More from Dr.Rajashekar Matpathi

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , Module-5 Social Issues and the Environment Protection Act, Social Issues and the Environment: Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclearaccidents and, holocaust. Case Studies. Wasteland reclamation, Consumerism and waste products, Environment Protection Act, Air, (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, Wildlife Protection Act, Forest, Conservation Act, Issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation., , 15scheme Jan2018, 1, , 2, , 15scheme Jan2019, 3, 4, 15scheme Jan2020, (08 Marks), 5 a. What is acid rain? What are its effects and write a short note on Ozone layer depletion?, b. Discuss : i) Wildlife Protection Act ii) Forest Conservation Act., (08 Marks), a. What are the regulations governing Water Pollution Prevention Act'?, (08 Marks), 6, b. Explain the impact of global warming on our mother nature., (08 Marks), 17scheme Jan2020, (10 Marks), 7 a. Discuss any two case studies related to pollution of environment in detail, b. Explain sources of Air Pollution, (10 Marks), Write short notes on:, 8, a. Global warming, (05 Marks), b. Acid Rain, (05 Marks), c. Ozone layer depletion, (05 Marks), d. Forest Conservation Act, (05 Marks), 1.What do you understand by climate change? What are the reasons and its effects, 2. Explain global warming with a neat sketch, 3. Explain acid rain with suitable equations, 4. What is ozone? Describe ozone layer depletion and its causes, effects and its control measures, 5. Describe any one nuclear accident, 6. Write short notes on Environment Protection Act, 7. Write short notes on Air Protection Act, 8. Write short notes on Water Protection Act, 9. Write short notes on Forest Conservation Act, 10. What do you understand by waste land reclamation, , 1.What do you understand by climate change? What are the reasons and its effects?, Climate is a long-term pattern of weather condition for a given area. Whether is condition of atmosphere, at a particular place and time such as temperature, rain, humidity etc., Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 1

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , Until middle of 20th century earth’s climate was generally regarded unchanging but now the change is, observed in many nations. There are various factors contributing to climate change which include flow of, solar energy, condition of atmosphere, currents and other processes of oceans etc. global warming too is, responsible for climate change, Human activities such as transportation, industries are contributing to the global warming and climate change, too., Reasons for Climate Change: Climate affected by: winds, clouds, ocean currents, and albedo, ➢ Increased concentration of CO2 (right), ➢ Burning fossil fuels in cars, industry and homes, ➢ Deforestation, ➢ Burning of forests, Evidence of Climate Change, o, , 1. Avg global temperature has climbed 0.6 C over last century, 2. Arctic sea ice is 40% thinner, Antarctic glaciers are retreating, 50m/yr., 3. Alpine glaciers are retreating, 4. Ocean acidification, 5. Sea level has risen, 6. Changes in animal behavior, breeding cycles, 7. Storm frequency and intensity are increasing, Effects of Climate Change, Melting Ice and Rising Sea Level, ➢ Sea level rise caused in 2 ways, ➢ Thermal Expansion, ➢ Water expands as it warms, ➢ Melting of land ice, ➢ Retreat of glacier and thinning of ice at the poles, ➢ Melting has positive feedback, ➢ Increased melting decreases ice, which decreases albedo leading to further warming, Changes in Precipitation Patterns, Effects on Organisms, Effects on Human Health, One Health, Effects on Agriculture, , 2. Explain global warming with a neat sketch, Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in recent, decades and its projected continuation. The Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of radiation. The, Earth reflects about 30% of the incident solar flux; the remaining 70% is absorbed, warming the land,, atmosphere and oceans. The visible solar radiation heats the surface, not the atmosphere, whereas most of, the infrared radiation escaping to space is emitted from the upper atmosphere, not the surface., The green house gas concentration in atmosphere was 280 ppm in the year 1750 and today in 2017 it, stands at 400 ppm. There is considerable increase in GHG concentration in atmosphere mainly due to, anthropogenic activities. The per capita CO2 emissions in India are 1.5 ton/annum against 6.1 ton of, China and 20 ton/annum by USA as on 2017. The earth is becoming warm as the GHG gases in atmosphere, are acting like glass. They allow the sun rays to enter the atmosphere and reach earth but do not allow the, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., 2

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , reflected energy to go back like glass does in a solar water heater. Thus the atmosphere is getting heated up, and in turn the earth is getting fever. GHG gases are required to keep planet earth warm but increased levels, are causing global warming., , On Earth, the major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36–70% of the, greenhouse effect (not including clouds); carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes 9–26%; methane (CH4),, which causes 4–9%; and ozone, which causes 3–7%. The greenhouse gases traps these radiations preventing, their reflection or escape back to atmosphere and this results in warming of land surface. Hence, it’s a natural, phenomenon. Hence excessive concentration of these gases resulting from natural or man-made activities, building up in drastic proportions leads to greenhouse effect., 1.Carbon Dioxide(CO2), Sources: Released by the combustion of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas), flaring of natural gas,, changes in land use (deforestation, burning and clearing land for agricultural purposes), and manufacturing, of cement., Sinks: Photosynthesis and deposition to the ocean., Significance: Accounts for about half of all warming potential caused by human activity., Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 3

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , 2.Methane(CH4), Sources: Landfills, wetlands and bogs, domestic livestock, coal mining, wet rice growing, natural gas, pipeline leaks, biomass burning, and termites., Sinks: Chemical reactions in the atmosphere., Significance: Molecule for molecule, methane traps heat 20-30 times more efficiently than CO2. Within 50, years it could become the most significant greenhouse gas., 3.Nitrous Oxide(N2O) [296 times potential than CO2], Sources: Burning of coal and wood, as well as soil microbes' digestion., Sinks: Chemical reactions in the atmosphere., Significance: Long-lasting gas that eventually reaches the stratosphere where it participates in ozone, destruction., 4.Ozone(O3), Sources: Not emitted directly, ozone is formed in the atmosphere through photochemical reactions involving, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight., Sinks: Deposition to the surface, chemical reactions in the atmosphere., Significance: In the troposphere ozone is a pollutant. In the stratosphere it absorbs hazardous ultraviolet, radiation., 5.Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Sources: Used for many years in refrigerators, automobile air conditioners, solvents, aerosol propellants and, insulation, Sinks: Degradation occurs in the upper atmosphere at the expenses of the ozone layer. One CFC molecule, can initiate the destruction of as many as 100,000 ozone molecules., Significance: The most powerful of greenhouse gases — in the atmosphere one molecule of CFC has about, 20,000 times the heat trapping power on a molecule of CO2., , Control Measures Global Warming, 1. Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Change Your Air Filter, 2. Use Recycled Paper Check Your Water Heater, 3. Use Solar-heated Water Change the AC Filter, 4. Take Shorter Showers Install a Low-Flow Showerhead, 5. Buy Products Locally Buy Minimally Packaged Goods, 6. Buy a Hybrid Car, Bio-fuel driven Buy a Fuel Efficient Car,, 7. Carpool When You Can Reduce Garbage, 8. Plant a Tree Buy Organic Food, 9. Replace Old Appliances Use a Push Mower, 10. Unplug Un-Used Electronics Air Dry Your Clothes, 11. Insulate Your Home Switch to Double Pane Windows, 12. Bring Cloth Bags to the Market & Turn off Your Computer Whenever Possible, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 4

