of Environmental and social impact assessment (Form B) of Wind power plant in Ras Gharib, Gulf of Suez). This comparison provides an idea of each method used about the potential and the negatives. The used methods for the two case studies to assess EIA are Checklist and matrix.
4
1.Introduction Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a mechanism that directs the potential impacts of a certain project or development to not negatively affect the environment by creating methods and tools of assessment that identifies or predicts these environmental impacts, Thus allowing decision makers he opportunity to design alternative activities in the early stages of the design phase. EIA helps formulate a broader perspective of the impacts of a project or a development regarding its surrounding environment, allowing for a thorough scoped and well managed projects to take place. EIA also provides an economic advantage as well by identifying the negative impacts at an early stage of design and development phase preventing any clean-up costs and preserves time management for the development or project.
1.1 Methods and tools of the EIA EIA Methods and tools of assessment Network
description A method that uses flow charts to asses es impacts of project activities in 3 categories, Primary, Secondary, and tertiary impacts A detailed method that uses lists to rapidly identify major impacts Mainly used to identify scale of impact to assess their significance A table that relates expected project activities and the environmental characteristics by intersecting each column with each row A visual representation in the form of maps that presents main characteristics of the local environment A method that corelates chain of events of primary and secondary environmental impacts with the existing project interactions to determine which impacts to be expected A focused or limited type of method that directly relates the affected variables I the local habitat to the manmade activities causes it
Checklist Geographic Information Systems Matrices
Environmental cartography or map overlay
Graphs and flow charts
Simple cause-effect matrices
5
Meeting with experts
A method of assessment that is useful to implement if the environmental impacts to be studied are specific and limited
1.2 Categories of EIA projects The scale and specification of projects and developments varies depending on the activities they intend to perform, and their levels of impacts are definitely not the same as well, therefore projects were categorized according to their levels of impacts and this categorization of projects and developments decided on how thorough and detailed the EIA study needs to be The three levels of categorization are: White projects: projects that have minimal environmental impact are labelled white; they require a normal environmental screening to be approved. Grey projects: projects that have some environmental impacts are labelled grey; they may require a scoped EIA study for some activities to be approved. Black projects: projects that have a detrimental environmental impact are labelled black; they require a full EIA study to be approved.
1.3 Case studies •
Case Study 1:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Marine Structures in El Sharm El Quible region on the coastal area of the Red Sea •
Case Study 2:
Evaluation of Environmental and social impact assessment (Form B) of Wind power plant in Ras Gharib, Gulf of Suez - Grey project Case study 1:
6
2. Literature review Environmental impact assessments was established in the 60’s , as an objectiveIof increasing environmental awareness (Eccleston, 2011). Environmental impact assessments involves a technicalIevaluation intended to contribute toImore enviromentalIdecision making in specific type of projects (Eccleston, 2011). EIA obtainedIformalIstatus in 1969Iin america. As people becomeImore enviromentallyIaware and projects became more sophisticated EIAs have been usedIincreasinglyIaround the world (Eccleston, 2011). The I number of environmental assessments I filed every I year they areIdesigned to I provide sufficient information to allow I the agencies to I decideIwhether the construction of a project requires Environmental I ImpactIStatementI I (EIS) is necessary (Eccleston, 2011). So briefly EIA is an activityIthat is done to findIout the impact that would be done beforeIdevelopment willIoccur (Eccleston, 2011).
2.1 Implementation In egypt : The EIA system has beenIadopted by virtueIof Egyptian Environmental Iin 1994, which has beenIamended 2009 (EIA, 2020). Since Projects with its different types may have hazardous effects on egyptIenviromental stability, the EIA system enables the egyptian government to perform the following (EIA, 2020): •
Protect the environment throughIthe local authorities.
•
Propose different alternatives.
•
ImplementItheIappropriate controlIand management measures.
2.2 CategoriesIof EIAIprojects I When the Environmental Impact Assessment Iis decided then it starts byIstudying someIconditions related to the project, so suchIprocess undergoesIthe four followingImain rules (EIA, 2020):
7
•
The typeIof activityIthat theIestablishmentIpractices.
•
The extentIto which naturalIresourcesIare exploited.
•
TheIlocationIof theIproject.
•
Type ofIenergy used toIoperate theIproject.
