Environment Pollution Caused By Construction Activities Environmental Sciences Essay

Environment Pollution Ca dropd By Construction Activities environmental Sciences EssayThis chapter present the brief teaching and effects of the purlieual douses happened in the Malaysian Construction Sites. This is a literature chapter review on the environmental pollution happened which relieve oneselfd by the anatomical structure activities in Malaysia. For example, oxygenize pollution, water system pollution, water pollution, hurly burly pollution, wastage problem, ground movements and etc.2.2 Environment Pollution Caused by Construction ActivitiesAccording to Krishnan Ganesh (2005) describe that the pollution consists of any(prenominal) change of the environment in physical, chemical or biological characteristics which might be endanger the human manners and other life being. Besides, pollution might occurred in increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other green house gases conversely decreasing in stratospheric ozone on global scale enhanced the global environmental poll ution to air, water and land resources, biological diversity and human health.establish on Jennifer Gray (2010), the edifice industry is a major source of pollution compound around 4% of particulate emissions, grittyer occurrences of water pollution incidents than any other industry and frequent complains of noise every year. However, the main disciplines of concern be including air, water, noise and soil pollution.Mean go, Zhen et al (2006) tell the dirt, harmful gases, noises, blazing lights, solid and liquid wastes, ground movements, messy, fallen item, and etc that hazards from construction site are the sources of pollution. It would also interrupt the residents or so the area furthermore influence their health quality and well-being of people in the whole city.In short, construction industry at site has wide of the mark of danger, difficult and grimy or even death syndrome which are to be encountered and control low certain rules regulations. However, these rules r egulation of environmental guard mountain be imposed by the local statutory, government, and any other independent institutions.2.2.1 Air PollutionNancy J. Sell (1945) notes the definition of air pollution is an addition to our atmosphere of any materials having a damaging effect on life and environment. Normally are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxides (NO), sulphur oxides (SO) and various hydrocarbons and particulates which are small particles consists of solids.The construction activities much(prenominal) as land clearing, operation of diesel engines, demolition, burning and working with toxic materials will contribute to air pollution. All construction activities produce high level of dust which dejection effects large distance over long time (Jennifer Gray, 2010). In addition, Jennifer (2010) also stated that diesel is the virtually hyper detailed emissions of a lot of toxic gases. Air pollution occur when the noxious vapours and other hazardous chem icals that are widely used on construction sites.The human health will be affected same as to the animal(prenominal) by the various types of pollutants. Most of the time, animal death can be happened by air pollutant as long it goes into the animal food sources. Damage on plant might be visible or which affect the growth, productiveness and life will possess of the plants will be damaged (Nancy J. Sell, 1945).At last, the air pollution is directly linked to the human and other wild life being. This is because the poisonous air particular will damaging the respiratory systems of every living organism. Other serious diseases will also happen due to the stingy inhaled of clean air and excessive inhaled of hazard oxygen. at that placefore, the air quality is required to be controlled on construction sites moreover off the sites.2.2.2 Water Pollutiondiesel motor and oil, paint, solvents, cleaners and other harmful chemicals and construction debris and dirt can be direct sources causin g of water pollution. Soil corrosion cause silt-bearing run-off and depository pollution when the land is cleared. Silt and soil that run into inhering waterways turn them turbid and restrict sunlight filtration and devastate aquatic life. In addition, other pollutants such as diesel and oil, toxic chemicals, and building materials from the site will be carried by the run-off of surface water. This happened to poison the water life when these substances return into waterways and any animal intake it. The source of human drinking water can be contaminated when the pollutants on construction sites soak into the groundwater which makes it much more difficult to meliorate than the surface water (Jennifer Gray, 2010).Based