Environmental Management: Impacts and Issues

• Environmental management aims to oversee human activities' impact on the environment for sustainability and resource improvement.
• This requires understanding local and global issues, regulatory frameworks, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement is crucial for achieving common environmental goals via collaboration.

Human Activities and Environmental Impact

• Ozone depletion is caused by CFCs/HCFCs, increasing UV radiation and health risks.
• Acid rain results from SO2/NOx, affecting ecosystems and structures.
• Air pollution stems from various emissions, harming health and the environment.
• Water pollution involves contaminants that hurt aquatic ecosystems.
• Deforestation, driven by logging/agriculture, leads to habitat loss.
• Global warming/climate change is due to greenhouse gases, impacting weather and ecosystems.

Environmental Issues in the Philippines

• Deforestation leads to biodiversity loss and climate change effects.
• Water pollution stems from industry/agriculture, affecting health and ecosystems.
• Air pollution in urban areas is severe due to vehicles and industries.
• Plastic pollution, from single-use items, affects marine life.
• Solid waste management faces challenges, leading to environmental hazards.
• Climate change causes extreme weather and sea-level rise, impacting communities.

Environmental Management System (EMS)

• An EMS is a structured framework for organizations to manage environmental responsibilities.
• Compliance with ISO 14001 standards is pursued for effective EMS.
• The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) framework promotes continuous improvement.
• Organizations must have an environmental policy showing commitment to sustainability and legal compliance.
• Key components include an environmental policy, planning, implementation, monitoring, and review.
• Successful EMS can boost operational efficiency and cut environmental impact.

Goals and Key Components of EMS

• EMS aims for regulatory compliance, efficient resource use, waste reduction, and continuous improvement.
• An environmental policy outlines an organization's commitment, goals, and actions.
• Planning involves identifying environmental aspects/impacts and setting objectives.
• Implementation includes defining roles, responsibilities, and training.
• Monitoring/review is a regular assessment of performance and compliance.
• Continuous improvement adapts the EMS based on evaluations and conditions.

Commitment to Environmental Performance

• Companies are dedicated to continual environmental performance improvement, communicated to all stakeholders.
• This policy is publicly available for transparency and accountability.
• Effective communication of the environmental policy is vital for engagement and compliance.

Planning Phase of EMS

• A comprehensive register of environmental aspects is created, detailing their significance and controls.
• Fuel combustion in factory generators leads to air emissions requiring maintenance.
• Organizations must compile all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, like permits.
• Includes Environmental Compliance Certificates and Pollution Control Officer designations, which are essential for legal adherence.
• Set objectives to boost performance, considering legal and stakeholder needs.
• Example: Reducing solid waste by 30% by 2026 via management and recycling programs.
• Example: Achieving 100% compliance with air/water standards by 2025 via facility upgrades.

Implementation Phase of EMS

• Management commits to resources, including human, technological, and financial support for EMS.
• Key roles: Environmental Management Representative (EMR) and Pollution Control Officer (PCO).
• Ensure that personnel in environmental tasks are well-trained and competent; records are kept.
• Internal communication of EMS is done via notice boards and newsletters.
• External communication involves making the environmental policy public and addressing inquiries.

Documentation Levels

• Level 1: EMS Manual - outlines policy, objectives, and programs.
• Level 2: Environmental Procedures - details procedures and responsibilities.
• Level 3: Environmental Instructions - provides operational controls.
• Level 4: Environmental Records - maintains audit and training data.

Checking Phase of EMS

• Procedures established to monitor key operational characteristics impacting environment, documentation.
• Regular compliance evaluations ensure adherence, with retained records.
• The EMS corrects non-conformities to prevent recurrence and boost performance.

Acting Phase of EMS

• Top management reviews the EMS periodically to ensure suitability and effectiveness.
• The 'plan-do-check-act' cycle ensures ongoing improvement.

Overview of Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

• EMS provides a framework for managing environmental responsibilities.
• The primary goal is to enhance environmental performance by controlling aspects/impacts.
• Often aligned with standards like ISO 14001.
• Implementing EMS improves compliance and reduces risks.
• Continuous improvement is expected via regular reviews/audits.

Key Components of EMS

• Environmental Policy: A formal statement for commitment to environmental management.
• Objectives and Targets: Should be time-bound and measurable.
• Programs: Action plans detailing resources and responsibilities.
• Legal Compliance: Adhering to regulations to avoid penalties.
• Internal Audits: Assessing EMS effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.

Advantages of Implementing EMS

• Holistic Approach: Considers all aspects and impacts.
• Focus on Critical Aspects: Prioritizes efforts for effective management.
• Global Recognition: Enhances credibility.
• Regulatory Relationships: Improves permitting.
• Enhanced Corporate Image: Improves reputation among stakeholders.

Economic Benefits of EMS

• Improved Reputation: Increases business opportunities with customers/investors.
• Cost Reduction: Lowers costs in waste, energy, and resources.
• Access to New Markets: Eases entry into sustainability-focused markets.
• Direct Savings: Reduces waste and resource use.
• Long-term Sustainability: Ensures long-term operational viability by investing in EMS.