AccordingItoIthe mentioned, projects wereIcategorized into three groupsIdepending on the level of potential environmental impacts, which areIthe following: TYPE A (white project ), whichIincludes establishmentsIand projectsIhaving lowIenvironmental impacts.
Figure 1 example of low impact type A projects (source: EEAA, 2020)
TYPEIB (grey project), Iincludes establishmentsIandIprojects that areIlikely to causeIenvironmental impactsI.
Figure 2 example of type B projects (source: EEAA, 2020)
TYPEIC ( black project ), whichIincludesIestablishmentsIand projects havingIsevereIenvironmental impactsIandIrequireIfullIEIA. 8
Figure 3 type c projects (source: EEAA, 2020)
2.3 ProcessIof Iimplementing theIEIAISystem
(EIA, 2020)
Firsty The naturalIor legal person must submitIan EnvironmentalIImpact Assessment reportIfor theIproject 1.
The report willIbe submitted to the eligibleIadministrative body
2.
The Assessment willIbe conducted in accordance toIstandards issued by the I Egyptian Environmental I Affairs Agency EEAA
3.
The competentIadministrativeIbody is responsible for submittingIthe Assessment toIthe EEAAI
4.
The competent administrative bodyIis I responsible for informingIthe project ownerIwith the decisionIof EEAAI.
2.4 Tool and methods required for establishing an EIA: A number of tools I and methods is used I to aidIthe I systematic, prediction andIevaluation of I the enivromentl impacts (Jonathan Randall, 2010). IThrough analyzing mostIof the case studies inIEgypt itIwas found thatIthe most commonIformal methodsIusedIfor impactIidentification are: •
ChecklistsI
•
MatricesI
•
NetworksI
•
Overlays and GIS
•
IMeeting with experts I I I I I 9
2.4.1 Checklists: Check listsIannotate the enviromentalIfactorsIthat need to be adressedIwhenIidentifying theIimpacts of the projects andIactivities they I can vary in complexity and I purpose. simple I checklists can be improved andIadapted to suitIany projectIlocal conditions (Jonathan Randall, 2010). 2.4.2 Types of checklists
•
Simple Checklist: it is a list of activities and their impacts
•
Descriptive Checklist: a simple checklist adding to it a data of the effect and level of the impact on an environmental aspect
•
Scaling Checklist: it describes the level of impact within a scale from 1 to 3 (quantitatively)
•
Questionnaire: a checklist that considers the opinion of experts and stakeholders.
Figure 4 example of types of EIA checklists ( source : developed by author,2020)
Benefits: Ieasy toIunderstand – simpleIrankingIand weighting I Limitation: Idoes not linkIaction and impact – do notIdistiguishIbetweenIdirect andIindirect impacts I
10
Figure 5 EIA checklist ( source : EIA TRAINING MANUAL,2020)
2.4.2 MatricesI AImatrix is I a grid table that is used to identify I the I interactionIbetweenIprojectIactivities. WhichIare displayedIalong one axis, andIenviromentalIcharacteristics, whichIareIdisplayedIalong theIotherIaxis (Jonathan Randall, 2010).
2.4.2.1 Types of Matrices 1. Simple Matrix: it is a list of environmental impacts listed on the vertical axis, and the activities that cause the impact on the horizontal axis. The following figure shows a simple matrix that illustrates whether the impact has adverse, beneficial or no effect. A plain “x” is presented under the correct column. The following figures show examples of simple matrices.
Figure 6 Simple Matrix, (Saurab, 2016)
11
Figure 7 Simple Matrix, (Saurab, 2016)
2. Leopold Matrix: it is a list of 100 project activities, and 88 ecological/social impacts. The impacts are listed on the vertical axis, and the activities are listed on the horizontal axis. It was designed in 1971 by Leopold. The cells are split with a diagonal line. The top part describes the magnitude of the aspect, and the bottom part describes the level of impact.
Figure 8 Division of the cells, (Saurab, 2016)
12
Figure 9 Leopold Matrix, (Saurab, 2016)
3. The component Interaction Matrix: unlike the Leopold matrix, it could identify indirect impacts and understand them easily. It was proposed in 1974 by Environment Canada. In this type, the environmental impacts are listed on both axes, if two impacts are connected by tertiary or secondary linkage, they are marked by 1,2. If there is no interaction, they are marked by Zero.
