Environmental Case Study Sydney Airport Essay Example

Airport Environmental Strategy (AES) This Airport Environment Strategy (AES) provides the strategic direction for environmental management of Sydney Airport over a period of 5-years. The strategy is prepared in accordance with the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996, and the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997. After 5 years a new strategy is completed and it updates and replaces the previous Airport Environment Strategy. Sydney Airport’s First AES was developed in 1999 and was a major success. The purpose of an AES is to: Ensure all significant environmental risks in the functional areas of air, noise, water, waste, resource use and land management are appropriately managed ·Facilitate Sydney Airport’s objective of achieving world’s best practice environmental management, and ·Ensure continuous improvement of the airport environment and to build upon the achievements and goals of the First AES. The Airports Act 1996 sets out specific requirements to be addressed in an AES.

The AES has been developed to meet specific criteria and ensure optimal environmental management. It includes an overview of the current environment and operations, a discussion of environmental aspects and potential impacts related to airport activities, identification of significant sites (Sites of Indigenous Significance and Environmentally Significant Areas), achievements from 1999-2004, an overall framework for environmental management at Sydney Airport including SACL's organization structure and responsibilities, as well as a 5-year Action plan.

Since its establishment in 1920, Sydney Airport has consistently worked towards minimizing its environmental impact and carbon footprint for future generations. In 1999, they adopted new monitoring technology to enhance their air quality program.

They also began major soil remediation works. In 2000, a Noise Impact Assessment was conducted for ground-based operations and soil remediation works at the Northern Lands site were completed. They established a public feedback mechanism and an environmental information page on their website. Additionally, they released a Sustainability Report to track progress towards sustainable development.Sydney Airport's Environmental Management System underwent a review and update in 2001, aligned with Australian and International Standard. The 'Project Swiss Cheese' study, completed in 2002, extensively examined soil and groundwater contamination. This study resulted in a 50% decrease in on-airport spills and an update of procedures for the Spill Response Team. Furthermore, a Contaminated Sites Management Strategy was implemented to conduct risk assessments of identified sites and create Remedial Action Plans for high-risk areas.

To promote environmental awareness, an education handbook titled 'Environmental Management at Sydney Airport' was published. An Underground Storage Tank Strategy was also enacted to enhance the management, removal, and installation of bulk fuel tanks. A comprehensive evaluation of Sydney Airport's heritage elements took place as well.

Efforts to reduce waste were successful with an average reduction rate of 13% compared to the previous year. In 2003, an Energy Management Strategy was finalized to lower energy consumption at Sydney Airport. Additionally, measures were taken to address emissions through the installation of an on-airport odour control unit.

The Aircraft Ground Running Procedures were reviewed while conducting a thorough Stormwater Characterization Study across the entire airport premises alongside implementing a stormwater monitoring program. Remarkably, there was another consecutive 50% reduction in on-airport spills for the second year running.Pollution control devices were upgraded, resulting in a 5% decrease in waste volume compared to

the previous year. Additionally, an Airport Waste Strategy was created. Sydney Airport's community grants program funded the construction of a public whale watching platform. Moreover, Sydney Airport received a Gold Award from the NSW Government's Sustainable Energy Development Authority for achieving a 15% reduction in energy use between 2002 and 2004. During this time, a Stormwater Management Plan was completed to significantly lower water usage at the airport. An Airport-wide Heritage Management Plan was also commissioned, which included specific management plans for all environmental objectives of the airport. These objectives include reducing resource usage such as water and energy consumption throughout the entire airport. Sydney Airport has implemented a comprehensive approach to environmental management by involving all areas of the facility. This integrated strategy ensures that everyone working at or operating within the airport takes responsibility for addressing environmental issues. To guide these efforts, Sydney Airport has established an Environment Policy as a foundation for managing environmental concerns. This policy sets forth principles that promote sustainable practices and provides structure for setting objectives, targets, and action programs.Sydney Airport is committed to reducing air emissions from ground-based operations and activities, in compliance with state and national legislation, standards, and guidelines. The airport also promotes the adoption of new engine designs and technologies by airlines to decrease aircraft air emissions.

Sydney airports Environment Department is in charge of carrying out the actions mentioned in the environmental policy and making sure they comply with the relevant laws and regulations. One of the important roles of the Environment Department is to coordinate environmental matters across all departments and with airport tenants and operators by utilizing the Corporate Environmental Management

System (EMS) and Environmental Auditing program. These programs cover all operations and activities of tenants, including their Environmental Management Plans (EMP). Additionally, the Environment Department hires various consultants, contractors, and technicians to conduct studies, assessments, and monitoring of environmental issues at Sydney Airport.

Future Directions/Actions

Sydney Airport and the N.S.W government are currently in negotiations about constructing another airport in Sydney. The construction of the second airport has the potential to negatively impact the air and water quality of the city. Figure 2 illustrates the proposed site for the new airport, but a final decision is still pending. It is crucial that the selection process for determining its location be executed meticulously to ensure: A) it meets the needs of a potentially expanding airport, B) it minimizes adverse effects on individuals, and C) it mitigates its impact on the environment, including air and water quality.

The Federal Government has recently given its approval to a draft plan for Sydney Airport, allowing the airport to significantly increase passenger arrivals and aircraft numbers over the next two decades. However, there have been no developments or associated environmental assessments prepared yet. It is expected that emissions will rise by up to 65% in the next 15 to 20 years. Despite implementing an effective and reliable environmental strategy that has reduced their impact, Sydney Airport still faces concerns from the surrounding community regarding aircraft noise. The airport's Environmental Management Strategy does not adequately address this issue. I suggest that Sydney airport goes beyond government regulations and takes additional measures to mitigate noise impact by implementing more suitable aircraft curfews. Additionally, since new runways were opened in 2007, air pollution resulting from

aircraft emissions has increased, leading to lower air quality in the vicinity.

The Environmental Management Strategy should take into account the outdated Air Quality Management Plan of 1994. I suggest that Sydney Airport implements more advanced and reliable measurements and improves monitoring in order to accurately determine airport emissions. Additionally, it is important to explore solutions for reducing these emissions. If a second Sydney Airport is developed and planes continue to produce high levels of emissions, it would be wise for the new airport to be located away from populated areas. It would be preferable to have it in a rural area where emissions can be diluted instead of within a city with a population of 3 million people. Please see Figure 1 in the Appendices and Attachments section for an illustration of Sydney Airport and its surrounding suburbs. Figure 2 is also provided.

Potential Places for the second Sydney airport Figure 3. Decrease in noise complaints from 2000-2005 References Environmental manager, Kelly Tilwater Sydney Airports Corporation Limited, 1999, Sydney Airport Environment Strategy (1999-2004). Sydney Airport Corporation Limited, 2003, Annual Environmental Report 2002/03. Sydney Airport Corporation Limited, 2004, Sydney Airport Master Plan 03/04.

1. http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/SACL/Corporate+Information/Community+and+the+Environment www.greenleft.org
2. au www.

smh.com.au/articles/2006/03/30/1143441281229
www.sacf.org
infrastructure.gov.au

The text includes links to the following websites:
- smh.com.au/articles/2006/03/30/1143441281229
- www.sacf.org
- infrastructure.gov.au