Environmental Law for The Built Environment

Book excerpt: This book provides a concise exposition of the relevant law and techniques commonly used to meet the regulatory requirements concerning the built environment. It provides a much needed reference and learning text for the growing professional and student involved in the subject. Aspects of environmental law and technology covered include the administration and sources of law,town and country planning, water and air pollution, waste, integrated pollution control and the natural environment. It highlights the importance of cross-boundary control, describing in detail the European and international law and enforcement regimes, the agencies involved in town and country planning, procedures at inquiries and enforcement measures, as well as looking at future developments. The important new protocol for assessing the environmental impact of developments is explained in detail. The policy framework and technical processes involved in dealing with water pollution are explored in terms of abstraction, supply, discharge and classification. Air pollution is dealt with in terms of energy efficiency, nuclear power, transport and future potential developments, and the recent phenomenon of sick building syndrome is explored in some detail. Other areas covered include the regulatory and technical processes involved in dealing with contaminated land, recycling/re-use, incineration, import/export and the law, policy and technology of integrated pollution control. A detailed exposition is offered of the legal issues concerning protection of the countryside, birds and animals; the problem of genetically modified crops; forestry; and mining.