Figure 10 The Component Interaction Matrix, (Saurab, 2016)
13
4. Modified Graded Matrix: created by Than and Lohani in 1980. It uses relative weights, meaning that all the activities have a relative value based on the priority level of its environmental aspect that is impacting. 5. Impact Summary Matrix: this matrix identifies the possible areas of impact, determine mitigation measure and who should assist in minimizing the impacts, it is useful for concluding the impacts that have been conducted in a study. 6. Loran Matrix: it is a developed Leopold matrix that has 234 activities and 27 impact categories.
Figure 11 Types of Matrices, (Researcher,2020)
Benefits: linkIaction toIimpact – good method for displaying EIAIresults Limitation: difficultItoIdistinguish directIandIindirectIimpacts.
14
2.4.3 NetworksI NetworksIillustrates theIcause and effect relationship ofIproject activitiesIand enviromentalI charcteristics. TheyIare, therfore, particularyIuseful in identifyingIand depicting secondary impactsI (Jonathan Randall, 2010). Benefits: linkIaction to impact – handlesIdirectIand indirectIimpacts Limitation: can becomeIcomplex ifIused beyondIsimplifiedI verison
Figure 12 EIA network( source : EIA TRAINING MANUAL,2020)
2.4.4 MapIoverlays and GIS OverlaysIcan beIused to mapIimpacts spatially and displayIthem pictorially. The modern I version of a overlay I is computer based I geographic information system. The main drawback is the lack of appropriate data I and the expense of creating a usable I system (Jonathan Randall, 2010). Benefits: easy to understand – good sitting tool Limitation: IrequiresIprofessional use Ii I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
15
Figure 13 EIA GIS as an enviromental tool ( source : EIA training manual,2020)
2.4.5 Professional judgement andImeeting of experts: AlthoughIisInot strictlyIa formal method, professional judgment or expert opinionis widelyIused in I EIA. Knowledge I and expertise gained I in EIA work can be used to systematically I develop I technical manuals therby assiting in future projects (Jonathan Randall, 2010). Benefits: Ideep understandingIof certainItopics – open questionsIEIA deprivedItopics Limitation notIa formalImethodI
16
3. Method 3.1 EIAItool comparative analysis A qualitative analysisIwas done to investigate two differentIEnvironmental impactIassessmentsIreports. TwoIcase studiesIwere choosenIto describe theIlevels and methodsIadopted in 2 EIAIreports forItwo projecsIin egypt . The selection criteria wereIbased on the type of EIAIimplementation. The firstIcast study is a projectIfor establishing fourIjetties in front of four hotels and the secondIcase is windIpower plantIin the GulfIof Suez . TheIobjective of theIanalysis is toIachieve understandingIon how the EIAItools were appliedIin both projects andIhow they coverIthe enviromentalIimpacts that they areIassigned toIdo. The purposeIof theIdevelopmentIof certainIEIA toolsIis to provide anIoverview ofIunderstand howItheseItools Ican beIusedIin EIAIpractice, andItheirIrelativeIstrengthsIandIweaknesses. The aim of this analysis is achieve understanding of wether the tools used in the cases are suitable or not for showing the right enviromental impacts
3.1.1 Wind power plant in Ras Gharib, Gulf of Suez
3.1.1.1 EIA Tools and methods project application EIA TOOLS
COVERED
MEETINGIOF EXPERTS
Description Not covered
CHECKLISTS SIMPLE CAUSEIEFFECTS MATRICES
Not covered
GRAPHSIAND FLOW CHARTS
Not covered
17
ENVIROMENTAL CARTOGRAPHY
Not covered
NETWORKS
Not covered
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Not covered
Double input tables with enviromental characteristics like expected impacts during constuction and operation
MATRICES
3.1.1.2 Evaluating the Environmental and Social Impacts It is essential to perform a complete analysis of the environmentalIand the socialIimpacts of aIproject, in order to mitigate theInegative effects and increase the positive impacts (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The main aim of this assessment is to evaluate, determine and prevent the possible impacts. Thus, the research focuses on proposing mitigation measures to minimize the negativeIimpacts of the project before the initiation ofIthe construction process (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). This evaluation will be through performing a Leopold cause and effect matrix which illustrates the following: •
The possibility of the impact to occur
•
The place and time of occurring
•
The intensity of the impact
This two-dimensional matrix includes the evaluation of the activities of the project along the different phases which incorporates the surrounding current environment which could be affected due to the construction of the project (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017).