on Chiew Mynn, Jason and Joanthan (1997) shown that an example which the construction of a new golf course near the waterfall at Frasers Hill, Pahang tourism attraction. The woodwind instrument nearby has been cleared, no roots to hold on to the surrounding soil and erode when the rains come. Silt and sand that comes from the construction become extremely murky and dirty as the soils run into the waterfall. Consequently, the overwhelming of construction activities surround the waterfall has lost its attraction.In short, water pollution can be affecting the health and gum elastic of human and other wild life being gradually by intake the poisoned water sources which could not be purify completely. However, it might also cause massive damage to the building structures through the hidden running off of soil and water gradually under the foundation. Serious soil sedimentation and erosion will happen if excessive deforestation and development without proper plantation on the construction sites. Hence, the water pollution mustiness be preventing effectively in ordering to yield safe and health living of building environmental.2.2.3 Noise PollutionNoise is an increasingly omnipresent, yet underestimated, form of pollution. Long periods of expo sure to relatively low levels of noise can have adverse effects on human health, such as raised blood pressure, hypertension, disrupted sleep and cognitive development in children (Kiernan, 1997), diminished working memory span, and psychiatric disorders (Bond, 1996).The vehicles, heavy equipment and machinery on construction sites create a lot of noise. Excessive noise is annoyance and distracting, possible to cause loss in hearing, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance and extreme stress. Research has proven that high noise levels disturb the natural life cycles and usable habitat of animals (Jennifer Gray, 2010).As Choong Mek Zhin (2010) notes in his articles, Construction work going on at night in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya is causing many residents to ache sleep and suffer from stress due to the constant noise from the confinement sites. The construction works are proceeding although on public holidays.There are various noise sources on the construction sites and which reveal various types of noise which need to be managed such as background noise, idling noise, blast noise, equal noise, rotating noise, intermittent noise, howling, screeches and squeals (Lisa M. Sabitoni, 1996).Therefore, heavy noise pollution can cause mental problem of the human. This could bring a wide linkage of damages to the residential area nearby the construction sites if the noise levels are not well managed.Table below shows the noise construction activities schedule for noise limitation.Table Typical vociferous construction activities against the permissible noise limits (Khairul Sani B Samsudin, 2007)Type of Works7am-7pm7pm-10pm10pm-7amVery Noisy Workse.g. piling, blasting, demolition, concreting works, use of percussion tools e.g. pneumatic hammers, etcYesNoNo fair Noisy Workse.g. erection/dismantling of formwork, tying/fixing of steel bars, operation of cranes, loading/unloading of construction materials, etcYesYesNoQuiet Workse.g. housekeeping, bricklaying, plast ering, painting, etcYesYesYes2.2.4 Wastage worryWaste produced by industrial operations has to be concerned as waste levels point out the appreciation of utilize of environment natural resources while the environmental issue is in concern globally. Construction industry has contributes a major waste to the overall waste volume among other industry operations annually for majority of the country. Most of the party involved in the operation do not alert of that construction waste can happen at every stage of the activities. During the stage on construction site, most of the resources are being used, therefore the major waste level are low which it can be observed for initial stage (Teoh Su Ping et al, 2009).As Ekanayake Ofori (2000) said, Construction waste can be divided into trine major categories which are material, dig out and machinery waste. However, material wastage is of more concern as more of the raw materials from which construction inputs are derived come from non-rene wable resources.In short, waste forethought stands critical step to ebb the pollution to the environment as the construction industry has contributes a major waste to the overall waste levels among the other industry operation. This is because every construction project is unique and heterogeneous which it undergoes with many various materials, methods, machinery under such long in durations. In addition, these construction wastes can cause an excessive amount of wastages which most of the inputs are produced