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EDUCATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: STUDY ON ESSENTIAL OIL DISTILLERY WITH LAVENDER FIELDS

Environmental impact study (hereafter: EIS) on the project entitled Essential oil distillery with lavender fields – LAMIALES, was made as a student assignment in the frame of Environmental Impact Assessment course on Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb. Environmental Impact Assessment is a mandatory course for third year students of Environmental Engineering. All the members of the project group contributed to the selection of the most appropriate theme for EIS. The group had chosen essential oil distillery with the corresponding plant material production (lavender fields). The main argument for selection of this theme was in its requirements to combine knowledge in chemical engineering in with agriculture, economics, law and other disciplines, as well as the idea itself holds great market potential and industry investment necessary in Croatia. The first step in our EIS was finding the area which had all the appropriate features for the project (surface, soil quality, climate, proximity to the industrial zone, etc...). Next step was composed of several tasks: • gathering information about the current state of the environment in the project area (water, soil, air, flora, fauna) • gathering seismological information of the project area • gathering information about the existing infrastructure • locating all cultural goods Besides information gathering, the task was also to make a several alternative solutions for the project and to select the most appropriate one regarding to the minimum environmental impact and the cost. Furthermore, a layout for the process area was established ; distillery, warehouse, headquarters building, etc..., following with the estimation of the environmental impact during three stages of the project development (construction, usage, termination). Possible impacts caused by unpredictable situations (accidents, impact on protected areas) were taken into account as well. In the final stage of our EIS, discussion on emission reduction and prevention measures was raised. EIS was concluded with the presentation of our public relations strategy and cost-benefit analysis. Every aspect of the study was in compliance with current laws and regulations of Republic of Croatia. Through this seminar, students gained an experience in environmental management systems and their purposes, sustainable development and its importance for environmental impact assessment. On a more personal note, through team work this assignment showed the importance of collaboration, self-discipline and expressing different opinions for the sake of the project success.

education; environmental impact assessment; environmental impact report

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