18
3.1.1.3 Determining the environmental and social impacts The possible impacts of transportation of workersIand tools toIthe constructionIsite andIthe preparation of the site and constructionIare as follows: •
Transport of equipment and devices
•
Transport of machinery
•
Procurement and delivery on site
•
Construction of main and secondary access road
•
Temporary Infrastructure
•
Storage of equipment & materials
•
Cables and earthling
•
Wind turbines foundation
•
Foundation Break Down
•
MW cable collocation
•
Assembly-Commss-TOC
•
Substation area
•
Switchyard
•
Transformers collocation
•
Scada System collocation
•
Place temporary buildings
Water utilization for: •
Construction
•
Human consumption
•
Cleaning activities
•
Sanitary facilities
While the impacts during the operation phase are as follows: •
Commissioning tests
•
Operation of the wind turbines
•
Connection to the distribution grid
•
Inspection of routine civil engineering quality records
•
Preventive Maintenance
•
Corrective maintenance 19
•
Water consumption (human activities)
And the impacts of the decommissioning of tools and devices are as follows: •
Disassembly of structures
•
Transport materials out of the area
•
Disassembly of connections
•
Disassembly of buildings
•
Land clearing & waste generation
3.1.1.4 The importance of the predetermined impacts After determining the possible impacts of the project phases, the cause and effect matrix will illustrate according to each phase how the construction and the operationIand maintenanceIphases ranked the highest inIthe importance of impacts although they are being monitored. The importance of the impacts is measured and quantified according to the possibility of occurring, and its intensity by measuring some types of effects such as extension (EX), Momentum (MO), Accumulation, Etc... (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). •
The Sign The sign near the impact shows if it is positive (+) or negative (-) in total (Ras Gharib Wind Energy
Company, 2017).
The Intensity (IN) It shows to what degree the impact is affecting the environment. The scoring is from 1-12 where 12 is the highest in destruction and 1 is the lowest in the effects (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Extension (EX)
20
It shows the area of effect of the impact in a zone, if the impact was focusing on a certain zone then the Extent will be (1), and if its effect was wide and doesn’t include a certain area the extent will be (8), taking into consideration the medium extensions from (2) to (4) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Momentum (MO) It shows the impact of the project along a certain timeframe, between the beginning of the construction of the project and the initiation of its impact to occur and affect the environment (TJ). If the momentum was (0), then the impact occurs instantly, so if it is less than (1) the impact occurs in a short time since the beginning of the construction estimated for less than one year, but if the impact begins to take place after more than five years, then the extension will be long, and the momentum will be (1) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Persistence (PE) It illustrates the total timeframe of the impact since its beginning, or the time it takes the affected environment to heal from the effects of the impact and get back to its benchmark (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). If the impact’s effect remained for less than a year, them the persistence will be (1), and if it remained for one to five years, then the PE will be (2), moreover, if it remained for more than five years, then the impact is considered to be persisted and its score will be (4) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017).
The Reversibility (RV) It points out the possibility for the affected environment to be rebuilt or mended to get back to its normal position before the construction of the project took place. If the impact’s recovery time was less than a year, then the RV will be (1), if it was between one to five years then the RV will be (2) and if the 21
impact was hard to be reversed from after more than five years then the RV will be (4) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Recoverability (MC) It shows the possibility of recovering or rebuilding all or some of the harmful impacts on the environment that occurred due to the construction of the project by using some mitigation processes. If the total impact could be recovered then the MC will be (1), and if it could be half recovered, or part of the impact could be recovered then the MC will be (2), but if the impact could not be recovered then the MC will be (8), knowing that if the impact was impossible to be recovered but there is a possibility of compensating the harmful effects of the impact, then the MC will be (4) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Sinergy (SI) It provides the synergy between two or more nonharmful impacts as them together could create a greater impact, if the impacts have no combined effect then the SI will be (1), if the synergy was medium then the SI will be (2), but if the collaboration between two impacts was high then the SI will be (4) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Accumulation (AC) This is a representation of the increasing effect of an impact due to it working continually or repetitively. If there was no growth of the effect of the impact then the AC will be (1), and if the accumulation was high then the AC will be (4) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017).
