Environmental Impact and risk assessment

This document provides guidance for the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) plants submitted within the framework of Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 on GM food and feed or under Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This document provides guidance for assessing potential effects of GM plants on the environment and the rationales for the data requirements for a comprehensive ERA of GM plants. The ERA should be carried out on a case-by-case basis, following a step-by-step assessment approach. This document describes the six steps for the ERA of GM plants, as indicated in Directive 2001/18/EC, starting with (1) problem formulation including hazard identification; (2) hazard characterisation; (3) exposure characterisation; (4) risk characterisation; (5) risk management strategies; and (6) an overall risk evaluation. The scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA GMO Panel) considers seven specific areas of concern to be addressed by applicants and risk assessors during the ERA (1) persistence and invasiveness of the GM plant , or its compatible relatives, including plant-to-plant gene transfer ; (2) plant-to-microorganism gene transfer; (3) interaction of the GM plant with target organisms and (4) interaction of the GM plant with non-target organisms, including criteria for selection of appropriate species and relevant functional groups for risk assessment; (5) impact of the specific cultivation, management and harvesting techniques; including consideration of the production systems and the receiving environment(s); (6) effects on biogeochemical processes; and (7) effects on human and animal health. Each specific area of concern is considered in a structured and systematic way following the above-mentioned steps (1 to 6). In addition, the guidance document is supplemented with several general cross-cutting considerations (e.g. choice of comparator, receiving environment(s), general statistical principles, long-term effects) that need to be considered in the ERA.

This article seeks to answer several
questions: Where does the global science community need to provide reliable data that will assist policymakers and regulators to develop confidence regarding the safety of these materials? What are the critical needs that will move us forward safely and intelligently in this promising field? Are the paradigms generally developed to assess the fate and effects of solute contaminants applicable to nanomaterials? We propose
a way to answer these questions and move Nano environmental, health, and safety (EHS)
forward, creating a new framework for detecting, determining
the fate, characterizing the hazards, and assessing
the risk of engineered nanomaterials. To understand why
and how these frameworks are relevant, we must first look
at what nanotechnology is, examine the current state of
strategies to manage nanomaterials and instill public the field, and highlight the issues inherent in studying nanotechnology.

An integrated system of models, WINDA, is presented for calculating the stand-wise probabilities of wind damage, uprooting and breakage of trees within a landscape. The calculations are made point-wise at exposed stand edges. WINDA integrates a modified version of the dose/response model HWIND [Can. J. For. Res. 29 (1999)

A WOE approach has been applied to sediments of Cadiz and Algeciras Bays.In Cadiz Bay, the Inner Bay showed highest degradation.In Algeciras Bay, industrialised areas were the most degraded.Some areas exceed guidelines for aqua regia extractable metals and toxicity.This research applies an integrated sediment quality assessment method using a weight of evidence approach to Cadiz and Algeciras Bays (southern Spain). The method is composed of several analyses (particle size profile, aqua regia extractable metals, acid labile metals, total organic carbon, toxicity bioassay with Photobacterium phosphoreum and macrobenthic community alteration).The proposed method provides a single result, the environmental degradation index (EDI). EDI defined samples as low degraded (outer areas of both bays) and moderately degraded (Inner Bay of Cadiz Bay, the surroundings of Algeciras port and the northern part of Algeciras Bay). These samples showed the highest concentration of aqua regia extractable metals, which exceeded effects range-low (ERL) for Zn (51–176 mg/l), Cu (11–54 mg/l), As (4.3–9.5 mg/l), Hg (0.17–0.28 mg/l), Ni (23–82 mg/l), and. Cr (37–134 mg/l). They also exceeded some quality criteria for total organic carbon (4.0–6.5%) and toxicity (120–240 TU/g) and showed poor results for macrobenthic community.

This paper examines environmental problems associated with Third World cities. It concentrates on environmental problems as they relate to health and living conditions, especially for lower income groups. After an outline of urban growth trends, these problems are discussed on three different geographic scales. At the regional level, the paper discusses how cities draw on a wider area for natural resources (and usually for labour) and have environmental impacts which stretch far beyond their boundaries, although the most pressing impacts tend to be on their immediate hinterland. At the city-wide level there are problems of disposing of household, human and industrial wastes and of associated problems of air and water pollution. At the level of the home or workplace there are problems of inadequate space and ventilation, inadequate infrastructure and basic services, and lack of provision for the safeguarding of human health. The final section discusses how governments might tackle the causes of these environmental problems on each of these scales.