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , 3. Explain acid rain with suitable equations, ACID RAIN: Acid rain is defined as any type of precipitation with a pH that is unusually low. Rain water, pH is around 5.7 due to certain concentration of CO2 dissolved as rainwater trickles., down atmosphere, i.e. CO2+H2O→HCO3- +H+, Dissolved carbon dioxide dissociates to form weak carbonic acid giving a pH of approximately 5.6 at typical, atmospheric concentrations of CO2. Therefore, a pH of less than 5.6 has sometimes been used as a definition, of acid rain., , Causes, The principal natural phenomena that contribute acid-producing gases to the atmosphere are emissions from, volcanoes and those from biological processes that occur on the land, in wetlands, and in the oceans. The, major biological source of sulfur containing compounds is dimethyl sulfide., The principal cause of acid rain is sulfuric and nitrogen compounds from human sources, such as, electricity generation, factories, and motor vehicles. Coal power plants are one of the most polluting. The, gases can be carried hundreds of kilometers in the atmosphere before they are converted to acids and, deposited. Factories used to have short funnels to let out smoke, but this caused many problems, so now,, factories have longer smoke funnels. The problem with this is those pollutants get carried far off, where it, creates more destruction., Sulfur dioxide contributes to about 70% of acid rain while nitrogen oxides provide the remaining, 30%. The sources of sulfur in the atmosphere include coal combustion, smelting, organic decay, and ocean, spray. Approximately ninety percent of atmospheric sulfur results from human activities., In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide combines with water vapor to form hydrogen sulfite gas:, SO2 + H2O+1/2O2 → H2SO4, Next, hydrogen sulfite reacts with oxygen to form sulfuric acid, a major component of acid rain:, H2SO3 + 1/2O2 → H2SO4, The sources of nitrogen oxides include the combustion of oil, coal and natural gas, forest fires, bacterial, action in soil, volcanic gases, and lighting-induced atmospheric reactions. In the atmosphere, nitrogen, monoxide reacts with oxygen gas to form nitrogen dioxide gas:, NO + 1/2O2 → NO2, Then, nitrogen dioxide reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere to form hydrogen nitrite and, hydrogen nitrate: 2NO2 + H2O → HNO2 + HNO3, Henceforth, acid rain is a mixture of HNO3, H2SO4 + HCl. however conditions needed to favor, formation of these are sunlight, temperature, humidity, hydrocarbons, NOX, SO2., , Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 5

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , Effects, Both the lower pH and higher aluminum concentrations in surface water that occur as a result of acid rain, can cause damage to fish and other aquatic animals. At pH lower than 5 most fish eggs will not hatch and, lower pH can kill adult fish. As lakes become more acidic biodiversity is reduced. Soil biology can be, seriously damaged by acid rain. Some tropical microbes can quickly consume acids but other microbes are, unable to tolerate low pH and are killed., Acid rain can slow the growth of forests, cause leaves and needles to turn brown and fall off and die. In, extreme cases trees or whole areas of forest can die. The death of trees is not usually a direct result of acid, rain; often it weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to other threats. Some scientists have suggested, direct links to human health, but none have been proven. However, fine particles, a large fraction of which, are formed from the same gases as acid rain (sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide), have been shown to cause, illness and premature deaths such as cancer and other deadly diseases, Toxic metals released into the environment by acid rain may enter water supplies or accumulate in fish and, crops. Acid deposition also destroys statues, headstones, buildings, and fountains. Limestone structures are, especially susceptible because they dissolve easily in acidic solutions. Acid rain can also cause damage to, certain building materials and historical monuments. Acid rain can cause weathering on ancient and valuable, statues and has caused considerable damage. This is because the sulfuric acid in the rain chemically reacts, with the calcium compounds in the stones (limestone, sandstone, marble and granite) to create gypsum,, which then flakes off. Acid rain also causes an increased rate of oxidation for iron., , Control Measures, 1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7., , Design more efficient automobile engines in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions., Increase efficiency of power plants that burn coal in order to reduce waste that contains sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide., Increase penalties on industries that do not meet air pollution guidelines., Increase tax incentives to industries that do meet guidelines., Use alternative energy sources, Increase funding for alternative energy sources; for example, give tax, incentives to buyers of hybrid cars., Provide tax incentives to companies that use alternative energy sources., Add CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) to lakes suffering from acid deposition; calcium carbonate acts as a, buffer, resisting a change in pH and lessening the negative effects of acid rain., , 4. What is ozone? Describe ozone layer depletion and its causes, effects and its control, measures, OZONE DEPLETION, Ozone is formed by the action of sunlight on oxygen. It forms a layer 20 to 50kms above the surface of the, earth. This action takes place naturally in the atmosphere but is very slow., Ozone is a highly poisonous gas with a strong odour. It is a form of oxygen that has three atoms in each, molecule. It is considered a pollutant at ground level and constitutes a health hazard by causing respiratory, ailments like asthma and bronchitis. It also causes harm to vegetation and leads to a deterioration of certain, materials like plastic and rubber. Ozone in the upper atmosphere, however, is vital to all life as it protects, the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere absorbs the, sun’s ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the earth’s surface., This layer in the atmosphere protects life on earth from the dangerous UV radiation from the sun. In the, 1970s, scientists discovered that chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, which were used as, refrigerants and aerosol spray propellants, posed a threat to the ozone layer. The CFC molecules are virtually, indestructible until they reach the stratosphere, where UV radiation breaks them down to release chlorine, atoms. The chlorine atoms react with ozone molecules which break down into oxygen molecules, which do, not absorb UV radiations. Since the early 1980s, scientists detected a thinning of the ozone layer in the, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 6