The Effect (EF)
22
It shows the cause and effect of the impact considering its direction, the impact could be direct, indirect or primary, if the impact was direct then the EF will be (4), and if it was indirect or secondary then the EF will be (1) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The Frequency (PR) The PR shows the consistency of the impact’s occurrence, whether it occurs repeatedly, irregularly or it is constant. If it was constant then the PR will be (4), if it was repeatedly daily then the PR will be (2), and if it was irregular then the PR will be (1) (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017). The scoring of the impacts (I) The equation for calculating the importance of each impact category will be as follows: I = ± (3IN + 2EX + MO + PE + RV + AC + EF + PR + MC), and the ranks are shown in figure 1
Figure 14 Importance of The Impacts
3.1.1.5 The final matrix for the ESIA The following figure shows the Matrix developed for the Environmental and Social impact assessment.
23
Figure 15 ESIA Matrix
3.1.1.6 Discussion and Results The Leopold Matrix shows the importance of the impacts of three different phases of the project while taking in consideration the methods to overcome the different impact categories (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017), these phases are as follows: •
Construction phase
•
Operation phase
•
Decommissioning phase
The importance of the Impact of the construction phase ranked the highest as it reached -36.7, the negative sign represents the negative impact of this phase. Then followed by the operation phase which has the importance of -25. Finally, the Decommissioning phase that has 21.2 positive impact (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017).
24
3.1.1.7 Limitations of Using Leopold Matrix The main drawback of using Leopold matrix in the ESIA report is that it does not explain theIspatial andItemporal effectsIof the activities on theIenvironment, it focuses on identifying the magnitude and significance of the impact (Saurab, 2016). Another disadvantageIof using the LeopoldIMatrix is thatIit is too simplified and does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the possible impacts on a certain development region. A numerical assessment of the impact and a magnitude does not provide enough data for the contractor to identify the impact of the project’s activities and does not tell a good reason why these impacts should be managed (Saurab, 2016). Finally, it does not provide an explanation of the linkage between two ecological aspects. This means that it does not determine the secondary and tertiary impacts, taking in consideration that any activity will have various levels of impacts on the environment (Saurab, 2016).
3.1.1.8 suitability of Matrices tool This tool could be useful when used for assessing medium to large scale projects, where the development of the project has more than 100 activities. This large number of activities will cause effects on various environmental aspects, which could not be covered easily in checklists (Saurab, 2016). It is totally agreeable to adjust the matrix to fit any type of projects. It is not a must to have 100 activities and 88 impacts in the project to make the use of the matrix acceptable. It is acceptable to use matrices even if the project does not have so many components. Matrices re flexible, that is why they are being used worldwide (Saurab, 2016).
3.1.1.9 Mitigation measures After determining the impacts and scoring the importance of each impact, the research proposes different methods for managing and mitigating the harmful effects of these impacts. The following graph
25
shows the four main methods that help in achieving the sustainability of the project, these methods are Avoid, Minimize, Restore and Offset (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017).
Figure 16 Managing and Mitigation methods
1- Avoid: this method focuses on preventing the negative impacts from occurring to stop their effects on the environment. 2- Minimize: this method focuses more on lowering the duration, and intensity of the impact. 3- Restore: this method focuses on recovering the affected areas to its initial healthy phase. 4- Offset (Compensation): After performing the last three methods, then it could be possible to get rid of the remaining impacts by compensating the harmful effects that took place. The following table shows the areas of effect and the possibility of managing the impact affecting its biocapacity. Table 1 Effects of the impacts and the possibility of managing the impact, (Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company, 2017)
Area of Effect Soil
Air
Project Phase All the phases
Construction, and decommissioning phase
Impact
Impact level
•
Soil erosion
•
Pollution due to the waste generation
Negligible (-)
Mitigation measure Avoid
Mitigation • •
Avoid throwing waste, and burning it Avoid fuel leakage
Quality of Air and Emissions
Negligible (-)
Minimize
•
Training of workers
•
Managing the wastes
•
Monitoring and supervision Improving the usage of tools and devices Maintaining the devices regularly
• •
26
• Water
All the phases
• •
Water consumption Sewage
Negligible (-)
•
Minimize
• • •
Flaura
All the phases
Possible negative impact on plants
Negligible (-)
•
Avoid
• • Fauna
All the phases