Alert level frameworks advise agencies on a sequence of monitoring and management actions, and are implemented so as to reduce the risk of the public coming into contact with hazardous substances. Their effectiveness relies on the detection of the hazard, but with many systems not receiving any regular monitoring, pollution events often go undetected. We developed toxicological risk assessment models for acute and chronic exposure to pollutants that incorporate the probabilities that the public will come into contact with undetected pollution events, to identify the level of risk a system poses in regards to the pollutant. As a proof of concept, we successfully demonstrated that the models could be applied to determine probabilities of acute and chronic illness types related to recreational activities in waterbodies containing cyanotoxins. Using the acute model, we identified lakes that present a 'high' risk to develop Day Away From Work illness, and lakes that present a 'low' or 'medium' risk to develop First Aid Cases when used for swimming. The developed risk models succeeded in categorising lakes according to their risk level to the public in an objective way. Modelling by how much the probability of public exposure has to decrease to lower the risks to acceptable levels will enable authorities to identify suitable control measures and monitoring strategies. We suggest broadening the application of these models to other contaminants.

Fish farming is an important source of organic matter input in coastal waters, which contributes to eutrophication. In this study, the macrofaunal benthic community was studied after the cessation of fish farming with the aim of improving our understanding of benthic succession and sediment recovery in a marine ecosystem. The results showed that the best environmental variables for assessing organic pollution were acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) and redox potential. Succession and recovery was best explained by macrofaunal analysis based on community composition as well as on trophic groups. The patterns of recovery differed between each impacted station. For this reason, succession could not be accurately predicted due to the unique environmental parameters and the singular community functional structure of each location. The Azti Marine Benthic Index (AMBI) proved its validity for assessing pollution but did not distinguish between successional stages.

The present work investigates soil pollution by elemental contaminants and compares ecological risk indexes related to industrial activities for the case study of Puchuncaví-Ventanas: a relevant industrial zone located in central Chile. Selected elements (As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg, V, Mn, Zn, Sr, Sb, Cr, Co, Cu, K, and Ba) were analyzed during a long-term period (yearly sampling campaigns during 2007–2011), at 5 sampling stations representing different degrees of impact. PCA and cluster analysis allowed identifying a copper smelter and a coal-fired power plant complex as major pollution sources. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (Cf), contamination degree (Cdeg), and integrated pollution index (IPI) are critically discussed for quantitative ecological risk assessment. Igeo, EF and Cf indexes are producing comparable environmental information, showing moderate to high pollution risks in the area that demands further monitoring and adoption of prevention and remediation measures.

The indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus (IROWC_P)
was designed to estimate the level of risk of P contamination in water and how the level of risk has changed over 25 yr
(19812006) in agricultural watersheds of Canada. IROWC_P allows for a qualitative assessment of this risk in
comparison with other regions of eastern and western Canada, and the identification of high to very high risk watersheds
may require on-site assessment and the development of remedial action plans. This study presents an in-depth analysis of
IROWC_P results in the major Great Lakes watersheds of Canada. The risk of water contamination by P remains
acceptable (very low to moderate) in most Great Lakes watersheds, but better management practices (e.g., reduced
fertilization and manure application rates) and improved control of surface runoff may be required in watersheds which
are at increased risk. The Canadian watersheds of the Great Lakes basin showed a 39% reduction in their P applications in
excess of crop requirements between 1981 and 2006 bringing the Ontario provincial P-balance close to equilibrium in 2006.
Vulnerable areas were found south of Kitchener in the Lower Grand River watershed and east of Lake Simcoe.

Disposal of industrial waste is of great concern because it releases toxic metals resulting into the degradation of environments and consequently causes health effects on humans. The present study was carried out with the objectives of identifying the possible source and migration of contaminants in the surface water and groundwater and the associated health risks in the industrial region of Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 22 water samples were collected and analysed for the concentration of major ions and trace elements. Chemical speciation of chromium and lead in surface and groundwater was calculated using the geochemical code, PHREEQC. The concentration of total dissolved solids, chromium and lead was high in the surface water than groundwater in this region. The chromium in most of the sampled water is dominated with Cr(OH) 2+ and Cr(OH) 3 species and the dominant species of lead was PbCO 3. The major source of contamination is the waste dumped in this region and also the improper disposal of effluents from the small-scale industries in this region. Use of groundwater with the present level of chromium and lead in this region will cause several health effects through oral and dermal pathways. Hence, stringent monitoring of quality of water sources of this region, enforcement of regulation of the disposal of wastes from the industries, recover and treat the dumped solid waste are very much necessary to prevent the spread of contamination.

