Evolution of Environmental Management in Dubai William B. Jones Project Manager Zephyr Environmental Corporation Redha H. Salman Head, Environment Protection and Safety Section Dubai Municipality Presented at 100 th Annual AWMA Conference and Exhibition Pittsburgh, PA June 26, 2007

Outline of Presentation History of Dubai Development of Environmental awareness in Dubai Present-day Environment Department –Waste Services Section –Environment Protection & Safety Section –Waste Treatment Section Future Environmental Challenges for Dubai

Where is Dubai?

History of Dubai Tribal sheikhdoms for thousands of years Treaty between Great Britain and main sheikhs of coastal regions in 1892 Great Britain pulled out in 1971 Nine sheikhdoms split into three countries: –Qatar –Bahrain –United Arab Emirates (seven sheikhdoms became seven Emirates)

Dubai is one of seven Emirates in U.A.E

Ruling family of Dubai Sheikh Rashid often credited as initiating Dubai’s push toward a world-class city Sheikh Rashid died in 1990, succeeded by his son Sheikh Maktoum Sheikh Maktoum died in 2006, succeeded by his brother Sheikh Mohammed

Dubai in the 1950’s and 1960’s Dubai Creek

Dubai in the 1950’s and 1960’s Looking toward Persian Gulf

Dubai in the 1950’s and 1960’s Dubai Airport

Dubai today Dubai Creek

Dubai today Dubai Waterfront

Dubai today Burj Dubai

Dubai today Burj Al Arab and Medina Jumeirah

Dubai today Dubai International Airport

Dubai’s Environmental History Origins April 26, 1986: explosion at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station 1988: Leaders of Dubai formed environmental section in Health Department 1991: Dubai Municipality (DM) worked with United Nations Environment Programme to form Environment Protection & Safety Section (EPSS)

Dubai’s Environmental History Environmental Regulations July 15, 1991: Local Order No. 61 had eight chapters governing environmental and safety issues, including –Reuse and disposal of wastewater/sewage sludge –Disposal of wasterwater in marine waters –Air pollution control –Noise –Protected areas (Wildlife Sanctuaries) Since that time a multitude of Technical Guidelines have been issued to provide guidance on regulations

Dubai’s Environmental History Establishment of Air Monitoring Network

Dubai’s Environmental History Establishment of Environmental Department (1999)

DM Environment Department Waste Services Section Cleaning public areas (streets, souqs, beaches) Waste is delivered to designated landfill or treatment sites Regularly inspects residential, public, and commercial premises to ensure compliance with public health and cleanliness regulations

DM Environment Department Environment Protection & Safety Section Air quality monitoring Marine water quality monitoring and cleaning (Dubai Creek) Inspection of industrial facilities Licensing system (EIA’s) Management of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Wastes

DM Environment Department Waste Treatment Section Responsible for disposal of waste throughout Emirate (general and hazardous/medical) Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal facility near Jebel Ali –Began operation in 2001 –Consists of Chemical treatment plant, Waste stablization plant, Evaporation ponds, and Single/double-lined landfills

Future Environmental Challenges Population of Dubai is exploding (approximately 1.2 million in 2006, expected to reach 2 million by 2010) Increase in people puts stresses on aspects of the environment

Future Environmental Challenges High Particulate Levels Issue –Desert nearby –Exacerbated by extensive construction activities Planned solutions –Expand the irrigation network & full utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) –Increase green cover and public & community parks

Future Environmental Challenges Traffic Issue –Traffic congestion getting very bad Planned solutions –Dubai Metro (Dh15 billion, or $4 billion) –Purchase of 620 buses at a cost of more than Dh1 billion ($365 million), to be delivered in 2007 and 2008, thereby increasing the number of buses to 1200 buses by Goal –“People will detect a visible difference in Dubai's roads and transport within two years"

Future Environmental Challenges Ozone Issue –High ozone levels –Ample emissions (industries and mobile sources) –Favorable weather (sunlight, recirculation of land/sea breze) Planned solutions –Utilize LNG/LPG in Power Plants and large transport fleets (taxis, busses)

Future Environmental Challenges Waste Disposal Issue –Rapidly running out of landfill space Planned Solutions –Exploring successful practices and technologies from around the world such as WTE (waste to energy systems) –Establish centralized facilities for general waste sorting, construction and demolition debris waste recycling, and tires utilization

Future Environmental Challenges Lack of Conservation Issue –U.A.E. found to have largest ecological footprint by World Wildlife Fund –Recycling and general conservation frame of mind need to be instilled in local population Planned solutions –Increase the number of conservation site and protected areas. –Children identified as the primary target for environmental awareness programs –Diversifying awareness tools to suit the mix of cultures and background

Contact Information Zephyr Environmental Corporation Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 320 Columbia, Maryland Bill Jones ; visit us at and