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , atmosphere above Antarctica. This phenomenon is now being detected in other places as well including, Australia. Although the use of CFCs has been reduced and now banned in most countries, other chemicals,, and industrial compounds such as bromine, halocarbons and nitrous oxides from fertilizers may also attack, the ozone layer., The destruction of the ozone layer is seen to cause increased cases of skin cancer and cataracts. It also causes, damage to certain crops and Ozone layer is an umbrella 24 km [15 miles] from earth surface, an essential, component of the stratosphere that absorbs short wavelength ultraviolet radiation from the sun, heating the, gases of the stratosphere in the process. This is the reason temperatures rise with increasing altitude in the, stratosphere, and also the reason life was able to move out of the oceans and on to the land, evolving into the, diverse biosphere we know today., , World ozone day is celebrated on Sept, 16 of every year. Stratospheric ozone is measured in Dobson units, [DU] named after G.M.B Dobson who pioneered the study; [I Dobson unit = 0.01 mm thickness of, stratospheric ozone], Average ozone thickness in stratosphere is 300 DU, & when it falls below 200 DU,, it’s considered as Ozone hole. It is thinnest around equator and thickest near poles. Stratospheric ozone, depletion is the term applied to the loss of stratospheric ozone molecules(O3) and the disruption of OxygenOzone concentration equilibrium in stratosphere [i.e., when chlorine atoms upset the natural O2/O3, equilibrium in the stratosphere]. Oxygen molecules interact with the intense solar radiation present at this, elevation to form oxygen atoms. The oxygen atoms thus generated react with other oxygen molecules to form, ozone (O3)., Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 7

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , Causes, Ozone depletion is caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) and other ozonedepleting, substances (ODS), which were used widely as refrigerants, insulating foams, and solvents. The discussion, below focuses on CFCs, but is relevant to all ODS [NO, NO2 (aircraft exhaust), Br-, UV rays, [O] Atomic, oxygen etc.]., Although CFCs are heavier than air, they are eventually carried into the stratosphere in a process that can, take as long as 2 to 5 years. It can be recalled that commercial airliners [sub-sonic] fly in lower stratosphere,, jet airliners [super-sonic] fly in the troposphere, When CFCs reach the stratosphere, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes them to break apart and, release chlorine atoms which react with ozone, starting chemical cycles of ozone destruction that deplete the, ozone layer. One chlorine atom can break apart more than 100,000 ozone molecules. Other chemicals that, damage the ozone layer include methyl bromide (used as a pesticide), halons (used in fire extinguishers),, and methyl chloroform (used as a solvent in industrial processes). As methyl bromide and halons are broken, apart, they release bromine atoms, which are 40 times more destructive to ozone molecules than chlorine, atoms., While it is true that volcanoes and oceans release large amounts of chlorine, the chlorine from these sources, is easily dissolved in water and washes out of the atmosphere in rain. In contrast, CFCs are not broken down, in the lower atmosphere and do not dissolve in water, The chlorine in these human-made molecules does reach the stratosphere. Measurements show that the, increase in stratospheric chlorine since 1985 matches the amount released from CFCs and other ozonedepleting substances produced and released by human activities., The Chapman Cycle, Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFC’s, are inert molecules that are not removed in the troposphere. They have, residence times of over a hundred years and ultimately diffuse through the troposphere to the stratosphere., In the stratosphere CFC’s are exposed to the intense solar radiation that cannot penetrate the ozone layer,, and the CFC’s become photo chemically active. The result is the production of chlorine atoms and chlorine, oxide molecules, two substances that behave very much like nitrogen oxide in the unperturbed atmosphere., Ozone Depletion by CFC’s, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 8

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , All above reactions occur in the presence of UV rays, while the 2nd set of reactions governs the oxygenozone equilibrium due to its spontaneity., , Effects, Effect of ozone hole include cataract, genetic mutation, constriction of blood vessels, reduced crop yield,, leukemia, breast cancer, damage to crop, aqua culture, etc., The higher energy UV radiation absorbed by, ozone is generally accepted to be a contributory factor to skin cancer. In addition, increased surface UV, leads to increased tropospheric ozone, which is a health risk to humans. The increased surface UV also, represents an increase in the vitamin D synthetic capacity of the sunlight. It should be deduced that the above, impacts are not due to exposure of Ozone but due to the UV rays that have reached the earth surface through, the ozone holes. One important health hazard is Snow Blindness [photo keratosis], i.e., inflammation of, cornea (outer coating of eyeball). The most common forms of skin cancer in humans, basal and squamous, cell carcinomas have been strongly linked to UVB exposure. Another form of skin cancer, malignant, melanoma, is much less common but far more dangerous, being lethal in about 15% - 20% of the cases, diagnosed, Presence of ozone causes plants to close their stomata, a defence mechanism that blocks out CO2 as well, inhibiting photosynthesis and respiration. Gross productivity to conduct photosynthesis will decrease at least, by 14-23% due to this. In India there is no standard for Ozone. However, WHO standard is 100 ppm for 8, hrs – avg., , Control Measures, The results of 18-year study of the ozone column over Antarctica [1st spotted, 1979] showing that the ozone, column had decreased from 1957 to 1985, a 35% decrease., This report led through several regulatory steps to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed, by 139 nations, banning the production of CFCs by the year 2000., In 1978, the use of CFC propellants in spray cans was banned in the U.S. In the 1980s, the Antarctic "ozone, hole" appeared and an international science assessment more strongly linked the release of CFCs and ozone, depletion. It became evident that a stronger worldwide response was needed., In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, and the signatory nations committed themselves to a reduction, in the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. Since that time, the treaty has been amended to, ban CFC production after 1995 in the developed countries, and later in developing. Today, over 160, countries have signed the treaty. We can't make enough ozone to replace what's been destroyed, but provided, that we stop producing ozone-depleting substances, natural ozone production reactions should return the, ozone layer to normal levels by about 2050., It is very important that the world comply with the Montreal Protocol; delays in ending production could, result in additional damage and prolong the ozone layer's recovery. Control mechanism stresses on, replacement of the banned chemical by ammonia, steam, helium etc., The steady state condition of earth is disrupted by the presence of the excess greenhouse gasses. The solar, radiations strike as ultraviolet with long wavelength but on reflection they pare infrared with shorter, wavelengths., , Pollution Protection Acts in India, 1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7., , Wildlife protection act, 1972, Water act, 1974, Forest conservation act, 1980, Air act, 1981, Environmental protection act [EPA], 1986, Hazardous wastes rules, 1989, Public liability insurance act, 1991, , Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 9