from non-renewable resources such as timbers, steel bars, cement and sand, clay bricks, marble and gravel tiles and etc natural resources. Therefore, waste counsel must be operated in order to minimize the massive wastages problems and pollute the environment.2.3 SummaryConstruction industry is full of challenges among the other production industry. This is because any of the pollution such as air, water, noise, waste problems and etc can be happened in the construction site s if improper protection and prevention during every single stage of the construction. Therefore, these require lots of effort in managing the conditions of the construction sites under a long period of construction time. However, some certified environmental focussing form (EMS) with valuable process and procedure is useful in the protection of environmental quality. For example, international certified ISO 140012004 as an EMS.Chapter 3 Concept and Principles of ISO 14001 as environmental direction System (EMS)3.1 foundation garmentThis chapter is to present the concept and principles of the ISO 14001 as an EMS in Malaysian Construction Organizations. The important information including the introduction, concepts, benefits, methods, issues, challenges of processes and procedures in terms of implementing the ISO 14001 as an EMS.3.2 Concept of ISO 14001ISO 14001 was first published in 1996 and specified with actual requirement for an Environmental commission System (EMS). It app lies to those environmental aspects which the organisation has control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. ISO 14001 is often seen as the corner stone hackneyed of the ISO 14000 series. However, it is not only the most well known, but is the only ISO 14000 standard against which it is currently possible to be certified by an external certification authority. Having stated this, it does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria.This standard is applicable to any organization that wishes toImplement, maintain and bring out an environmental management system find out itself of its conformance with its own stated environmental policy (those policy commitments of course must be made) found conformanceEnsure compliance with environmental laws and regulations desire certification of its environmental management system by an external threesome party organizationMake a self-determination of conformance(ISO 14000/ ISO 14001 Environmental Management Gu ide, 1996)3.3 Implementation Process of EMS based on ISO 14001According to Sarkis (1998), who has listed down the five important steps which showing the successful implementation process of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) based on ISO 14001. The five important steps are shown as belowEnvironmental policy Firms must capture in a scripted document their intentions and principles in relation to their environmental behaviour. This statement must show firms commitment to comply with environmental legislation, to prevent pollution and also to potentially improve their environmental performance. It also must be accessible for the public. platformning Firms have to identify controllable environmental aspects and determine which ones have significant environmental impacts. These are the ones that firms should attend first. Then firms have to determine the sub judice dimensions of these impacts (which will depend on the sector, the geographical situation) and, based on this informat ion, they have to establish objectives and targets as well as the EMS to achieve them.Implementation and operation it means the allocation of human, financial and physical resources for these issues. Managers have to assign the environmental responsibilities, provide the sui knock back formulation to employees and also establish the internal and external communication channels in order to spread the environmental commitment among all the members in the organization and the stakeholders.Checking and tonic action It includes the measurement of environmental performance, the identification of deviations by comparing targets and results and the application of corrective actions when necessary. In order to be able to carry out these activities, firms must keep environmental records and have periodical auditing of the EMSs.Management review In order to guarantee the effectiveness and continuous improvement of the EMSs, managers have to review and get a feedback of all the policies, obje ctives and procedures.