The dispersion of heavier-than-air aerosol clouds is of great relevance to the analysis and assessment of hazards in the chemical and petrochemical industries. There are many simple mathematical models for heavy gas dispersion but, in most cases, two-phase dynamics are either ignored or treated in a very simple way, without any convincing scientific justification. In fact almost all of those models which do treat two-phase phenomena rely on the “homogeneous equilibrium” assumption, whether they be for jet dispersion, for gravity dominated dispersion, or for any other aspect of a two-phase release.Here we test the homogeneous equilibrium model against a more sophisticated aerosol approach, in the context of two-phase ammonia clouds released in dry and moist air. It is shown that the simpler model does indeed provide a good description for some envisaged release situations, and guidance is given on where the homogeneous equilibrium model is not likely to be adequate. The homogeneous equilibrium model seems to be adequate for evaluating the dispersion of heavier-than-air clouds containing droplets smaller than 100 μm.

The painted apple moth (PAM), Teia anartoides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) made a recent incursion into New Zealand. A nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), Orgyia anartoides NPV (OranNPV), originally isolated from PAM in Australia, was tested for its pathogenicity to PAM and a range of non-target insect species found in New Zealand, to evaluate its suitability as a microbial control for this insect invader. Dosagemortality tests showed that OranNPV was highly pathogenic to PAM larvae; mean LT 50 values for third instars ranged from 17.9 to 8.

In mining operations carried out below the water table, mine area could potentially affect the surrounding. With further deepening of the mine and quarry, the drawdown can impact on water supply wells and base flow. The variation in radius of influence under confined and unconfined aquifer condition is assessed using a hypothetical case study with three operational quarry sites. Average pit-wise radius of influence (R0) for the pit mine, under unconfined and confined aquifer conditions is 963 m and 61 km, respectively, whereas effective radius (Re) for total (cumulative) excavated mine area is 1.7 and 146 km, respectively. It means that the maximum and minimum value of overall impact/influence for the unconfined aquifer lies in-between 963 m and 1.7 km. Similarly that the maximum and minimum value of overall impact/influence for the confined aquifer lies in-between 61 and 146 km. Meanwhile, Re or effective radius for total (cumulative) excavated area seems more appropriate from evaluation viewpoint due to the overlapping (superposition) concentric mining quarries. Thus, assessment of quarry-wise and total radius of influence is of importance to fulfil targeted production, economically with minimum interruptions as part of the mine planning. Moreover, it helps us to assess, monitor and regulate the impact of a mine-dewatering program in the area. Also, the pumping test is often used to estimate radius of influence; it can trigger the inflow or radius of influence. Estimate of the radius of influence using analytical equation mainly independent of discharge/abstraction from the aquifer stands as a preferred choice for the prediction of radius of influence at the quarry/mine pit. There is a strong rationale that policies should be informed by such analytical assessment because it helps us to prevent or minimize negative impacts as part of regulation and pit-mining management and are useful tools for practitioners to design economically efficient and cost-effective in situ groundwater remediation systems, to contain contaminant plumes, to evaluate the surface–subsurface water interaction and to verify numerical models.

The cancer risk due to chronic transuranic intakes is properly calculated using an integration over multiple years of intake of the annual effective dose rates arising each year following an intake multiplied by age-dependent risk functions for the year during which the dose is actually received. Approximate computations of risk involving sums of the products of committed effective dose and the age-dependent risk functions for each year of intake indicate the appropriateness of the committed effective dose as a surrogate quantity for risk when applied to different circumstances. The assumptions that all dose is received at the time of intake with committed effective dose and that risk is uniform over a range of ages both lead to a misuse of the available age-dependent risk functions and thus contribute to a divergence from the true risk associated with an intake over multiple years. Comparison of the correctly integrated risk functions with the approximations gives insights into how the current committed effective dose models used for regulatory purposes are not necessarily indicative of the risk for chronic intakes of radionuclides with long biological and radiological half-lives. A summary and comparison of such computations for transuranic intakes was prepared for the ingestion of water and the inhalation of different particle sizes by both males and females. Risk results for committed effective dose consistently overestimated risks by approximately 100% for all transuranics for ingestion models and approximately 75% for all transuranics for Type M inhalation models considering age-dependent risk models. For constant risk as a function of age, the committed effective dose integration underestimated the actual risk situation by nearly 60% for ingestion and 50% for Type M inhalation during the first 20 y. Health Phys. 101(6):693-702; 2011

