Chapter Four

Environmental Impact Assessment

Wastewater Treatment Types and Stages

▪ Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater. It is a critical

process for protecting human health and the environment. Wastewater treatment can be divided into
three main types: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

▪ Primary treatment: Primary treatment is the first step in wastewater treatment. It is designed to
remove large solids and settleable solids from wastewater. Primary treatment is typically
accomplished using a physical process, such as screening, grit removal, and sedimentation.

▪ Secondary treatment: Secondary treatment is the second step in wastewater treatment. It is designed
to remove dissolved organic matter and suspended solids from wastewater. Secondary treatment is
typically accomplished using a biological process, such as activated sludge or trickling filter.

▪ Tertiary treatment: Tertiary treatment is the third and final step in wastewater treatment. It is
designed to remove specific pollutants from wastewater, such as nutrients, metals, and pathogens.
Tertiary treatment is typically accomplished using a physical, chemical, or biological process.
Continued

▪ The specific type of wastewater treatment that is used will depend on the source of the wastewater,
the level of treatment required, and the available resources.
Preliminary Treatment
▪ The first stage of wastewater treatment is preliminary treatment, which is designed to remove large
objects and materials that could damage the equipment in the wastewater treatment plant. This
stage typically includes:

▪ Screening: Large objects, such as rags, sticks, and toys, are removed from the wastewater using
screens.
▪ Grit removal: Grit, which is made up of sand, gravel, and other small particles, is removed from the
wastewater using a grit chamber.
▪ Oil and grease removal: Oil and grease are removed from the wastewater using an oil skimmer or a
gravity separator.
Continued
Primary Treatment

The second stage of wastewater treatment is primary treatment, which is designed to remove solids
from the wastewater. This stage typically includes:

Sedimentation: The wastewater is allowed to settle in a tank, where the solids settle to the bottom
and the clear water is removed from the top.
Filtration: The settled solids are removed from the tank and then filtered to remove any remaining
solids.
Continued
Secondary Treatment

The third stage of wastewater treatment is secondary treatment, which is designed to remove organic
matter from the wastewater. This stage typically includes:

Activated sludge: The wastewater is treated with a mixture of bacteria and other microorganisms,
which break down the organic matter in the wastewater.
Trickling filter: The wastewater is sprayed over a bed of rocks or other material, where it is treated by
a film of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Continued

Tertiary Treatment

▪ The fourth and final stage of wastewater treatment is tertiary treatment, which is designed to remove
specific pollutants from the wastewater. This stage typically includes:

▪ Disinfection: The wastewater is disinfected using chlorine, ultraviolet light, or ozone to kill any
pathogens that may be present.
▪ Nitrogen removal: Nitrogen is removed from the wastewater using a process called denitrification.
▪ Phosphorus removal: Phosphorus is removed from the wastewater using a process called precipitation.
▪ Wastewater treatment is an important process that helps to protect human health and the environment.
By removing contaminants from wastewater, wastewater treatment helps to prevent the spread of
disease and to protect water quality.
Steps for Designing WWTP
▪ The design steps and calculation of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) vary depending on the
size and complexity of the plant, but there are some general steps that are common to all WWTPs.

▪ The first step is to collect data on the wastewater that will be treated. This data includes the flow
rate, the concentration of pollutants, and the type of pollutants. This data is used to design the
treatment processes that will be needed to remove the pollutants from the wastewater.

▪ The next step is to design the treatment processes. This includes selecting the type of treatment
process, the size of the treatment units, and the materials that will be used in the treatment units.
The treatment processes are designed to remove the pollutants from the wastewater to meet the
required water quality standards.

▪ The final step is to calculate the cost of the WWTP. This includes the cost of the treatment
processes, the cost of the equipment, the cost of the land, and the cost of operation and
maintenance.
The following are some of the common calculations that are performed in the
design of a WWTP:

▪ Flow rate: The flow rate of the wastewater is calculated by measuring the volume of wastewater
that is discharged over a period of time.

▪ Concentration of pollutants: The concentration of pollutants in the wastewater is measured by

collecting samples of the wastewater and analyzing them for the presence of pollutants.

