Done By: Yip Jian Yang and Ong Bo Qing (4S3)

1. Pollution: Southern Islands Of Singapore Pulau Bukom Activity:Originally a mangrove swamp, it provided oncoming ships with freshwater. Subsequently it housed the first petroleum tank depot and oil refinery and by 1902, it was the centre of oil distribution in Asia. In 1961, the island was taken over by Shell which built Singapore's first oil refinery. Today, the area still remains under Shell, producing 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Impact:1. Destruction of habitatThe whole mangrove habitat and ecosystem on Pulau Bukom have been wiped out to make way for the refinery. All the individual organisms within the habitats cannot exist anymore too. 2. Gas emissionThe oil refining process releases chemicals into the atmosphere, such as sulfur dioxide that dissolves in water easily, poisoning surrounding waters and affecting marine life and corals. Consumption of toxic animals may also cause diseases.3. Common accidentsWhile there have not been any major incidents of gas leakage or fire, should one occur, large quantity of toxic chemicals could be introduced into the environment - mainly the sea surrounding it, resulting in a large sea area becoming inhabitable. Measures:Maintenance and systematic checks are crucial in preventing an accidental leakage or explosion. This has been observed by Shell company and hence there has not been any major accidents occurring at Pulau Bukom. Control device such as electronic precipitator and mechanical collector can be installed to minimize the amount of toxic chemicals released. Destruction of habitat is inevitable but the impact can be reduced by making more efficient use of the space and hence destroying less habitat. Sentosa Activity:Historically a key defense point, fortified with canons, it was subsequently used as a military training zone. In 1970, Sentosa was redeveloped for the tourism industry. Sentosa stands mainly on reclaimed land, and Siloso Beach, Tanjong Beach and Palawan Beach are artificial beaches.Impacts:1. Destruction of habitats by land reclamationSentosa's lies mostly on reclaimed land and in the process of reclaiming land, coral reefs are destroyed. Only a small percentage of the coral reefs remains on the Western tip of Sentosa. Forest habitats are also destroyed in the process of building tourism facilities such as Fort Siloso Museum, Underwater World, etc. All species within the development areas either get wiped out or migrate. 2. Construction of breakwaters at Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach may pollute the sea water and affect surrounding habitat by interfering with natural flow of wave currents. Little marine life exist within the lagoon itself. 3. TourismWaste generated by beach go-errs will pollute ocean. Creation of artificial beaches pollutes the surrounding seas. High development may result in wastewater being released into sea and poisoning surrounding waters.Measures:Reminders and warning signs can be placed to encourage tourist to throw away their own litter. Remaining forests can be preserved and protected by authorities. Jurong Island Activity: Today, Jurong Island is home to leading petrochemical companies, developing many chemical related products. Impacts: 1.Undersea pipeline bundleA pipeline from Jurong Island to Singapore transports naphtha and other products. These chemicals are highly toxic and should a leakage happen, it would poison the surrounding waters adversely, killing off individual organisms that are not resistant to the chemicals, such as most fish. 2. Destruction of HabitatJurong Island lies mainly on reclaimed land. The land reclamation process destroys coral reefs habitats and forest habitats are destroyed to make way for the facilities to be built, destroying entire ecosystems. 3.Chemical and gas leakage might occur, and with the construction of an underground rock caverns to store crude oil, condensates, naphtha and gas-oil completing in 2013, the risk is increased.Measures:The undersea pipeline bundle should be well secured and protected from anchorages. Rock armour have been constructed above the pipeline and have been tested to be resistant to heavy impact and dragging of heavy weight. However, the construction of rock armour means that repair works would be hindered should leakage occur. Maintenance should be conducted regularly to ensure that the pipeline bundle and facilities are working properly. Pulau Hantu Background: Most of this island was man-made, as a result of heavy land reclamation, which probably destroyed a lot of the reef. Activity: Pulau Hantu is a favourite with fishing and snorkelling enthusiasts because of its sheltered beaches, swimming lagoons and inviting waters. Inexperienced snorkellers and divers may accidentally step on corals and damage them. Due to the island being open to visitors and camping but yet unprotected, rubbish and trash left behind could damage the ecosystem and pollute the waters around it. Measures: Conduct monthly pollution checks and create strict camping guidelines and laws, with signboards to remind visitors to clear up after themselves. Kusu Island From two tiny outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed into an island holiday