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , 8. Bio-medical waste rules, 1998, 9. Noise pollution rules, 2000, , Central pollution control board, CPCB,, It is a statutory organization was constituted in Sept., 1974, under the water act. In the wake of Bhopal gas tragedy, Govt. of India enacted the EPA, 1986 under, article 253 of the constitution., Functions of CPCB at the national level include:, 1. Advise the central govt. on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and, air pollution and improvement of the quality of air., 2. Co-ordinate the activities of the state boards and resolve dispute among them., 3. Provide technical assistance and guidance to the state boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and, research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their prevention, control or abatement, of water and air pollution., 4. Organize through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the prevention,, control or abatement of water and air pollution., 5. Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution., 6. Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of, environmental pollution;, 7. Laying down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects;, 8. Laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources, whatsoever:, 9. Restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations, or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards;, 10. Laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause, environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents;, 11. Laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances;, 12. Examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause, environmental pollution;, 13. Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental, pollution;, 14. Inspection of any premises, plant, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes, materials, or substances and giving, by order, of such directions to such authorities, officers or persons as it may, consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution;, 15. Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution;, 16. Preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of, environmental pollution;, 17. Such other matters as the Central Government deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of, securing the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act., , THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT, 1972, It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir., It shall come into force in a State or Union Territory to which it extends, on such date as the Central, Government may, by notification, appoint, and different dates may be appointed for different provision, of this Act or for different States or Union Territories., The Act provides for the protection of Wild animals, birds and plants and for matters connected therewith, or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 10

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , "Animal" includes amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles, and their young, and also includes in the, cases of birds and reptiles, their eggs,, "hunting", includes, Capturing, killing, poisoning, snaring, and trapping or any wild animal and every, attempt to do so, Driving any wild animal for any of purposes specified in sub clause,, Injuring or destroying or taking any part of the body of any such animal, or in the case of wild birds or, reptiles, damaging the eggs of such birds or reptiles, or disturbing the eggs or nests of such birds or, reptiles;, 'Trophy" means the whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal, other than vermin, which, has been kept or preserved by any means, whether artificial or natural, and includes, rugs, skins, and, specimens of such animals mounted in whole or in part through a process of taxidermy, and antler, horn,, rhinoceros horn, feather, nail, tooth, musk, eggs, and nests;, "Wildlife" includes any animal, bees butterflies, crustacean, fish and moths; and aquatic or land, vegetation which forms part of any habitat;, , FOREST (CONSERVATION) ACT, 1980 WITH AMENDMENTS MADE IN 1988, It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It shall be deemed to have come, into force on the 25th day of October, 1980. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for, the time being in force in a State, no State Government or other authority shall make, except with the, prior approval of the Central Government, any order directing(i) That any reserved forest (within the meaning of the expression "reserved forest" in any law for the, time being in force in that State) or any portion thereof, shall cease to be reserved;, (ii) That any forest land or any portion thereof may be used for any non-forest purpose;, (iii) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any, private person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organization not owned, managed or, controlled by Government;, (iv) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be cleared of trees which have grown naturally in, that land or portion, for the purpose of using it for reafforestation, For the purpose of this section, "non-forest purpose" means the breaking up or clearing of any forest, land or portion thereof for(a) The cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil-bearing plants, horticultural crops or, medicinal plants;, (b) Any purpose other than re-afforestation;, It also defines the procedure to be followed for declaring an area to be a Reserved Forest, a Protected, Forest or a Village Forest., It defines what is a forest offence, what are the acts prohibited inside a Reserved Forest, and penalties, leviable on violation of the provisions of the Act., Reserved Forest is an area or mass of land duly notified under section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, [Act 16 of 1927] or under the reservation provisions of the Forest acts of the State Governments of the, Indian Union. The manner in which a Reserved Forest, shortly written as RF, has to be constituted is, described in section 3 to 20 of the Act. It is within power of a State Government to issue a preliminary, notification under section 4 of the Act declaring that it has been decided to constitute such land, as, specified in a Schedule with details of its location, area and boundary description, into a Reserved Forest., Protected Forest is an area or mass of land, which is not a reserved forest, and over which the Government, has property rights, declared to be so by a State Government under the provisions of the section 29 of, the Indian Forest Act, 1927. It does not require the long and tedious process of settlement, as in case of, declaration of a reserved forest... Further, in a protected forest, the Government may issue notifications, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 11

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , declaring certain trees to be reserved, or suspend private rights, if any, for a period not exceeding 30, years, or prohibit quarrying, removal of any forest produce, or breaking of land etc., Village Forest is constituted under section 28 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The Government may, assign to any village community the rights over a land which may be a part of a reserved forest for use, of the community. Usually, forested community lands are constituted into Village Grazing Reserve., , THE WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974, Definitions. In this Act, "outlet" includes any conduit pipe or channel, open or closed, carrying sewage, or trade effluent or any other holding arrangement which causes, or is likely to cause, pollution;, "pollution" means such contamination of water or such alteration of the physical, chemical or, biological properties of water or such discharge of any sewage or trade effluent or of any other liquid,, gaseous or solid substance into water (whether directly or indirectly) as may or is likely to, create a, nuisance or render such water harmful or injurious to public health or safety, or to domestic, commercial,, industrial, agricultural or other legitimate uses, or to the life and health of animals or plants or of aquatic, organisms;, The main objectives of the Water Act are to provide for prevention, control and abatement of water, pollution and the maintenance or restoration of the wholesomeness of water. It is designed to assess, pollution levels and punish polluters. The Central Government and State Governments have set up, Pollution Control Boards that monitor water pollution., Functions of the Pollution Control Boards:, The Government has given the necessary powers to the PCBs to deal with the problems of water pollution, in the country. The Government has also suggested penalties for violation of the provisions of the Act., Central and State water testing laboratories have been set up to enable the Boards to assess the extent of, water pollution and standards have been laid down to establish guilt and default., The Central and State Boards are entitled to certain powers and functions which are as follows:, Central Board:, 1. It has the power to advise the Central Government on any matters concerning the prevention and, control of water pollution., 2. The Board coordinates the activities of the State Boards and also resolves disputes., 3. The Central Board can provide technical assistance and guidelines to State Boards to carry out, investigations and research relating to water pollution, and organizes training for people involved, 4. in the process., 5. The Board organizes a comprehensive awareness program on water pollution through mass media and, also publishes data regarding water pollution., 6. The Board lays down or modifies the rules in consultation with the State Boards on standards of, disposal of waste., 7. The main function of the Central Board is to promote the cleanliness of rivers lakes streams and wells, in the country., State Boards:, 1. They have the power to advise the State Government on any matters concerning water pollution., 2. It plans a comprehensive program for the prevention of water pollution., 3. It collects and disseminates information on water pollution and participates in research in collaboration, with the Central Board in organizing training of people involved in the process., 4. The Board inspects sewage or trade effluents, treatment plants, purification plants and the systems of, disposal and also evolves economical and reliable methods of treatment of sewage and other effluents. It, plans the utilization of sewage water for agriculture., Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., 12

