ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AT ROLLING TRAVEL

ISO Standard 14001:2004 defines an efficient process for controlling and improving the environmental performance of an organization, while providing the requirements for including environmental aspects into the global strategy of a company. Rolling Travel had its Environmental Management System certified according to ISO Standard 14001:2004 in 2008. This entailed defining the organization's environmental policy statement. Thus, Rolling Travel has identified the aspects of its activity that affect the environment, generated improvement objectives and implemented management programs to attain those objectives. This is based on a series of internal audits, which are successful thanks to our eco-respectful staff. We have made a commitment to the sustainable use of the resources, the support of biodiversity and the responsible marketing of travel services.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Rolling Travel–Talampaya National Park, a company deeply committed to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the protection of the environment through a process of continual improvement, undertakes to:

• Comply with all relevant legal and other requirements established;
• Reduce the air, water, soil and landscape pollution caused by the impact of its activities; and take corrective actions to responsibly compensate for the use of environmental resources;
• Preserve fauna and flora;
• Use resources efficiently, specially non-renewable ones;
• Take on an educational role towards its staff, visitors and suppliers, regarding environment preservation;
• Implement protection actions, recycling and environment improvements for the benefit of the community, through:

+ The development of joint projects;
+ The implementation of specific educational actions to raise awareness;

Set and periodically control environmental objectives and targets.

Through the implementation of our environmental policy, we work to achieve waste reduction, recycling, restrains in the use of water, gas emission reduction, effluent wastewater treatment, and energy distribution. We also implement training, participation and awareness raising activities for our staff members and the community in general, with a focus on reinforcing and strengthening the commitment of each individual towards environmental protection.

ORGANIZATION

Rolling Travel is governed by its owner/CEO, and a team of executives. Environmental issues are dealt with by this team, directly below the CEO. They gather updated information, organize monthly meetings and write reports to keep the CEO up-to-date.

All company members have access to the Environmental Management System records, a series of charts for monitoring and registering environment-relevant information.

These are used to keep a record of all problems and nonconformities detected during the environment-related activities, as well as their possible causes. A Management Board then analyzes the records during its monthly meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to find solutions to the problems and nonconformities, in order to improve management efficiency and prevent possible conflicts. The Management Board is formed by a representative from each company department (Quality and Environment Managers, a guide, a driver and maintenance and kitchen staff members). Finally, the Environment Manager writes a report to the CEO, based on the conclusions reached by the Board.

This procedure promotes the involvement of all staff members, making them an integral part of the development and growth of the company and its continual improvement.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

An environmental impact is a change to the environment, whether it is positive or negative, caused by an action or activity. The impact can be directly on the environment or contribute partially to a larger change. This can also be interpreted as the difference between the future environmental situation (as a result of an action that has been taken) and the future environmental situation as it would have evolved normally, without the effect of such an action; i.e.: net change (Conesa, 1997).

Tourist-related activities have both positive and negative effects on the environment. These are mostly generated by visitor activities and the services that travel companies supply to them.

As the concession holder of Talampaya National Park, Rolling Travel has identified the following environmental impacts resulting from its activities:

Positive impacts:
Greater number of direct and indirect jobs provided; both temporary and permanent.

• - Local labour staffing
• - Increased number of tourists visiting the National Park and also the nearby villages and towns, due to the improved services provided.
• - Environmental education and awareness-raising among staff and visitors, emphasizing the need to become active members of society.

Negative impacts:
All negative environmental impacts included here were also generated during the previous park administration period. The steps taken by Rolling Travel have helped decrease their level of significance.

• - Deterioration of air quality, due to the gases and particles released by automobile engines, as well as noise, vibration and dust pollution resulting from traffic.
• - Soil deterioration caused by permanent traffic. Vehicles generate soil compaction processes, changing its structure.
• - Kitchen, restaurant and camping activities produce odours and noises.
• - Groundwater pollution caused by wastewater disposal.
• - Waste Generation.
• - Water Consumption.
• - Consumption of fossil fuels and emission of polluting gases derived from combustion.

