Module 2
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the
Environment.
1. Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
2. Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Air Environment
3. Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the water Environment
4. Mitigation and Compensation , Analysis of Potential
Environmental Impact & Mitigation Measures
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on
the Noise Environment.
What is Noise Pollution ?
It refers to harmful or unwanted sounds
that disturb the normal environment and
affect the health and well-being of
humans, animals, and ecosystems.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
It is usually caused by human activities like
traffic, industrial operations, construction,
and loud music.
It is an underrated environmental problem
because of the fact that we can’t see, smell,
or taste it.
W orld Health Organization stated that
“Noise must be recognized as a major threat
to human well-being.”
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Health Effects
Hearing Loss
Sleep Disturbances
Stress and Anxiety
Cardiovascular Issues
Mental Health Problems
Communication Problems
Reduced Productivity
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Sources
Traffic (Vehicles, Horns, Engines, Airports)
Industrial Activities (Factories, Machinery,
Construction)
Household Appliances (TV, Music, Mixers,
Washing Machines)
Public Events (Loudspeakers, Fireworks,
Concerts)
Agricultural Equipment (Tractors,
Harvesters, Water Pumps)
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Solutions
Traffic Noise
Enforce strict vehicle noise regulations.
Use silent zones near hospitals and schools.
Encourage public transport and carpooling to
reduce traffic.
Install noise barriers along highways.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Solutions
Industrial Activities
Use soundproofing in factories.
Implement low-noise machinery.
Restrict industrial activity in residential areas.
Provide ear protection for workers.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Solutions
Household Appliances
Use quieter home appliances.
Limit high-volume TV or music use.
Install carpets and curtains to absorb sound.
Encourage responsible use of noisy devices
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Solutions
Public Events
Restrict the use of loudspeakers at night.
Implement decibel limits for concerts and
rallies.
Promote awareness about noise pollution.
Use noise control technologies at events.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Solutions
Agricultural Equipment
Use modern, low-noise farming equipment.
Limit machine usage near residential areas.
Encourage manual or quieter alternatives when
possible.
Promote sustainable farming techniques.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Properties of Sound
Speed of Sound- 1500 m/s in water and 5000 m/s in steel,
340 m/s in air
Humans - frequency lies between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz
[infrasound if < 20 Hz , ultrasound if > 20 kHz].
measuring instrument - Sound Level Meter / Noise Level
Meter
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Assessment of Impact on Noise Environment
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is conducted to evaluate and
assess the impact of a proposed (or existing) activity on the environment.
Noise is one of the key environmental attributes that need to be studied for its
potential impact.
The objective of the EIA study is to ensure that the local environment is not
adversely affected by noise levels from the proposed activity.
If ambient noise levels are found to be high, appropriate control measures may be
suggested.
These control measures will help ensure that ambient noise levels do not increase
due to the proposed activity.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Basic steps for Prediction and Assessment of
Impacts on the Noise Environment
1. Identification of Noise Sources
Determine the primary sources of noise (e.g., industrial activities, construction,
traffic).
Classify them as point, line, or area sources.
2. Baseline Noise Level Measurement
Conduct field measurements using sound level meters.
Assess day and night noise levels (Leq, L10, L50, L90).
Identify noise-sensitive areas (schools, hospitals, residential zones).
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Basic steps for Prediction and Assessment of
Impacts on the Noise Environment
3. Noise Impact Prediction
Use noise propagation models to estimate future noise levels.
Consider factors like distance, terrain, and meteorological conditions.
Compare projected noise levels with regulatory standards.
4. Impact Assessment
Determine the significance of noise level changes.
Evaluate potential health and environmental impacts.
Identify exceedances of permissible noise limits.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Basic steps for Prediction and Assessment of
Impacts on the Noise Environment
5. Mitigation Measures
Suggest noise control strategies (e.g., barriers, acoustic insulation).
Implement operational controls (e.g., restricted working hours).
Use noise-reducing equipment and technology.
6. Monitoring and Compliance
Establish a noise monitoring plan.
Conduct periodic noise level checks to ensure compliance.
Address public concerns and grievances related to noise pollution.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Step by Step procedure in prediction and assessment of
impact on noise Environment
Step 1: Identification of noise levels
Step 2: Description of existing noise levels
Step 3: Effect of noise
Step 4: Noise standards and criteria
Step 5: Prediction or measurement of noise levels
Step 6: Noise control practices
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Noise Environment
Prediction and Assessment of
Impacts on the Air Environment.
Introduction to Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA)
•EIA is a process that studies the possible environmental
effects of a proposed project.
•It helps to find out if a project will damage the
environment before it starts.
•One key part of EIA is predicting the impact on the air
environment.
•It ensures development is sustainable and safe for people
and nature.
•Without EIA, projects may cause long-term harm to the
environment.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Air Environment
What is the Air Environment?
·Composition of Air: Describe that the air environment is made up of all the
gases in the atmosphere, with oxygen and nitrogen being the main ones.
·Atmospheric Conditions: Explain that it also includes things like temperature,
wind, and humidity.
·Importance of Clean Air: Underscore that clean air is absolutely necessary
for human health, the survival of animals and plants, and a stable climate.