(Sarkis, J., 1998)At first, the organisations must comply with the environmental policies to prevent the environmental issues furthermore to improve their environmental performance. Then, the planning on controllable environmental aspects and impacts must be made in order to set up objectives and targets to be achieved by the organisations. Subsequently, experienced personnel have to apply the environmental management systems and ensure the environmental commitment has reached to every member in the organization as well as the stakeholders. Consequently, checking and corrective action must be interpreted which consists of environmental performance measures, comparison on divergence findings and rectifies actions. It would also required scheduled environmental records and periodical auditing of the EMS. Lastly, the management review step enables the managers to reassess and postulate feedback related to the effectiveness and necessary improvement required on th e policies, objectives and procedures.In short, a good EMS consists of not only the command five important steps of implementation processes but also required good integration of communication and coordination channels in between the executive personnel, managers, staffs, labours and other stakeholders. This could be the most critical point which might directly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of EMS in the entire organisations.3.4 Benefit of Implementing ISO 14001 in Construction OrganizationsAccording to Blackmores (2008) noted, there are three (3) main categories of benefits which are financial, operational or internal and external ranges as shown belowFinancialCost savings by minimise the waste and use of natural resources such as electricity, water, gas and fuels efficiently.Identify the environmental risks and addressing the weaknesses. Helps the organisation to prevent the fines and penalties by fit to meet the environmental legislation,Indicating better risk manag ement to helps minimising the insurance costs.Operational/ inheringImprove the performance and efficiency in generalConstrict the production processes, minimise in the risk of incidents and produce better efficiencyEliminate unforeseen and consistency by controlling the disruption and wasteStaffs responsibility are clarified clearlyInternal communications and morale improvedExternalExpress as innovative and forward thinking approachLead to better public perception of the organization and a warlike advantage, furthermore to improve sales opportunitiesLead to better community awareness of the impact of the construction activities on the local residents such as noise, smell, dust, vibration, etc.Demonstrate commitment to the environment and provide confidence to the customers, trade partners, stakeholders, regulators and local authorityIn addition, the implementing of ISO 14001 gives a lot of benefits such as protection of the environment cut operating costs increased access to mark ets demonstrated compliance with regulations improve environmental performance improved customer trust and satisfaction enhanced incorporate image and credibility employee involvement and education and potential impact on world trade to allow competition on an equal basis (George Ofori et al, 2000).3.5 Environmental Management System (EMS) Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) Schemes by CIDBEMS DIY Schemes is a part of the effective communication plan to be jointly executed by CIDB and Stakeholders, it was designed for disposed(p) the significant richness of external accreditation which encouraging the construction companies to attain the ISO 140012004 certification. This scheme has two certifications which are ISO 14001 EMS Certificate and the CIDB EMS Certificate.However, there are 3 main objectives which to be achieved by the CIDB as listed belowProvide formal recognition of certified contractors on commitment to excellence environmental managementConvenient the employers of the contractor s such as JKR, housing developers and local authorities to select certified contractors, who have practicing commitment to excellence environmental managementProvide CIDB with an index for monitoring and reporting the general environmental management awareness and practice of Malaysian contractors, as reflected in the annual number of contractors certified to the two EMS certification schemes.The overall aim of these schemes is to pay the Malaysian contractors with a cost-effective program in order to improve their performance up to a standardised level as well as in developed countries. Meanwhile, it also helps to assist the contractors to upgrade their environmental management performance throughout the EMS certification programs.At first, the contractor has to attend the EMS Awareness design which consists of 3 module, such as faculty AP1, AP2 and AP3 in order to choose whether CIDB EMS testimony Program or ISO 14001 EMS support Program. This allow the contractor to understa nd regarding Why, How and Benefits or Implementing Systematic Environmental Management before selecting