ENVIRONMANTAL IMPACTS OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Submitted to:

Dr. Nouman Ali, Ph. D., P. Eng.

CIVL 4200 Transportation Systems

Authors:
Oguz Avci B00572497
Talal Ikram B00697586

Department of Civil and Resource Engineering

Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada

Published: November 25th 2015

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Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Description: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Direct Impacts: ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2. Indirect Impacts: ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Cumulative Impacts: ............................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Environmental Impacts: .................................................................................................................................................. 4
3.1. Climate Change: ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2. Air Pollution: ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3. Health Impacts: ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.4. Water Quality: ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.5. Soil Quality: ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.6. Biodiversity: ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.7. Land Take: ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
4. Environmental Friendly Solutions: .................................................................................................................................. 7
4.1. Demand management: ........................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2. Accessible Communities: ........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.3. New technologies:................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.4. Cleaner Vehicles: ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.5. Cleaner Fuels: .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.6. Alternative fuels: ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.7. Intelligent transportation systems: ......................................................................................................................... 8
5. Conclusion: ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
6. References: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8

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1. Introduction:
The purpose of this document is to analyze the impacts of transportation systems on the environment along with
possible socio-economic benefits and impacts. Transportation systems while proving to be essential leave a significant
carbon footprint on the environment. With the ever growing need to accommodate for a greater volume of traffic it is
up to the engineers to innovate feasible technologies that are environmentally friendly. By examining the issue,
solutions can be created in order to mitigate or to clear up the effects of transportation systems on the environment.

2. Description:
In order to understand the impacts caused due to factors introduced through the construction and manufacture of
transportation and its associated technologies, we must understand the transportation industry itself. In todays world,
transportation is one of the largest sectors in Canada and the world. In 2011, the transportation sector represented
about 4.2% of Canadas Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which amounted to $53 billion [1]. This percentage included all
transportation methods such as: road vehicles, air, rail and water. As transportation influences a large portion of the
modern economy, it must and will grow along with the global economy. This introduces the dilemma where newly
constructed transportation systems must meet environmental protection requirements in order create a more
sustainable and environmentally friendly future to meet increasing demand. To innovate new solutions, one must better
understand the problem which in this case is considered to be the impacts.

2.1. Direct Impacts:

Direct impacts are generally those that arise during the construction phase of a transportation system where the
activities have either an immediate or a guaranteed impact on the respective environment through the activities
required in order to construct said systems [2]. Constructing roadways, airports, railways and seaports are among
the largest causes of impact, mostly due to government restrictions being absent or overlooked in certain cases.

2.2. Indirect Impacts:

Indirect impacts are those that occur a time period after the direct impacts have taken their toll on the environment.
These impacts are greater in magnitude and are difficult to control due to misunderstanding or difficulty in
calculating future predictions of environmental impacts [2]. Travelling vehicles (passenger and commercial vehicles,
etc.), air (planes, helicopters, etc.), rail (trains, etc.) and sea (ships, etc.) transportation equipment have continuous
and long term impacts on the environment.

2.3. Cumulative Impacts:

Cumulative impacts are those that occur when various unpredicted multiplicative, additive or synergetic impacts
occur uncontrollably [2]. These impacts include short and long term impacts such as: atmospheric and noise
pollution, waste disposal and etc.

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Figure 1 - Causes and effects of transportation activities [3]

3. Environmental Impacts:
A study done by Statistics Canada revealed environmental damaging factors caused by various transportation systems.
Criteria air contaminants (CAC) are an important factor in causing atmospheric damage along with a negative impact on
human health and ecosystems [4].

Figure 2 - Main Environmental Impacts [5]

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3.1. Climate Change:

As human activity in both industrial and transportation sector produces more greenhouse gases than the earth can
regulate, these gases interfere with and damage the earths ecosystems [4]. The release of carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), silicon tetrafluoride (SF6),
benzene and volatile components (BTX), heavy metals (zinc, chrome, copper and cadmium) and particulate matters
(ash, dust) are the critical factors in depleting the ozone layer and impacting the earths climate in becoming
inhabitable [2].

3.2. Air Pollution:

Carbon monoxide (CO): Reducing the available oxygen in the atmosphere for respiration, this gas is toxic, odorless,
and colorless and is generated due to incomplete combustion of fuel [4]. Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Formation of ozone,
acid deposition and production of particulate matter are all sources of this air pollutant [4]. Sulphur oxides (SOx):
Along with irritating the upper respiratory tract in humans and animals, can also leads to acid rain [4]. Particulate
matters (PM2.5 and PM10): These particles penetrate deep into the lungs and are critically damaging to lung tissue
[6].

3.3. Health Impacts:

The release of chemicals and pollutants mentioned above are one of the leading factors in increased health
problems in humans. These health problems are mostly determined to be respiration disease, lung disease and a
higher risk of being vulnerable for other types of disease [6]. Following the increased vulnerability, chronic
respiratory illnesses, respiratory-related activity restriction and related cancer risk increase are a few issues that
have been commonly observed [3].

3.4. Water Quality:

Hydrological conditions contaminating the water compounds are caused by discarded fuel, chemical and hazardous
particulates and matter [2] (such as de-icing compounds and airport runoff compounds [3]). Contamination is not
only devastating to the biodiversity of the underwater activity but it is also transmitted into nearby waterbodies only
to have their impacts multiplied. These impacts are mostly arisen through dredging, waste, ballast waters and oil
spills [2]. Along with damaging the species living within the waterbodies, traces of these chemicals and toxins are
also found in the water sources used daily by humans for many various applications [2]. A single liter of gasoline can
make up to a million liters of water unfit for human consumption.

