ASPECT IDENTIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR: A CASE OF SWAZILAND ELECTRICITY COMPANY

摘要

The electricity industry is central to the world’s economy and for economic development, particularly for third world countries notwithstanding all known benefits there remains risks associated with electricity generation, transmission and usage. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to identify the aspects and risks associated with the various processes involved in each step and suggest all possible measures to control the identified risks. A tool was explored and designed from clause 4.3.1 of ISO14001 Environmental Management System standard, for environmental risks assessment within Swaziland Electricity Company (SEC). The tool was used to identify, evaluate risks significance and propose mitigation measures and/controls. The sampled populations in this study were employees from the generation, transmission and distribution departments at SEC. The top five significant impacts identified in the study were: air and water pollution, natural resource degradation/depletion, loss of disturbance to flora and fauna, social impacts and visual impacts respectively. This study provides a baseline information and a simpler tool for environmental risk assessment in any sector. It will also improve environmental performance at SEC and ensure sustainability in the sector.