1B2 Chapter 6 Environmental Management

1st Class Power Engineering

What is the purpose of an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

To systematically work with all direct and indirect aspects of environmental activities within an organization.

What are the ISO 14000 - 14002 standards?

They are international standards for Environmental Management Systems that provide a framework for organizations to manage their environmental responsibilities.

What is required for environmental routine, excursion, and exceedance reporting?

Organizations must establish procedures for monitoring and reporting environmental performance, including any deviations from standards.

What are Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)?

Systems used to continuously monitor the emissions from industrial processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

What is the significance of Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATA)?

RATA ensures the accuracy and reliability of emissions data collected by CEMS.

What are the responsibilities for spill containment and cleanup?

Organizations must have procedures in place to contain and clean up spills to minimize environmental damage.

What is an environmental audit program?

A systematic evaluation of an organization's environmental performance to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.

What is the procedure for conducting an environmental audit?

It includes planning, executing the audit, reporting findings, and following up on corrective actions.

What are the regulatory requirements for waste segregation and disposal?

Organizations must follow regulations that dictate how different types of waste should be handled and disposed of to protect the environment.

What types of waste streams require special disposal procedures?

Hazardous wastes and other specific waste types that pose risks to health and the environment.

What is the significance of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Acts?

These acts regulate the safe transport of hazardous materials to prevent accidents and environmental harm.

What are the general requirements for hazardous waste transportation?

Proper labeling, packaging, and documentation are required to ensure safe transport and compliance with regulations.

What is the purpose of land reclamation?

To restore and rehabilitate land that has been disturbed or degraded, making it suitable for future use.

What is the significance of environmental science?

It studies the interactions between human activities and natural systems, integrating multiple scientific disciplines.

What are the three key aspects of sustainable development?

Economic stability, social equity, and environmental responsibility.

How does unsustainable development affect global society?

It leads to environmental degradation, loss of resources, and negative impacts on health and ecosystems.

What is ozone depletion, and why is it significant?

Ozone depletion refers to the reduction of ozone in the stratosphere, which increases harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth.

What are HCFCs and CFCs, and why are they a concern?

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemicals that contribute to ozone depletion.

What is the role of environmental management in sustainable development?

It integrates practices that minimize environmental impacts while promoting economic and social well-being.

What is the impact of pesticides on the environment?

Pesticides can contaminate food chains and harm non-target species, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

What are the consequences of poor air quality?

It can lead to health problems and environmental issues such as smog and acid rain.

What are the effects of deforestation?

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, decreased biodiversity, and contributes to climate change.

How does over-fishing impact marine ecosystems?

Over-fishing depletes fish populations, disrupts food chains, and can lead to the collapse of marine ecosystems.

What is the significance of clean air and safe drinking water?

They are essential for human health and well-being, and their availability is a fundamental environmental issue.

What is the importance of integrating sustainability into environmental management?

It ensures that development meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

A framework used to systematically manage an organization's environmental activities and issues.

What is the broad purpose of an EMS?

To identify and manage environmental activities, use resources efficiently, build accountable relationships, attract a committed workforce, reduce environmental impacts, and communicate effectively.

What are the key components common to all EMS standards?

Top management commitment, establishment of an environmental policy, planning and implementation, measurement and evaluation, audits and review, and external environmental communication.

What was the first standard for environmental management systems?

The British Standard (BS 7750), developed in 1997.

What replaced the British Standard BS 7750?

The International Organization of Standards, ISO 14000.

What is the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)?

A standard developed for the European Union based on the former British Standard BS 7750.

What is the significance of the ISO 14000 family of standards?

It provides management tools for organizations to control environmental aspects, reduce impacts, and improve business goals through responsible environmental interaction.

What principle did the Brundtland Commission define in 1987?

Sustainability principle: development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

What was the main objective discussed at the UNCED in 1992?

Sustainable development, which interlinks economic stability, social equity, and environmental responsibility.

When was the ISO 14000 family of standards launched?

In 1993.

What is the role of ISO/TOC 207?

To develop a range of environmental management tools and standards through consultation with various stakeholders.

What are some economic benefits associated with the ISO 14000 standards?

Reduced energy consumption, improvements in products and services, and reduced waste generation.

What is the contribution of the ISO 14000 standards to sustainable development?

They provide tools that lead to economic, environmental, and social benefits.

What is the purpose of establishing an environmental policy in an EMS?

To guide the organization in its environmental management efforts.

What does continual improvement mean in the context of an EMS?

Striving for ongoing enhancement of environmental performance and management practices.

What types of professionals typically collaborate to implement an EMS?

Business professionals, scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, and tradespeople.

What are potential environmental liabilities that organizations aim to minimize?

Risks associated with environmental damage or non-compliance with regulations.

What is the significance of external environmental communication in an EMS?

To ensure transparency and accountability to stakeholders and the public.

What is the role of audits in an EMS?

To evaluate the effectiveness of the environmental management system and ensure compliance with policies.

How does an organization benefit from having a certified EMS?

It can enhance credibility, improve environmental performance, and potentially reduce costs.

What is the triple bottom line in the context of EMS?

A framework that considers economic stability, social equity, and environmental responsibility.

What is the main focus of ISO 14001 certification?

To establish, implement, maintain, and improve an environmental management system.

What does the term 'sustainable development' encompass?

Economic stability, social equity, and environmental responsibility.

What is the importance of resource efficiency in an EMS?