▪ Type of pollutants: The type of pollutants in the wastewater is determined by analyzing the samples
for the presence of specific pollutants.

▪ Required water quality standards: The required water quality standards are set by the government,
and they specify the maximum concentration of pollutants that are allowed in the wastewater that is
discharged to the environment.
Cost of treatment processes

▪ Cost of treatment processes: The cost of treatment processes is calculated by multiplying the cost
of the treatment units by the number of treatment units that are required.
▪ Cost of equipment: The cost of equipment is calculated by multiplying the cost of the equipment
by the number of pieces of equipment that are required.
▪ Cost of land: The cost of land is calculated by multiplying the cost of the land per square foot by
the area of land that is required.
▪ Cost of operation and maintenance: The cost of operation and maintenance is calculated by
multiplying the cost of labor per hour by the number of hours that are required to operate and
maintain the WWTP.
▪ The design of a WWTP is a complex process that requires the expertise of engineers, scientists, and
other professionals. The design of a WWTP is critical to ensuring that the wastewater is treated
effectively, and that the environment is protected.
Solids processing and disposal

Solids processing and disposal is the process of converting solid waste into a more manageable form or of
disposing of it in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Solid waste can include a variety of
materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, paper, plastic, metal, and glass.

There are several different methods for processing and disposing of solid waste. Some of the most
common methods include.

Recycling: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
Recycling can help to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and incinerators, and it can also
conserve natural resources.
Continued

▪ Composting: Composting is the process of converting organic materials, such as food scraps and
yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting can help to reduce the amount of
waste that goes to landfills, and it can also improve soil quality.

▪ Incineration: Incineration is the process of burning solid waste at high temperatures to reduce its
volume. Incineration can help to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills, but it can also
produce harmful emissions.

▪ Landfilling: Landfilling is the process of disposing of solid waste in a designated area. Landfilling
is the most common method for disposing of solid waste, but it can also pollute the environment
and create methane gas, a greenhouse gas.

▪ The method of solids processing and disposal that is used will depend on a number of factors, such
as the type of waste, the amount of waste, the cost of the different methods, and the environmental
impact of the different methods.
Some of the benefits of solids processing and disposal:

▪ Reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills: Landfills are a major source of methane gas, a
greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide. By processing and disposing of solid waste
in other ways, we can reduce the amount of methane gas that is released into the atmosphere.

▪ Conserves natural resources: Recycling and composting can help to conserve natural resources,
such as trees, water, and minerals.

▪ Protects human health and the environment: By processing and disposing of solid waste in a safe
and environmentally responsible manner, we can help to protect human health and the
environment.
Some of the challenges of solids processing and disposal:

▪ Cost: The cost of processing and disposing of solid waste can be high.

▪ Technology: Some methods of processing and disposing of solid waste, such as incineration,
require specialized technology.

▪ Public acceptance: Some methods of processing and disposing of solid waste, such as incineration,
are not always accepted by the public.

▪ Solids processing and disposal is an important issue that we need to address in order to protect
human health and the environment.

▪ By developing and implementing new technologies and by educating the public about the
importance of solids processing and disposal, we can make progress on this important issue.
Advanced treatment processes

▪ Advanced treatment processes are used to remove contaminants from wastewater that cannot be
removed by conventional treatment methods. These processes are often used to meet stricter water
quality standards or to remove specific pollutants, such as nutrients, metals, and pathogens.

▪ Some of the most common advanced treatment processes include:

▪ Membrane filtration: Membrane filtration uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove particles

and dissolved substances from water. This process can be used to remove a wide range of
contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and chemicals.

