Environmental impact assessment of the new Kuwait University campus infrastructure project

The establishment of the new Kuwait University campus at Al-Shadadiya city, located 20 Kms West of Kuwait city, required a new infrastructure facilities project to be designed in the proposed area by undertaking upgraded infrastructure through strategically planned master plan. An Environmental Impact Assessment study (EIA) for the proposed project was carried out as per the requirement of Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (EPA). Such a study is considered vital in evaluating the environmental impacts due to project execution. The objectives of the assessment was to understand the project, determine associated environmental consequences, preventatives, and mitigations. The results of this study are essential for decision makers to assess the potential impacts of the project on the neighboring environment and verify the suitability of the granted land. Existing environmental conditions and predicted impacts were assessed. Soil and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed, revealing high Sulphate contents, whereas other soil parameters were not to the level of alarming, accept for a certain location, where sub-surface soil was found to be contaminated with sewage, necessitating soil treatment before land use. Chemical analysis of groundwater samples revealed high Sulphate and Chloride content necessitating treatment of groundwater before use for any purpose. Finally, based on the analysis, likely environmental impacts have been evaluated and discussed. It was concluded that the study and assessment of the new project pronounces more advantages than the probable and predicted impacts due to project execution.