Lack of waste management facilities from mountain region often lead to uncontrolled disposal of waste on river banks polluting the local environment and damaging the tourism potential. Geographical conditions influences the distribution of human settlements which are located along the rivers and its tributaries. This paper aims to estimate the amounts of household waste generated and uncollected disposed into mountain rivers, taking into account several factors such as:proximity of rivers to the human settlements, the morphology of villages, length of river that crosses the locality(built up areas), local population, the access to waste collection services and waste management infrastructure. Vulnerability of rivers to illegal dumping is performed using GIS techniques, highlighting the localities pressure on rivers in close proximity. For this purpose, it developed a calculation model for estimation the amounts of waste (kg) that are dumped on a river section (m) that crosses a locality (village) or it is in close proximity. This estimation is based on the "principle of proximity and minimum effort" it can be applied in any mountainous region that are lacking or partially access to waste collection services. It is an assessment tool of mountain rivers vulnerability to waste dumping, taking into account the geographical and demographic conditions of the study area. Also the current dysfunctions are analyzed based on field observations.

Groundwater from a shallow unconfined aquifer at a site in coastal New South Wales has been causing recent water logging issues. A trend of rising groundwater level has been anecdotally observed over the last 10 years. It was not clear whether the changes in groundwater levels were solely natural variations within the groundwater system or whether human interference was driving the level up. Time series topographic images revealed significant surrounding land use changes and human modification to the environment of the groundwater catchment. A statistical model utilising HARTT (multiple linear regression hydrograph analysis method) simulated the groundwater level dynamics at five key monitoring locations and successfully showed a trend of rising groundwater level. Utilising hydrogeological input from field investigations the model successfully simulated the rise in the water table over time to the present day levels, whilst taking into consideration rainfall and land changes. The underlying geological / land conditions were found to be just as significant as the impact of climate variation. The correlation coefficient for the monitoring bores, excluding MB4, show that the groundwater level fluctuation can be explained by the climate variable (rainfall) with the lag time between the atypical rainfall and groundwater level ranging from 4 to 7 months. The low R2 value for MB4 indicates that there are factors missing in the model which are primarily related human interference. The elevated groundwater levels in the affected area are the result of long term cumulative land use changes, instigated by humans, which have directly resulted in detrimental changes to the groundwater aquifer properties.

URL:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2175/106143017X14839994523785

Resumo: Esta pesquisa objetiva analisar a vulnerabilidade socioambiental ao risco às inundações da área urbana da bacia hidrográfica do rio das Antas, localizada no município de Irati – PR, para compreensão das inter-relações das vulnerabilidades sociais e exposição aos riscos naturais. São discutidos os conceitos e abordagens teóricas e metodológicas de risco, no campo de análise da geografia socioambiental, considerando a bacia hidrográfica como unidade de estudo. A metodologia está pautada na determinação da Fragilidade Ambiental com apoio nas classes de declividade (ROSS, 1994) e no uso de indicadores e índices para a determinação da vulnerabilidade socioambiental. São caracterizados os aspectos físico-naturais e sociais da bacia hidrográfica do Rio das Antas, que contribuem para a ocorrência do perigo de inundações na dita área, bem como a proposição de um Índice de Vulnerabilidade Socioambiental para a área urbana da bacia. Os resultados obtidos com a aplicação do IVSA mostram que os setores de maior vulnerabilidade socioambiental são aqueles com maior densidade demográfica e que apresentam as piores condições sociais e de infraestrutura. Os bairros Stroparo, Fósforo, Jardim Aeroporto, Jardim Virgínia, Lagoa, Rio Bonito, Canesianas e Vila Raquel, com os maiores índices de vulnerabilidade, têm sua capacidade de capacidade de resposta diminuída em casos de desastres, pois suas condições sociais e de infraestrutura são mais baixas. A utilização da proposta do IVSA, somada à análise do Modelo de Fragilidade Potencial Natural, permitiu estabelecer as áreas de maior risco o que poderá direcionar pesquisas e planejamentos futuros para a gestão da área urbana da bacia, bem como aplicar o índice a outras bacias hidrográficas que possuam características semelhantes.

