Page 162 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

Ch004-P373623.qxd 3/26/07 4:46 PM Page 141
Sustainable Development and Environmental Reform
Cleaner production (CP) 141
Adopting the cleaner production strategy is the key element for having accept-
able results from EIA and EMS. Applying CP techniques to processes involves
conservation of raw materials, and energy, elimination of toxic raw materials,
and reduction of the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and wastes prior
to their disposal. On the other hand, applying CP techniques to products
involves reducing environmental impacts along the entire life cycle of the
product starting from raw material extraction to final disposal. Adoption of
CP techniques requires applying know-how, improving current applied tech-
nologies, and increasing people’s awareness.
A major incentive for adopting a CP strategy is the reduction in pro-
duction costs due to improved process efficiencies. On the other hand, min-
imal or no capital expenditure is required to achieve worthwhile gains with
fast payback periods; in addition, waste handling and charges, raw material
usage and insurance premiums can often be cut, along with potential risks.
General adoption of the cleaner production strategy can alleviate the
serious problems of air and water pollution, ozone depletion, global warn-
ing, landscape degradation, solid and liquid waste accumulation, resource
depletion, acidification of the natural and built environment, visual pollu-
tion, and reduced bio-diversity.

4.7 Mechanisms for Environmental Impact Assessment
EIA must be performed for new establishments or projects and for expansion
or renovation of existing establishments. EIA studies the effect of the sur-
rounding environment on the project as well as the effect of the project on the
surrounding environment. It also looks at the different processes involved in
product production, including inputs and outputs. EIA tries also to find ways
of minimizing the environmental impacts of the project. This study if imple-
mented properly will ensure sustainability for the project especially now
that it has become necessary to provide this assessment before starting any
project.
EIA was included within the environmental reform as a major compo-
nent for proper planning. Proper planning will sustain the environmental
reform. Because of the importance of EIA for sustainable development and
environmental reform, this section will discuss the EIA processes with two
different mechanisms applied worldwide. The first mechanism is the screen-
ing list approach which is suitable for developing countries, different organi-
zations as well as World Bank financed projects. The second approach is
the environmental impact assessment and environmental impact statement
approach which has been implemented in the United States and other devel-
oped countries.