It is by identifying our environmental impacts that we have been able to develop corrective and preventive actions aimed at preventing, reducing and/or compensating for their effects.

Furthermore, we have created a series of measurable environmental parameters to help us monitor and control the impacts above.

ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS

Environmental parameters are central tools in environmental management, as they allow us to monitor the status of natural resources and control environmental impacts, enabling preventive or corrective actions to be taken when facing environmental change.

Also, parameter evaluation involves the measurement of relevant factors, as a means for taking efficient management steps. Without measurement, a precise knowledge of how those factors develop becomes impossible.

As explained above, the environmental parameters used by Rolling Travel have been obtained through the analysis of environmental impacts caused by activities within the Park, and their effects on the environment. They are:

• Ecological footprint status assessment.
• Quantity of inorganic waste produced per visitor
• Compensation for greenhouse gas emissions
• Fauna sightings
• Number of live plants per geo-referenced observation zone
• Compliance with the Awareness Raising Plan
• Volume of fuel used per visitor

ENVIRONMENT PERFORMANCE

Environmental objectives and targets are complied with and attained through establishing and implementing different programs, projects and strategies.

INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN

After being granted the concession of Talampaya National Park, the company invested heavily on infrastructure for the provision of tourist services, including a restaurant, a lounge, APN and company offices, a souvenir shop, a multiple-use room, toilets, showers, a camping ground and parking premises.

The building structure is under the Extensive Recreational Purpose Area defined by Talampaya National Park Management Plan. This area is mainly constituted by wild spaces, possibly including minor human modifications. Management is aimed at maintaining the natural environment with the minimum possible human impact.

Since the area is close to National Route No. 76 (only 500 m away), vehicles cover a shorter distance when accessing the service area. By reducing the traffic, we have also helped lower the levels of noise, vibration and dust pollution, and reduced the environmental change resulting from it.

The building in the recreational area has not had a significant visual impact, as it is only 8 metres high (at its highest point), its area is 650 m2, and its walls have been decorated with a rough, reddish siding material, to help it blend in with the surroundings.

One further advantage is the wall structure, which consists of two layers of common brick (known as a “double wall”), a layer of polystyrene and an air chamber. This wall mass discontinuity helps isolate sounds and reduces heat transmission, absorbing indoor vs. outdoor temperature variations. Thus, sound emissions from inside the building are reduced, preventing the impact they might have on the surroundings. Also, the walls help preserve the heat, allowing for a decrease in energy consumption in the form of fuel and wood, with a resulting reduction of polluting gas emissions.

Before the new building was finished, tourist services were provided at an older structure. This building had to be emptied due to its proximity to Talampaya River. Even when the river doesn’t have a permanent surface flow of water, the occasional floods were dangerous for the complex and its occupants. This is why the concession holders had to invest in a new building.

The old structure is 13 Kms away from the road; it is 8 m high and has built area of 180 m2. Its exterior walls are white and it has a common tin roof that reflects sunlight, producing a visual impact and causing problems to the animals. All these factors have led us to believe that it used to provoke more serious environmental and visual effects than the current building.

Location

The complex is 30 Kms away from the nearest town, Pagancillo, where groundwater is obtained, as well as fossil fuels like natural gas, petrol and diesel, used for power supply.

Its great distance from all major urban centres and the lack of electrical wiring and a water supply system are great obstacles for the provision of water and power. This is why a rational and efficient use of basic resources is crucial.

INTEGRAL MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) is a series of actions for waste processing; starting with the production of waste until they are placed in landfill disposal sites.

The final disposal site used for the waste produced at Talampaya National Park is a former quarry located in Pagancillo, 30 Kms north of the source, which is accessed through a gravel road. The quarry is 80 x 50 m wide, and 4 m deep. The MSW are disposed of in an open-sky space, against the quarry slope, leaving most of them unprotected from the influence of wind and floods (IDB, 2007).

