Environmental Engineering Practice
What are the aspects of material intensity that are considered when assessing the environmental indicators?
1) Kilograms of material wasted per unit output. 2) Raw material usage per kilogram of product or per value added (most common reference, profitper product). (Usage always dependent on a reference (functional units), i.e. per year or per kg produced etc...) 3) All materials and solid waste that are recycled. 4) Amounts of hazardous materials per kg of product.
What are the aspects of land required that are considered when assessing the environmental indicators?
1) Land occupied by operating by units (m2) 2) Other land (Mining of land) affected by unit's activities (m2) The total land occupied or affected per value added or year is what is assessed. This must consider the amount of land restored to original conditions.
What are the strategies used to minimise impacts of climate change?
1) Mitigation: To reduce/prevent greenhouse gas emissions at source. (Improving efficiency and switching to low carbon technologies such as renewables) 2) Adaptations: Focuses on the best ways to accommodate and prepare for the inevitable an uncertain changes minimising the negative consequences by taking advantage of opportunities (learning from experience).
What was the environmental policy of Kent County wastewater treatment plant?
1) Obtain commitment from higher management to include biosolids operations. (Contractors were onsite but biosolids operations were fully running) 2) Comply with relevant environmental regulations.
What must companies do to show they're environmentally sustainable? (Sustainability Metrics)
1) Proof of environmental reponsibility. 2) Industrial activities have a good economic return. 3) Proof your organisation is socially responsible.
What is a standard?
A standard is set of requirements, guidelines, specifications, procedures that can be used consistently to prove a service or product is fit for its purpose.
Provide some background information on the use of fly ash and bottom ash in Japan (Waste management case study)
A typical coal power station in Japan with a capacity of 1,000 MW: • Consumes 2 million tonnes of coal a year. • 230,000 tonnes of coal ash (fly ash (flue gases) and bottom ash (furnace)) is produced because of combustion. • In 2010, Japan's coal power stations combined were producing 10 million tonnes of coal ash a year.
What is the difference between Integrated and Non-Intgrated Pollution Control Systems?
Integrated Pollution Control is the emission control system to air, land and water whereas non-integrated systems only control air emissions.
What were the EMS programmes/targets of Gurit Ltd, Isle of Wight?
Waste minimisation: • Recycling of storage drums used in the production and distribution process (lining drums with plastic and disposing of it). (Initially sent drums to landfill (21kg of plastic per drum butnow only 1kg of plastic is disposed) - Costly but had to be done because reusing could allow previous batch to enter process which could have changed through oxidation) • Recycling wooden pallets over course of a year. (Can be used for a year)
What did the J-Power station use as an alternative to biosolids?
Wood chips and pellets.
Why is it important to measure sustainability? (Sustainability Metrics)
You must show the public, customers and shareholders that your company is environmentally responsible, positive interaction with local communities and your business model is economically sustainable.
Example of an EMS (Environmental Management System)
• 30 years ago, environmental impacts such as accidental spillages were considered very costly. • To dump industrial waste in landfills you must pay a tax. • In 2013, the landfill tax was £64 per tonne of waste. • In 2017, the landfill tax rate had increased to £86 per tonne of waste. • Tax rates are steadily increasing every year, making more of an incentive for companies to implement an EMS.
Provide some background about J-Power's biomass co-firing project at Matsuura, Japan. (Waste minimisation case study)
• 38 coal power stations in Japan • This coal power station consumes 2 million tonnes of coal each year.
What does an effective EMS involve?
• An intial assessment of how the organisation's activities, products and services might affect the environment. • Making sure the organisation complies with all relevant environmental regulations. • Gathering data (i.e. energy use, waste, natural resources and raw material consumption) • Procedures for controlling activities with significant environmental impacts. • Identifying risks associated with environmental issues. • Defining roles and responsibilities for all employees. • Training and awareness. • Periodic internal auditing. • Management review and commitment from leadership.
Why was the Quality Management System created?
• Assure consistency between all products manufactured globally. • Assure quality of products. • Obtain customer/shareholders trust and satisfaction.
What are the different classifications of biosolids?
