Screening for EIA in India: Enhancing effectiveness through ecological carrying capacity approach

Developing countries across the world have embraced the policy of high economic growth as a means to reduce poverty. This economic growth largely based on industrial output is fast degrading the ecosystems, jeopardizing their long term sustainability. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has long been recognized as a tool which can help in protecting the ecosystems and aid sustainable development. The Screening guidelines for EIA reflect the level of commitment the nation displays towards tightening its environmental protection system. The paper analyses the screening process for EIA in India and dissects the rationale behind the exclusions and thresholds set in the screening process. The screening process in India is compared with that of the European Union with the aim of understanding the extent of deviations from a screening approach in the context of better economic development. It is found that the Indian system excludes many activities from the purview of screening itself when compared to the EU. The constraints responsible for these exclusions are discussed and the shortcomings of the current command and control system of environmental management in India are also explained. It is suggested that an ecosystem carrying capacity based management system can provide significant inputs to enhance the effectiveness of EIA process from screening to monitoring.     

Regulation for environmental protection: The Nanticoke industrial complex,Ontario, Canada

This assessment of the environmental protection regulatory system for the $2.2 billion iron and steel plant, oil refinery, and thermal generating station composing the core of the greenfield Nanticoke industrial complex is based upon: the use of governmental and industrial research in project management; technology and institutional arrangements for environmental protection; evidence of environmental changes to date; analysis of government and industrial approval files; and interviews with government, industry, and interest group representatives. Planning, regulation, and management have been reasonably efficient and effective to the beginning of the operational stage for all three major industries as of spring 1980. Of major future concern, however, is management of the cumulative and synergistic impacts of the industries and associated development on air quality as well as the lands, waters, and sensitive ecosystems of the nearby Lake Erie coast. Continuous monitoring, more comprehensive research, and better overall coordination of government, industrial, and public interests are required if Nanticoke benefits are to be achieved without undue cost to pre-project resource users within and outside the Haldimand-Norfolk region.     

ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS CAUSED BY HEATED WASTE WATER DISCHARGE INTO THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT1

Discharge of heated waste water may affect the entire aquatic ecosystem–the interrelated biological, chemical, physical system–and, if the temperature change is large, may destroy the capacity of the ecosystem to serve a variety of beneficial purposes. However, it is possible to discharge heated waste water in carefully controlled amounts without seriously degrading the aquatic ecosystem. There are four basic alternatives which are open to us with regard to the heated waste water problem which we may choose singly or in various combinations: (1) Placing all heated, waste water in streams, lakes, and oceans without regard to the effects. Thus considering the environmental damage as a necessary consequence of our increased power demand. (2) Using, but not abusing, existing ecosystems. This means regulating the heated waste water discharge to fit the receiving capacity of the ecosystem. (3) Finding alternative ways to dissipate or beneficially use waste heat. (4) Modifying ecosystems to fit the new temperature conditions. We are all dependent upon a life-support system which is partly industrial and partly ecological. Unfortunately, we have reached a stage of development where the non-expandable, ecological portion of our life-support system is endangered by the expanding industrial portion. Optimal function and full beneficial use of both portions of our life-support system will only be possible if a variety of disciplines and diverse points of view can cooperate and work together effectively. Since wastes in amounts that are acceptable taken one at a time may be lethal collectively, environmental management should be on a regional basis.     

Self-organizing systems and environmental management

The characteristics of self-organizing systems are described and their implications for environmental management are discussed. It is concluded that the aim of management should be to enhance the capacity of the system for self-management, with active intervention being used only to steer it away from large discontinuities. Environmental managers must view ecosystems and themselves as parts of a larger sociobiophysical system, cultivate the capacity of environmental systems for self-management, and learn to live with change and uncertainty. Practical consequences of this approach for plans, policies, programs, and institutions are discussed.     