▪ Ozonation: Ozonation is a process that uses ozone to oxidize and break down contaminants in
water. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can remove a wide range of contaminants,
including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and chemicals.
Continued
Continued
▪ Advanced oxidation processes: Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) use a combination of
chemicals and/or light to oxidize and break down contaminants in water. AOPs can be used to
remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and chemicals.
▪ Aerobic and anaerobic digestion: Aerobic and anaerobic digestion are biological processes that use
microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater. Aerobic digestion uses oxygen, while
anaerobic digestion does not. Both processes can be used to remove organic matter and nutrients
from wastewater.
▪ Bioremediation: Bioremediation is a process that uses microorganisms to remove contaminants
from soil, groundwater, and surface water. Bioremediation can be used to remove a wide range of
contaminants, including petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
▪ Advanced treatment processes can be expensive to install and operate. However, they can be a
valuable tool for improving water quality and protecting human health.
Some of the benefits of advanced treatment processes:

▪ Improved water quality: Advanced treatment processes can remove a wide range of contaminants
from wastewater, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, chemicals, and nutrients. This can help to
improve water quality and protect human health.

▪ Reduced risk of waterborne diseases: Advanced treatment processes can reduce the risk of
waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea.

▪ Improved environmental quality: Advanced treatment processes can help to improve environmental
quality by reducing the number of pollutants that are discharged into the environment.
Some of the challenges of advanced treatment
processes:

▪ Cost: Advanced treatment processes can be expensive to install and operate.

▪ Technology: Advanced treatment processes require specialized technology.

▪ Public acceptance: Some advanced treatment processes, such as ozonation, may not be accepted by
the public.

▪ Despite the challenges, advanced treatment processes can be a valuable tool for improving water
quality and protecting human health.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
▪ Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic process for identifying, assessing, and
mitigating the environmental impacts of policies, plans, and programs. SEA is a tool that can be used to
help decision-makers make more informed choices about how to manage the environment.
▪ SEA is a relatively new process, and there is no single, universally accepted approach to SEA.
However, there are several common steps that are typically included in an SEA process. These steps
include:
▪ Screening: The first step in an SEA process is to screen the proposed policy, plan, or program to
determine whether it is likely to have significant environmental impacts. If the proposed action is
determined to be likely to have significant environmental impacts, then an SEA is required.
▪ ** Scoping:** The scoping process is used to identify the key environmental issues that need to be
considered in the SEA. The scoping process typically involves consultation with stakeholders, including
government agencies, environmental groups, and the public.
▪ Impact assessment: The impact assessment is the heart of the SEA process. The impact assessment is
used to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed policy, plan, or program. The impact
assessment typically includes an analysis of the potential impacts on air quality, water quality, land use,
biodiversity, and other environmental resources.
Continued

▪ Mitigation measures: The mitigation measures are the steps that are taken to reduce or eliminate
the negative environmental impacts of the proposed policy, plan, or program. The mitigation
measures are typically developed in consultation with stakeholders.

▪ Monitoring and evaluation: The monitoring and evaluation process is used to track the
effectiveness of the mitigation measures and to identify any new environmental impacts that may
arise as a result of the implementation of the policy, plan, or program.

▪ SEA can be a valuable tool for decision-makers who are looking to make more informed choices
about how to manage the environment. SEA can help to ensure that environmental considerations
are taken into account at the earliest stages of the decision-making process, and it can help to
identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts.
Some of the benefits of SEA:

▪ Improved decision-making: SEA can help to improve decision-making by providing decision-

makers with a better understanding of the potential environmental impacts of their choices.

▪ Reduced environmental impacts: SEA can help to reduce environmental impacts by identifying and
mitigating potential impacts early in the decision-making process.

▪ Increased public participation: SEA can help to increase public participation in the decision-
making process by providing opportunities for stakeholders to comment on the potential
environmental impacts of proposed policies, plans, and programs.
Continued
▪ SEA is a relatively new process, and there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. These
challenges include:

▪ Lack of resources: SEA can be a resource-intensive process, and this can be a challenge for some
organizations.

▪ Lack of expertise: SEA requires specialized expertise, and this can be a challenge for some
organizations.

▪ Lack of public awareness: There is still a lack of public awareness about SEA, and this can make it
difficult to engage the public in the SEA process.

