Strategic Environmental Assessment: A Case Study of Mueang Lopburi District, Lopburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study and analyze gaps in strategic plans under the Mueang Lopburi District Development Plan (Development Plan) and 2) to evaluate and recommend suitable strategic alternatives for the Development Plan. Alternative 1 defines following the Development Plan (B.E. 2015 - 2017). Alternative 2 applies the strategies set for the Development Plan (B.E. 2018 - 2022). Alternative 3 adopts the results of the strategic environmental assessment or environmental assessment at the strategic development level for Mueang Lopburi District to develop the area. The study found that Alternative 3 was recommended to use for decision-making in the preparation of the next development plan of the Mueang Lopburi District. Interviewing the stakeholders in Mueang Lopburi District was conducted to prioritize the issues to be formulated as strategic issues, which were summarized into five strategic issues environmental quality development, social development, quality of life and equality, economic and tourism development, water resource management, and agricultural development. The assessment of the impact of the implementation of Alternative 3 was as follows: It should focus on measures to promote solid waste segregation at source to reduce the amount of solid waste being discarded to the solid waste disposal process. Furthermore, measures should be established to monitor the quality of effluent at the source. Moreover, soil characteristics and land use should be studied following scientific principles. Finally, a forest fire management plan should be in place to mitigate a forest fire. Air pollution control equipment and air quality monitoring should be installed in the local workplace.