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , 5. It ensures that if effluents are to be discharged on land the waste is diluted., 6. The State Board advises State Governments with respect to location of industries. Laboratories have been, established to enable the Board to perform its functions., 7. The State Boards have the power to obtain information from officers empowered by it who make surveys,, keep records of flow, volume, and other characteristics of the water., They are given the power to take samples of effluents and suggest the procedures to be followed in connection, with the samples. The concerned board analyst is expected to analyze the sample sent to him and submit a, report of the result to the concerned Board. The Board is required to send a copy of the result to the respective, industry. The Board also has the power of inspecting any plant record, register, document or any material, object, and can conduct a search in any place in which there is reason to believe that an offence has been, conducted under the Act., Penalties are charged for acts that have caused pollution. This includes failing to furnish information required, by the Board, or failing to inform the occurrence of any accident or other unforeseen act. An individual or, organization that fails to comply with the directions given in the subsections of the law can be convicted or, punished with imprisonment for a term of three months or with a fine of Rs10,000 or both and in case, failure continues an additional fine of Rs.5,000 every day. If a person who has already, been convicted for any offence is found guilty of the same offence again, he/she after the second and every, subsequent conviction, would be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than two years but which, may extend to seven years with fine., What can individuals do to prevent water pollution?, 1. Inform the Pollution Control Board of any offender who is polluting water and ensure that appropriate, action is taken. One can also write to the press., 2. Do not dump wastes into a household or industrial drain which can directly enter any water body, such as, a stream, river, pond, lake or the sea., 3. Do not use toilets for flushing down waste items as they do not disappear but reappear at other places and, cause water pollution., 4. Use compost instead of chemical fertilizers in gardens., 5. Avoid use of pesticides at home like DDT, Melathion, Aldrin, and use alternative methods like paste of, boric acid mixed with gram flour to kill cockroaches and other insects., Use dried neem leaves to help keep away insects., "sewage effluent" means effluent from any sewerage system or sewage disposal works and, includes sullage from open drains; "sewer" means any conduit pipe or channel, open or closed, carrying, sewage or trade effluent;, "stream" includes - (i) river; (ii) water course (whether flowing or for the time being dry); (iii) inland water, (whether natural or artificial); (iv) sub-terranean waters; (v) sea or tidal waters to such extent or, as the case, may be, to such point as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this, behalf;, "trade effluent" includes any liquid, gaseous or solid substance which is discharged from any premises, used for carrying on any industry; operation or process or treatment and disposal system other than domestic, sewage., Prohibition on use of stream or well for disposal of polluting matter. no person shall knowingly cause, or permit any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter determined in accordance with such standards as may, be laid down by the State Board to enter (whether directly or indirectly) into any stream or well or sewer or, on land; or no person shall knowingly cause or permit to enter into any stream any other matter which may, tend, either directly or in combination with similar matters, to impede the proper flow of the water of the, stream in a manner leading or likely to lead to a substantial aggravation of pollution due to other causes or, of its consequence., A person shall not be guilty of an offence under sub-section (1), by reason only of having done or caused, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., 13

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , to be done any of the following acts, namely :(a) constructing, improving or maintaining in or across or on the bank or bed of any stream anybuilding,, bridge, weir, dam, sluice, dock, pier, drain or sewer or other permanent works which he has a right to, construct, improve or maintain;, (b) depositing any materials on the bank or in the bed of any stream for the purpose of reclaiming land or, for supporting, repairing or protecting the bank or bed of such stream provided such materials are not capable, of polluting such stream;, Restrictions on new outlets and new discharges., Subject to the provisions of this section, no person shall, without the previous consent of the State Board,, (a)establish or take any steps to establish any industry, operation or process, or any treatment and disposal, system or any extension or addition thereto, which is likely to discharge sewage or trade effluent into a, stream or well or sewer or on land (such discharge being hereafter in this section referred to as discharge of, sewage); or, (b) bring into use any new or altered outlet for the discharge of sewage; or, (c) being to make any new discharge of sewage., , THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981, It extends to the whole of India., It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,, appoint., Definitions. In this Act, "air pollutant" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance 2[(including noise)], present in the atmosphere in such concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to human beings or other, living creatures or plants or property or environment., "Air pollution" means the presence in the atmosphere of any air, This Act is created ‘to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural resources of the earth which, among other things includes the preservation of high quality air and ensures controlling the level of air, pollution., The main objectives of the Act are as follows:, 1. To provide for the Prevention, Control and abatement of air pollution., 2. To provide for the establishment of Central and State Boards with a view to implement the Act., 3. To confer on the Boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act and assign to the, Boards functions relating to pollution., Air pollution is more acute in heavily industrialized and urbanized areas, which are also densely populated., The presence of pollution beyond certain limits due to various pollutants discharged through industrial, emission are monitored by the Pollution Control Boards set up in every State., Powers and Functions of the Boards, Central Board: The main function of the Central Board is to implement legislation created to improve the, quality of air and to prevent and control air pollution in the country., The Board advises the Central Government on matters concerning the improvement of air quality and also, coordinates activities,, Provides technical assistance & guidance to State Boards and lays down standards for the quality of air., It collects and disseminates information in respect of matters relating to air pollution and performs functions, as prescribed in the Act., State Pollution Control Boards: The State Boards have the power to advice the State Government on any, matter concerning the prevention and control of air pollution., Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 14

