Fluent Essays

Assignment on Basel Convention with emphasis on Implementation, Achievements, Merits, and Demerits. ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEMS NREM 905 COURSE LECTURER: PROF. I.O. AGBAGWA Institute of Natural Resources, Environment & Sustainable Dev., University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Waste (also known as rubbish, trash, refuse, garbage, junk, litter, and ort) is unwanted or useless materials. In biology, waste is any of the many unwanted substances or toxins that are expelled from living organisms, metabolic waste; such as urea and sweat. Basel Convention Definition of Wastes “substances or objects which are disposed of or are intended to be disposed of or are required to be disposed of by the provisions of the law” Disposal means “any operation which may lead to resource recovery, recycling, reclamation, direct re-use or alternative uses” Waste The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal - ➢ Adopted in 1989 and came into force in 1992 ➢ The most comprehensive global environmental treaty on hazardous and other wastes ➢ About 170 member countries (Parties). Nigeria is a party • Aim is - Protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, transboundary movements and disposal of hazardous and other wastes. Reasons for the Basel Convention • Illegal cross-border transport of hazardous wastes in the 1980s • Toxic waste traders were in the rise with third world countries targeted as dumping grounds for hazardous waste • Toxic ships such as the Katrin B and the Pelicano, sailed from port to port trying to offload their poisonous cargoes • Five ship loads of highly toxic and radioactive wastes originating from city of Pisa, in the Italian region of Tuscany discovered at Koko Port (old Bendel State now in Warri North LGA of Delta State) in May 1988 – Katrin B A little on Basel Convention UNSD waste definition • According to the United Nations Statistics Division (U.N.S.D.): Wastes are materials that are not prime products (that is products produced for the market) for which the generator has no further use in terms of his/her own purposes of production, transformation or consumption, and of which he/she wants to dispose. Wastes may be generated during the extraction of raw materials, the processing of raw materials into intermediate and final products, the consumption of final products, and other human activities. Residuals recycled or reused at the place of generation are excluded. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Statistics_Division Nigeria and Waste Legislations • THE HARMFUL WASTE (SPECIAL CRIMINAL PROVISIONS, ETC) ACT, 1988 • THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY ACT 2007 (NESREA ACT, repealed the Federal Environmental Protection Act of 1988) • ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 1992 Relevant regulations are • NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL (SANITATION AND WASTES CONTROL) REGULATIONS, 2009) • THE National Environmental Protection (POLLUTION ABATEMENT IN INDUSTRIES AND FACILITIES GENERATING WASTE) REGULATIONS, 1991 Hazardous Waste General definition A hazardous waste has the potential to cause an unacceptable risk to: ➢ PUBLIC HEALTH ➢ THE ENVIRONMENT Note: Hazardous wastes may arise in a number of different forms: liquids, solids, gases, or sludges. • They may be by-products of extraction of raw materials (e.g. drill cuttings), manufacturing processes (e.g. leather, textile etc.) or simply discarded products (e.g. used electronics). • The hazard associated with a waste depends on its composition, its physical form and its physical and chemical properties. Hazardous Waste General definition • In its simplest form, the definition of a hazardous waste is one that has the potential to cause harm to public health and to the environment. However, such a definition is too vague for use in a regulatory framework • It is important to stress that waste classifications are related to, but generally independent of, the classification systems used for industrial chemicals. • This can cause the waste generator confusion, and waste managers need to know both systems and have access to both sets of data. Why definition is difficult HAZARDOUS WASTE PHYSICAL FORM PHYSICAL PROPERTIESCHEMICAL PROPERTIES COMPOSITION The hazard associated with a waste depends on: BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES Slide 8 Why definition is difficult ▪ Definition may be based on its composition; its physical form; its chemical, biological or physical properties; or alternatively on the waste stream in which it arises. ▪ Each country has its own interpretation of what constitutes hazardous waste, as well as using various terms to refer to it, such as ‘chemical’, ‘special’, ‘poisonous’, ‘toxic’ or ‘difficult’. ▪ Worldwide there is no standard definition of hazardous wastes, and a number of different approaches are taken to the problem of defining it. ▪ The Global Waste Survey 1992 - the first attempt to gain a worldwide picture of hazardous wastes - found that there were ‘almost as many definitions as countries’. ▪ Other ways of defining hazardous wastes might include one based on its recycling potential. ▪ In developing economies, there is often an inadequate identification of the waste streams which arise – not simply of hazardous wastes – and this can lead to an increase in pollution of the environment as well as increased risks to human