Environmental impact assessment for transfer of smelters outside the residential area, Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

In Egypt, it has long been realized that smelters are seriously deteriorating environmental conditions inside cities. Smelters in Alexandria City are located within the residential areas. EI-Gomrok District is particularly highly contaminated with emissions from smelters. It is suggested that the new site for smelters will be established in Amerya district, close to the Egyptian Petrochemical Company because Alexandria Governorate owns this area. This study aimed at assessing the environmental impacts for transfer of smelters to the new area. All obtained data were pulled together to assess the impacts of the smelters transfer on the physico-chemical environment, biological environment, and socioeconomic environment. Two alternatives were studied Alternative I, no action and keep the existing situation and alternative II, transfer of smelters to petrochemical site in Amerya District. Alternative II recorded +17 while alternative I recorded -29. So, it was found that application of alternative II, will result in good progress and development as regard the physico-chemical, biological, and the social environment of Alexandria City. An Environmental Management System [EMS] must be established to ensure sustainability of environmental conditions in the new area