▪ Despite these challenges, SEA is a valuable tool that can be used to help decision-makers make more
informed choices about how to manage the environment.
Some examples of strategic environmental impact
assessment (SEA):

▪ The Great Western Development Strategy, China: This SEA was conducted to assess the
environmental impacts of a major economic development initiative in China. The initiative aimed to
promote economic growth and improve living standards in the western part of the country. The SEA
found that the initiative could have significant environmental impacts, including air pollution, water
pollution, and deforestation.

▪ Transboundary environmental assessment of the Nile basin: This SEA was conducted to assess the
environmental impacts of water resource development in the Nile basin. The basin is shared by 11
countries, and the SEA was designed to help these countries cooperate on water management and
avoid potential conflicts. The SEA found that water resource development in the basin could have
significant environmental impacts, including water scarcity, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Continued
▪ Mekong River Commission Basin Development Plan: This SEA was conducted to assess the
environmental impacts of a major development plan for the Mekong River basin. The plan aimed to
promote economic growth and improve living standards in the basin. The SEA found that the plan
could have significant environmental impacts, including water pollution, deforestation, and loss of
biodiversity.
▪ Sida's country strategy for Viet Nam: This SEA was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of
a development assistance program for Viet Nam.
▪ The program aimed to promote economic growth and improve living standards in Viet Nam. The SEA
found that the program could have significant environmental impacts, including air pollution, water
pollution, and deforestation.
▪ The DFID-WWF Partnership Programme Agreement: This SEA was conducted to assess the
environmental impacts of a partnership between the UK's Department for International Development
(DFID) and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
▪ The partnership aimed to promote sustainable development in developing countries. The SEA found
that the partnership could have significant environmental impacts, including improved forest
management, reduced water pollution, and increased biodiversity conservation.
Improving the effectiveness of project assessment:

▪ Set clear goals and objectives. Before you start your project, take the time to define your goals and
objectives. What do you hope to achieve with your project? What are the specific outcomes that
you are looking for? Having clear goals and objectives will help you to focus your assessment
efforts and to measure the success of your project.

▪ Identify the key stakeholders. Who are the people who will be affected by your project? Who are
the people who have a vested interest in the success of your project? Identifying the key
stakeholders will help you to ensure that their needs are considered during the assessment process.

▪ Collect data from a variety of sources. Don't rely on just one source of data when assessing your
project. Collect data from a variety of sources, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and
document reviews. This will help you to get a more comprehensive understanding of the project's
impact.
Continued

▪ Use a variety of assessment methods. There are a variety of assessment methods available, such as
cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and stakeholder satisfaction surveys. Choose the
assessment methods that are most appropriate for your project and that will provide you with the
information that you need.

▪ Interpret the data carefully. Once you have collected and analyzed the data, it is important to
interpret the results carefully. Be sure to consider the limitations of the data and to avoid making any
unfounded conclusions.

▪ Communicate the results to the stakeholders. Once you have completed your assessment, it is
important to communicate the results to the stakeholders. This will help to ensure that they
understand the impact of your project and that they can use the information to make informed
decisions about future projects.
Some examples of project environmental impact
assessment (EIA):
▪ Construction of a new highway: An EIA would be conducted to assess the environmental impacts of
constructing a new highway. The EIA would consider the potential impacts on air quality, water
quality, noise pollution, and wildlife habitat.
▪ Development of a new commercial center: An EIA would be conducted to assess the environmental
impacts of developing a new commercial center. The EIA would consider the potential impacts on air
quality, water quality, noise pollution, and traffic congestion.
▪ Construction of a new power plant: An EIA would be conducted to assess the environmental impacts of
constructing a new power plant. The EIA would consider the potential impacts on air quality, water
quality, noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
▪ Opening of a new mine: An EIA would be conducted to assess the environmental impacts of opening a
new mine. The EIA would consider the potential impacts on air quality, water quality, soil quality, and
wildlife habitat.
▪ Construction of a new dam: An EIA would be conducted to assess the environmental impacts of
constructing a new dam. The EIA would consider the potential impacts on water quality, fish
populations, and wildlife habitat.
Continued

To Be
Continued
End of Chapter 4
Thank you

30