Environmental Constraints Flashcards
Avoidance of air pollution
Air pollution consists of particles introduced into the air that have harmful effects on health. Construction projects produce a high level of dust from everyday objects such as concrete, cement and timber. Other air pollutants come from the plant and machinery on site. Demolition of older buildings can also disturb harmful materials such as asbestos
Water sprays and sprinklers are used on construction sites to keep the dust levels down during activities such as filling skips, breaking concrete and using disk cutters or grinders. Washing the wheels of vehicles leaving the site, if they are carrying mud or waste, will also help to keep air pollution down
Avoidance of water pollution
Water pollution can be caused by sources such as diesel, oil, paint or other dangerous chemicals. Polluted surface run-off can effect marine life and animals that drink the water. Chemicals may seep into the ground water which may also be a source of drinking water. Polluted groundwater is difficult to treat
Steps can be taken to minimise this on construction sites, such as using non-toxic paints, solvents and other hazardous materials wherever possible
Wastewater that is generated from site activities can be collected in settlement tanks, screened and then the clean water discharged with the remaining sludge disposed of according to environmental regulations
Avoidance of noise pollution
Construction work such as demolition, construction and repair work can produce significant noise. A lot of this noise is hard to avoid, so it is important to strike a balance between the need for the work and the impact on the local residents and environment
Project planners should be aware of the population density of the proposed area and consider the impact the construction noise may create. Heavy plant and machinery, and daily lorry deliveries can be noisy. Exposure to high noise levels can lead to temporary and, in severe cases, permanent loss of hearing. High noise levels not only disturb the residents but can also effect the wildlife in the area
The authorities responsible for controlling the noise levels can use several methods to manage the impact, including restricting hours of work, setting minimum noise levels and requiring that everything reasonably practicable is carried out to limit the noise levels
National planning policy
The purpose of planning is to provide sustainable development. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) lays out the planning policies of the English government. The NPPF has an underlying presumption in favour of sustainable development. It provides a framework within which local councils can monitor and control their own areas. This allows them to keep to the overall plan while still being able to accommodate their own specific needs and requirements
The plan for delivering sustainable development is broken into thirteen parts. Several are relevant to environment constraints on a building project
Part 6; Delivering a wide choice of quality homes- There is a need to increase the housing stock across England, so local councils must plan to ensure sufficient affordable housing will be available in their area. Local planning authorities have to identify specific sites that can be used for residential development over the next 5-15 years in order to meet the expected growth of the area. In rural areas, local planners must reflect the needs of the local community to prevent inappropriate developments, and look to develop areas of housing rather than promote new isolated homes
Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Under this Act it is illegal to kill or injure wild birds and animals, and to disturb any area used for their shelter or protection. The Act also lists plants it is illegal to pick, uproot or destroy. The Act has a number of schedules which identify the birds, animals and plants that are protected. These restrictions can have an impact on any plans for building refurbishments, for example bats in an old church rower which is due to be refurbished
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
An Environmental Impact Assessment provides the planning authorities with information about the environmental effects of a project. In England, the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 provide the legal framework for implementing an EIA. The planning authorities are responsible for determining whether an EIA. The planning authorities are responsible for determining whether an EIA is necessary for any proposed project
Two lists of types of building projects are identified within the EIA regulations;
-Schedule 1 identifies the projects for which an EIA is compulsory, eg power plants, chemical plants and metal production plants
-Schedule 2 identifies projects where an EIA may be required. It specifies criteria, such as floor space, under which a project needs to be considered. The limitations set out in schedule 2 will determine whether an EIA is necessary