either one of the EMS Programs by CIDB. Besides, an EMS Awareness Training Certificate will be issued by the CIDB to the participant after(prenominal) the completion of 3 training modules in the EMS Awareness Program. After that, it is a condition precedent to carry on either one of the two EMS D.I.Y. Programs by CIDB and 3 months will be given the participants to decide after completion of EMS Awareness Program. The following table shows the EMS Awareness Program.Table Environmental Management System Awareness Program (CIDB, 2007)PhasePeriodMilestonesActivities action at law byMan-day view asEnvironmental Awareness and Education2 monthsTraining Module AP1Environmental Issues Malaysia Environmental PolicyIntroduction to CIDB- D.I.Y Scheme.Introduction to Global Environmental Problems and Management Issues.Introduction to Malaysian environmental management policiesConsultant1Tr aining Module AP2Introduction to ISO 14001 EMSIntroduction to ISO 140012004 EMS Standard and the Requirements.Strategic EMS Implementation envision.Consultant1Training Module AP3Malaysia Environmental Legal Regulatory RequirementsAwareness of the current environmental legal and regulatory requirements in the Malaysian construction industryTo identify legal and other requirements and develop appropriate Legal RegisterConsultant1 summarise Man-day33.5.1 CIDB EMS Certificate D.I.Y. ProgramCIDB EMS assay-mark Program is an EMS Program under CIDB EMS DIY Scheme which takes 6 months from Phase 1 to 4 as shown in the table below. However, the participant must undergo the EMS Awareness Program before undertake this program and it only allows the CIDB registered contractors from Class G1-G6. Conversely, Class G7 contractors are only permitted to participant for ISO 14001 EMS Certification. There are some conditions in implementation of the EMS required such as, the first year shall be for one on-going project, second year shall be for three on-going projects, third and subsequent year shall be for all projects. Meanwhile, the name of all projects involved in the implementation of EMS shall be included in the CIDB EMS certificate and annual variation of the certificate is depend on the compliance satisfaction with the annual EMS audit requirements. The action plan of the CIDB EMS Certification Program is shown as belowTable CIDB EMS Certification Program Processes (CIDB, 2007)PhasePeriodMilestonesActivitiesAction byMan-day SupportEMS Planning Documentation2 MonthsTraining Module CP1EMS PlanTraining to chisel in the EMS Plan (Content and Implementation Steps).Development of the EMS Plan.Consultant2 affirmer ActivityPrepare EMS Plancontractile organs to break the EMS Plan Submit to Consultants for evaluation.ContractorEvaluation of EMS Plan0.5 MonthModule CP2On-site Evaluation of the EMS PlanOn-Site review the EMS Plan interview key staffs.Identify the EMS Implem entation Project (minimum 1 construction project). purpose improvements.Contractor1Contractor ActivityTake Corrective ActionBased on evaluation findings, contractor takes appropriate corrective action and indemnity the necessary documentation.ContractorImplementation of EMS Plan2.5 MonthsContractor ActivityImplementing the EMS PlanContractor implements the EMS Plan (Office and minimum 1 construction project).ContractorModule CP3/CP4/CP5Consultancy Support on the EMS Plan ImplementationConsultant will visit the contractor monthly to provide on-site implementation advices and supports.Consultant3CIDB canvas1 MonthModule CP6CIDB EMS Certification canvassCIDB Appointed Auditor performs the EMS Certification Audit.CIDB Appointed Auditor1Contractor ActivityTake Corrective ActionTake corrective actions to close out the non-conformance found in the Audit.Submit corrective action plan to Auditor.ContractorAwardAward of CIDB EMS CertificationCertification Award after review of the correcti ve action plan.TOTAL MAN-DAYS7 DAYSRegistration Fee and PaymentThe table below states the overall adaptation fees to be paid. The payments are separated into 2 stages upon the start of the respective phases. Meanwhile, the registration fees need to be paid upon the Stage 1 (EMS Awareness Program). However, these payments are excluded the modification and travel fees of the participants.Table CIDB EMS Certificate D.I.Y. Program Fee and Payment (CIDB, 2007)CIDB EMS Certificate D.I.Y. ProgramTotal Fee RM 8,500.00Payment in 2 StagesPhasesMain-DaysPayment by ContractorsEnvironmental Awareness Education3Stage 1EMS Planning and DocumentationEvaluation of EMS Plan3Stage 2Implementation of EMS PlanCIDB Audit31It also covers the followingAward of CIDB EMS Certificate3.5.2 ISO 14001 EMS Certificate D.I.Y. ProgramISO 14001 EMS Certification Program under CIDB EMS DIY Scheme is an EMS Program by CIDB. It takes 10 months to