Abstract: This research is to analyze the social-environmental vulnerability to floods in the urban area, more specifically in the drainage basin of a river called Rio das Antas, in the city of Irati - PR, in order to understand the relationships between social vulnerabilities and the exposition to natural risks. Risk concepts as well as methodological approaches are discussed in what concerns social-environmental geography, considering the drainage basin as a unit of study. The methodology is based on determining Environmental Fragility as supported by declivity classes (ROSS,1994), and, also, in the use of indicators and indexes to determine social-environmental vulnerability. Physical-natural and social aspects of Rio das Antas drainage basin, which contribute to the risks of flood in the area, are presented, as well as a proposition of a Social-environmental Vulnerability Index for the urban area of the basin. The results obtained with the use of a Social Environmental Vulnerability Index - SEVI show that the areas where demographic density is higher, and where the worst social conditions are present are the ones most socially and environmentally vulnerable. The villages of Stroparo, Fósforo, Jardim Aeroporto, Jardim Virgínia, Lagoa, Rio Bonito, Canesianas and Vila Raquel, which presented the higher vulnerability indexes, have their capacity of response diminished in case of disasters, since their social and structural conditions are lower than the other places in the city. The use of IVSA proposal added to the analysis of the Natural Fragility Potential Model helped establish the major risk areas which may direct future researches and management plans for the urban area of this drainage basin. The indexes found may be applied to other drainage basins with similar characteristics.

Classification and assessment of technogenic and ecological risk for regions with the highest technogenic impact (hot spots) at the Russian North are presented. Casual chain analysis for the system “environment – human health” was done. Importance of the Russian North as the largest national supplier of natural resources and a unique biosphere reserve is emphasized. Preliminary studies demonstrated that hot spots localization is connected with rapid industrial development which resulted in ecosystem disruptions and heavy pollution load. Main types of economic activities causing ecological risks and main ecosystem disruptions centers were identified. Technogenic impact and ecological risks were assessed and linked to human morbidity, especially to ecology-connected morbidity indicators. The majority of similar studies concern, as a rule, only separate aspects of risks and impact assessment. New trends, advantages and perspectives in this field are discussed (integrated and multidiscipline approach, health and cumulative effect of different risks and impact factors etc.).