To achieve objectives and targets associated with significant environmental impacts.

What is the relationship between EMS and globalization?

Many organizations are opting for formal recognition through certifications like ISO 14001 or EMAS due to globalization.

What does the term 'environmental aspects' refer to in an EMS?

The elements of an organization's activities that can interact with the environment.

What is the role of stakeholders in the development of ISO 14000 standards?

Stakeholders from various sectors provide input and expertise during the standards' development process.

What is ISO 14001:1996?

Environmental management systems - Specification with guidance for use.

What does ISO 14004:1996 provide?

General guidelines on principles, systems, and supporting techniques for environmental management systems.

What is the purpose of ISO 14010:1996?

Guidelines for environmental auditing - General principles (obsolete).

What does ISO 14011:1996 cover?

Guidelines for environmental auditing - Audit procedures for environmental management systems (obsolete).

What is the focus of ISO 14012:1996?

Guidelines for environmental auditing - Qualification criteria for environmental auditors (obsolete).

What does ISO 14015:2001 address?

Environmental assessment of sites and organizations (EASO).

What are the general principles of ISO 14020:2000?

Environmental labels and declarations.

What does ISO 14021:1999 specify?

Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling).

What is the focus of ISO 14024:1999?

Type I environmental labelling - Principles and procedures.

What does ISO/TR 14025:2000 cover?

Type III environmental declarations.

What is the purpose of ISO 14031:1999?

Environmental performance evaluation - Guidelines.

What does ISO/TR 14032:1999 provide examples of?

Environmental performance evaluation (EPE).

What is the focus of ISO 14040:1997?

Life cycle assessment - Principles and framework.

What does ISO 14041:1998 define?

Life cycle assessment - Goal and scope definition and inventory analysis.

What is covered by ISO 14042:2000?

Life cycle impact assessment.

What does ISO 14043:2000 address?

Life cycle interpretation.

What is the focus of ISO/TR 14047?

Examples of application of ISO 14042.

What does ISO/TS 14048:2002 specify?

Data documentation format for life cycle assessment.

What does ISO/TR 14049:2000 provide examples of?

Application of ISO 14041 to goal and scope definition and inventory analysis.

What is the purpose of ISO 14050:2002?

Vocabulary for environmental management.

What does ISO/TR 14061:1998 assist with?

Forestry organizations in the use of environmental management system standards.

What is the focus of ISO/TR 14062:2002?

Integrating environmental aspects into product design and development.

What does ISO/WD 14063 provide?

Guidelines and examples for environmental determined communications.

What is the focus of ISO/AWI 14064?

Guidelines for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions.

What does ISO 19011:2002 cover?

Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing.

What is the purpose of ISO Guide 64:1997?

Guide for the inclusion of environmental aspects in product standards.

What does ISO/IEC Guide 66 specify?

General requirements for bodies operating assessment and certification of environmental management systems.

What defines an air toxic substance according to Alberta Environmental Protection?

A substance that enters or may enter the atmospheric environment in a quantity or concentration that has or may have an immediate or long-term effect on the environment or human life.

What are the five Criteria Air Toxics listed?

1. Sulphur Dioxide 2. Carbon Monoxide 3. Ozone 4. Nitrogen Dioxide 5. Total Suspended Particles

What class of chemicals does Sulphur Dioxide belong to?

Metals and metalloids (i.e., arsenic, lead, and mercury)

What is the guideline for Sulphur Dioxide as a 1-hour average concentration?

450 μg/m3

What is the purpose of Ambient Air Quality Objectives?

To protect the environment and human health to the extent that is technically, economically feasible, and socially acceptable.

How are Ambient Air Quality Objectives used?

1. Reporting on the state of the atmospheric environment 2. Establishing approval conditions for regulated industrial facilities 3. Evaluating proposals to construct facilities 4. Assessing compliance near major industrial air emission sources.

What is the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Guideline for Nitrogen Dioxide as a 24-hour average concentration?

200 μg/m3

What are the two types of in-stack emission monitoring?

1. Manual stack surveys 2. Continuous emission monitoring

What is involved in manual stack surveys?

Short duration tests consisting of three one-hour tests using sampling equipment placed in the stack.

What is the guideline for Carbon Monoxide as a 1-hour average concentration?

15 μg/m3

What are fugitive emissions?

Emissions of volatile organic compounds from leaking valves, flanges, sampling connections, pumps, pipes, and compressors.

What is the guideline for Ground Level Ozone as a 24-hour average concentration?

50 μg/m3

What is the guideline for Suspended Particulates as an annual geometric mean?

60 μg/m3

What is the guideline for Ammonia as a 1-hour average concentration?

2.0 ppm

What is the purpose of ambient emission monitoring?

To assess air quality and ensure compliance with air quality standards.

What is the guideline for Hydrogen Sulphide as a 24-hour average concentration?

4 μg/m3

What does the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) regulate?

It regulates environmental monitoring, reporting, and management of air quality.

What is the guideline for Dust-fall in residential areas over 30 days?

53 mg/100cm2

What is the guideline for Smoke and Dust readings per month?

90% of the readings shall be less than 1.0 COH unit.

What is the guideline for Static Total Sulphation as a 1-month accumulated loading?

0.50 mg SO3 equivalent/day/100cm2

What is the guideline for Static Hydrogen Sulphide as a 1-month accumulated loading?

0.10 mg SO3 equivalent/day/100cm2