• Class A: No traces of pathogens and heavy metals, used in the agricultural industry. • Class B: Less pure, may contain acceptable limits of pathogens and heavy metals. Both classifications of biosolids must comply with regulations. Biosolids produced must not exceed recommended levels of pathogens and heavy metals.
Give examples of medium risk installations in industry
• Coil Coating Plants • Batch galvanization plants (coating steel and iron with zinc) •Medium scale metal allow plants
What barriers did J-Power station face when developing a more sustainable process?
• Cost of biosolids. • In Japan, the use of waste materials to produce power on a commecial scale is banned.
What information do companies have to include when filing for an application for an operating permit?
• Detailed description of the process. • Anticipated emissions either/or to air, land and water • The foreseeable environmental impact. • Propose the best available technology (additional unit operations to reduce emissions) used to prevent or minimise emissions
Give examples of low risk installations in industry.
• Dry Cleaners • Small scale rendering plants (convert animal tissue into edible products) • Production of compost
IPPC: Who regulates high risk activities and installations in the UK?
• EA (Environmental Agency) • NRW (Natural Resources Wales)
Provide background information on UK coal power stations. (Waste minimisation and management)
• UK has around 38 coal power stations. • The UK government has proposed that by 2025 all coal power stations in the UK must be gone. • In 2016, they decommisioned and closed 8 power stations in the UK. • UK provides incentives and subsidies to coal power stations to burn biomass instead of coal.
EMS: What does a CAR form contain?
• What has gone wrong. • How the fault will be recified. • Who will do the remedial work. • When it will be done. • Actions to be taken to prevent the fault from happening again. This form must be shown at the next audit to show the actions taken place to rectify issue.
Define energy intensity.
A measure of the net fuel-energy consumed to provide the heat and power requirements for the process.
Identify a few of the EMS objectives, targets and programs used at Kent County wastewater treatment plant.
1) Objective: Reducing Air Pollution. Target: Reduce Sulphur, Particulates and CO emissions by 50% from previous year levels (Calender year 2002). Program: Replace 75% of diesel usage with biodiesel (B20 = Rapeseed Oil at 20% the remaining 80% is conventional diesel, this blend can be used in pump engines, high blends may not be suitable) in operating equipment. Rapeseed oil is cleaner therefore less emissions of sulphur, CO and particulates. 2) Objective: Reduce Energy Consumption. Target: Reduce electricity usage from the grid by 20% from previous levels. Programs: • Upgrade to more energy efficient pumps, lights, etc.. • Seek renewable energy alternative such as wind. 3) Objective: Reduce or eliminate effects of chlorine. Target: Improve safety of existing processes or switch to an alternative disinfection method. Programs: • Develop operational controls for current systems. • Evaluate chlorine hazard potential. • Hire a consultant to look at cost effective alternatives (Bubbling Ozone - penetrates bacterial wallsand kills (Operating cost is expensive, you cannot use ozone forhigh level of suspended solids), UV light - (Destroys DNA, cannot reproduce)). • Develop plants for alternatives or ways to improve safety of current systems. • Operate. 4) Objective: Reduce or eliminate effects of chlorine. Target: Improve safety of existing processes or switch to an alternative disinfection method. Programs: • Develop systems to document sources of SSOs (Main cause climate change/floods). • Developaction plans to reduce or eliminate SSOs.
What were the objectives of applying an integrated management system at Gurit Ltd, Isle of Wight?
1) Achieve ISO 14001 certification and compliance for the benefits. 2) Reduce environmental footprint in areas of: • Energy efficiency. • Noise and odour emissions. • Waste management. • Impact on local neighbours.
What were the environmental impacts identified by Kent County based on?
1) Changes in air quality. 2) Changes in water quality. 3) Direct exposure to agent. (Exposure to chemicals, such as chlorine used as disinfectant) 4) Changes in habitat. (Does the chlorine effect the neighbouring ecosystem?) 5) Nuisance (Including odour).
How does a coal power station work? (4 main steps)
1) Coal is combusted in the presence of oxygen. 2) Water is turned into steam using the heat from the combustion. 3) The steam drives turbines. 4) Turbines rotate a magnet inside a coil generating electricity.
