Sustainable System: Revisiting the Limits to Growth and Environmental Impact Assessment

This document discusses the concept of sustainable systems and explores the challenges of growth and environmental impact assessment. It examines the ways in which Australia is tackling the limits of growth and highlights the importance of public participation in EIA. The document also provides insights into the process of environmental impact assessment and discusses a specific case study of a proposed methanol factory.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 1
SUSTEINSBLE SYSTEMS
Name of the Student:
Class
Name of the Lecturer
University Name
Table of Contents

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 2
Revisiting the Limits to Growth After Peak Oil 3
Ways which Australia is tackling “Limits Of Growth” 4
Environmental Impact Assessment process In QLD and NSW 6
Drawbacks of the proposed Project. 8
Project approval success 8
Importance of public participation EIA 9
Environment Impact assessment 10
Methanol factory Proposal 10
Screening 12
Scoping 12
Conduct a preliminary study 13
Impact prediction 13
Impact assessment 13
Mitigation 13
Producing EIS 14
Reviewing EIS 15
Follow up 16
Reduced Package 16
Conclusion 18
References
Figure 1: location A, site proposed for methanol factory construction (courtesy of Google earth)..........11
Y
Table 1comparison of QLD and NSW application steps for EIA project approval

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 3
Abstract
A sustainable system is the one which can support itself effectively and cannot collapse. An
effective ecosystem is capable of supporting itself. Even every country needs to sustain itself, in
order to be called a sustainable system. A nation with sustainable system is with the resources
which can support its citizen population growth without fear of exhaustion. If the system is not
sustainable it will endanger its dependents.
Introduction

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 4
1. Revisiting the Limits to Growth After Peak Oil
It seems that we are approaching the “Limits to Growth,” as predicted in the book by the similar
title in 1972. The book exhibited the impacts of a steadily rising population of the world and
limited resource provisions. (Kanninen, 2013)A wide variety of circumstances were tested, but the
impact in almost all situations was overextend as well downfall, with the collapse of timing
classically existence in the 2072. (Heinberg, 2010)
Nevertheless if the economic development could require some kind of natural resources such as
oil ,or coal, or copper, or water in production of goods as well as the services, this can lead to a
time when the resources required for economic growth, will be exhausted especially the ones
used as fuel such as coal and oil. (Gornitz, 2013)
Furthermore, the steady increase of pollution, can lead to economic growth interference. As the
population is increasing, the resources keep dwindling day by day, the rise of pollution also
becomes an issue.
Logically, in the future at some point nations may enter into limits which cannot allow them to
come out due to resource for development exhaustion. (Harold J. Barnett, 2013) One of such limits
can be insufficient funds for investments and development in resources extraction. This due to
the declining investment returns (Anders Wijkman, 2012)
1.1. Ways which Australia is tackling “Limits Of Growth”
Australia as a nation has tried to tackle the future impeding crisis of resources depletion that may
lead to economic crisis by put this measures in place: (Robert C. Townsend, 2011) (Bardi, 2011)
(Turner, 2008)

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 5
i. The promotion of the use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. The renewable
energy is environmental friendly and its source cannot be exhausted. Some of the
alternative form of energy used in Australia are: Wind, Geothermal, solar, Hydro
electrical power and tides. The source of power is one of the factors of economic growth,
therefore if it dwindles also the economic development may collapse.
ii. Measures have been taken to reduce all forms of pollution in air, land and water by the
government.
iii. The promotion of family planning to its population so that the country will be able to plan
for future use of the limited resources available. As the population increases rapidly
without checks, it will create imbalance on the limited available resources and can result
economic collapse.
iv. The fiscal planning on how to use the limited available resources effectively as the
economy is growing rapidly.
v. The plan to reduce the national debt of by the government. If the government borrows
without controls and invests, it may not get the returns anticipated and that can lead to the
economic crisis. Proper planning on how to decrease the national debt is very vital for
economic growth.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment process In QLD and NSW
The person or organization which wants to initiate a project should know the type of
application and the rules for it for new project and apply for it. EA application type.
(McGrath, 2016) (The Department of Planning and Environment, 2017)

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 6
Differences of the of EIA project approval in QLD and NSW
NWS QLD
1. Scoping is the first phase at
which the economic,
environmental impacts are
identified to help the community
and stakeholders to interact
1. Identifying the type of project on
its environment relevance
activities i.e. standard, variation
and site-specific for mining.
2. Application for project approval
is made with environment
impact statement (EIS) which
explains the project, its social,
environmental and economic
effects and proposed measures.
2. Valid application is made to the
environment relevant authority
(ERA) which may require or not
the EIS depending the type.
3. The invitation to the community
to give written submission in
regard to the proposed project
during EIS exhibition
3.Properly made application and
should meet the requirements of
Queensland
4. Proponents and the community
made to understand EIS of the
project its mitigation measures
interpreted for condition of
approval
4.Assessment time frame for the
application. The properly
structured application will take
10 working days to be
administered. But if not
structured as per the standards,

