Lecture: Environmental Impact of New Projects, such as Construction and

Process Industries

1 Introduction

Definition of Environmental Impact

Environmental impact refers to any change to the environment, whether adverse or

beneficial, resulting from a project’s activities.

Relevance

New projects whether infrastructure (construction) or industrial (chemical plants,

factories) can affect air, water, soil, biodiversity, and human health.

2 Types of Projects

Construction Industry Projects: Roads, bridges, buildings, dams.

Process Industry Projects: Chemical plants, oil refineries, food processing, cement
factories.

3 Key Environmental Concerns

3.1 Air Pollution

3.1.1 Construction: Dust from excavation, emissions from machinery.

Air pollution from the construction industry primarily arises from activities such as land
clearing, excavation, demolition, material handling, and the operation of heavy
machinery. These activities generate large amounts of dust (particulate matter or PM),
especially when soil, sand, or cement is handled in open environments. Additionally,
construction equipment powered by diesel engines emits pollutants such as nitrogen
oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and fine particulate matter
(PM2.5 and PM10), all of which can negatively impact air quality and human health.
To determine the extent of air pollution, environmental monitoring is carried out using
devices like high-volume air samplers and dust monitors placed around construction
sites. These instruments measure the concentration of airborne particles and gases
over time. Data is then compared with national air quality standards to assess whether
the pollution levels are within safe limits. Meteorological conditions (like wind speed
and direction) are also considered to predict the dispersion of pollutants. This
information helps in designing effective dust suppression and emission control
strategies.

❖ How Air Degradation is Measured in EIA (Before Project Start)

Baseline Air Quality Monitoring

The first step is to measure the current air quality of the project site (called baseline
data) before any construction begins.

Instruments such as High-Volume Samplers and PM2.5/PM10 Monitors are installed

to measure:

• Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These readings are taken over several days or weeks to get average values under
different weather conditions.

Comparison with Standards

The measured values are compared with national or international air quality standards
(e.g., WHO or EPA limits).

If current pollution levels are already high, the project must implement stronger
pollution control measures.

Prediction Models

Using computer models like AERMOD or CALPUFF, experts simulate how the project
(e.g., emissions from trucks or machinery) will affect air quality in the future.

These models consider wind patterns, temperature, and topography to predict how far
and in what direction pollutants will spread.

Impact Rating and Mitigation

The predicted pollution increase is rated (low, moderate, high).

Mitigation plans (like dust suppression systems, green buffers, cleaner machinery) are
proposed if the increase is significant.

3.1.2 Process: Emission of gases (e.g., SO₂, NOx, CO₂ from factories).

Consider a small chemical manufacturing plant that produces paints and coatings.
During production, the plant emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as
toluene and xylene, into the air through exhaust vents and open storage tanks. These
gases can contribute to smog formation and pose health risks to nearby residents. To
analyze the impact, environmental engineers first measure the concentration of these
pollutants around the factory using air quality monitoring devices. The readings are
then compared with permissible limits set by environmental authorities. If the levels
are too high, the plant is required to install control systems like activated carbon filters
or scrubbers to reduce emissions. The analysis also includes studying wind direction
and local population data to determine how far and in what direction the pollutants may
spread. This simple impact analysis helps ensure that the plant’s operations do not
degrade air quality beyond safe limits and that corrective steps are taken if needed

3.2 Water Pollution

Construction: Runoff carrying sediments into rivers.

Process: Discharge of untreated wastewater containing chemicals or heavy metals.

For example, before starting a new food processing plant, an environmental impact
analysis is done to assess the potential water pollution. The plant is expected to
generate wastewater containing oils, organic matter, and cleaning chemicals. To
analyze the impact before construction, environmental experts first study the nearby
water bodies, such as rivers or groundwater sources, by collecting water samples to
establish baseline quality measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand
(COD), and presence of harmful substances. They then estimate the type and amount
of wastewater the plant will produce using process design data. Computer models are
used to simulate how this wastewater might affect nearby water sources if not properly
treated. If the predicted pollution exceeds safe limits, the project must include a
wastewater treatment plant in its design to ensure the discharged water meets
environmental standards. This analysis ensures that water quality is protected before
the project begins

Commonly Used Water Quality Models

Before a project begins, computer models are used to simulate how wastewater from
a construction site or process industry might affect nearby rivers, lakes, or
groundwater. These models help predict how pollutants will spread, dilute, or
accumulate in water bodies, and whether they could harm aquatic life or make water
unsafe for human use. List is

❖ QUAL2K / QUAL2KW (by USEPA)

Simulates river and stream water quality.

Predicts changes in dissolved oxygen, BOD, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus),
and temperature after wastewater is discharged.

❖ SWMM (Storm Water Management Model)

Used in urban construction projects.

Simulates runoff from streets and sites, helping predict how chemicals, oils, and
sediments will enter nearby drains or water bodies.