The site is not sanitary. Studies conducted in 2006 detected potentially hazardous and pathogenic waste among the MSW being placed in the site. There was also a large number of vectors and MSW dispersion caused by wind and water, especially due to the presence of a surface water system nearby, which usually floods during the rainy season (IDB, 2007).

The sources of the residues disposed of at this site are the village of Pagancillo and the National Park. This is why the concession holder, after becoming aware of the disposal situation, has implemented a Municipal Solid Waste Management System. This type of system is used to lower the amount of waste at disposal sites. The objective may be attained by reducing waste generation at the source, reuse and recycling.

The following is a description of the actions involved in each of the stages of the MSWMS.

* Waste Generation

MSW generation at Talampaya National Park arises from administrative and recreational activities, the kitchen and the restaurant, at an approximate rate of 0.3 tons per day, depending on the number visitors. The maximum amounts are registered during high seasons.

* Separation and storage at the source

Waste disposal by visitors and staff is divided into different containers, separating organic waste (food) from plastic bottles and inorganic elements (this comprises all products not included in the previous categories).

The waste containers are clearly marked with the type of elements to be placed in them. Also, they have proper lids with handles, to help reduce the risk of attracting vectors and other animals. There is appropriate signalling, and the containers are visible and distributed within the premises.

At the end of the day, residues are placed in closed bags and stored in the inner yard of the service area building.

Inorganic waste and plastic bottles are stored in black bags, while organic elements go in orange bags.

A portion of the generated residues are used to produce compost, which is ellaborated by National Park employees. The remaining waste is transported to the dump, along with the inorganic products.

Plastic bottles are stored and delivered to the CEIPOST Foundation (Centre for Political, Social and Technical Studies and Research), based in the Province of Córdoba.

Paper waste from administrative areas is placed in cardboard boxes provided by Argentine paper company Papelera del Plata, as per an agreement signed with Rolling Travel.

Collection

The stored waste is transported daily by our company from the Park to the dump, in Pagancillo. We have a special truck, fitted with a trailer, that is used for this purpose. We also transport plastic bottles and paper to the Province of Córdoba.

* Processing, transformation and final disposal

The fraction of organic waste used for compost production is placed in a semi-covered container located in our inner yard. The reason we only use a part of the organic waste for this procedure is that it is still on its trial stage. The compost we obtain will be delivered to farmers in the area or to the sports centre of Pagancillo. Both alternatives are still under study.

As mentioned, we turn all plastic bottles to the CEIPOST Foundation, where they are stored as part of a project to produce PET pellets through grinding, so as to allow for their reuse. However, the Foundation still hasn’t raised the funds needed to purchase the grinding equipment.

On the other hand, Papelera del Plata stores our paper wastes in Córdoba and then recycles them. The income generated from the sales of these materials is donated to Cottolengo Don Orione, a disability centre NGO based in Córdoba.

Waste recycling allows for these elements to return to the production cycle, reducing the impact on natural resources and lowering the level of pollution at the disposal site and its surroundings.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The great distance from urban centres is a difficulty for the provision of resources like fuel and water, thus emphasizing the need for an efficient use of the resources. This is a highlight in our environmental policy statement, as we have undertaken to "use resources efficiently, especially in the case of non-renewable ones". One such non-renewable resource includes all fossil fuels needed for producing electrical power (like petrol), for the use of automobiles (diesel) and for cooking (natural gas). The company has developed the following strategies aimed at reducing energy consumption and achieving an efficient use of the resources:

• Informing visitors of the importance of making a rational use of all resources, in general.
• Using low consumption lamps
• Using wood-based heating instead of gas, by obtaining wood from outside the park. We have purchased a low consumption fireplace fitted with an air convection system, which optimizes wood combustion and lowers consumption.
• Activating a UPS battery charger system during the night. During the day, a power generator provides electricity to a series of batteries, which then feed the lighting system at night, so as to avoid the use of the generator for several hours, thus reducing noise and gas emission, as well as fuel consumption.
• Periodic vehicle maintenance to avoid contaminants produced by the ill-functioning of vehicles.
• Monthly consumption recording, to allow for precise control.
• Implementing new procedures for all staff activities, aspiring to optimize the use of resources, to improve our internal organization and to have a positive environmental impact.