Outline the steps taken by Kent County in environmental aspect identification of their process.
1) Each area manager was tasked to identify all activities that occured under his/her direction. 2) Each manager was asked to fill out an input/output (I/O) diagram for each central activity. 3) EMS core team conducted a review of submitted I/O diagrams and developed a list of aspects relevant to each activity. Outcome: Total of 95 environmental aspects were identified.
What are the aspects of energy intensity that are considered when assessing the environmetal indicators?
1) Electricity usage and its source (kJ/yr, etc.. Units are important) 2) Fuel oil usage (kJ/kg) 3) Gas usage (kJ/kg) 4) Coal usage (kJ/kg) 5) Steam usage (kJ/kg)
List the UK sectors in order of mega tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted in 2013.
1) Energy Sector - 147 Mt CO2e 2) Road Transport - 116 Mt CO2e 3) Industrial sector - 107 Mt CO2e 4) Construction Sector - 99 Mt CO2e 5) Agricultural Sector - 48 Mt CO2e 6) Aviation Sector - 32 Mt CO2e
What were the benefits of Kent County wastewater treatment plant adopting an EMS?
1) Energy savings: Consideration ofusing on-site wind turbines to generate off grid electricity, however, it hasn't been implemented yet as permits are required. a) Expected benefits: i) Reduce the plant's lectric costs by $200,000 - $300,000 per year. (Current electricity bill is $600,000) ii) Reduce air pollution by 5 million pounds of CO2 per year. (Reduces carbon footprint) 2) Reduction of air pollution: The plant switched from conventional diesel to B20 biodiesel for ther emergency generators and biosolids heating systems. a) Expected Benefits: i) 20% reduction of hydrocarbon emissions. ii) 12% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions. iii) 12 % reduction in particulate system emissions. 3) Improvements in the chlorine delivery system and management: Introducing control systems for the chlorination/dichlorination systems on site. a) Expected Benefits: i) After implementing an EMS, the company realised the chlorine released into the environment (Delaware river) was hazardous. ii) They since,installed a dichlorination process (Aeration (Time consuming), activated carbon (costly)and addition of chemicals (Sulphur Dioxide, Sodium Sulphide etc.. Most Popular)). ii) They have now won many awards such as 2md prize for the clean water act recognition award.
How do you measure sustainability in organisations? (Sustainability Metrics)
1) Environmental Indicators. (Assessment of the environmental aspect impact of all inputs (resource usage) and outputs (emissions)) 2) Economic Indicators. (Assess aspects of investments within organisation, R&D) 3) Social Indicators. (Assess how the company treats its employees and how it interacts with the local community)
What are the steps to show continuous improvement of an EMS?
1) Environmental Policy Stage: Identify the policy requirements. (Only consider regulations which could impact the environment, i.e. for a process that only impacts the atmosphere do not consider regulations of land and water.) 2) Planning Stage: Identify the human resources. (Seek in-house or external expertise). Identify budget to implement EMS. 3) Implementation and Operation Stage: Carry out necessary procedures to achieve environmental objectives and to comply with regulations. Put actions plans in place for any preventive measures. 4) Checking Stage: Monitor activities and procedures carried out during the implementation and operation stage. If something went wrong you can implement the correct action plant to tackle the problem. 5) Management Review Stage: Run internal auditsof the EMS to ensure everything is in order and correctly implemeneted.
Kent County: How would you assess and rank environmental impacts?
1) How frequent does it occur? 2) Is the impact regulated? 3) Rank from 0-5. (0 = low risk and 5 = high risk)
What are the three pollution control systems in place for the environmental permitting regulations (E&W) 2016?
1) Intergrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC). 2) Local Authority Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-IPPC). 3) Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-PPC)
How does a wastewater treament plant work?
