Environmental Assessment Analysis

When completing an environmental analysis, it is important to evaluate the full life cycle of a product or process. The life cycle includes all of the elements of a particular product, from the extraction of raw materials, to the manufacture of the product, transportation at all stages, use of the product, and eventually disposal. In the context of a chemical product, one often focuses on the environmental issues associated with manufacture, use, and disposal, and there is an emphasis on the direct environmental impacts of the material. Thus, we generally consider the chemicals that are engaged in the production of the desired chemical product, the harm associated with the use of a specific chemical product, and the disposal of the chemical wastes (including those generated through the manufacture of the product). 

The assessment analysis is a long and complex process that follows the procedures established through the International Standards Organization (ISO) through its 14000 series set of standards. The ISO 14000 delineates a series of steps that includes  

Human Social Resource health welfare depletion 

When applied over the entire hfe cycle of a material, a full analysis of the chemical prodnct can be completed. It is important to note, however, that no analysis can be completely objective, since the valnation phase often comes down to an individual assessment of critical environmental elements. Thns, the valuation phase attempts to compare the impact of loss of biodiversity against emissions of greenhouse gases, a subjective decision. 

Impact Categories Ozone Depl ion Global Warming Acidification Cancer Noncancer Criteria Eutrophication Smog Formation Ecotoxicity Fossil Fuel Use Land Use Water Use 

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J. E. Till and H. R. Meyer, eds.. Radiological Assessment, A Textbook on Environmental Dose Analysis, NUREG/CR-3332, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washiagton, D.C., 1983 Disposal of Radioactive Waste Review of S afety Assessment Methods, Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris, 1991. 

An Environmental Assessment for each alternative (focusing on the facility conditions and pathways of contamination actually addressed by each alternative) should be prepared. Issues to be reviewed include the short- and long-term beneficial and adverse effects of the response alternative any adverse effects on environmentally sensitive areas and an analysis of measures to mitigate adverse effects. 

J. Crepin and R.L. Johnson, Soil sampling for environmental assessment, in Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis, ed. M.R. Carter, Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, pp. 5-18 (1993). 

Information is also needed on the toxicological interactions of groups of polychlorinated chemicals (such as certain biphenyls, biphenylenes, and dibenzofurans) known to be isosteric with 2,3,7,8-TCDD and that frequently coexist with 2,3,7,8-TCDD in environmental samples. Acquisition of these data should provide the basis of a risk assessment analysis for dioxin and fishery and wildlife resources. 

Although the methodology of assessment methods can be criticized, it is essential that we have accurate tools at our disposal in order to make the correct decisions regarding the appropriate materials/processes to use. An important aspect of making any determination of the environmental impact of a process, or as a consequence of the use of a specific material, is the determination of where the boundaries of the analysis should lie. A simple diagram of the principle elements of an environmental impact analysis is shown in Figure 9.1. 

Vaughan-Dellarco VL, Fowle JR, Rosenthal S. 1985. Assessment of the mutagenic potential of carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, ethylene dichloride, and methyl bromide A comparative analysis in relation to ethylene dibromide. Washington, DC U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Health and Environmental Assessment. EPA/600/6- 85/001. 

Two clearly distinct strategies to an environmental assessment sampling and analysis program that satisfy the requirements for comprehensive information are the direct and phased approaches. In a direct approach, all streams would be carefully sampled and the samples subjected to complete, detailed analysis using compound specific analytical techniques. In a phased approach, all streams would first be sur-... 

The analytical procedures applied at Level 2 may be extensions of the Level 1 procedures. In most cases, however, Information developed at Level 1 will provide background for selection and utilization of more sophisticated sampling and analysis techniques. Because Level 2 analyses must positively identify the materials in sources which have already been found to cause adverse environmental effects, these analyses are the most critical of all three levels. It is equally important, however, that the analyses be conducted in an information-effective manner. This is because increasing specificity and accuracy result in cost escalations which are, at best, exponential rather than proportional. Due to the multiplicity of analytical techniques required and the potential for unnecessarily high expenditures, the analyses must be conducted with a full awareness of the information requirements of the environmental assessment program. 

Health Canada (2005) An Environmental Assessment Regime for New Substances in Products Regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Health Canada-Options Analysis Paper. 

A. T. Kearney Company. February 1971. Systems analysis of emission control in the iron foundry industry. USEPA. CPA 22-69-106. Exhibit IV. Reprinted in USEPA, Environmental Assessment of Iron Casting. EPA-600/2-80-021. January 1980. p 17. 

There are several aspects to be considered regarding the siting and operation of the nitric acid plant. First, a suitable site must be chosen and second the plant layout must be planned after the site characteristics are assessed. Finally, an environmental impact analysis needs to be performed to ascertain the expected effect of the plant and the chemicals on the surrounding areas. 

Assessment of data quality Environmental hazard analysis... 

Cheng, Q. (2003). GeoData Analysis System (GeoDAS) for Mineral Exploration and Environmental Assessment, User s Guide (GeoDAS Phase III). York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

Subpart (e)—Environmental Analysis Requirements A claim for categorical exclusion under 21 CFR Section 25.30 or 25.31 or an environmental assessment under 21 CFR Section 25.40 should be provided. 

Exergy analysis may be an important tool to interrelate energy management, the environment, and sustainable development in order to improve economic and environmental assessments. Ecological cost analysis may minimize... 

G. Finnveden, On the Limitations of Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Systems Analysis Tools in General, International Journal of LCA, 2000, 5, 229. 

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