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 7
the notice is sent for the owner
to respond within 20 working
days
5. The Department in charge gets
submission in case of project
changes
5.The department EIA forwards
the application to ERA
concerned. If the ERA experts
are satisfied with the case, they
will approve the project. They
disapprove it if it does not meet
the requirements
6. The peer review is done by
consultants to the proposed
project to give it confidence
6.The completed EIS from the
applicant relooked if need
7. The Department in charge of
EIA project approve will
approve it if it meets the
standards and requirements.
7. Registers approval to the
legally rightful operator. If no
rightful operator, approval is
dismissed.
Table 1comparison of QLD and NSW application steps for EIA project approval
2.1. Drawbacks of the proposed Project.
a. There proposed project met opposition from the community and the environmentalist.
The proposed project being a dam to constructed on River Burnett in Queensland.
(MEREDITH, 2011)The community living near the River depend on tourism, irrigation and
fishing.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 8
b. It can cause the river diversion downstream, and that can result loss of the economic
activity and displacement. The other one is about endangering the wildlife and displacing
them, from their ecosystem, some fish species may diminish even extinct with time.
(Hurst, 2011)
b.2. Project approval success
The government considered the benefits of the project to community before start it in order to
be able to engage with them at initial stages: The following steps were followed:
a) They made application to the EIA after identifying the social, environmental and
economic impacts of the dam to the community together with EIS that explains the
impacts of the project and its measure to control them.
b) The community, stake holders and all environmentalist were given opportunity to give
written submission about the impacts of the project during exhibition of EIS in response
to the project.
c) Community participation and stake-holders feedback were used for better project
planning and decision making about outcomes.
d) The community, stake holder and the proponents were made to understand how the
project proposed will translated to approval condition with its mitigation measures.
e) They were made to comprehend the changes that may occur during construction.
f) Peer review was done by consultants to give the project confidence to the stake holders
and the community through EIA integrity.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 9
The above steps managed to help experts to get EIA license to go on with project
construction despite pitfalls, because the followed the due laid process for project approval.
(The Department of Planning and Environment, 2017)
3. Importance of public participation EIA
The public participation is constructive and active exchange opinions, information and
meanings. The public play many roles such as:
a. Promotes conflict reduction through identifying of contentious issues early enough.
b. Enables to identify groups with special expertise and the local community.
c. Leads to field data generation.
d. It gives Historical perspective for the current environmental conditions
e. It proposes ways as well as help planning mechanisms for participation of the public.
f. It aids in defining the scope of the work as well as assessing the process overall.
g. Provision of the link between the key organizations and team members
h. Identification and evaluation of potential control measures
i. Promote confidence of the public in EIA process.
j. Improved understanding of the client about the issues raised by the community about
the proposed project impacts.
k. The improved service provision by EIA agency regulator to the public
l. Better understanding of the conservation issues raised by the agency.
m. Advocacy for biodiversity by the community. (Government of New Zealand, n.d.)
4. Environment Impact assessment

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 10
The following are steps followed to take Environment Impact assessment: (McGrath,
2016)
a. Methanol factory Proposal
As shown in Figure 1, a company purposed to construct at A, the Methanol factory about 589m
from Burnett River. Methanol will supplied to hospitals and laboratory to be used as a
preservative. Furthermore, it will be used as fuel and a disinfectant. It can used for methanoic
acid. The company decided to conduct the environmental impact assessment (EIA) as well as to
get approval prior to the commissioning of the works. In order to get the EIA project approval
for Methanol Factory, the following process was followed. (Worley Parsons Komex, 2006)

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 11
Figure 1: location A, site proposed for methanol factory construction (courtesy of Google earth)
b. Screening
The EIA process starts from the project conception. The investor decided to conduct the EIA , to
understand the effects of the factory to the economy, environment and social. The methanol