Environmental Aspects and Impacts

• Aspects are elements of activities/products/services that interact with the environment.
• Identifying aspects helps manage environmental interactions effectively.
• Organizations must understand interactions, prioritize mitigation, and comply.
• Common Areas: Aspects occur in manufacturing, services, healthcare, education, and government.
• Classification: Aspects can be controlled, influenced, significant, non-significant, or positive.

Understanding Environmental Impacts

• Impacts refer to changes in the environment caused by activities/products/services.
• Examples: Air, water, and land pollution, resource depletion, biodiversity loss.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates potential impacts of proposed projects.
• Purpose of EIA: Ensures compliance and stakeholder engagement.
• Transparency and Accountability: Promotes trust in decision-making.

Implementation and Evaluation of EMS

• Planning: Sets framework, objectives, and targets.
• Implementation: Develops and executes programs, including training.
• Monitoring and Measurement: Regularly assesses performance/compliance.
• Review and Improvement: Identifies areas for improvement via audits and reviews.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Gathers feedback and fosters collaboration.

Evaluating the Pros and Cons of EMS

• Pros: Environmental performance, reputation, regulatory compliance, cost savings.
• Cons: Initial costs, change resistance, ongoing training needs.
• Balancing Act: Weigh benefits vs. challenges for successful adoption.
• Case Studies: Show successful implementations and benefits.
• Future Trends: Sustainability will make EMS increasingly vital.

Solid Waste Management in the Philippines

• Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, took effect in 2001.
• Aims to protect public health/environment by promoting resource conservation/public participation.
• Defines solid waste management as controlling waste generation, storage, and disposal.
• The National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), led by the DENR, is responsible for implementing RA 9003.
• The commission comprises 13 members from agencies and the private sector.
• LGUs must create a 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan.

Role of Local Government Units (LGUs)

• Key components include waste segregation, MRFs, and prohibition of harmful products.
• LGUs must establish sanitary landfills; in 2021, there were 245 in the Philippines.
• Challenges include a lack of functioning landfills in areas like Cavite.
• Prohibited acts: Illegal dumping and failure to segregate.

Challenges and Solutions in Solid Waste Management

• Financial constraints/lack of awareness/institutional fragmentation are challenges.
• Community involvement is crucial; education campaigns raise awareness.
• The Extended Producer’s Responsibility Act of 2022 holds producers accountable for product lifecycle.
• Improper management causes pollution, health risks, and economic losses.
• Recommendations: Enhance public participation and increase funding.

Water Quality Management in the Philippines

• Republic Act No. 9275, the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, establishes water quality frameworks.
• It aims to protect water bodies from pollution and ensure clean water availability.
• Water Quality Management Areas (WQMAs) monitor and manage water quality.
• Public participation and collaboration among stakeholders are emphasized.
• Key provisions manage non-attainment areas needing interventions.
• The act outlines roles for businesses and industries in preserving water quality.

Current State of Water Resources

• The Philippines has many rivers and lakes, but faces pollution and over-extraction challenges.
• Major sources include rivers, lakes, dams, and groundwater.
• Climate change affects water availability and quality.
• Community awareness is essential for sustainable management.

Implementation Challenges and Community Involvement

• Challenges: Financial constraints, technical limitations, and enforcement difficulties.
• Institutional fragmentation hinders coordinated efforts.
• Public awareness gaps lead to inadequate participation.
• Local government unit monitoring is critical but requires resources.
• Community initiatives enhance public engagement and stewardship.
• Recommendations: Increase funding, enhance collaboration, and promote partnerships.

Air Quality Management System

• Altered atmospheric properties can lead to health and environmental issues.
• Air pollution includes harmful substances in the atmosphere.
• The Air Quality Management System regulates air quality.

Sources of Air Pollution

• Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms.
• Mobile Sources: Vehicle emissions.
• Area Sources: Residential heating and cooking.
• Stationary Sources: Industrial facilities and power plants.

Ambient Air Quality Standards

• Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) are legal limits for pollutants in outdoor environments.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for acceptable levels.
• Compliance with AAQS protects vulnerable populations.

Permits and Regulations

• Permit to Operate (PTO): Needed for stationary sources to comply with standards and emission control devices.
• Mobile sources need permits for emission testing.

Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Management

• Chemical Substance: Any material with a specific composition.
• Toxic Substance: Substances harmful to health, like heavy metals.
• Hazardous Substance: Poses health or environmental risk; ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic.

Hazardous Waste Management

• Hazardous waste is harmful to humans or the environment.
• Waste is managed from 'cradle to grave', ensuring responsibility.
• Generators must ensure proper disposal, liable for illegal disposal/spills.

Chemical Safety and Risk Management

• Chemical safety prevents adverse effects through management practices.
• Hazard: A chemical's inherent harmful properties; Risk: Likelihood of harm from exposure.
• Risk management includes screening substances and ensuring proper handling/disposal.

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

• The Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (RA6969) guides chemical management.
• The Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) lists chemicals used.
• The Chemical Control Order (CCO) regulates priority chemicals.