The concept of social licence to operate (SLO, simply ‘social license’ or ‘social licensing’) originated in the mining industry and its use has also been extended over large infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. In simple terms, the SLO refers to: 1) “the ongoing acceptance of a company or industry's standard business practices and operating procedures by its employees, stakeholders and the general public” (Investopedia 2018), and 2) “the level of acceptance or approval by local communities and stakeholders of mining companies and their operations.” (Fraser Institute 2012). Specifically in the mining sector, the SLO can be summarised as attempts to “to secure the acceptance of mining activities by local communities and stakeholders, in order to build public trust in their activities and prevent social conflict” (IRP UNEP 2017) whereas such attempts “are premised on engagement between mining companies, governments and civil society to ensure that mineral resource extraction contributes to nation¬al and local development, and that damaging impacts on host communities and the environment are mitigated or otherwise managed” (ibid.).
The need of the developers/investors to obtain the SLO stems from the “the demands on and expectations for a business enterprise that emerge from neighbourhoods, environmental groups, community members, and other elements of the surrounding civil society” (Gunningham, Kagan, Thornton 2014). In turn, from the perspective of developers/investors, the SLO is “a pragmatic calculation of what is required to minimise business risk and win the degree of community support required to avoid delay or disruption to company operations” (Owen, Kemp 2013). The SLO is based on some agreement between developers/investors and stakeholders/the community and can take a form of 1) “an informal agreement that infers ongoing acceptance of an industrial or energy project by a local community and the stakeholders affected by it” (Gallois, Ashworth, Leach, Moffat 2017) or 2) “a form of unwritten social contract that exists between companies and communities” (Lacey, Lamont 2014)
The lawmakers can assist with the development of agreements for SLO through procedural empowerment of various stakeholders such as by securing 1) access to environmental information, 2) public participation in environmental law making, strategic impact assessment (SEA) or project-specific environmental impact assessment (EIA), and 3) related administrative and judicial review procedures. Moreover, within the framework of sector-specific corporate-social-responsibility (CSR) / Triple Bottom Line (TBL) activities, developers/investors also seek to secure wider SLO going beyond pure compliance for a number of reasons such as a desire to avoid boycott, or a belief that downplaying such expectations would eventually lead to the adoption of stricter regulation (Gunningham, Kagan, Thornton 2014). Indeed, to quote Curran, “[i]n an age of CSR, social licence thus acts as a form of strategic risk management for most major companies. Its objective is to protect companies’ financial and reputational assets by proactively anticipating and managing contestation rather than simply reacting to it.” (2017).
Obtaining SLO in relation to the extraction of hydrocarbons and electricity generation is more relevant than ever. On a global scale, the public awareness concerning the impact of new investments and ongoing operations in those sectors on the environment, climate and quality of life of affected communities is constantly increasing, whereas we remain as far as ever from phasing out conventional fuels: about 1160 new coal power plants (CPP) and about 50 nuclear power (NPP) are currently planned or being constructed (Global Coal Plant Tracker 2020; World Nuclear Association 2020). At the same time, the push towards the electrification of the automotive industry predicts massive expansion of mining projects in response to a growing demand for elements used in the production of batteries.
The angles, from which the controversies surrounding the SLO can be looked at, are numerous. Foremost, specific sectors can be analyzed in terms of SLO, including 1) prospection, exploration and extraction (upstream) of hydrocarbons, 2) electricity and heat generation, 3) linear investment such as such oil and gas pipelines (midstream) or high voltage electricity transmission grid with emphasis on cross-border interconnectors, and 4) underground storage of gas, oil and CO2. Secondly, SLO can be looked at in terms of the involvement of public authorities in the social licensing process, including 1) the legislative works with regard to laws affecting above-listed sectors, 2) the preparation of various plans, programs and/or strategic environmental assessment (SEA) which cover the above-listed sectors, and 3) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of specific projects in the above-listed sectors.
Thirdly, SLO can be examined through the prism of procedural empowerment of stakeholders, including 1) access to information such as on the progress of the SLO-related legislative process and/or project-specific environment-related information, 2) public participation in the legislative process, preparation of environment-related plans and programmes, the SEA, the EIA, 3) related administrative and judicial review procedures, 4) the duty to obtain free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) from indigenous communities, and 5) consultation with indigenous communities in relation to law and plan making. The procedural empowerment of stakeholders also ties to how property rights and taxation revenue are allocated among investors and affected stakeholders, including 1) separation of right to deposits between treasuries and land holders, 2) distribution of royalties between treasuries and landholders, 3) contractual arrangements between developers/investors and landholders, 4) expropriations and compensation, and 5) specific tort regimes in the mining and nuclear sectors. Finally, SLO can also be looked at from the perspective of who imposes SLO-related requirement, including 1) major multilateral developments banks (MDBs), 2) sub-regional MDBs, 3) national development banks/agencies of major donors, or 4) domestic laws in specific jurisdictions.
In the course of this project running throughout 2019, we have gathered the following contributions partially addressing the above-mentioned phenomena, and we have grouped these into sections of this special issue related to 1) conceptualization of the SLO, 2) intersections between SLO and protection of investment, 3) regional perspectives, 4) case and sector studies, 5) outer space, and 6) one book review.

Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) has developed out of the environmental assessment model to become an important tool for heritage planners and managers. Heritage resources are under pressure from development everywhere, with a resulting loss and compromise of values, authenticity and integrity. The ongoing development of a standardized methodology for carrying out HIA employs systematic examination of the full range of potential events and outcomes, combining overview with detail. It integrates heritage values and authenticity with development visions, engineering works and stakeholder input to engage with the bigger picture and provide a valuable decision making tool. Origins of Heritage Impact Assessment Impact assessment evolved during the 1960s in response to growing public interest in the protection of the environment from the consequences of development, using models and approaches from the natural sciences, particularly ecology. The aim was to empower the environment in decision-making and development planning. The success of the impact assessment model as a planning tool since the beginning of the sustainable development debate of the 1970s led to its wider application, including applications to heritage. It was first applied to archaeological resources of known importance that were threatened with destruction due to infrastructure development projects. Impact assessment applied to archaeological and other cultural heritage resources is now gaining universal acceptance as an essential development planning and heritage management tool. Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) fits into a comprehensive assessment process that links several levels of engagement: Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) which deals with the potential impacts that will result from area-wide plans or major policy decisions; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which deals with the ascertained impacts that will result from a specific development project, and HIA which is applied to specific project and development proposals that potentially threaten resources of cultural significance. HIA is a systematic process of identifying the probable results of a proposed policy or action on the cultural heritage of a place and its communities. It is a decision support tool which provides input at the planning, works and operational stages to minimize or eliminate adverse effects through mitigation and to enhance positive impacts. In places where heritage is included in the EIA system as a component on a legal par with other environmental variables, practice has clearly shown the power of rigorous HIA as a tool to manage change and mitigate risk in order to preserve significance – the basic task of heritage management. As such, it is rapidly becoming the heritage manager's most important tool for managing change in historic resources. .