health. Nigeria and artisanal mechanics ▪ However difficult, waste classification is an important early step in developing a waste management system. Examples of hazardous waste definitions: 1. Basel Convention According to the Basel Convention there are 45 categories of wastes that are presumed to be hazardous. •18 are waste streams (e.g. clinical wastes, mineral oils, Polychlorinated biphenyls -PCBs) (Y1-Y18) •27 are wastes having clearly identified constituents (e.g. mercury, lead, asbestos, organic cyanides, solvents) (Y19-Y45) These categories of waste need to exhibit one or more hazardous characteristics: flammable, oxidising, poisonous, infectious, corrosive, ecotoxic Examples of hazardous waste definitions: 2. UNEP Wastes other than radioactive wastes which, by reason of their chemical activity or toxic, explosive, corrosive or other characteristics cause danger or are likely to cause danger to health or the environment • Definition is based on the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods Code. This is a classification system for hazardous materials which does not have regard to the origin of the waste, nor to the fact that wastes are often a complex mixture of unspecified composition rather than pure substances. • Such a classification is useful for improving aspects of handling, transport and storage safety. Examples of hazardous waste definitions: 3. USA UNDER US EPA REGULATIONS, there are three ways of defining hazardous wastes: 1. The waste is listed/included in list of defined hazardous wastes (i.e. in EPA regulations) 2. The waste is tested and meets one of the four characteristics established by EPA: • Ignitable • Corrosive • Reactive • Toxic 3. The waste is declared hazardous by the generator Examples of hazardous waste definitions: 4. European Waste Catalogue A core list of 850 types of waste Of these, around 420 are classified as hazardous wastes These are divided into 19 main categories The objective of definitions Why define wastes? To decide whether or not that waste should be controlled - this is important for the generator as well as the regulator Why create a list? •Clear and simple •No need for testing Different methods of Classification i. Lists e.g. Basel Convention Annex I, Basel List A, EU European Waste Catalogue, US EPA list ii. Origin e.g. processes, Basel Convention Annex II iii. Hazardous characteristics e.g. toxicity, reactivity, Basel Convention Annex III iv. Chemical and physical properties e.g. inorganic, organic, oily, sludges • Need to match classification to objectives • No method will suit all cases Methods of waste classification: by Origin •Waste streams e.g. Basel Convention •Miscellaneous or ubiquitous wastes e.g. • contaminated soils • dusts • redundant pesticides from agriculture • hospital wastes Example of waste classification by Origin: Basel The Basel Convention’s List of Hazardous Waste Categories (Y1-Y18) identifies wastes from specific processes e.g. Y1 Clinical wastes Y6 Wastes from the production and use of organic solvents Y18 Residues from industrial waste disposal operations Methods of Waste Classification: by Hazardous Characteristics Main characteristics: •Toxic •Corrosive UN Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (ADR) lists waste characteristics. These have been adopted by Basel Convention - Annex III gives 13 characteristics, based on ADR rules, including: •Explosive •Flammable •Toxic and eco-toxic Represented as codes H1-H13 •Ignitable •Reactive Hazardous Characteristics: Toxicity Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin Examples: •Spent cyanide solutions •Waste pesticides • Toxic wastes disposed of on land may result in contaminated leachate. • The leaching of toxic compounds or elements from landfills into groundwater is one of the most common ways in which the general population can be exposed to the chemicals found in industrial wastes. • In the US, the EPA has devised a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test to identify wastes likely to leach hazardous concentrations of toxic constituents. • Using the test on a waste sample creates a liquid similar to the liquid the US EPA would expect to find in the ground near a landfill containing the same waste. Hazardous Characteristics: Corrosivity Acids or alkalis that are capable of dissolving human flesh and corroding metal such as storage tanks and drums • Corrosive wastes are acid or alkaline and can readily corrode or dissolve flesh, metal or other materials. • They are also one of the most common hazardous waste streams. Wastes with a high or low pH can react dangerously with other wastes or cause toxic contaminants to migrate from certain wastes. • Examples of corrosive wastes include acids from metals cleaning processes (e.g. ferric chloride from printed circuit board manufacture) and liquor from steel manufacture. Hazardous Characteristics: Ignitability Ignitable wastes: • can create fires under certain conditions • or are spontaneously combustible Examples: •Waste oils •Used solvents •Organic cleaning materials •Paint wastes For emphasis, ignitable wastes are those which readily catch fire and sustain combustion. These could cause a fire during transport or storage of the waste, or after disposal. Hazardous Characteristics: Reactivity Reactive wastes are unstable under ‘normal conditions’ They can cause: explosions, toxic fumes, gases or vapours Examples: • Peroxide solutions • Hypochlorite solutions