1) Sewage enters a screening and grit removal stage. (The sewage will go through bar screens where large objects would be removed) 2) The output from the 1st step is passed to grit chambers where sand like particles are removed. 3) This is a pumping process. The output from the second step is pumped through into the primary treatment process: 1st Stage: Primary treatment process where suspended solids are removed by sedimentation and gravity. 2nd Stage: Secondary treatment process removes remaining suspended solids (mainly organic material) and reduces BOD (Biochemical Oxidative Demand). The BOD is reduced by microorganims digesting the suspended organic material in the presence of oxygen. At the end of the secondary treatment process chlorine is added to the treated water to remove pathogen and disinfect the water. Depending on the wastewater treatment plant. There could be a tertiary treatment process to remove compounds such a phosphorus and nitrogen by chemical or physical precipitation.
What are the steps in biosolids operations?
1) Sludge contains 80% water. 2) The water is pressed out of the sludge. 3) The excess water is processed as sewage in the wastewater treatment plant. 4) The remaining solid undergoes alkaline sterilisation by adding calcium oxide to improve the quality of the final product (biosolids).
What methods are in place to reduce the environmental impact of coal power stations?
1) Sulphur dioxide produced from burning coal is reacted with slurry (water + lime solution) that absorbed the SO2. 2) The SO2 scrubbing process creates a by-product called calcium sulphite. The solid substance is oxidised to produce gypsum which is used for dry boards for homes. 3) Selective catalytic reduction technology is used to remove nitrogen oxide gases from the flue gas. The nitrogen oxides are reacted with ammonia to produce nitrogen and water vapour. Nitrogen is naturally present in the air. 4) Fly ash is separated from the flue gases and used for concrete and roads.
Why have the IChemE developed a guidance document for measuring sustainability performance?
1) To help industries to account their different emissions, the amount of waste for recycling, identify hot-spots (high energy usage areas of the plant can reduce their energy consumption) of energy consumption, water use and associated GHG emissions. 2) To help companies and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint.
What are the aims of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (E&W) 2016?
1) To protect the environment. 2) To deliver permitting. 3) To promote best practice in operation.
What are the aspects of water intensity that are considered when assessing the environmental indicators?
1) Water used in cooling (tonnes/yr) 2) Water used in process (tonnes/yr) 3) Other water used (tonnes/yr) 4) Water recycled internally (tonnes/yr)
How much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere into the atmosphere by Europe?
4282 Mt CO2e/yr Although, the industrial and energy sector have seen reductions in CO2 emissions other sectors such as aviation and road transport have increased.
How much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by the UK per year?
600 Mt CO2e/yr
Why is mitigating actions preferred over adaptive actions?
Adaptive actions can be more difficult to put into place due to uncertainty in weather fluctuations.
What is an Environmental Management System?
An Environmental Management System is a structural approach to manage any environmental potential risks/issues due to industrial operating processes. A set of processes and practices that enable an organisation to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency.
Define environmental indicators.
An organisations indicators of resource utilisation, waste reduction and pollutant discharge into the environment.
Why can't J-Power station use biosolids in a larger quantity?
Biosolids are produced in water treatment plants everywhere, but gathering the relatively small quantity of biosolids to one site is expensive. Compared to coal you would require a lot of biosolid mass.
What has the UK government proposed to tackle climate change?
By 2050, reduce the level of CO2 equivalent emission in the country by 80% compared to 1990. Which is 70% reduced compared to 2013. That is a total emission of 160 Mt CO2e.
What are enforcements?
Enforcements allow regulators to serve an improvement notice, a prohibition notice or a revocation notice if they believe and have evidence on incompliance with regulations. Enforcement by regulators can: • Set/vary conditions (emissions) limits to activities. Changes due to research and recent studies. • Companies have the right to appeal a revoked permit. • It is an illegal offence not to comply with a notice or conditions. • Regulators have powers of entry, inspection, sampling and investigation.
Why was the Environmental Management System created?
Environmental Management Systems were created to manage potential environmental impacts to land, water and atmosphere. EMS tries to minimise waste as well as dispose of waste with little impact on the environment (prevent dumping into landfills). Nowadays, companies try to prevent accidents for occuring rather than wait for them to happen because there is an oppotunity to save, gain and make money by implementing EMS.
What is the difference between environmental aspects and impacts?
Environmental aspects are any element of the organisation's activities, products or services that interact with the environment. Environment impacts are any changes in the environment because of industrial activities, products or services. The environmental changes can be beneficial to the environment or have an adverse effect on the environment.