complete from Phase 1 to 6 and it is open to every contractors. Table b elow shows the ISO 14001 EMS Certification Processes.Table ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) Certification ProgramPhasePeriodMilestonesActivitiesAction byMan-day SupportEMS Appreciation0.5 MonthsTraining Module IP1ISO 14001 EMS briefing for Top ManagementPresentation to Top Management on the EMS Objectives, Benefits, Roles and Responsibilities.Consultant0.5EMS Planning2.5 MonthsTraining Module IP2Environmental Policy, Aspects Significant ImpactsTraining on methods to identify and develop Environmental Aspects Impacts.Decide Criteria and Methodology for ascertain Significant Impacts.Consultant1.5Contractor ActivityPrepare Policy, Legal Environmental Aspects Register, Implementation PlanContractor to prepare the Environmental Policy, Legal Registers and Environmental Aspects Impacts Register.Contractor to plan develop and implementation plan and milestones.ContractorModule IP3On-site Review mention on Policy, Legal Aspects RegisterAssessment of current EMS bill et against ISO 140012004 other legal requirements.Review the Implementation Plan Approach for the EMS implementationConsultant2Training Module IP 4Objectives, Targets, KPI EMPIntroduction to importance and formulation in establishing the objectives, targets, Key carry outance Indication (KPI) and Environmental Management Program (EMP).Consultant1Contractor ActivityPrepare Objectives, Targets EMPContractor to prepare the environmental Objectives, Targets, KPI and EMP.ContractorModule IP5On-site Review Consultation on Objectives, Targets, KPI EMPConsultant to review and finalise the Objectives, Targets, KPI and EMP established.Consultant1Documentation EMS Implementation 12.5 MonthsModule IP6Off-site Preparation of EMS manual of arms Procedures GuidelinesOff-site Preparation of Guidelines for EMS Manual Procedures specific to the contractors organisation.Consultant1Training Module IP7ISO 14001 EMS Documentation ImplementationIntroduce and develop the EMS documentation (Manua l, Procedures) and implementation programme.Softcopies provided for the Environmental System operational procedures and forms.Consultant1Contractor ActivityEMS Documentation ImplementationContractor to prepare EMS Manual Procedures based on Consultants guidelines information provided. The template formats provided on computer disk will be used.Initiate EMS Implementation Collect the initial data.ContractorModule IP8On-site Review Finalise the EMS Manual ProceduresOn-site Review Consultation on EMS Manual Procedures. Amend the documents if necessary.Consultant1Stage 1 AuditDocumentation AuditThird Party Certification Bodys Auditor conducts Documentation Audit.Certification BodyContractor ActivityTake Corrective actionBased on audit findings, contractor takes appropriate corrective action and amends the necessary documentation.ContractorDocumentation EMS Implementation 21.5 MonthsContractor Activity endure EMS implementationContinue implementing the procedures and programmes as planned e.g. Records, monitoring data, training etc. as per tasks outlined.ContractorModule IP9On-Site Consultation on Implementation throw outOn-site Monitoring Consultation on Implementation of Procedures and EMP to ensure the implementation programmes are properly in place and utilised. Consultant to provide hands on guidance.Contractor1Checking Management Review2 MonthsTraining Module IP10ISO 14001 EMS Internal Auditor TrainingConduct ISO 14001 EMS Internal Auditor Training to provide skills and knowledge on how to conduct internal audit and becoming a competent internal auditor.Consultant2Contractor ActivityConduct Internal Audit Take Corrective ActionsContractor to conduct internal audit to identify gaps in the systems.Auditor to prepare internal audit report and issue corrective actions request if required.Responsible personnel to take appropriate corrective actions.ContractorModule IP11On-site Monitoring Consultation on Internal Audit and Corrective actions takenTo check and review EMS Implementation progress and provide hands on guidance.To close out the Corrective Action Requests.Consultant1Contractor ActivityConduct Management ReviewConduct Management Review to communicate and review EMS performance improvements plans.ContractorModule IP12On-site Consultation on EMS Implementation Site ReadinessOn-site Monitoring Consultation on Management Review and EMP.Check site condition.Consultant1Contractor ActivityFinalise EMS and Ensure Site ReadinessContractor to finalise EMS and ensure Site Readiness.ContractorPre-Assessment1 MonthModule IP13On-site Pre-AssessmentPerform Pre-certification assessment to determine the conformity of the EMS implementation.Identify improvement opportunities and present pre-assessment audit