or solids •Discarded munitions and explosives For emphasis, reactive wastes will readily explode or undergo violent reactions. Reactivity is an important characteristic of hazardous wastes because unstable wastes can pose a problem at any stage of the waste management life cycle. Hazardous characteristics: Eco-toxicity Eco-toxic wastes are harmful or fatal to other species or to the ecological integrity of their habitats Examples: Heavy metals, Detergents, Oils, Soluble salts • The high sensitivity of some fish like trout to toxins at levels far lower than human drinking water standards illustrates the importance of regarding eco- toxicity as an important separate issue. • By implication, human toxicity standards are not always appropriate when considering ecological problems. • Some substances such as oils and detergents that barely affect humans can nevertheless interfere with other species’ life processes including reproduction. • Issues of bio-magnification along the food chain are just as important for other species as they are for human toxicity. • Despite the importance of this issue, criteria, measurements and standards for eco-toxicity are not well developed, and are thus frequently discounted by regulators or waste operators. • Animal and plant species can be much more sensitive to certain chemical substances or to conditions of pH than mammals (including humans). Methods of waste classification: by chemical, biological and physical properties • Inorganic wastes e.g. acids, alkalis, heavy metals, cyanides, wastewaters from electroplating • Organic wastes e.g. pesticides, halogenated and non-halogenated solvents, PCBs • Oily wastes e.g. lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, contaminated fuel oils • Sludge e.g. from metal working, painting, wastewater treatment Hazardous waste handling and storage Links in an integrated hazardous waste management system Storage Collection/ Transportation Disposal Links in an integrated hazardous waste management system contd. • There is always a need for a structured hazardous waste management system which begins as soon as the waste has been generated and continues through all subsequent stages to final treatment and disposal. In the simplest form, a hazardous waste management system comprises three units: i. Storage upon generation ii. Collection and transportation iii. Final treatment and disposal • Handling and storage are both important factors in all of these management stages, from cradle to grave. • Different materials have to be handled in different ways, and may have special storage requirements. For this reason proper identification and labelling of materials is essential, and is likely to represent the difference between a safe hazardous waste management system and a dangerous one. Links in an integrated hazardous waste management system contd. • Correct handling, storage, packaging and labelling are vital if accidents are to be avoided and the environment is to be protected. • The hazardous waste management system consists of a series of actions to control and contain the waste. This must be coordinated so that the various persons and groups of persons involved at the different stages are aware of their role and how that role fits within the larger structure. This is particularly true of handling and storage procedures. Storage site selection On-site storage: • In waste generator premises • Not subject to flooding • Away from manufacturing/processing areas • Away from employee activities Off-site storage: • Not subject to flooding • Away from residential area • Ideally in industrial area • Good access to public infrastructure e.g. roads, emergency services • Minimise risk of explosion or unplanned releases • Keep incompatible wastes separate • Not < 15m from site boundary (where possible) • Away from foot and vehicular traffic Storage site design criteria 1 . • Impermeable base material • Leak and spill containment Storage site design criteria 1 contd. • Whether it is stored on-site or off, any hazardous waste storage areas must be designed to minimise the possibility of an explosion or any unplanned sudden or gradual release of hazardous waste to air, water or soil. The following design criteria should be observed: • Waste compatibility: different hazardous wastes should be stored in separate compatibility areas • Distances from boundary and traffic: hazardous waste should be stored away from traffic, including both vehicular and foot traffic. Ignitable and reactive wastes should be stored at least 15m from the facility’s boundary, if possible - on small sites • Base material: an impermeable base should used for the area where containers may be stored, to prevent any leaks or spills, or accumulated precipitation, from seeping into the ground. • Leak and spill containment: the storage area must be designed and operated to contain any leaks and spills e.g. with bunds. For outdoor storage facilities, the maximum probable quantity of runoff must also be considered. Regulatory agencies, such as fire departments, may specify certain containment requirements. Storage site design criteria 2 • Protection from climate • Good ventilation • Limit height of stacked containers • Eye wash station • Provide drainage system or elevate • Adsorbent material for spills • Re-packaging area • Comply with regulations Storage site design criteria 2 contd. • Climate and environment: weather conditions can frequently be an important