Development of an environmental impact assessment model with monetary valuation for South Korea

Abstract

A technology based environmental impact assessment model for soil remediation was developed to evaluate environmental impacts of the remediation processes in both qualitative and quantitative way. The program in this study is a Microsoft-Excel based software containing seven different remediation technologies widely used in South Korea. Qualitative evaluation provides a set of a checklist, and users can evaluate the environmental impact by filling in the checklists. For quantitative evaluation, users can select the technology used for remediation, and put in some basic information such as the mass of contaminated soil, concentration of the contaminants, remediation period, and the efficiency of the machines. The quantities of energy, CO2, SOX, and NOX generated from the remediation technologies are the results. For green and sustainable remediation, the program suggests alternatives to reduce the environmental impacts, such as solar power and biodiesel. The program aims to minimize the environmental emissions, and maximize the social, economic, and environmental benefits.