❖ MODFLOW

Simulates how wastewater might seep through soil and affect groundwater.

Useful in projects with deep foundations, landfills, or underground chemical storage.

❖ HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System)

Models how discharged water moves through rivers and channels.

Can simulate pollutant transport with flow changes.

➢ How the Models Work

Input data: Rainfall, terrain, wastewater quality, flow rates, and local water body data.
Simulation: The model “predicts” how pollutants move, how much they mix or settle,
and how long they stay in the water.

Output: Graphs or maps showing pollutant concentrations over time and distance.

3.3 Soil Contamination

Process: Leakage of hazardous substances into soil.

Like, before starting a new industrial or construction project, it is important to check

how the project might contaminate the soil in the surrounding area. Soil contamination
can happen when harmful chemicals, oils, heavy metals, or construction waste leak
into the ground, which can affect plants, animals, and even drinking water if it reaches
the groundwater. To prevent this, an environmental impact assessment is carried out
to identify possible risks and plan for safety measures in advance.

The assessment begins by collecting soil samples from different locations around the
proposed project site. These samples are tested in a laboratory to understand the
natural condition of the soil checking for things like pH, organic matter, and the
presence of any existing contaminants such as lead, arsenic, or petroleum products.
This gives a “baseline” picture of the soil quality before the project begins.

Next, experts study the materials and processes that the project will use. For example,
if the industry will handle chemicals or fuel, they assess the chances of spills or leaks.
Models or risk assessment tools may also be used to predict how any leaked
substance might spread in the soil over time. Based on this analysis, they recommend
safety measures such as lined storage tanks, proper waste disposal systems, or
sealed surfaces to prevent contact with the soil. This kind of assessment helps protect
the land and ensures that future generations can use it safely.

3.4 Noise Pollution

Construction: Drilling, blasting, heavy machinery.

Process: Compressors, pumps, and turbines.

Before starting a construction project for a process industry, such as a factory or power
plant, it is important to study how much noise pollution the project might create and
how it could affect nearby people and wildlife. This is part of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), which is done to identify and reduce negative effects on the
environment before construction begins.

The study begins by measuring the current noise levels at the project site using sound
level meters. These devices are placed at different locations and times of the day to
record how quiet or noisy the area already is. This information is called the baseline
noise level. If the site is near homes, schools, or hospitals, special attention is given
to how noise might affect people in those places.

Then, the planners look at the types of machines, vehicles, and equipment that will be
used during construction and later during the operation of the plant. They estimate
how much noise these activities will produce and use computer models to predict how
far the sound will travel and who might be affected.

Based on this prediction, the study recommends ways to reduce noise pollution. These
can include using quieter equipment, setting up noise barriers or green belts, and
limiting construction work to daytime hours. This helps protect the health and comfort
of people living near the site and ensures that the project follows environmental safety
rules.

How Noise Prediction Models Work (Simple Explanation)

Input Data:

Type and number of noise sources (e.g., trucks, machines, compressors).

Sound levels from each source (in decibels, dB).

Site layout and topography (e.g., buildings, hills, trees).

Meteorological data (wind direction, temperature, humidity).

Distance to nearby sensitive areas (residences, hospitals, etc.).

Simulation:

The model calculates how sound waves travel from each noise source. It considers:

Distance and obstacles (e.g., walls, vegetation).

Sound reflection, absorption, and attenuation (weakening of sound over distance).

Output:
The model produces noise contour maps showing different noise levels across the
area. It shows zones where sound levels might exceed legal limits, helping identify
where protection measures are needed.

Popular Noise Prediction Models

➢ CadnaA (Computer Aided Noise Abatement)

Used globally for industrial and urban noise mapping.

Produces detailed 3D noise maps.

➢ SoundPLAN

Widely used in construction and transportation projects.

Simulates noise for roads, railways, and factories.

➢ TNM (Traffic Noise Model)

Developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Used to simulate traffic noise near highways and urban roads.

➢ ISO 9613-2 Method

An international standard used in many noise models.

Calculates sound propagation outdoors from industrial sources

3.5 Loss of Biodiversity

Construction: Clearing of forests for roads/dams.

Process: Effluents harming aquatic life.

Before starting a new construction or industrial project, an environmental impact

analysis is conducted to assess how the project might cause the loss of biodiversity in
the surrounding area. This analysis looks at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that
might be affected by the project. For example, clearing land for a new building or
factory can destroy natural habitats, leading to a loss of local species. The study
involves identifying the types of wildlife and vegetation present, and predicting how the
project will affect them. Experts may survey the area to document existing species and
their roles in the ecosystem. If the project is likely to cause significant harm, the
analysis will recommend ways to reduce the impact, such as creating wildlife corridors,
preserving green spaces, or relocating endangered species. This ensures that the
project minimizes damage to local biodiversity and contributes to a balanced
environment.