A STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROPOSAL FOR EFFECTIVE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF PESHAWAR CITY

Abstract

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) originated in 1969 in the USA and thereafter many countries implemented SEA into their legislation, most noteworthy are EU directive and UNECE protocol. In Pakistan, SEA has been implemented into Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) at the provincial level. However, it is not mandatory to conduct SEA as with the case of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is essential to be carried out for all developmental projects. Moreover, Pakistan’s policies, plans and programs have not been subjected to SEA. SEA plays a major part in the implementation of sustainable policies, plans and programs. The current study is an attempt to propose implementation of SEA into Waste Management Plan of Peshawar city, KP, Pakistan. In waste management planning, SEA behaves as an instrument for assessing the pros and cons of the proposed activities. For this study, SEA methodology was adopted to evaluate the likely implications of the proposed planning solution for an effective waste management plan in Peshawar city. Waste Management authorities and Public were consulted for existing waste management related issues. Literature review was done to assess the current environmental, economic and social conditions. 40 SEA objectives and 35 sustainable solutions were proposed. The results were evaluated using Multi-Criteria Analysis in accordance to the SEA methodology. The most suitable options identified were construction of biogas production plant, recycling plant, mechanical/biological treatment facilities, guidelines to segregate special waste and introducing waste charging method for an effective waste management plan. It is necessary to increase public participation in the SEA process by stimulating more active involvement in the SEA and Waste management decision-making process.