factor in determining storage conditions. Heat, cold, moisture, and wind can adversely affect storage of all chemicals. If waste materials must be stored outside, they should always be covered by a roof or tarpaulin, and be kept away from direct sunlight. • Ventilation: adequate ventilation should be provided to prevent build-up of gases. Any area used for storage of chemical wastes or any other hazardous material should be well ventilated. • Stack height: drums should not be stacked more too high. Drums containing flammable liquid should not be stacked. • Eye wash station: an eye wash station must be provided for each storage area Storage site design criteria 2 contd. • Drainage system: floors should be sloped towards retention pits or drains. The drainage system should ensure that any spilled wastes or precipitation do not remain in contact with the waste containers. Alternatively, storage could be on elevated platforms or pallets – this also simplifies inspection. Any spilled or leaked waste, or storm water run-off, should be removed from the sump or collection area as soon as possible to prevent any overflow. (This collected waste must then be correctly handled as hazardous waste.) • Earthing: when pumping waste or emptying and filling containers, it is necessary to earth the process • Adsorbent material: should always be present to clean up spills immediately • A separate repackaging room: any items which are seen to be incorrectly or inadequately packaged can be taken here • Agency requirements: government agencies, such as the fire department, should be contacted prior to the design and building of a storage structure to incorporate any other specific requirements they may have. Hazardous waste compatibility 1 • Need compatibility between: • waste & container; wastes stored together; wastes stored close to each other; wastes & environment Compatibility = the ability of two or more materials to exist in close association with each other without the formation of harmful chemical or physical reactions • The concept of compatibility, when applied to hazardous waste, refers to: the way chemicals react when in contact with each other • Chemicals need compatibility with the containers in which they are stored, otherwise there is a risk of container failure resulting in environmental damage or personal injury. For example, acid should not be stored in steel drums, or pressurised materials in weak containers. • Compatibility with nearby materials and equipment: For example, containers of flammable materials should be stored with proper consideration of proximity to heat, electrical sources and open flames. • All flammable containers 20 litre or larger should be earthed. • Compatibility with the environment itself. Storing many waste materials outside may be practical, but storing drums of highly flammable material in dark drums in open sunlight can be extremely dangerous. Hazardous waste compatibility 2 Source: UK DoE (1988) Waste Management Paper No 26 Undesirable reactions to mixing incompatible wastes ▪Generation of heat by chemical reaction ➔ Alkali metals, metal powders ▪ Generation of toxic gases ➔ Hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide ▪ Generation of flammable gases ➔ Hydrogen, acetylene ▪ Generation of gases ➔ Nitrogen oxides, chlorine, sulphur dioxide ▪ Dissolution of toxic compounds ➔ Heavy metals, complexing agents • Storage should be for as brief a period as possible • Permitted temporary storage duration varies from country to country Western Europe: • Typically 28 or 90 days USA: • Up to 90 days for large quantity generators • Up to 180 days for small quantity generators Some European countries and Far East: • Indefinite period allowed Duration of hazardous waste storage Long term storage • For longer term storage, different controls needed • If storage may be indefinite, controls should be similar to those for final disposal facilities • Long term storage may be a practical solution to the problem of a shortage of hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities • Important to avoid ‘storage’ becoming an excuse for uncontrolled disposal • Example of inappropriate long term storage of wastes is the stockpiling of obsolete pesticides in some countries. Because the conditions were not properly controlled, drums have corroded or buckled, and storage areas have flooded, resulting in extensive local contamination and risks to human health. • As treatment and disposal facilities become available in developing economies, there is an opportunity to tighten regulations on storage duration. However, in the meantime the stored wastes are kept containerised, and the facilities are licensed and controlled Types of storage • Containerized • Bulk liquids in tanks • Bulk solids in bunkers, silos, skips Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002 • The type of storage must be matched to the waste material, in relation to its physical form as well as its characteristics. The later treatment and disposal options may also influence the storage decisions. • Small amounts of similar or diverse wastes may be containerized. Large volumes of liquid wastes may be stored in tanks, while large volumes of solid materials may be stored in bunkers, silos or skips. • Must be inert and not react with the hazardous waste • Must be able to absorb impact Materials which can be used include: • Steel • Aluminium • Natural Wood • Plywood • Reconstituted wood