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 12
factory will impact the environment by wastes effluent will on soil run off which can kill micro-
organisms and also kill water organisms. It can kill birds, fish and animals at Burnett River and
Zonhoven Park. Besides that it can lead to low plant growth. Fertility rate is hindered in
organisms who comes across it. If it can come in contact of a person it can cause injuries
However it is poisonous but biodegradable. It can dissolve and mix with carcinogenic gases thus
reducing emissions which are dangerous. The mitigation cost measures are less than the
economic benefits for the project to continue.
.
c. Scoping
Due to moderate risk posed by the factory to the Burnett river community, the EIA formal is
needed for the project. The methanol factory needs to put in place the conservation measures for
its emission and wastes. The effluents should have their treatment before releases. The raised
issues about environmental impacts, economic and social are to be addressed by the factory. It
should demonstrate how to control pollution and conserve the environment.
d. Conduct a preliminary study
The purpose of the study to provide analysis and documentation by the use of tools like USAID
IEE in a rapid simplified by EIA. It gives the reviewer to reviewer to give the views whether in

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 13
agreement or disagreement with the preparer about the Methanol factory. At this stage the
mitigation measures are made for the factory.
e. Impact prediction
From the preliminary study information is available, then the effect prediction to begin. He
effects gives an opportunity for forecasting the environment changes that may occur in the future
as the result of the methanol factory operation. The factory has a likelihood of causing pollution
to the environment in air, waters of Burnett River and soil. If the factory will use sulphuric acid
as one of the raw materials, it can lead to acidic rainfall. The acidic rain destroys plant foliage,
kills birds and aquatic life. The wildlife in the Nonwoven will be adversely their fertility and
growth will reduce. A standard methanol factory is able to emit about 0.9-1 metric tonnes of
carbon dioxide annually.
f. Impact assessment
This phase consists assessment of identified effects of the methanol factory. The factory will
create economic benefits such as employment, revenue to the government and contribution to the
society. Also it can pollute the environment, it can reduce carcinogenic emission which can
dissolve it. Carbon dioxide can be used to make in the making of methanol in the area. The
benefits outweigh the demerits thus making it viable for investment.
g. Mitigation
The treat plant for the water wastage should be made to make it harmless before released out of
the factory. The factory should buy the air pollution instruments to measure and monitor it in

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 14
order to alleviate it. Regular study should be conducted on the emissions and effluents to
understand the pollution level within given periods. The treatment of effluents will minimize the
pollution from 0.9-1 metric tonnes annually to very low figures. This carbon oxide can be reused
to produce more methanol. And this can result its emission reduction.
h. Producing the environmental impact statement
The result of the EIA is normally official document called the Environment Impact Statement
(EIS) which provides the real information about the methanol plant set up, also all the gathered
information relating to screening, preliminary study, scoping, prediction of impacts and its
assessment, monitoring and mitigating the measures of the methanol factory. It only gives
nontechnical summary. All the information is written in plain and concise language for the
public to understand it. The EIS of the methanol factory is to inform the public about the project
nature and the outcomes of it, then gives them an opportunity to make comments about the final
design.
i. Reviewing the EIS
The EIA is completed and then EIS submitted to the regulating authority. The organization has
the mandate to permit or reject set up of methanol factory. At this stage the EIA experts goes
through the EIS of the methanol factory. If it has errors, omissions or bias of the developer can
be subjected for review. The review process can convince the decision maker to get adequate
information of the EIS. The regulating authority being in possession of the EIS will help it to
make decisions about the factory construction at Burnet River basin.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 15
j. Follow up or the second phase of EIA
The post approval phase by EIA is related to follow up and it involves impact monitoring, impact
auditing and environmental management continued. The follow up creates iterative process for
environment conservation. It involves the community, stakeholders, environmentalist and the
reviewing agencies. It gives an opportunity environment control effects. The data generated at
this stage can be used to predict and mitigate measures in the methanol factory EIS to determine:
deviation degree from predictions, probable prediction reasons of deviation, and accuracy gauge
of the predictions
5. Reduced packaging
The materials related to packaging waste, they contribute up to 30% of the land fill wastes which
is about 14.7 million tones every year. Furthermore, it impacts the environment negatively
through: natural resource draining; generation of greenhouse gas emissions, harming the wildlife
and pollutes water, air and soil. Worldwide, about 207 million tones packaging waste is
generated by consumer goods. These numbers have led to countrywide push for packaging
reduction in order to conserve the environment.
Some organization have opted to reduce packaging in order to decrease waste associate with it.
The packaging reduction is beneficial to human health as well as the environment through:
minimal landfills waste; reduced pollution of water, air and soil; minimal natural resource over

