Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental factors
must be considered carefully in the development of a new airport or the
expansion of an existing one. In the United States, this is a requirement of
the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 and the Environmental Policy Act
of 1969. Studies of the impact of the construction and operation of a new
airport or the expansion of an existing one upon acceptable levels of air and
water quality, noise levels, ecological processes, and demographic development
of the region must be conducted to determine how the airport requirements can
best be met with minimal adverse environmental and social consequences.
Aircraft noise is the
severest environmental problem to be considered in the development of airport
facilities. Much has been done to quiet engines and modify flight procedures,
resulting in substantial reductions in noise. Another effective means for
reducing noise is through proper planning of land use for areas adjacent to the
airport.
For an existing airport
this may be difficult as the land may havealready been built up. Every effort
should be made to orient air traffic away from noise-sensitive land
development.
Other important
environmental factors include air and water pollution, industrial wastes and
domestic sewage originating at the airport, and the disturbance of natural
environmental values. In regard to air pollution, the federal government and
industry have worked jointly toward alleviating the problem, and there is a
reason to believe that it will probably be eliminated in the near future as an
environmental factor. An airport can be a major contributor to water pollution
if suitable treatment facilities for airport wastes are not provided. Chemicals
used to deice aircraft are a major source of potential ground water pollution
and provisions need to be made to safely dispose of this waste product. The
environmental study must include a statement detailing the methods for handling
sources of water pollution.
The construction of a
new airport or the expansion of an existing one may have major impacts on the
natural environment. This is particularly true for large developments where
streams and major drainage courses may be changed, the habitats of wildlife may
be disrupted, and wilderness and recreational areas may be reshaped. The
environmental study should indicate how these disruptions might be alleviated.
In the preparation of
an environmental study, or an environmental impact statement, the findings must
include the following Items:
1. The
environmental impact of the proposed development
2.
Any adverse environmental effects which
cannot be avoided should the development be implemented
3. Alternatives
to the proposed development
4.
The relationship between local
short-term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of
long-term
productivity
5. Any
irreversible environmental and irretrievable commitments
of resources which
would be involved in the proposed development should it be implemented
6. Growth
inducing impact
7. Mitigation
measures to minimize impact
In the application of
these guidelines attention must be directed to the following questions. Will
the proposed development
1. Cause
controversy
2.
Noticeably affect the ambient noise
level for a significant number of people
3. Displace
a significant number of people
4. Have
a significant aesthetic or visual effect
5.
Divide or disrupt an established
community or divide existing uses
6. Have
any effect on areas of unique interest or scenic beauty
7. Destroy
or derogate important recreational areas
8. Substantially
alter the pattern of behavior for a species
9.
Interfere with important wildlife
breeding, nesting, or feeding grounds
10.
Significantly increase air or water
pollution
11.
Adversely affect the water table of an
area
12.
Cause excessive congestion on existing
ground transportation facilities
13.
Adversely affect the land-use plan for
the region
The preparation of an environmental impact statement
based
upon an environmental assessment study is an
extremely important part of the airport planning process. The statement should
clearly identify the problems that will affect environmental quality and the
proposed actions to alleviate them. Unless the statement is sufficiently
comprehensive, the entire airport development may be in jeopardy.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.