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , They have the right to inspect at all reasonable times any control equipment, industrial plant, or, manufacturing process and give orders to take the necessary steps to control pollution., They are expected to inspect air pollution control areas at intervals or whenever necessary., They are empowered to provide standards for emissions to be laid down for different industrial plants with, regard to quantity and composition of emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere., A State Board may establish or recognize a laboratory to perform this function., The State Governments have been given powers to declare air pollution control areas after consulting with, the State Board and also give instructions for ensuring standards of emission from automobiles and, restriction on use of certain industrial plants., Penalties: Persons managing industry are to be penalized if they produce emissions of air pollutants in, excess of the standards laid down by the State Board. The Board also makes applications to the court for, restraining persons causing air pollution., Whoever contravenes any of the provision of the Act or any order or direction issued is punishable with, imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with a fine of Rs.10,000 or with both ,and, in case of continuing offence with an additional fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 for every day during, which such contravention continues after conviction for the first contravention., What can an individual do to control air pollution?, 1) When you see a polluting vehicle take down the number and send a letter to the Road Transport Office, (RTO) and the Pollution Control Board (PCB)., 2) If you observe an industry polluting air, inform the Pollution Control Board in writing and ascertain if, action is taken., 3) Use cars only when absolutely necessary. Walk or cycle as much as possible instead of using fossil fuel, powered vehicles., 4) Use public transport as far as possible, as more people can travel in a single large vehicle rather than using, multiple small vehicles which add to pollution., 5) Share a vehicle space with relatives and friends. Carpools minimize the use of fossil fuels., 6) Do not use air fresheners and other aerosols & sprays which contain CFCs that deplete the ozone layer., 7) Do not smoke in a public place. It is illegal and endangers not only your own health but also that of others., 8) Coughing can spread bacteria and viruses. Use a handkerchief to prevent droplet infection which is air, borne. It endangers the health of other people., It is a citizen’s duty to report to the local authorities such as the Collector or the Pollution Control Board,, and the press about offences made by a polluter so that action can be taken against the offender. It is equally, important to prevent and report to the authorities on cutting down of trees, as this reduces nature’s ability to, maintain the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. preventing air pollution and preserving the quality of our air, is a responsibility that each individual must support so that we can breathe air that will not destroy our health., "Approved fuel" means any fuel approved by the State Board for the purposes of this Act;, "Automobile" means any vehicle powered either by internal combustion engine or by any method of, generating power to drive such vehicle by burning fuel;, "Central Board- means the 3[Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution] constituted, under section 3 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;, "Chimney" includes any structure with an opening or outlet from or through which any air, pollutant may be emitted,, "Control equipment" means any apparatus, device, equipment or system to control the quality and manner, of emission of any air pollutant and includes any device used for securing the efficient operation of any, industrial plant;, "Emission" means any solid or liquid or gaseous substance coming out of any chimney, duct or flue or any, other outlet;, "Industrial plant" means any plant used for any industrial or trade purposes and emitting any air pollutant, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., 15

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , into the atmosphere;, "Occupier", in relation to any factory or premises, means the person who has control over the affairs of the, factory or the premises, and includes, in relation to any substance, the person in possession of the substance;, , INDIA – ENVIRONMENTAL (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986 [EPA], It extends to the whole of India, It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and for different areas., In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-(a) "environment" includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and, between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism, and property;, (b) "Environmental pollutant" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration, as may be, or tend to be, injurious to environment;, (c) "Environmental pollution" means the presence in the environment of any environmental pollutant;, (d) "handling", in relation to any substance, means the manufacture, processing, treatment, package,, storage, transportation, use, collection, destruction, conversion, offering for sale, transfer or the like of such, substance;, (e) "hazardous substance" means any substance or preparation which, by reason of its chemical or physicochemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living creatures, plant, microorganism, property or the environment., , Municipal Solid Wastes, Sl.No, 1, , Source, Residential, , Typical waste generators, Single and Multi-family dwellings, , 2, , Industrial, , 3, , Commercial, , Light and heavy manufacturing, fabrication, construction sites,, power and chemical plants, Stores, hotels, markets, office, building etc., , 4, , Institutional, , 5, , Construction, Demolition, , 6, , Municipal, service, , 7, , Agriculture, , Schools, hospitals, prisons,, government centre’s etc., New construction sites, road, repair,, renovation, sites,, demolition of buildings etc, Street cleaning, landscaping,, parks, beaches, other recreational, areas, water and waste water, treatment plants etc., Crops, orchards, Vineyards,, dairies, farms,etc., , Types of Solid Waste, Food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics,, textiles, leather, wood, glass, metals, ashes,, consumer, electronics,, batteries,, oil,, housekeeping waste etc, Construction and demolition materials,, hazardous wastes, ashes, special waste etc., Paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, food waste,, glass, metals, special waste and hazardous, waste etc., Paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, food waste,, glass, metals, special waste and hazardous, waste etc, Wood, steel, concrete etc., , Street sweeping, landscape and tree trimming,, general wastes from parks, beaches and other, recreational areas, municipal sludge etc, Spoiled food wastes, agricultural wastes,, hazardous waste (e.g. pesticides) etc., , Solid waste means any garbage, refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 16

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded materials including solid, liquid, semi-solid, or, contained gaseous material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations. Solid, waste is the unwanted or useless solid material generated from combined residential, industrial and, commercial activities. These due to reckless open dumping or unethical practices present bad aesthetics to, an area. Solid waste may be categorized according to its Origin (domestic, industrial, commercial,, construction or institutional); Contents (organic material, glass, metal, plastic, paper etc.) and Hazard, potential (toxic, non-toxic, flammable, radioactive, infectious etc.), Impacts of Solid Wastes and its ill-management, 1. Unattended waste lying around attracts flies, rats, and other creatures that in turn spread disease., 2. Other high-risk group includes increased risk of injury and infection to populations living close to a, waste dump and those, whose water supply has become contaminated either due to waste dumping, or leakage from landfill sites., 3. In particular, Uncollected organic domestic waste poses a serious threat, since they ferment, creating, conditions favorable to the survival and growth of microbial pathogens., 4. Direct handling of solid waste can result in various types of infectious and chronic diseases with the, waste workers, the rag pickers being the most vulnerable., 5. Epidemics,, 6. Unaesthetic Issues,, 7. Land Pollution,, 8. Contamination Of Ground Water,, 9. Pollution Of Waterbodies, 10. Air Pollution, 11. Bad Odour Issues., , Control Measures of Municipal Solid Wastes, The most effective way to solve the solid waste problem is by reducing waste in the first place, i.e. before, it is generated. A sanitary landfill is a solid waste management facility that utilizes an engineered, method of land disposal, primarily for municipal solid wastes., To ensure a safe disposal of the Municipal Solid Waste, Composting process is proposed in two ways,, aerobically and anaerobically. Bioremediation deals with the methods of solving the solid waste, problems, by making use of microorganisms and fungi., Waste or Source reduction is the elimination or reduction of waste before it is created. This involves, the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials and products to reduce the amount or toxicity of, what is thrown away., The need for waste reduction arises due to the Shortage of suitable landfill space, for in many areas,, no suitable land is available for landfills development. The need also arises from the fact that the, development of new landfill site is expensive and New landfills are often resisted due to public concerns, over groundwater contamination, odors, and truck traffic., Waste or Source reduction can be brought about by Buying Less, purchasing long-lasting goods,, Seeking products and packaging that are as free of toxics as possible, Redesigning products to use less, raw material in production have a longer life, or be used again after its original use, and Reusing items, is another way to stop waste at the source., Resource recovery can contribute to the wise and efficient use of materials, to conserving energy, to, preserving the environment, and to improving the balance of trade by reducing our dependence on, imported natural resources. By using materials more than once, unexploited resources can be conserved, for ourselves and for future generations. Two major methods are there for recovering energy and, materials for recycling from municipal solid waste, namely, source separation and centralized resource recovery. Source separation consists of programs to, separate recyclable materials at the waste source and then collect them through methods as curbside, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., 17