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 16
extraction; reduced emissions of carbon during transportation and manufacturing. Furthermore
reduced packaging leads to consumers cost saving.
Individuals and organization do their part to minimize the packaging wastes by
a. Beginning with recycling
Packaging material made of glass, paper, aluminum as well as plastics can be recycled.
b. Choosing reusable products
When buying goods it will be reasonable to buy the packaging material which is long
lasting, for it can be reused for long time before disposal. The packets made of metals,
fiber, wood and plastic can be reused. The shopping bags and baskets can be reused many
times before disposal. Thus will reduce waste and minimize as well as save the cost
incurred by the consumer.
c. Buying less packaged goods
When one buys less goods, it reduces the amount of packaging substance, thus minimizing
the waste associated with packaging. This method is convenient and effective.
d. Buying in bulk
Buying in bulk will have one package or container which can be filled by smaller ones and
can bring a difference particularly homes.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 17
e. taking your own container and bag when shopping
This leads to less use of plastic and left-overs that can pollute the environment. Also it can
reduce package expenses for the consumer and the producer.
f. Ditching plastic bottles
If one is at home can opt not buy water in plastic bottle rather use the cups to drink water.
By this method, the cost will be less of using bottles to the consumer and the waste will be
minimized.
g. Maintaining and repairing existing packaging products
There are some packets which can be repaired before acquiring new ones. It is reasonable
to repair them instead of buying new ones. This enhances the saving the cost as well
reducing the waste.
h. Encouraging firms to minimize their packaging
When firms reduce their packaging it save the cost and also promotes environmental
conservation.
i. Borrowing and renting
The packets can be borrowed from friends and later returned after use. They can also be
rented to those who intend to use for a short while. This will promote unnecessary
production of packets hence saving the cost and conserving the environment.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 18
j. Government regulation
The government can put in place laws that can regulate the sustainable packaging. It can
also give the incentives those companies which want to reduce packaging by the use of new
immerging the technologies.
k. Using the cloth diaper instead of disposable diaper. And it will reduce packaging wastes.
6. Conclusion
For the sustainable system to exists, measure should be put in place to control causes of
problems. As the population is rapidly increasing, the limited resources keep depleting.
This will create pressure and a crisis in future that can lead to fall. The signs are felt due to
natural resources like minerals, fossil fuels and water. They are becoming scarce day by
day. Even food is hard for some people to get. Some big economies there national debts are
increasing, at one point they may default and result a financial crisis. Therefore the world
needs proper planning with measures to manage resources for system to be sustained
effectively.
References

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 19
Anders Wijkman, J. R., 2012. Bankrupting Nature: Denying Our Planetary Boundaries. 1 ed. London:
Routledge.
Bardi, U., 2011. The Limits to Growth Revisited. 1 ed. New York: Springer Science & Business Media.
Gornitz, V., 2013. Rising Seas: Past, Present, Future. 1 ed. s.l.:Columbia University Press.
Government of New Zealand, n.d. Benefits of Public Participation. [Online]
Available at: https://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/science-and-technical/sfc308a.pdf
[Accessed 26 April 2019].
Harold J. Barnett, C. M., 2013. Scarcity and Growth: The Economics of Natural Resource Availability. 1 ed.
London: Routledge.
Heinberg, R., 2010. Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Declines. 1 ed. s.l.:New Society
Publishers.
Hurst, D., 2011. Dam push: to damn or not to damn?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/dam-push-to-damn-or-not-to-damn-
20110107-19ilw.html
[Accessed 26 April 2019].
Kanninen, T., 2013. Crisis of Global Sustainability. 1 ed. London: Routledge.
McGrath, D. C., 2016. Major environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes. [Online]
Available at: http://envlaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Handout-for-lecture-5-EIA-processes-1.pdf
[Accessed 26 April 2019].
McGrath, D. C., 2016. Major environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes. [Online]
Available at: http://envlaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Handout-for-lecture-5-EIA-processes-1.pdf
[Accessed 26 April 2019].
MEREDITH, P., 2011. Australia Geographic. To dam or not to dam?, 21 January, Issue 89.
Robert C. Townsend, W. B., 2011. Up the Organization: How to Stop the Corporation from Stifling People
and Strangling Profits. 1 ed. London: John Wiley and Sons.
The Department of Planning and Environment, 2017. Improving Environmental Impact Assessment in
NSW. [Online]
Available at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Brochures/improving-environmental-
impact-assessment-in-nsw-brochure-2017-07.pdf
[Accessed 26 April 2019].
The Department of Planning and Environment, 2017. The Department of Planning and Environment.
[Online]
Available at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Brochures/improving-environmental-
impact-assessment-in-nsw-brochure-2017-07.pdf
[Accessed 26 April 2019].
Turner, G., 2008. A comparison of The Limits to Growth with 30 years of reality. Global Environmental
Change, 18, 397-411. vol 8 ed. Melbourne: University of Melbourne.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM 20
Worley Parsons Komex, 2006. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR A PROPOSED
METHANOL FACILITY IN DAMIETTA PORT, Giza: Worley Parsons Komex.