What is the main use of biosolids?
Fertilisers and other agricultrual processes.
State the equation used to determine a country's GDP and define the parameters.
GDP = C + G + I + NX Where: • C = Consumer Spending • G = Government Spending • I = Business Capital Spending • NX = Net Export, and inports.
Define the term biosolid.
Granulated biomass produced by drying a mixture of bio-sludge plus bio-oil.
What is GDP (Growth Domestic Product)?
Growth Domestic Product represents the overall market value of all goods and services a country produces.
Provide some background information on the use of an EMS at Gurit Ltd, Isle of Wight.
Gurit industries specialise in composite materialthat supply aerospace, automotive industries. In 2003, Gurit implemented management system (Quality, Environmental etc..) • OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Standard - Keep working healthy and safe in working environment) • ISO 9001 (Quality Management Standard) • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Standard)
Where is Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) applied?
Highest environmental risk installations which are known as Part A1 activities.
What are the ways to implement EMS within an organisation?
If a company wanted to implement an EMS, there are three ways to implement a formal EMS within an organisation: • Develop their own in-house EMS. Without following any guidelines or specifications. Despite this EMS being uncertified and untrustworthy, certification can be costly, therefore small and medium sized companies or enterprises may implement their own EMS to show to the public that they care about the environment despite not being able to afford certification. • Follow the guidelines of the international standard ISO 14001, the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or the British Standard BS 8555, but do not pursue formal ISO14001 certification or EMAS registration. EMAS is only certified for use within the EU. Therefore, ISO is a more suited choice for multi-national companies as it is internationally recognised. • Pursue formal ISO 14001 certification or EMAS registration. EMS certification must be renewed annually and are costly. There are more benefits to having a certified EMS than not.
What are the aspects of emissions, effluents and waste that are considered when assessing the environmental indicators?
Impact on the atmosphere: 1) Atsmospheric acidification (Sulphur dioxide, HCL and acids etc..) impact/burden (tonnes/yr) 2) Global warming impact/burden (tonnes/yr) 3) Human health (carcinogenic emission = benzene, toluene) impact/burden (tonnes/yr) 4) Ozone depletion (CFC = Chlorofluorocarbon emissions) impact/burden (tonnes/yr) 5) Photochemical smog (Volatile organic compounds - Nitrogen oxides) impact/burden (tonnes/yr) Impact to land: 1) Hazardous solid waste per year (tonnes/yr) 2) Non-hazardous solid waste (tonnes/yr) You cannot add up the impact of multiple substances on the environment, i.e. for atmospheric acidifications, you must state the effect of your substance relative to the most potent substance (SO2). A table will indicate that 1 tonne of HCL emission has the same effect as 2 tonnes of SO2.
Basic Facts about Kent County Wastewater Treatment Facility, Delaware
Kent County is the smallest of 3 counties in Delaware. The county has a population of 134,000 people. • Capacity of 16 million gallons/day = 72 million litres/day • Sanitises/treats 70% of sewage produced in the county. • As well as wastewater treatment. Contractors carry out by-solid operations (further processing of the solid sludge remaining from treatment process) on site. • In 2001, this wastewater treatment plant decided to comply with environmentalregulations and improve their environmental performace by implementing an environmental management system.
Who regulates low risk installations under (LA-PPC) control?
Local Authority
Who regulates medium risk installations under (LA-IPPC) control?
Local Authority
How can a company assess its environmental sustainability?
Look at the following environmental indicators: Environmental impacts via inputs: • Material intensity (amount of raw material used) • Energy intensity (amount of electricity or fuel used) • Water consumption Environmental impacts via outputs: • Toxic emissions (Pollutants that can cause long term illnesses such as cancer) • Pollutants Additional factor to assess a company's environmental sustainability is the land required to carry out industrial activities.
What were Professor Nicholas Stern's (LSE) comments on the effect of climate change on a country's GDP?
Professor Stern wrote a report on the effects of climate change on a country's GDP. He found a 5-20% decrease in GDP for those countries that did not tackle climate change. A reduction in 1% of GDP was found for those countries trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the equation used to determine the net water consumption by a company?