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , collection, community recycling centers, industry-sponsored recycling programs, and commercial and, industrial methods of source separation., , Incineration is the process of burning putrescible solid waste in a controlled condition, as the most, common thermal treatment process in the presence of oxygen. After incineration, the wastes are, converted to carbon dioxide, water vapour and ash, and may be used as a means of recovering energy to, be used in heating or the supply of electricity. The amount and volume of the MSW can be reduced up, to 90% by volume and 75% by weight. However, incinerators may cause potential air pollution and, health risks via Release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. Another demerit of Incineration is that, it destroys potentially useful recyclable or compostable material by turning it into toxic ash. Disposal of, the ash is another concern and the residual ash must itself be disposed of, usually in a special-purpose, landfill called a monofill., Landfills are designed to greatly reduce or eliminate the risks that waste disposal may pose to the public, health and environmental quality. These are usually placed in areas where land features act as natural, buffers between the landfill and the environment. The bottom and sides of landfills are lined with layers, of clay or plastic to prevent leachate, from escaping into the soil. The leachate is collected and pumped, to the surface for further treatment. Boreholes or monitoring wells are dug in the vicinity of the landfill, to monitor the groundwater quality., A landfill is divided into a series of individual cells and only a few cells of the site are filled with waste, at any one time. When the landfill has reached its capacity, it is sealed and capped with an impermeable, seal which is typically composed of clay soil., Integrated Solid Waste Management must take an overall approach to creating sustainable systems, that are economically affordable, socially acceptable, and environmentally effective. An integrated solid, waste management system must involve the use of a range of different treatment methods, and key to, the functioning of such a system is the collection and sorting of the waste. It is important to understand, that no one single treatment method can manage all the waste materials in an environmentally effective, way. Therefore, all the available treatment and disposal options must be evaluated equally and the best, combination of the available options suited to the particular community chosen. Effective management, schemes therefore need to operate in ways which best meet current social, economic, and environmental, conditions of the municipality., , ISSUES INVOLVED, LEGISLATION, , IN, , ENFORCEMENT, , OF, , ENVIRONMENTAL, , Environmental legislation is evolved to protect our environment as a whole, our health, and the earth’s, resources. The presence of a legislation to protect air, water, soil, etc. does not necessarily mean that the, problem is addressed., Once a legislation is made at the global, National or State level, it has to be implemented. For a successful, environmental legislation to be implemented, there has to be an effective agency to collect relevant data,, process it and pass it on to a law enforcement agency. If the law or rule is broken by an individual or, institution, this has to be punished through the legal process. Information to law enforcement officials, must also come from concerned individuals. In most situations, if no cognizance is given, the interested, concerned individual must file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for the protection of the environment., There are several NGOs in the country such as WWF-I, BEAG and the BNHS which take these, matters to court in the interest of conservation. Anyone can request them to help in such matters. There, are also legal experts such as MC Mehta who have successfully fought cases in the courts to support, environmental causes. A related issue is the fact that there are several irregular practices for which a, bribe to an unscrupulous official is used to cover up an offence. Thus the general public must act as a, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 18

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , watch dog not only to inform concerned authorities, but also to see that actions are taken against, offenders., , Environment Impact Assessment (EIA):, For all development projects, whether Government or Private, the MoEF requires an impact assessment, done by a competent organization. The EIA must look into physical, biological and social parameters., EIAs are expected to indicate what the likely impacts could be if the project is passed. The Ministry of, Environment and Forests (MoEF) has identified a large number of projects that need clearance on, environmental grounds. The EIA must define what impact it would have on water, soil and air. It also, requires that a list of flora and fauna identified in the region is documented and to specify if, there are any endangered species whose habitat or life could be adversely affected. Most development, projects such as industries, roads, railways and dams may also affect the lives of local people. This must, be addressed in the EIA. There are 30 different industries listed by MoEF that require a clearance, before they are set up., Impacts created by each type of industry differs and the proposed sites also vary in their sensitivity to, impacts. Some areas are more fragile than others. Some have unique ecosystems. Others are the habitats, of wildlife, and some may be the home of endangered species of plants or animals. All these aspects, require evaluation before a development project, or an industry site is cleared. New projects are called, ‘green field projects’ where no development has been done. Projects that already exist but require, expansion must also apply for clearance. These are called “brown field projects” After the, Environmental Protection Act of 1986 was passed, an EIA to get an environmental clearance for a project, became mandatory., Project proponents are expected to select a competent agency to undertake an EIA. Projects can be, classified into those with a mild impact, a moderate impact or a serious impact. Some may have, temporary major impacts, during the construction phase, which could later become less damaging, or be, mitigated by a variety of measures. In other situations, the impact may continue and even increase, for, example where toxic solid waste will be constantly generated. Some projects could thus cause temporary, reversible damage while others can have irreversible or even permanent impacts., To get an environmental clearance the proposer of the project is expected to apply to the State Pollution, Control Board. The PCB checks and confirms that the EIA can be initiated. The Agency that does the, assessment submits a Report to the proposer. This may take several months. A Report of the, Environmental Statement is forwarded to the MoEF, which is the impact assessment authority., After 1997, the MoEF has stipulated that a public hearing should be done at the local level. The Pollution, Control Board puts an advertisement about the hearing in the local vernacular press. An Environmental, Impact Statement which is an Executive Summary of the EIA is kept for the public to read. The venue, and time of the Public Hearing is declared. Once the hearing is held and opinions have been expressed,, both for and against the project, the minutes of the meeting are sent to the MoEF. Though this is done,, it is evident that the voices of project affected people are still not heard. In some cases NGOs have taken, up the cause of local people. Until educational levels and environmental awareness becomes a part of, public thinking and is objectively based on the facts of the case, these hearings will remain an inadequate, tool to control possible impacts of new development projects., EIA is a tool used for decision-making regarding developmental projects and programs and it may, be defined as a formal process used to predict the environmental consequences of any developmental, project. EIA thus ensures that the potential problems are foreseen and addressed at an early stage in the, project planning and design. EIA is intended to identify the environmental, social, and economic, impacts of a proposed development prior to decision-making., , Objectives, 1. Identify, predict, and evaluate potential environmental, social, economic impacts., Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 19