3.5. Soil Quality:

Soil erosion and contamination through acid deposition, ozone exposition, SO2 eutrophication and acidification [6]
causes the loss of fertile and productive soils which directly or indirectly causes further damage to ground resources

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[2]. This is proven by the traces of chemicals, hazardous materials, heavy metals and disposed waste found in areas
of contiguous to railroads, ports, airports and vehicle roads [2].

3.6. Biodiversity:
With all the factors above taken into consideration, the combined effects influence natural vegetation and living
matter (organic compounds and living organisms such as animals and bacteria) [2]. Deforestation, reduction of
wetland areas are disastrous to plant and animal species that are essential for a balance ecosystem [2]. As these
natural habitats are lost, rates of extinction in animals, plants and living organic compounds are expected to rise [2].

3.7. Land Take:

Implementation of transportation facilities has an impact on the urban landscape and on the socio-economic
situation of a community. Large transportation facilities such as flyovers and train structures going through an urban
community can force urban borders and cause segregation [2].

Transportation facilities can also affect quality of urban life by increasing noise and air pollution, presenting physical
barriers and decreasing urban aesthetics and threatening urban heritage.

Figure 3 - Summary of Possible Environmental Impacts by Mode of Transportation [3]

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4. Environmental Friendly Solutions:

It is clear through considering all the adverse effects on the environment and the human health that there needs to be a
balance between transporting people and materials and environmental considerations. The solution lies with the
government regulating policies, the industry coming up with innovative and efficient solutions and individuals in society
making better choices to reduce the impacts caused by transportation on the environment.

4.1. Demand Management:

Managing the demand of and heavy reliance on transportation systems can reduce the environmental impacts
caused by transportation systems. This can be anything from ride sharing, working from home to eliminate home
based work (HBW) trips to planning communities and designing transportation systems in such a way that all
necessities such as school, work and consumer based facilities are located with one urban zone hence significantly
reducing the need to travel.

4.2. Accessible Communities:

Designing accessible communities in a manner that most trips are inter zonal (i.e. within the TAZs) will not only
reduce the number of trips taken by the residing community members but will encourage people to use other non-
carbon fuel dependent modes of transportation such as walking and biking. This smart-growth approach can be
applied to urban, sub-urban and rural areas. An example of smart approach in Canada is in Vancouver where a mix
of housing, retail and office space is being developed along with transit lines [4].

4.3. New Technologies:

The government and industry are collaborating to innovate new technologies to reduce the environmental impacts
of transportation. These efforts are mainly focused on fuel efficiency and alternative fuels. The industry is also
looking to innovate as to reduce the pollution in the production phase of the transportation equipment. Road
vehicles are responsible for more air pollution and GHG emissions than any other mode of transport [4], hence
research is most focused on road transport.

4.4. Cleaner Vehicles:

Maintenance of vehicles and driving habits can prove helpful in reducing the environmental impacts of road
transportation. Presently two mandatory programs are in place that keep track of car emissions, the Ontarios Drive
clean (1999) and British Columbias AirCare (1992). Programs such as these the check the emissions of cars older
than five years across Canada can help reduce emissions.

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4.5. Cleaner Fuels:

Fuels when burnt emit air pollutants. To reduce the emission regulations were changed so that all diesel fuel in
Canada had max 15 ppm Sulphur content as compared to the previous 500 ppm, a staggering 97% decrease. This is a
significant step forward in reducing the smog-forming air pollutants.

4.6. Alternative fuels:

Research is being done and should be further pursued to look at alternative option to the traditional fuels for
vehicle. Some of these alternatives are biodiesel which is a liquid fuel created from vegetable oils and waste oil
products. This has fewer GHG emissions than gasoline and is non- toxic and biodegradable. Ethanol, natural gas and
propane are also similar good options.

4.7. Intelligent transportation systems:

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) apply computers, communication, sensors and management strategies to
transportation systems. This results in safer, more efficient and less congested transportation systems.

5. Conclusion:
With a booming scheduled economy, we as transportation engineers have to keep in mind the environmental
externalities and the costs endured by society as a whole when considering transportation systems. We have to include
measures of physical damage inflicted on the environment and the costs endured by society into the feasibility and cost
analysis studies associated with all transportation system projects.

6. References:
[1] Transport Canada, "Transportation and the Economy," Government of Canada, 18 July 2012. [Online]. Available:
https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/policy/anre-menu-3016.htm. [Accessed 8 October 2015].
[2] D. J.-P. Rodrigue, "The Environmental Impacts of Transportation," 2013. [Online]. Available:
https://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch8en/conc8en/ch8c1en.html. [Accessed 9 October 2015].
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Indicators of the Environmental Impacts of Transportation," EPA,
1996.
[4] Statistics Canada, "Human Activity and the Environment: Annual Statistics 2006," Government of Canada, 5 May
2014. [Online]. Available: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/16-201-x/2006000/9515-eng.htm. [Accessed 9 October
2015].
[5] Transport Research Knowledge Centre, "Transport and the environment," Directorate-General for Energy and
Transport, Brussels, 2009.
[6] H. v. Essen, "The Environmental Impacts of Increased International Road and Rail Freight Transport," International
Transport Forum, Guadalajara, 2008.

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