Net water consumed = Total Used - Total Recycled (kg/yr or kg/£ = Value Added) (The closer the value is to zero the more sustainable the company)
What are operating prescribed activities?
Operation of activities that require a permit by relevant regulators.
Why can't pharmaceutical industries treat their waste water to produce biosolids?
Pharmaceutical wastewater contains many intermediary compounds. There is a possibility the biosolids produced will contain these compounds. This could pose a risk to the environment.
What is a risk assessment used for? (Climate Change)
Risk assessments analyse the risk and impacts of climate change on a party (building or population) to help decision making for mitigating or adaptive actions.
What are the action plans in place for natural disasters in the UK?
South East England (Bristol, Somerset) is prone to flooding, therefore the UK has implemented a flood defence system in these locations.
What are Sustainability Metrics? (IChemE)
Sustainability metrics are measured values used to assess specific indicators such as, environmental economy and social factors within an organisation. There is no agreed set of indicators of sustainability metics, but the IChemE has developed a guidance document for measuring sustainability performance.
What are the implications of not reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the UK?
The average global temperature will continue to rise. This will result in many more natural disasters and as a result the UK government will have to spend money on restoration. This money will come from cuts in other important sectors such as education and the NHS.
What is the difference between waste management and waste minimisation?
Waste management is how you deal with the waste produced such as store, dispose or or recycle. Waste minimisation is the techniques used to reduce/prevent the waste produced.
Example of implementing an EMS
There are over 200,000 companies that obtain a certified EMS by ISO 14001. China has the highest number of companies which implement ISO 14001. China is the manufacturing hub of the world, it is vital for the survival of China's manufacturing industry to obtain customer/shareholder trust. A lot of international companies manufacture their products in China to take advantage of cheap labour costs. Apple is a great example. Apple's shareholder's would require ISO 14001 and ISO 9000 to be implemented in the manufacturing of their products, even in China.
What are the requirements of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (E&W) 2016?
These are a set of regulations that require companies to obtain permits, to be supervised by regulators and to register exempt processes which do not require a permit.
What did a coal power stations in Yorkshire Drax, UK do to become more sustainable?
They substituted 12.5% of their coal usage with biomass (chips and pellets). This resulted in a 15% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.
How many industrial installations are considered low risk in the UK on a yearly basis?
This air pollution prevention system overlooks at least 19,000 installations (Low Risk) in the UK.
IPPC: How many industrial installations are considered high risk in the UK on a yearly basis?
This pollution prevention system overlooks at least 3500 installations (high risk) in the UK.
How many industrial installations are considered medium risk in the UK on a yearly basis?
This pollution prevention system overlooks at least 400 installations (medium risk) in the UK.
Where is the the Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-PPC) applied?
This system controls low risk installations associated with air pollution only, known as part B activities.
Where is Local Authority Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (LA - IPPC) applied?
This system controls medium risk installations known as part A2 activities.
What are the costs of natural disasters in the UK?
UK is prone to flooding especially in Cumbria. It is estimated that in 2009, it cost the UK government £1.5m to restore the damage caused by flooding.
How is an EMS implemented within an organisation?
• Firstly, gain commitment from top management. (Inform top management about the benefits of implementing an EMS despite the costs, also develop a culture for safety and environment within the organisation) • Next, get the budget available for implementing an EMS. • Then, assign roles and responsibilities to different workers within the organisation in all departments. (Sometimes no expertise is available to implement an EMS, therefore, companies tend to hire consultants to help implement their EMS and train their employees) • Define the scope . (Implementing and EMS within the entire organisation is very costly, time consuming and sometimes unnecesary. Yocan define a scope for small sections of your organisation such as just a process plant).
What is the ISO 1400 family?
• ISO 14000 • ISO 14001 (Only which certifies a company's EMS) • ISO 14004 (Document which contains more specification, guidelines and supporting information of how to achieve a good EMS) ISO 1400 family all relate to Environmental Management Systems. (ISO is short for International Standardisation Organisation) ISO 1400 family certify a company's EMS. ISO 14001 is set standards for implementing an environmental management system.