公众投诉、环境规制对工业技术创新的影响研究

在碳达峰碳中和背景下,工业如何实现环保、科技与经济的共同进步已成为中国亟待解决的难题。本文基于中国工业2008—2018年的省级面板数据,建立动态面板模型,采用系统广义矩（GMM）估计方法,对现代环境治理体系中公众投诉、环境规制及工业技术创新三者的关系进行了探讨。结果表明：①公众投诉、环境规制成为直接推动工业技术创新产出的重要因素;②环境规制在公众投诉影响工业技术创新产出的过程中发挥着部分中介作用;③产业集聚强化了公众投诉对工业技术创新的促进作用。因此,完善公众投诉制度、提升公众环保意识、加强环境规制强度、优化政策支持及提升产业集聚程度,对于工业实现经济绩效与环境绩效的双赢具有重要意义。     

Environmental regulatory failure and metal contamination at the Giap Lai pyrite mine, Northern Vietnam

The causes for the failure in enforcement of environmental regulations at the Giap Lai pyrite mine in northern Vietnam are considered and the environmental impacts that are associated with this mine are evaluated. It is shown that sulphide-rich tailings and waste rock in the mining area represent significant sources of acid rock drainage (ARD). The ARD is causing elevated metal levels in downstream water bodies, which in turn, represent a threat to both human health and to aquatic ecosystems. Metal concentrations in impacted surface waters have increased after mine closure, suggesting that impacts are becoming progressively more serious. No post-closure, remediation measures have been applied at the mine, in spite of the existence of environmental legislation and both central and regional institutions charged with environmental supervision and control. The research presented here provides further emphasis for the recommendation that, while government institutions may need to be strengthened, and environmental regulations need to be in place, true on the ground improvement in environmental quality in Vietnam and in many other developing countries require an increased focus on promoting public awareness of industrial environmental issues.     

工业园区水污染防治的问题与对策探讨

随着快速工业化发展,尤其是新建工业项目"入园进区"的推进,工业园区水污染防治越来越成为工业污染防治的重中之重。本文通过从园区准入、适用标准、管理体系等方面对当前工业园区水污染防治中的问题的梳理,对工业园区系统化的工业园区环境行政管理体系进行探讨,研究建议:在园区设立时,应突出区域上资源、能源、环境三元优化与统一,园区企业入园突出环境准入尤其是有利于园区的生态化与循环化改造;在园区企业水污染防治中,应探索园区企业协同治污的差异化排放标准,建立全过程控制水污染防治路线;在环境管理体制创新中,应以排污许可管理为主线,构建园区环境管理相关方协同的系统管理机制。     

THE CONCEPT OF SAFE GROUNDWATER YIELD IN COASTAL AQUIFERS1

The traditional factors used to determine safe yield of a groundwater basin (water supply, economics, water quality and water rights) do not include environmental effects. Because of the unique estuarine ecosystems associated with many coastal aquifers, environmental effects should be included in the determination of the safe yield of these aquifers. Controlled saline-water intrusion should be considered as a management tool in coastal aquifers. Artificial aquifer recharge using treated wastewater may be used to increase the safe yield of a coastal aquifer system while preserving the ecology of the coastal ecosystems.     

斯特林制冷机可靠性实验平台的建立

介绍了一种专门用于斯特林制冷机可靠性实验的平台系统。该平台能够记录斯特林制冷机运行中的包括环境模拟温度、冷指腔体真空度、制冷温度、制冷功率、运行时间等在内的各种试验参数,这些参数可以在操作界面上以图形、表格、文档等形式显示、存储和打印。是一个集测试、真空、环境模拟等技术于一体一的综合性试验系统。     

DEVELOPING BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT1

ABSTRACT. Management of aquatic ecosystems requires a clear understanding of the goals to be achieved, appropriate information and the means to achieve the goals. Control measures applied to aquatic ecosystems, in the absence of information on the condition of the system, are apt to be inappropriate and thus may overprotect the receiving system at times and underprotect it at other times since the ability of ecosystems to receive wastes is not constant. A major determinant of the effectiveness and efficiency of ecological quality control is the lag time in the feedback of information. If the lag is too great, the control measures may repeatedly overshoot or undershoot the desired goal. Present techniques for measuring the responses of aquatic organisms and communities require days or weeks, whereas information for ecosystem quality control and prevention of ecological crises should be generated in minutes or hours as is the case for other quality control systems. Two biological monitoring systems have been developed to generate information rapidly. One system measures changes in the movement and breathing of fish in order to provide an early warning of developing toxicity in the wastes of an industrial plant. The other system measures changes in the diversity of algal comunities in streams by means of laser holography. The incorporation and use of these systems in industrial plants is discussed.     