Possible negative impact on animals
Negligible (-)
•
Avoid
• • • Migratory birds
Operation phase
Social impact
All the phases
Economic Impact
All the phases
•
Accumulated impacts on birds • The possible impacts that could be harmful for birds Health and safety of workers Health and safety of people Accessibility and traffic problem Employment of workers The project produces clean renewable electricity which lowers the usage of fuel energy that causes harmful emissions
27
Severe Impact (-)
Minimize
Minor (-)
Minimize
High Positive Impact High positive Impact
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Monitoring and supervision Minimize the usage of water Collecting the clean water in clean containers Training of workers to use the water wisely Treatment of sewage water Avoid harming the plants in any way. Training of workers Monitoring and supervision Avoid hunting animals Avoid harming the animals in any way Training of workers Monitoring and supervision
-
•
Apply the health and safety system
3.2 Marine Structures in El Sharm El Quible region on the coastal area of the Red Sea Red SeaIgovernorate enjoysIuniqueIbiodiversity, Iwhere waters aboundIIwith manyIdifferentIenvironments suchIasIcoral reefs, Isea grass beds, Isandy beachesIandIrocky in additionItoIterrestrial environments, IsuchIas wetlands, and saltImarsh. IThese environmentsIcontaining more than 1000 species, TheIsite lies withinIa numberIof touristicIsites in ElISharm El QuibleIregion on the coastalIarea of theIRedISea. TheIEIA implemendedIincludesIsite selection, baselineImitigation measurement, and environmentalImanagementIplan. EIA studyIis done forIestablishing fourIjetties in frontI ofIfour hotelsIand twoIjetties in frontIof twoImarinas.
3.2 EIA Tools and methods project application: EIA TOOLS
COVERED
MEETING OF EXPERTS
Description Not covered The impactsIresulting from the project were categorized as a positive or negative impact; then latter wereIfurther analyzed and its magnitudeIassessed as: negligible, low, medium, or high. Various considerations come into play as the experts assessed the impacts.
CHECKLISTS
SIMPLE CAUSE EFFECTS MATRICES
Not covered
GRAPHS AND FLOW CHARTS
Not covered
ENVIROMENTAL CARTOGRAPHY
Not covered
NETWORKS
Not covered
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Not covered
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Not covered
MATRICES
3.2.1 Impacts of the projects on the environment There are two types of impacts on the environment that could occur due to any type of project. These types are the positive impact, and the negative impact.
3.2.1.1 PositiveIimpacts ofIthe Jetty The construction of theIJetty could have positiveIdifferent types of impacts for different users. The main aim of theIJetty project isIto enable safe and easy access to the sea for the visitors who wish to go swimming, as it helps them to bypass the areas of the coral reef which are harmful to the marine environment (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012). The construction of the Jetty will need the help of engineers, designer, contractors, and employment of labor, this results a chance for these people to work and lower the unemployment by providing a work for them in this project (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012). The project also has a positive impact on the economyIof the city andInearby cities, Isuch as MarsaIAlam, as it will require the process of transferring of materialsIneededIfor the construction of theIJetty (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012). To sum up, the following graph shows the positive impacts of the Jetty
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Figure 17 Positive impacts of the project, (Researcher,2020)
3.2.1.2 Negative impacts of the Jetty InIorder to identify the impactsIon the environment resulting from the Jetty project (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012), this requires a study of the areas of effect in the surroundingIenvironment such as: •
TheInatural environmentI (Soil, Ifreshwater, air andInoise)
•
The ecologicalIenvironment (Flaura, Fauna andImarine organisms)
•
SocialIand culturalIenvironment
•
Public health and safety
3.2.2 Tools and methods used for Identifying the impacts In order to identify and measure the impacts of the Jetty project (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012), it will be illustrated in the form of a checklist that will divide the impacts on two different phases as follows: •
the construction phase.
•
the operationalIphase.
TheImain aimIof the Jetty project isIto ease the accessibility of people to deep sea places to be able to swim. The use of Jetties is limited to guests reaching Deepwater, so the methods and materials of construction will be of light metal and wood. The only use of the Jetty is to make people reach Deepwater easier. (El 30
Gohary & Hassan, 2012) The research will use the checklist tool to illustrate the impacts resulting from both the construction and operational phase. The environmental impact assessment will be performed with respect to the following factors: •
The possible damage on the environment (ICertain, Iprobable, uncertainI)
•
ScopeIof impact (Poor, Imedium, large)
•
The recoverability from the impact of the environment, or its acceptability to heal (ISubject, Icannot be).
