Physical Impact Assessment (Air and Noise Component) of Waste Water Treatment Plant for Mehmood Booti/Salamat Pura, Shadbagh and North Site, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Environmentally sound development is possible only if potential environmental impacts are known before the project is initiated. The present study is focused on Air quality impact assessment for North Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). Baseline study was conducted and data on topography, hydrogeology, soil, climate and meteorology, wind velocities and direction etc. was collected through secondary sources like published literature, metrological department and geology department. Ambient air quality assessment was done to find out the existing air conditions of the area where the project is proposed. Selected parameters for ambient air quality assessments were oxides of carbon (CO), nitrogen (NO), sulphur (SO) and particulate matter. Collection of environmental data on physical parameters and field survey was based on site visits. Future impacts of the project on air environment were predicted and evaluated using matrix methodology. The exponential population growth and urbanization is responsible for the increasing pollution load in the River Ravi. Waste water from industrial and municipal sources is directly discharged in it without proper treatment. Proposed project of installation of waste water treatment plant aims to treat waste water discharged from various sources in the areas; Mehmood Booti, Salamat pura, Shadbagh and North sites, in order to minimize the River Ravi pollution. Results of all parameters of ambient air quality analysis were within the permissible limits except Nitrogen dioxide and Particulate matter due to dust and vehicular emissions. Impact prediction and assessment revealed that air quality of the area will only be affected in the construction phase of project. Operation of the treatment plant will not have negative impacts on ambient air quality. Further studies should be carried out and more advanced mitigatory measures should be adopted to improve existing air quality of the project area.