These steps have not only helped lower costs, but they have also reduced non-renewable resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while preventing other types of pollution.

In 2008, diesel consumption was reduced by 18.7%, compared to 2007.

Natural gas consumption per visitor was 1.9 % higher in 2008 than in 2007.

GREENHOUSE GAS CAPTURE AND MITIGATION PROJECT

Carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, and nitrous oxide, among other gases, have a significant effect on the average temperatures of the planet and, therefore, on the weather. These gases, also known as Greenhouse Gases, are responsible for allowing the infrared radiation, and part of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun through the Troposphere. Most of the energy from the sun is absorbed by the Earth’s surface and converted into infrared radiation (heat) which then rises to the Troposphere. A part of the heat is then absorbed by greenhouse gases, causing the air and the Earth's surface to warm up (Tyler Miller, 202). This natural phenomenon is known as Greenhouse Effect. However, the atmospheric average levels of some of these gases (CO2, CH4 and nitrous oxide) have increased significantly along the last decades, due to anthropic causes, producing the global warming phenomenon. This might cause the Earth's average temperature to rise (Nevel, et al, 1999). Anthropic causes are: fossil fuel burning (coal, petroleum and natural gas), deforestation and agricultural activities (Tyler Miller, 2002).

The strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are among the top environmental priorities worldwide. Thus, all steps towards that aim are a great contribution.

Taking this situation into account, Rolling Travel has developed the Greenhouse Gas Capture and Mitigation Project described below.

Objectives:

• * Preserving the Natural Heritage
• * Helping create environmental awareness among visitors, park employees and local citizens.
• * Achieving sustainable growth
• * Providing quality services
• * Protecting the environment
• * Making a responsible use of environmental resources
• * Mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and making attempts to capture them.

In order to determine the output of greenhouse gases, we consulted with Fundación Bariloche, and followed a specific calculation method.

This involved taking into consideration the energy consumption levels for the three main fuel types (diesel oil, petrol and natural gas) arising from the company records, and the emission factors for the equipment and technologies used. Emission factors are average emission rates estimated for each type of equipment, published in the Argentine Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and/or the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Guidelines.

As regards solid waste and wastewater, greenhouse gas emission estimations were conducted in accordance with the waste generation data collected by the company. Emission factors were also obtained from the Second National Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

After gathering the necessary information and factors, the following tasks were performed:

1. We estimated the energy required for the provision of our services, and calculated the amount of water used, and of waste generated in the process. This implied estimates for natural gas, diesel, petrol, and water consumption and solid waste and wastewater generation.

Energy and water consumption, and waste generation estimates were obtained per unit of measure; i.e.: litre, kilogram, etc.

2. Then, we proceeded to estimate the level of greenhouse gas emission per unit of used energy or water, or generated waste, as per the appropriate technology type (combustion engine, generator, water or waste disposal type, etc.).

The universal standard of measurement for these estimates is known as Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (CO2 eq.), so all the gas volumes need to be converted, as if only CO2 was being generated.

3. After obtaining the data, we established their relationship with the amounts of fuel or water consumed, or of waste produced per year, thus reaching the total CO2 emitted by our company through our regular activities.

That total has been estimated, for 2007, in approximately 200 tons of CO2 eq. per year.

Emission percentages per source. Year: 2007

After estimating the output of greenhouse gases involved in our activities in the National Park, we are in a position to start implementing mitigation and capture actions. Mitigation is accomplished by making a responsible use of the resources and fuels, optimizing operation efficiency and inviting all our visitors, suppliers and neighbours to contribute to this goal. For capture purposes, we participated in a forestry project, within the EDUKAR Program, following the advice of INTA (Argentina’s National Institute for Agricultural Technology) on recommended tree species.

Please check the chart below for a summary on this project. It details the changes in consumption patterns for some of the resources that constituted a source of CO2 in 2007 and 2008. The data has been converted to tons of CO2. As the chart shows, emissions have been reduced by 18% compared to the previous year.