•
TheIpermanency of the impactI (temporary, permanent).
TheIfactors will help to scientifically measure and assess the impact of the project and lowering the results of the impact to be one of three potentials: poor, moderate of severe (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012). To sum up, the following diagram concludes the level of impact taking in consideration the abovementioned factors that influence the degree of the harmful effects of the impact.
Severe Moderate
Poor
Figure 18 The levels of impacts on the environment, (hassan, 2020)
The following table shows the checklist developed for identifying the impacts of the activities and its effect on the environment during the construction phase: 31
Table 2 The simple Checklist showing the impacts of the Jetty project during the construction phase, (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012)
The following table shows the checklist that identifies the impacts of the activities of the operational phase of the project: Table 3 The Checklist showing the impacts of the Jetty project during the operational phase, (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012)
In order to determine the importance of each impact category the research used a scaling checklist to present the expected impacts of the project’s activities along the construction and operational phases as shown in the following table
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Table 4 The scaling checklist of the EIA of the Project during Construction and Operation Phases, (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012)
3.2.3 Mitigation measures There are some areas of effect that may be affected from the construction and operation of the Jetty project, which should be protected. These criteria are as follows:
3.2.3.1 Sedimentation, Erosion and theIshoreline: TheIdesign of the JettyIwill be simply woodenIpanels established on a metalIstructure that is supported on columns (piles) to make it raise above the surface of the water. Hence, there will be no deposition, erosion or any harmful changes to the boundary of the beach (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012).
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3.2.3.2 Air pollution and noise: The construction should consider the use of public transportation, and study the traffic in the city, by avoiding or lowering the delivery of construction materials at night to prevent the annoyance of the residents (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012).
3.2.3.3 Soil pollution waste: The project should consider the safe conserving of the construction materials to prevent the spread out of material due to wind movement. It should also consider the safe disposal of the construction solid waste. In order to avoid the soil contamination resulting form liquid or solid wastes, there will be no permanent workers in the site (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012).
3.2.3.4 disturbance of marine organisms the construction of the jetties requires a metal support which will be columns formed as metal piles positioned at the bottom of the sea. This shall not have a bad impactIon marine life, but the machinesIthat will be used to establish these piles could have some negative impacts on marine organisms and cause disturbance, yet the impact is weak (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012).
3.2.3.5 PublicIhealthIand safety There should be signs in the construction site to alert the drivers in the area that there is a construction taking place in the project are. It is also essential to provide the aid in the construction site considering if any of the workers got injured (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012). To sum up, the following diagram concludes the end point categories that the project could have negative impact on it:
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Air pollution and Noise
Public Health and Safety
Soil pollution Waste
Disturbance of Marine Organisms
Figure 19 Project’s Areas of Effect, (Researcher,2020)
3.2.4 EnvironmentalIManagementIPlan (EMP) The research proposes anIenvironmentalImanagement planI (EMP) to ensure the compatibility with the EIA. This should help in proposing a framework that assists in mitigating and managing the harmful impact of the Jetty project on the environment. It could also help monitoring the workability of the applied mitigation plan (El Gohary & Hassan, 2012). The report also includes a monitoring program that is designed cautiously and related to theIEIA predictions and theIenvironmental indicatorsIthat achieves theIsustainability of the project. Accordingly, the EIAIshould provide a recommended monitoring plan, monitoring intervals and reporting procedures. The following graph shows the relevant parameters that should be monitored:
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Figure 20 Monitoring plan, (Researcher,2020)
To sum up, the following figure shows the mitigation measures that makes sure the EIA is committed and the level of proposing the solution for the impacts of the projects.