What are the benefits of using coal ash as an additive in cement/concrete making? (Waste management case study)
• Improve workability and flow characteristics of concrete. • Produce a stronger and more durable, less permeable and more resistant to chemical attack concrete. • Reduce crack formation in concrete.
What benefits will an EMS bring to organisations?
• Improves the use of natural resources (resource efficiency) and reduce unnecessary expenditure (only use/buy as needed, more energy efficient) • Better regulatory compliance. (Easier to keep permit) • Lighter regulation. (Discount incentives for continuous compliance) • Sales and marketing. (Tendering process/sponsorship deals easier to obtain with certification as it represents values/image of events, good public image attracts a certain customer base, i.e. fair trade) • Improve business. (Linked to sales/marketing) • Finance. (More likely to obtain loans from banks etc..)
What did Japan do with the coal ash produced? (Waste management cas study)
• In 2002, 5 million tonnes of coal ash were produced. • 3.64 million tonnes were used in cement making. • The rest was used as building material, road marking materials and soil improvement.
Why are people trying to prevent the UK government achieving the target by 2025?
• Infrastructure for renewable energy is not available. • Renewable energy is a lot less reliable.
What is the J-Power station trying to implement to become more sustainable?
• Install two 1,000 MW boilers using ultra-super critical technology and state of the art air/water pollution control. • Substitute 1% of coal with biomass fuel. • The biomass fuel used is biosolids (1,200 tonnes concumsed each year)
IPPC: Give examples of high risk installations in industry.
• Large power stations • Large metal refineries (Steel works) • Large hazardous waste disposal facilities • Large scale pig and poultry products • Organic and inorganic chemical production sites
What were the key reasons for Kent County wastewater treatment plant implementing an EMS?
• Maintaining compliance with all permits • Reduce emissions to air, water etc. • Optimise nutrient loading on local farms. • Build a better working relationship with the biosolids contractor. • Be an EMS leader within the State of Delaware and Kent County. • Be a better environmental steward. • Improve relationships with the general community. • Receive third party certification. (ISO 14001)
Why did J-Power start developing techniques to minimise their waste?
• Make coal power stations more competitive. • Become more sustainable. • Reduce environmental impacts.
What is the audit process for EMS's?
• Planning Audit. (Internal Schedules throughout the year) • Prepare Checklists. • Obtaining necessary background documentation. (P & ID's, site plans, data) • Reviewing the EMS documentation. (Everything to do with the EMS throughout the year must be documented and shown to the auditors) • Conducting and documenting the audit. (Audit report is generated at the end of an audit and every employee must read this report) • Identifying all non-compliances. • Completing administrative tasks. (Every employee must sign audit report) • Stating the date for the next audit. (Audit date is known and usually same date every year)
What is required to obtain a permit?
• Pollutant emission predictions to air, land and water. • Proof of compliance to emission limit levels using the best available technology. Levels set by regulators. • Show how you're going to tackle energy efficiency, waste management and prevent accidental events that have adverse effects on the environment.
What were the benefits of applying an EMS program at Gurit Ltd, Isle of Wight?
• Recycling 9,300 storage drums diverted 195 tonnes of waste from landfill and saved the company around £10,000 per year. • 16,000 wooden pallets are recycled over the course of a year saving £36,000 in disposal costs.
What were the main aims of J-Power station becoming sustainable?
• Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. • Reduction of waste from the plant. • Compliance with the Japanese energy laws.
Give examples of industries that require Environmental Permits?
• Refining • Brewing • Intensive Pig Farming • Cement Works
How do you keep an EMS certified every year?
• Show you are aligned with ISO standards. (Compliance with environmental regulations) • Show you have an action plan in place for pollution prevention. • Show you are continuously improving your EMS.
Give examples of industries that are exempt from environmental permits (but still must be registered)?
• Some waste management activities. • Ground water activities. • Water discharge activities.
Why implement an EMS?
• To achieve environmental objectives. • To help organisations comply with environmental regulations. • To avoid environmental offences. (Avoid penalties by regulators who visit throughout the year) • To gain credentials. • Obtain public and shareholder trust and show that your company cares about the environment. • Reduce costs related to environmental impacts. (Landfill taxes)