In this study, assessment of air quality indices and its possible health impacts in Asa-Dam industrial area, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria was carried out. The ambient air quality measurement was done with respect to Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and carbon mono-oxide. Sample collections were limited to air quality. Air quality sources were randomly selected within the vicinity of the study area, but at different distances. Also, the samples were collected at different locations sixty (60) points. The monitoring exercises were taken in the daytime, the air pollution measurements were carried out using direct reading, automatic in-situ gas monitors; Smart AS8900 Multi-Gas Monitor was used in measuring carbon monoxide (CO), BR-SMART-126 Portable 4-in-1 Air Quality Monitor was used to detect PM2.5, PM10, Garmin Dakota 20 GPS was used to collect Coordinates of sampling points. The result shows the mean concentration of PM 2.5 (46.3217), PM 10 (56.1544) were found to be higher than WHO standards but LEL (9.72667), CO (0.12056) were found to be below the international (WHO) permissible standard. Also in Table 4.3, the combined Air Quality index for Asa-Dam industrial area according to the USEPA scale used show that PM 2.5 with AQI of 128 is unhealthy especially for sensitive group of people and can predispose them to Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart and lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary diseases and the elderly. This high level can be as a result of Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and various industrial processes also generate significant amounts of aerosols. Therefore, those in this group; people with respiratory or heart diseases, the elderly and children should avoid/limit staying for a long time outdoors. PM 10 with AQI 51 shows its moderate, although people with respiratory diseases are at most risk in this group. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. The AQI (1) For carbon monoxide (CO), is good and does not pose any treat to health. Comprehensive air quality monitoring and adequate measures should be implemented. There is also a need for the continuous monitoring and auditing of PM2.5 and PM10 in the community to safeguard the health of the public and the environment.

Las Evaluaciones de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) surgen en
Estados Unidos por medio de la Ley de Política Pública
Ambiental Nacional (NEPA) en 1970 como un método para
integrar una «racionalidad ambiental» a la política pública y
los procesos burocráticos realizando una evaluación holística
y multidisciplinaria que examina las consecuencias de
acciones de desarrollo previo al mismo. En otras palabras,
la EIA es un componente de un buen gobierno dirigido a
garantizar la protección ambiental, que a su vez incide en
el bienestar y desarrollo de nuestra sociedad. Mediante un
análisis descriptivo, el presente trabajo analizó veintitrés (23)
Declaraciones de Impacto Ambiental realizadas en Puerto Rico
entre los años 2005-2013. Los documentos se examinaron
según las leyes y reglamentos vigentes a nivel local, así como
en la literatura internacional sobre el tema de evaluaciones
ambientales. El análisis demostró algunas incongruencias
entre lo planteado en la literatura y política pública para el buen
gobierno ambiental. Entre estas: la preparación inadecuada de
las EIA; un dominio de lenguaje técnico; la exclusión de factores
de biodiversidad; la minimización mediante lenguaje de los
impactos; descripción muy pobre del medioambiente; análisis
incompleto de los impactos ambientales; metodología clara
ambigua; y una justificación economicista que no considera
realmente los costos y beneficios ambientales de los proyectos
y sus alternativas. [Palabras clave: evaluación de impacto
ambiental, declaración de impacto ambiental (DIA), política
pública ambiental, buen gobierno].

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) arises in United States through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1970 as a method for integrate an "environmental rationality" into public policy and
bureaucratic processes conducting a holistic evaluation and multidisciplinary that examines the consequences of development actions prior to it. In other words, the EIA is a component of a good government aimed at guarantee environmental protection, which in turn affects the welfare and development of our society. Through a
descriptive analysis, the present work analyzed twenty-three (23)
Environmental Impact Statements made in Puerto Rico
between the years 2005-2013. The documents were examined
according to the laws and regulations in force at the local level, as well as  in the international literature on the subject of evaluations
environmental. The analysis showed some inconsistencies
between what was raised in literature and public policy for good
environmental government Among these: inadequate preparation of
the EIAs; a technical language domain; the exclusion of factors
of biodiversity; the minimization through language of
impacts; very poor description of the environment; analysis
incomplete environmental impacts; clear methodology
ambiguous and an economic justification that does not consider
really the environmental costs and benefits of the projects
and its alternatives. [Keywords: environmental impact assessment
(EIA), environmental impact statement (EIS), environmental policy, good governance].