Screening the affected areas
Scoping the mitigation measure
EIA OverView ( simple and scaling Checklist)
Figure 21 EIA Plan of the research
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proposing an EMP
Monitoring
3.2.5 Discussion and results The research uses the simple Checklist tool to identify the impacts of the Jetty project on the surrounding environment. It also uses a scaling checklist to measure the importance of each impact category. Checklists are done in the scoping phase of the EIA after the baseline study and is based on the data obtained from it. It basically illustrates which activities in the project are going to affect which environmental aspects (Saurab, 2016). In order to prepare a checklist, first, the activities is listed, then the areas that could be affected by the activity, followed by categorizing the ecological aspects in that area that will be affected due to the impact of the activity (Primary Impact), then listing the indirect impacts in the area (secondary impacts), then listing the tertiary impacts which affect areas outside the specific area. Finally, temporal and cumulative aspects of the activity are listed in the table (Saurab, 2016). The advantage of using this tool is that it is not expensive and does not take so much time. It considers the different levels of impacts caused by the activities. It means that it can show the primary and secondary impacts of an activity, it also identifies the temporary and long-term effects, it also considers the intermittent effects, and finally it views the effects individually and cumulatively (Saurab, 2016).
3.2.6 Limitations of using the Checklists Checklists have a lot of drawbacks. First, according the guidelines for preparing a checklist, the prepared lists are very long. Furthermore, it is very controversial. It means that an EIA team could find an impact major, while another might not. They are also very confusing as it contains the primary, secondary, temporal and tertiary impacts. To conclude, checklists are needlessly long and confusing (Saurab, 2016).
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They are only recommended for small scale projects (Saurab, 2016). The following graph concludes the limitations of the Checklist tool in the EIA report
Figure 22 Limitations of the Checklist tool, (Researcher, 2020)
3.2.7 Suitability of the Tools Checklists are only suitable to be used for minor scale projects, that are not harmful or does not have a strong impact on the environment (Saurab, 2016).
3.2.8 Comparison Checklists are too long. It also takes so much effort to explain an impact or describing it in words. While matrices use quantitative criteria that ease the process of describing the impact. Checklists are not able to handle assessing various levels of impacts expressively. This problem could be resolved by using the matrices. Matrices are also flexible as they could be utilized to fit micro and macro scale projects.
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4 .Conclusion The environmental impact assessment process consists of multistepIprocedure to ensure thatIenvironmental considerationsIare included in decisionsIregardingIprojects that may impact theIenvironment. Further more helpsIidentify the possibleIenvironmental effectsIof a certain project activities and howIthose impacts can beImitigated. Similary, how it was found on the EIAs established for the two choosen case studies. Both of the EIA documents focused on identifying certain most likely impacts on the physical environment(8), as wellIas social, cultural, and healthIimpacts.
Figure 23 example of the enviromental impacts identified (source:developed by author,2020)
The choosen projects were both type grey projects(B) , so they both accourding to the EEAA don’t require a full EIA report but are most likely to cause severe enviromental impacts . The tools used in the Marine Structures in El SharmIEl QuibleIregion on the coastal area of the RedISea were checklists while the other case study focused its impact assesment on conducting a Leopold Matrix .
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After identifying certain revalent impacts of the two project. The comprehended EIA reports provided clarification on how standard EIA tools such checklists and matrices were able to justify which enviromental impacts could be avoided or neglected and which one are the most essential in terms of conducting a standard EIA . According To the two tools selected as the aim of study which is the (suitability of the tool) for the two case studies. it was justified that why certain tool was used in one project and not the other.
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5.References aziz, s. (2015 ). Environmental Legislation Guides in. iraq. Bassili, G. (2015). Energy Efficiency Building Codes and Green Pyramid Rating System. CAIRO. Eccleston, C. (2011). Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Best Professional Practices. USA: CRC Press. EIA. (2020, 14 4). Retrieved from EEAA: http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/en-us/services/eia.aspx El Gohary, R., & Hassan, N. A. A. (2012). Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of marine structures - A case study. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 16(5), 689–698. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205012-1347-5 Saurab. (2016). Checklists in Environmental Impact Assessment – Eco-intelligent. https://ecointelligent.com/2016/11/12/checklists-in-environmental-impact-assessment/ Ras Gharib Wind Energy Company. (2017). Environmental Impact Assessment Scoped Form ( B )
ة5 . 262 مادختساب ةقاطال ديلوتل ةطحمل ةيعامتجالاو ةيئيبال تا ريثأتال مييقت ةسا رد سيوسال جيلخب تاواجي م سرام2017 كالمال: ش حايرال ةقاطل براغ س ر أ ةكرش. م. ردقب حايرال تاقـفرمال م. Saurab. (2016). Matrices in Environmental Impact Assessment – Eco-intelligent. https://ecointelligent.com/2016/12/10/matrices-in-environmental-impact-assessment/#comments
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