调整产业结构促进滨州循环经济发展

由于经济结构比例失调，产业关系失衡，产业层次低下，技术含量低，空间布局失当等矛盾，导致环境污染严重，影响了环境质量改善的进程。滨州市通过深化体制改革，完善产业政策，充分发挥产业结构调整对环境资源的优化配置，促进循环经济发展。     

Environmental logistics engineering: A new approach to industrial ecology

Industrial Ecology is, thus far, the most plausible model for realizing the ideal of sustainability. It dispels the notion that the flow of resources can continue along a one-way street from nature to mankind. Today, it is fairly well-understood that economies and ecosystems are structured and operate in strikingly similar ways. Healthy economies and healthy ecosystems depend on elemental diversity and unencumbered interchanges. Yet, maintaining and sustaining both healthy economies and healthy ecosystems continue to be viewed as disparate goals. How can this unfortunate mind-set be changed? The authors show how logistics engineering could be the best approach to implementing a two-part solution to this environmental business conundrum.     

Organotin pollution in China: an overview of the current state and potential health risk

In recent years, considerable amounts of organotin compounds have entered the environment due to the wide industrial applications in China. Organotins were found in various environmental media. An overview of organotin contamination and distribution in China from various environmental samples, including waters and sediments, is presented to better understand the current state of organotin pollution in China and to improve environmental monitoring and management of organotin contamination. Exposure to organotin contaminated water and sediments induces accumulation of organotins in molluscs and biological effects such as imposex. Potential harmful effects on human health may also result from consumption of contaminated seafoods. Detailed information on distribution, impacts and assessment of risk to human health and marine ecosystems is discussed and monitoring of TBT using biomarkers is described. This review highlights the serious organotin contamination of coastal cities in China and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring and the development of an effective regulatory program.     

Terrestrial and Aquatic Invertebrates as Bioindicators for Environmental Monitoring, with Particular Reference to Mountain Ecosystems

The use of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates as a management tool for monitoring change in ecosystems is reviewed and critically evaluated. Their suitability and value for assessing a range of environmental problems from pollution impacts, through habitat evaluation for conservation to the long-term degradation and recovery of ecosystems, is critically discussed. Guidelines are provided for the choice of appropriate bioindicators. Examples of the use of a broad spectrum of invertebrates to assess a variety of environmental problems are summarized. The particular potential of invertebrates for monitoring montane ecosystems is highlighted.     

国内外工业源颗粒物无组织排放控制标准研究

工业企业颗粒物无组织排放是环境空气中颗粒物的主要来源之一。长期以来,由于我国工业生产粗放型发展,环境管理不够精细,企业重视程度不够,从而导致颗粒物无组织排放问题越发突出,严重影响了我国大气环境质量的根本改善。工业源颗粒物无组织排放控制标准是我国大气污染物排放标准体系的重要组成部分,亦是颗粒物无组织排放管理和执法监管的重要技术依据。了解国内外当前工业源颗粒物无组织排放控制标准的发展现状、体系特点及存在的问题,有助于科学指导我国工业源颗粒物无组织排放控制标准的制定。本文系统研究了中国、美国、德国和日本的工业源颗粒物无组织排放控制法规及标准,通过对比分析,指出了我国工业源颗粒物无组织排放控制标准存在的问题,并提出完善标准的建议,为优化我国现行大气污染物排放标准体系、深化颗粒物污染防治和管理提供参考依据。     