Packaging materials • Fibreboard • Plastic material • Textile • Metal (other than steel or aluminium) • Glass or stoneware For emphasis, a wide variety of packaging materials are available for handling and storage of hazardous waste, most of which have two basic characteristics. Firstly, the packaging material must be inert and not react with the hazardous waste. Secondly the material must be able to absorb impact in case the container is bumped or dropped. These include those listed above. The choice of material used will depend on various factors, including: the hazardous waste type (for example, plastic containers should not be used to store solvent wastes), the physical form of the hazardous waste (e.g. paper is no use for liquids) the type of container (e.g. drums need to be of rigid material). The ease with which packaged waste can be handled is also an important consideration. Types of containers Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002 Many types of packages are available for different types of wastes, including: Bags: flexible packs made of paper, plastic film, textiles, woven or other materials Boxes: packaging with complete rectangular or polygonal faces, made of metal, wood, plywood, reconstituted wood, fibreboard, plastic or other suitable material Drums: flat-ended or convex-ended cylindrical containers made of metal, fibreboard, plastic, plywood or other suitable materials. Jerrycans: metal or plastic containers of rectangular or polygonal cross-section. Types of containers • Some containers are multi-material e.g. a plastic bag inside a metal drum, or multi-layer e.g. plastic coated paper. • Some storage containers may combine one or more inner packs secured inside an outer packaging. Suggested containers: ·Waste oils and solvents may be best suited to storage in 200 litre steel bung drums or tanks. ·Solid or semi-solid organic wastes may be best suited to 200 litre steel clamp lid drums. ·Inorganic liquid wastes may be best in plastic cans or polyethylene tanks of 30, 45 or 200 litre capacity. ·Inorganic solids and sludge might be stored in 200 litre steel or plastic clamp lid drums. Container selection criteria •Inert will not react with contents is impervious to attack from contents •Robust and able to absorb impact •Good condition, free of leaks, structural defects or rust, clean •Able to be kept closed except when waste material is being added or removed •Contents will not escape in normal handling •Suitable for quantity/volume of wastes - not over filled Drums and cans Drums: • Reconditioned drums are cheaper than new ones • Inspect quality and type of drum Cans: • Useful for vertical free space Potential problems: • Increase in disposal cost • Increase in handling risks Tanks • Suitable for storage of bulk material • Offer rigid and integral containment • Easy to inspect • Suitable for bulk materials handling systems eg pipelines, belt conveyors Marking and labelling Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Research & Special Programs Administration, 2000 All markings Markings should be: • Durable • In English and/or native language • Unobscured • Against a contrasting background • Away from other markings Labels Labels should be: •Made of good quality materials •Durable •Weather resistant •Well located •Recognisable and legible in day and night time •Give information about handling precautions and prohibitions •At least 100mm on each side All containers must be clearly marked with waste type and hazard Hazard labels: • In the shape of a square set at 45º • Required for most dangerous goods except for magnetised materials Handling labels: • In various rectangular shapes • Required either alone or in addition of hazard labels for some dangerous goods Types of labels Inspection: • To ensure proper handling and storage • To check integrity of storage Record keeping: • To provide a record of waste generation and movement • To inform a subseqeuent disposal option • To serve as “chain of custody” document • To comply with regulations • To ensure duty of care Record keeping and inspection Handling and storage hazards for personnel Accidental injury eg equipment, containers falling, fires, explosions Chemical or biological harm eg respiratory problems, skin complaints Systemic effects: •nausea •headaches •cancer TRP Chapter 5.1 53 Summary Handling and storage are part of an integrated system - need to: • Choose/design storage site carefully • Ensure waste compatibility • Consider storage duration and types of storage • Select appropriate packaging materials and containers • Ensure proper marking and labeling • Keep accurate records and make regular inspections • Consider hazards for personnel Electronic Waste (E-West) 1. The Problem • What is e-waste? • Environmental concerns • Trends driving growth 2. How Can You Help? • Raise awareness • Promote recycling opportunities Presentation Outline What is E-waste?  Any waste that has a circuit board or cathode ray tube (CRT)  This definition includes: ◼Televisions ◼Computers: central processing units (CPUs), monitors, laptops ◼Computer keyboards, speakers, printers, and other peripherals ◼Mobile phones, refrigerators and air-conditioning units ◼VCRs and DVD players ◼Fax machines …from HOUSEHOLDS Electrical and electronic equipment when becoming waste (e- waste), is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world today. What are the Environmental Concerns?  Key contaminants: ▪ Lead in …