·Transboundary Pollution: Point out that air pollution doesn't stay in one
place; it can travel across long distances and affect people far away from the
source.
Air Quality Monitoring: Explain that keeping a close watch on air quality is
essential for protecting public health and the environment
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Air Environment
Why Predict Air Impact in EIA?
·Pollution Prevention: The most important reason to predict air impact is
to prevent pollution from happening in the first place.
·Protection of People: Explain that it’s critical for protecting the health of
people who live near the project site, especially vulnerable groups like
children and the elderly.
·Legal Compliance: Highlight that prediction ensures the project follows
air quality laws and regulations, such as the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS).
·Decision-Making Tool: Emphasize that it helps decision-makers determine
whether a project should go ahead, be modified, or be stopped altogether.
Long-Term Benefits: Stress that predicting air impact early can prevent
health problems and environmental damage that could occur much later.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Air Environment
Sources of Air Pollution in Project
·Construction Work: Explain that construction activities release dust and
fine particles into the air, which can cause respiratory problems.
·Vehicles and Machines: Point out that vehicles and machines used in
projects burn fuel and emit smoke and harmful gases.
·Factories: State that factories release pollutants from their chimneys and
industrial processes.
·Mining and Blasting: Note that mining and blasting operations generate
dust and release harmful gases.
·Waste Burning: Highlight that burning waste produces toxic smoke,
dioxins, and carbon monoxide, all of which are very harmful.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Air Environment
Common Air Pollutants
·Particulate Matter (PM2. 5 and PM10): Define these as very small particles
that can be inhaled and enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious
health issues.
·Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Explain that SO2 causes breathing problems and
contributes to acid rain, which damages ecosystems.
·Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Describe that NOx leads to smog formation and
irritates the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
·Carbon Monoxide (CO): Emphasize that CO is a very dangerous pollutant that
blocks oxygen from being carried in the blood.
·Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Explain that VOCs come from sources
like paints, fuels, and solvents, and they can cause serious health problems.
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Air Environment
Prediction Techniques for Air
Impact
·Air Dispersion Models: Introduce the concept of using models like AERMOD and
CALPUFF to predict how pollution spreads in the air.
·Input Data: List the types of data that are needed for these models, including emission
rates, wind speed, temperature, terrain, and stack height.
·Model Output: Explain that these models show how far pollutants will travel and in
what direction.
·Application of Models: Describe how models help in making decisions about the safest
locations and heights for chimneys to minimize pollution.
Impact on Surroundings: Reiterate that models predict pollution levels in nearby areas
like villages, schools, and hospitals.
Air Impact Assessment Process
·Step 1: Pollutant Identification: The first step is to identify the types and amounts of
pollutants that will be released by the project.
·Step 2: Air Quality Modeling: Use the models to predict what the air quality will be
like at different distances from the project site in the future.
·Step 3: Comparison with Standards: Compare the predicted pollution levels with the
air quality standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
·Step 4: Impact Assessment: Assess whether the predicted pollution will have harmful
effects on nearby people or the environment.
·Step 5: Mitigation or Rejection: Based on the assessment, suggest changes to the
project to reduce pollution or, if the pollution levels are too high, recommend
rejecting the project.
Introduction
Water is a critical natural resource for life,
ecosystems, and development.
Human activity is increasingly threatening
water quality and availability.
Prediction and assessment help understand,
prevent, and mitigate water-related
problems.
Sources of Impacts
Industrial activities (discharge of
pollutants)
Agricultural practices (runoff,
overuse of water)
Urbanization (stormwater runoff,
sewage)
Infrastructure development (dams,
roads)
Climate change (altered precipitation
patterns, sea-level rise)
Impacts on Ecosystems and
Humans
Aquatic biodiversity loss
Public health concerns
Economic effects
The Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest lake in the world, has
dramatically shrunk due to human-induced water
diversion and the effects of climate change
Assessment Techniques
Water Quality Index (WQI): measures overall health of water
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): required before
major projects
Biological Indicators: monitoring aquatic species to assess
ecosystem health
Risk Analysis Models: evaluate likelihood and severity of
impacts
Ganga River – EIA
Findings & Actions
Key Findings from EIA:
Drastic drop in dissolved oxygen levels
near urban zones
High levels of coliform bacteria (unsafe
for bathing & drinking)
Decline in aquatic biodiversity (e.g.,
Ganges river dolphin)
Ganga River – EIA Findings & Actions
Steps Taken Post-EIA
Namami Gange Programme: ₹20,000 crore
project for pollution control and river
rejuvenation
Real-time water quality monitoring systems
installed
Closure or regulation of polluting industries
Community-based river cleanup initiatives
Step-by-Step Prediction Process
1. Identify pollutants from construction and operation phases
2. Assess current water quantity and quality
3. Identify unique local pollution problems
4. Include groundwater data (depth, flow direction)
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Water Environment
Step-by-Step Prediction Process
5. Groundwater usage and pollution trends
6. Climate data: Precipitation, evaporation, temperature
7. Applicable water quality standards (surface and groundwater)
8. Waste load allocation for both organic and inorganic pollutants
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Water Environment
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Water Environment
Prediction and Assessment of Impacts on the Water Environment
Thank you