基于水资源环境承载力约束的工业结构调整模型研究——以辽河上游铁岭段为例

根据2006年铁岭市工业各行业的结构特点及各行业对水环境的污染特点,建立水资源环境承载力的工业结构多目标优化模型,选取工业生产总值最大及废水和COD、NH3-N排放量最小作为优化目标,对模型进行计算,量化铁岭市2010年工业结构指标,选择出符合铁岭经济发展“十一五”规划目标和环境保护目标工业结构优化方案,获得既符合经济发展目标又满足水环境保护要求的合理工业结构,提供可借鉴的思路和方法。     

Formulating an ecosystem approach to environmental protection

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has embraced a new strategy of environmental protection that is place-driven rather than program-driven. This new approach focuses on the protection of entire ecosystems. To develop an effective strategy of ecosystem protection, however, EPA will need to: (1) determine how to define and delineate ecosystems and (2) categorize threats to individual ecosystems and priority rank ecosystems at risk. Current definitions of ecosystem in use at EPA are inadequate for meaningful use in a management or regulatory context. A landscape-based definition that describes an ecosystem as a volumetric unit delineated by climatic and landscape features is suggested. Following this definition, ecosystems are organized hierarchically, from megaecosystems, which exist on a continental scale (e.g., Great Lakes), to small local ecosystems.Threats to ecosystems can generally be categorized as: (1) ecosystem degradation (occurs mainly through pollution) (2) ecosystem alteration (physical changes such as water diversion), and (3) ecosystem removal (e.g., conversion of wetlands or forest to urban or agricultural lands). Level of threat (i.e., how imminent), and distance from desired future condition are also important in evaluating threats to ecosystems. Category of threat, level of threat, and distance from desired future condition can be combined into a three-dimensional ranking system for ecosystems at risk. The purpose of the proposed ranking system is to suggest a preliminary framework for agencies such as EPA to prioritize responses to ecosystems at risk.     

Assessment of Compliance Performance of Environmental Regulations of Industries in Tuzla (Istanbul,Turkey)

Although environmental management in Turkey is evolving, its performance needs to be assessed in terms of the extent to which polluters and dischargers are complying with their legal obligations. In spite of this necessity, however, not a single study evaluating the effectiveness of command-and-control strategy of environmental management has been conducted. It is for this reason that it was decided to conduct an analysis of the impact of environmental legislation on a major industrial area in Turkey. Accordingly, Turkish environmental legislation was analyzed, and all relevant obligations and responsibilities of industry are identified. Based upon this appraisal, a questionnaire was prepared and used to conduct interviews in Tuzla, Istanbul. From the results, it can be concluded that environmental compliance performance of industry is low. The total of 92 parameters has been questioned. Fifty-three parameters have been found as satisfactory compliance, whereas 26 parameters have been classified as partial compliance and 13 as unsatisfactory compliance. The most important reason for inadequate performance is the lack of an effective national and local environmental compliance management system. The other leading reasons are found to be low-level environmental consciousness of the people, absence of environmental management system at the sites, inadequacies in environmental subsidies, and insufficiencies in public environmental infrastructure. Four recommendations are made to increase the effectiveness of compliance management: establishing an effective environmental compliance management system, accelerating public investment for environmental infrastructure, developing financial subsidies and incentive schemes for environmental investments, and encouraging voluntary initiatives.     

官地水电站本底生态调查与施工期生态调查成果的对比与分析

本文通过官地水电站施工期陆生、水生生态调查与环评阶段调查成果的对比和分析,验证了环评对施工期生态影响的预测结论、环评提出的环保措施的合理性,证明了施工期实施生态保护措施的必要性以及施工期生态调查的重要意义。     

环境基本法目的条款的修改动因与方向--兼论生态文明的内在统一性

百年工业文明发展范式对自然环境的持续作用,使人类面临环境与发展的双重危机。生态文明具有内在统一性,环境法制是生态文明的应有之义。环境基本法是环境法制的基石,目的条款是环境基本法的元点。旧的目的条款沿袭工业文明发展范式,将发展经济奉为圭臬,始终无法调和人与自然的内在矛盾。修改环境基本法目的条款,融入生态文明因子具有自内而外、自外而内、自上而下以及自下而上四个方面的动力因素。