resort of 85,000 square metres. The land reclamation results in habitat destruction and pollution to coastal areas. Currently, there are temples, shrines and ponds on the island, attracting tourists and thus resulting in a lot of waste and rubbish on the island, creating pollution as well. The jetty constructed also requires destruction of a large part of corals and marine habitats. The frequently organised reef walks may result in tourists accidentally stepping on fragile corals or marine creatures. The walks also create a lot of disturbance for the marine life.Measures: Further development of this island should be limited and the number of tourists entering at any time must also be limited, considering that nearly 90000 Taoists visit the island during a certain month. Proper cleaning up must also be conducted to ensure no build up of waste on the island. Pulau Semakau The Pulau Semakau offshore landfill was created as a rubbish dump. The heavy reclamation works and the removal of mangroves destroyed a lot of the coastal habitats, though the mangroves were replanted in 1999. It is now visited frequently by reef and marine enthusiasts due to its rich biodiversity. Since visitors are limited to private tours, human activity would not be of great threat to the ecosystem there yet. Measures taken: During construction, silt screens were installed to ensure that the corals were not affected during the reclamation works. The landfill is lined with an impermeable membrane, and clay and any leachate produced is processed at a leachate treatment plant. Regular water testing is carried out to ensure the integrity of the impermeable liners. St Johns Island The 40.5-hectare hilly island was transformed in 1975 into a tranquil getaway and a new $30 million Marine Aquaculture Centre was recently built in the western end of the Island. Activity: Recreation at the swimming lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, trekking routes and soccer fields. The island is also a haven for a host of flora and fauna, and is popular for weekend visits. Impact: People leave behind rubbish and waste during their visits, polluting the environment and limiting rich growth of plants, thus affecting the entire ecosystem Some visitors may also feed the animals with unsuitable food and cause them to die. Measures: Conduct frequent pollution checks and limit the amount of construction and development on the island. Put up signposts to remind visitors not to litter or feed animals. Pulau Sudong Activity: Airstrip from coast to coast of island, for military aircraft takeoff and landings. Mainly used for air force exercises and as an emergency runway during times of crisis.Impact: Due to the short nature of the runway, aircraft using it will have to use most of the runway and will pass the coastal areas at very low altitude. As mostly military fighter jets use this runway, the sound and shockwaves resonating from the engines as they pass over coastal habitats may affect the animals. The large amount of exhaust fumes from the jet engines may result in pollution to coastal and inland areas as well. Due to the runway cutting a path directly through the forests, a 'wind tunnel' is also generated that results in change of wind direction that may affect seed dispersal of plants, and water currents as well.Measures: It is known that most areas are covered by dense vegetation - the island is a wildlife haven for migratory birds and plants alike. Pollution checks should be conducted after every military exercise held at the island, especially at the coasts that are facing the runway. Pulau Pawai Activity: The island is used mainly as a practice range for live-ammunition bombing both from the air and the ground. The Republic of Singapore Air Force and Navy take turns to use it, with the Air Force practicing strafing and the Navy practicing shelling targets. Impact: The location of the bombing runs are unknown but explosions certainly do great harm to the island's wildlife and habitats. Considering the navy fires shells into the island, coastal areas could be hit and direct damage could occur to corals, mangroves and animal habitats. Certain kinds of plants may be affected by exhaust fumes or explosives, and this would affect entire ecosystems. Measures: Areas used for bombing and shelling should be contained with blast resistant walls that protect the surrounding areas. Done By: Yip Jian Yang and Ong Bo Qing (4S3) References: http://www.wildsingapore.com/sos/media/041122-1.htm; http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2009/04/jurong-rock-cavern-ready-by-2013.html; http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/semakau.htm; http://coral reef.nus.edu.sg/island/semakau.htm; http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/cityreefs4.htm; http://sg.pagenation.com/sin/Pulau%20Bukom_103.7665_1.2339.map; http://www.hydrocarbons-technology.com/projects/pulau/; http://wikitravel.org/en/Singapore/Sentosa; http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/kusu.htm; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentosa; http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/hantu.htm; Background image courtesy of Google Earth and wikipedia commons (CC-BY-SA 2.0 Permission).