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , 2., 3., 4., 5., , Best practicable environmental options, Utilise alternative strategies, To analyze adverse effects due to all project activities on the total environment in a systematic manner, To modify the project activities or to implement waste management programs to minimize pollution, levels before disposal, 6. To select best alternatives with minimum adverse effects, 7. Resource conservation/waste minimization/recovery of by products, , Benefits:, 1. Reduced cost and time of project implementation, 2. Cost saving modifications in project design, 3. Increased project acceptance, 4. Avoiding impacts and violations of laws and regulations, 5. Avoiding impacts and violations of laws and regulations, 6. Improved project performance, 7. Avoiding waste treatment/cleanup expenses, 8. Deceased resource use, 9. Maintenance of biodiversity, 10. Fewer conflicts over natural resource, 11. Increased community skills., 12. Improved human health, EIA process can be CEIA [COMPREHENSIVE] and/or REIA [RAPID]., The 2 distinct stages in EIA are, [1] Preliminary Assessment (carried out in the early stages of planning), [2] Detailed assessment (carried out during project planning until the project plan is completed and is, reported formally as an environmental impact statement., Public hearing is a key facet of any EIA project depending on its magnitude where in area inhabitants to be, impacted are informed of the developmental process in presence of Govt and Project Employees., The key elements are:, SCOPING - identifying key issues and concerns of interested parties, SCREENING – deciding whether an EIA is required based on information collected., Identifying and evaluating ALTERNATIVES: listing alternative sites and techniques and the impact of, each., MITIGATION measures – dealing with uncertainty; reviewing proposed action to prevent or minimize the, potential adverse effects of the project., Issuing environmental STATEMENTs; reporting the finding of EIA., Experience shows that a large number of EIAs are inadequately researched and frequently biased as they are, funded by the proposer of the project. While most EIAs are adequate for studies on the possibilities of air,, water and soil pollution, they generally deal inadequately with issues such as preservation of biodiversity, and the social issues that may arise from future environmental impacts., Biodiversity concerns frequently are sketchily considered and mostly consist of a listing of species without, population assessments, or census figures of wildlife, or a study of the effects on the ecosystem as a whole., Changes in land use patterns effect whole communities of living organisms. This is rarely taken into account,, as such issues are difficult to assess in quantifiable terms., Issues related to equity of resources that are inevitably altered by development related projects are also not, fully addressed. These cryptic concerns must be dealt with more seriously in environmental assessments and, the public at large should know and appreciate these inadequacies. It is not sufficient to say that an EIA has, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 20

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , been done. It is the quality and sincerity of the EIA that is of importance., An EIA is not intended to stop all types of development. The siting of an industry can be selected carefully, and if it is likely to damage a fragile area an alternate less sensitive area must be selected., In some cases, it is essential to drop projects altogether if the anticipated impacts are likely to be very severe., In other cases, it is necessary for the project to counterbalance its effects by mitigating the ill effects on the, environment. This means compensating for the environmental damage by afforestation or creating a, Protected Area in the neighborhood at the cost of the project. Rehabilitation and resettlement of project, affected people is a key concern which should be given adequate funds and done after a consent is clearly, obtained from the people living in the area. In most cases it is advisable to avoid resettlement altogether. If, an area’s vegetation is being affected project costs must include the cost of compensatory afforestation and, other protective measures., , Citizens actions and action groups:, Citizens must learn to act as watch dogs to protect their own environment from the consequences of, unsustainable projects around them. Well informed citizens not only have rights but also have a duty to, perform in this regard. They can join action groups to develop a lobby to strengthen the environmental, movements in the country, their State, town or village., Individuals can take one or several possible actions when they observe offenders who for their own selfinterest damage the environment for others living in the area. An individual has the right to bring an, environmental offence or nuisance to the attention of concerned authorities. This ranges from Government, line agencies such as the Police, the Forest Department, the Collector or Commissioner of the area as the, case may be. At times the concerned officials may not be able to easily appreciate complex environmental, concerns and the individual may have to learn how to communicate these issues in a way in which it becomes, essential for the concerned officer to act in a pro environmental fashion. If this does not work a citizen can, seek legal redressal under relevant statutes of law. The Environment Protection Act and the Wildlife, Protection Act are the most frequently used legal instrument for these purposes. It is possible to move courts, by a Public Interest Litigation, and take this up to the Hon. Apex Court – the Supreme Court of India, which, in the recent past has given several highly enlightened pro-conservation judgements., Citizen groups can resort to alternate means of pressure such as ‘rasta rokos’, ‘dharnas’, etc. to draw attention, to important environmental concerns. They can also elicit public support through the press and electronic, media., , 10. What do you understand by waste land reclamation, The land which is not in use is called waste land. Reclamation of wasteland means re-claiming it or to use it, for productive purpose. Wasteland reclamation is the process of turning barren, sterile wasteland into, something that is fertile., Causes of waste land formation:, 1. Over exploitation of natural resources., 2. Industrial and sewage wastes., 3. Due to soil erosion, deforestation, water logging, salinity etc., 4. Mining activities destroy the forest and cultivable land., Objects of waste land reclamation:, 1. To prevent soil erosion, flooding and landslides., 2. To avoid over exploitation of natural resources., 3. To improve the physical structure and quality of the soil., 4. To conserve the biological resources and natural ecosystem., Methods waste land reclamation:, Drainage: Excess water is removed by artificial drainage. This is for water logged soil reclamation., Leaching: Leaching is a process of removal of salt from the salt affected soil by applying excess amount and, Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 21

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OPEN ELECTIVE – B, , ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (18ME751), , suitable for habitation and cultivation. of water. Leaching is done by dividing the field into small plots. In, continuous leaching 0.5to 1.0cm Water is required to remove 90% of soluble salts., Irrigation practices: High frequency irrigation with controlled amount of water helps to maintain better, availability of water in the land., Application of green manure and bio fertilizers improves saline soil., Application of gypsum: Soil sodality can be reduced with gypsum. Ca of gypsum replaces sodium from the, exchangeable sites. This converts clay back into calcium clay., , Nuclear accidents, Nuclear radiation exposure in high dosage for long period of time can cause birth defects, cancer and genetic, damage. In 1986, Chernobyl Russia nuclear reactor exploded which was a very serious accident. To contain, the radiation helicopters dropped 5000 ton of lead and boron and thus smothered the radioactive gases., Though there are many safety features and safeguards built in they do not ensure a total defense against, human error and unforeseen problems. More than 1000 square km of land was contaminated., Similarly, more recently in Japan the Fukushima nuclear power plant was seriously damaged during, earthquake. Nuclear power plants produce nuclear wastes which can be categorized into low level,, intermediate level and high level nuclear wastes. Low level wastes can be reduced in volume by compression, and containment or by, incineration., , Department of Civil Engg., BKIT, Bhalki, , compiled by Dr. Rajashekar Matpathi. ME(Design), Ph.D., , 22