A car washing and lubricating company has been operating for more than 10 years in a terrain with the following characteristics

 

1. A car washing and lubricating company has been operating for more than 10 years in a terrain with the following characteristics: porous, filterable with a freatic level near to the surface (5 m depth). This area is close to the estuary which is very useful to them since all the disposals and waste generated by this activity are directly released into the estuary. These disposals contain a high level of oils and greases. All the dumping from the car maintenance goes directly into the soil since there are no palettes or gutters. The operation hours are 20 hours for seven days a week. On the complaint of the locals, the Municipal Council has arranged the execution of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and you are part of it. What type of environmental evaluation must be performed by the Municipality according to this case?

a) What type of environmental evaluation must be performed by the Municipality according to this case? 

b) What type of proposed professionals that will be part of the consultancy group performing the EIA? (7 marks)

c) List three environmental effects of this activity. 

d) Mention three mitigation measures you will propose as part of your Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate the impacts identified.

Solution

a) The municipality's environmental assessment is screening, which includes the fundamental information of the flora and fauna that the vehicle washing and lubricating firm has an influence on.

b) The specialists in the EIA consistency group should be geo environmental studies specialists, environmental chemistry professionals, and groundwater pollution and modelling specialists. Microbiologists are professionals that work in the field of microbiology.

b) Three negative effects on the environment 

I The topmost layer of soil in the neighbouring region will gradually be swept away, and the tainted water will eventually render the land barren.

ii) Contaminants leaking into groundwater from the soil. 

iii) These pollutants damage the air as well as the vegetation and wildlife in the area. 

d) Three countermeasures 

I A appropriate waste water distribution system to the disposal location can be designed.

ii) To prevent soil contamination, we can use sealants or an impermeable layer and filler material in the surrounding area. 

iii) We can store the waste liquid slurry in a pond or a well and transport it to solid waste disposal locations such as landfills as needed.