The Rio treaties broadened the concept of common concern and global responsibility for
protection of environment. Economic growth and environmental degradation can be de-linked by
promoting more eco-efficient growth patterns. Despite the rapid economic growth the concern of
environmental sustainability is the challenge of every country. This paper highlights the direct
relation of government role in the monitoring process of environmental impact assessment
towards sustainable development. The signs of unsustainable growth include high future
infrastructure costs, an increasing tendency to produce waste and continuing declines in natural
capital of country. Environment and its protection need a wide approach irrespective of
boundaries. An economic and social justification characterize all environmental protection
measures aiming to protect human health and safety. Through effective legislation on
environment issue and with national instrument of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) the
path of sustainable development can be easily achieved. The right to decent, healthy and viable
environment is not only the right of present generation but is the right of human race on earth.
This right becomes the root word for sustainable development. Effective implementation of law
and people participation is required to ensure environmental governance in India.

This is the English version of Alberto Alemanno foreword to the Italian volume authored by Andrea Cerase and published by Egea, Milan.

The author would like to thank Professor Alemanno for such an excellent way to introduce the book.

Suggested citation:

Alemanno, Alberto (2017) «Prefazione: per una comprensione pluralistica del rischio», in Andrea Cerase, Rischio e Comunicazione. Teorie, Modelli, Problemi, Milan: Egea, pp. 11 -15.

Pesticide is widely used in agriculcural process, from
seeding to harvesting and it also protecting crops. Pesticide is applied
to control pest, weed and diseases and also stimulate plant growth.
However, pesticide can also cause pollution to the environment,
damage of ecosystem balance, and decrease of quality of human life.
For this reason, pesticide must be used wisely and safely, then the
negative impacts can be minimized.
Pollution caused by pesticide can be prevented in man y ways,
such as handling pesticide safely, disposing its waste in the right
ways, controlling all activities related to pesticide, and applying “back
to nature” system in agriculture.

One of the main concerns for a possible adverse environmental effect due to the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops is the threat to the biodiversity in the
receiving environments where such plants will be cultivated. In particular, animal biodiversity could be at risk if organisms that come in contact with GM plants and/or their products are harmed. In any ecosystem, including agro-ecosystems,
hundreds of species are sustained in food webs, above and below ground, based on cultivated plants as the main primary producers. Therefore, numerous species at higher trophic levels can come in contact with plant metabolites either
directly or indirectly. GM crops developed to control insect pests are purposefully hazardous to certain pest species considered to be the target of these new plant
varieties (e.g. Cry toxin-expressing GM plants). All other organisms active in the agro-ecosystem and in adjacent habitats are not intended to be harmed by these
GM plants and, as a consequence, can operationally be defined as non-target organisms (NTO). In this review the state of the art concerning possible effects of GM crop plants on NTOs is summarised according to the ecological role these organisms play in agro-ecosystems. This criterion is also suggested as a
pathway for evaluating possible adverse effects on NTOs when GM crops are being considered for release into a new receiving environment or for the release of new GM events into well-characterised receiving environments. The idea underlining this proposal is that in heavily human-managed ecosystems, such as agro-ecosystems, the preservation of functional biodiversity is an important protection goal in ecological terms, but it is also paramount for the sustainability of agriculture.

More people are aware of the world's environmental problems such as global warming, toxic substance usage, and decreasing in non-replenish resources. The Government has released campaigns to promote this problem to people. Several organizations responded to this by applying green principles to their company, such as using environmental friendly raw material, reducing the usage of petroleum power, and using the recycle papers for packaging. Green supply chain management (GSCM) was emerging in the last few years. This idea covers every stage in manufacturing from the first to the last stage of lifecycle, i.e. from product design to recycle. The Green Supply Chain (GSC) is a key element of an enterprise-wide green management strategy. A GSC can help agencies comply with new federal guidelines while achieving a wide range of economic, social, national security, and environmental goals. This study aims to investigate the current green level of foundry industry in and around a specific city. The approach of the present research includes a literature review, in depth interviews and questionnaire surveys. The survey questionnaire was designed with 16 items using literature. This project evaluates the environmental assessment of small scale foundries to find the critical factors of green supply chain management and their relation to the organizational performance.