* Values have been rounded

Chart 2. CO2 Sources and emission variation during 2007 - 2008

The following graph is a representation of the last line from the previous chart. It shows, clearly, the 18% reduction in CO2 output during 2008, achieved by reducing resource consumption.

Variation in the tons of CO2 emitted during 2007-2008

WATER CONSUMPTION

The water required for cooking, road spraying, toilets, showers and cleaning is purchased at the Municipality of Pagancillo, where there is plenty of quality water. The water is then stored in a 30,000 litre-tank, and distributed to six smaller tanks of 5,000 litres each.

Water consumption must be minimized, due to the great distance from the source. Thus, all park staff and visitors learn about the importance of making a rational and efficient use of water. Also, self-closing taps and showers have been installed, in order to prevent water waste caused by dripping or not turning taps off properly.

The chart above shows water consumption variations on a per visitor basis, comparing 2007 and 2008. This was reduced by 22.4% in 2008.

WASTEWATER DISPOSAL

There are two sources of wastewater: toilets and showers on one hand, and the kitchen on the other. Both sources have separate collection, treatment and release systems to keep the two different wastewater types isolated from each other; this is mainly due to the large volumes of wastewater generated, and the resulting risk of a system collapse.

A pipeline conducts grey water from the kitchen to a degreasing chamber, which filters fat and soap from the water, in order to prevent them from entering the drain system, as these products might cause it to become impermeable. Afterwards, the kitchen effluent enters a septic chamber, whose main function is to protect soil absorption capabilities. The work of anaerobic bacteria in this chamber, as part of the natural degradation process, helps remove solids from the wastewater, thanks to the formation of scum on the surface and sludge or mud at the bottom of the chamber. Finally, the effluent is discharged into a cesspit.

Wastewater from the bathrooms is treated differently, as its composition requires more complex processes.

Two pipelines collect it separately from the ladies’ and gentlemen’s bathrooms. Then, each pipeline flows into their own septic chamber, each of which produces an effluent containing less solids. Wastewater from both sources is then discharged into a common container, where a valve then channels it into either a nitrifying bed or a cesspit, depending on the volume of water within the system. The grain-size distribution of the rocks in the nitrifying bed helps retain floating or dissolved solids from the water, which is finally discharged into the cesspit.

The different stages in collection, treatment and release processes are aimed at returning effluents with reduced levels of bacteria and lower concentrations of organic solids, among the compounds that characterize grey water and sewage.

SURVEILLANCE PLANS

The steps and actions taken to monitor and control the environmental impacts resulting from our activities include:

• * Composition analysis of “Agua de los Caballos” River, for possible contamination. As the river is only 800 m away from the complex, wastewater from the cesspits could be infiltrating into its bed. We have taken two different water samples from the river, upstream-side and downstream-side of the complex, in order to check for possible contamination. The results are still under analysis.
• * Environmental parameter monitoring
• * Internal and external environmental audits. External audits are performed by IRAM (Spanish acronym for the Argentine Institute for Standardization and Certification). Internal audits are the responsibility of the Company’s CEO and take place on a monthly basis.
• * Surveys. Our staff distributes surveys among the visitors. This is aimed at identifying new possible actions based on visitor comments.
• * Monitoring records taken by staff members, Management Board monthly meetings, and periodical reports submitted to the CEO.

 

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMEMT

Continual improvement is one of the principles of environmental management. It is an ongoing process of performance enhancement through the continual search and application of new alternatives for environmental impact control. It also helps detect new aspects for improvement and monitoring, as well as new possible impacts. Thus, the concession holder will take steps leading to: correcting detected impacts, monitoring objective implementation more carefully, developing new options for achieving our objectives and improving management performance for some of the plans. Those steps are:

• * Investing more funds in and dedicating more time to the development of new communication strategies for environmental purposes and also regarding the company’s performance.
• * Performing further tests at Agua de los Caballos River.
• * Continually quantifying the level of generated waste.
• * Evaluating the possibility of supplying vineyard producers in the area with the compost produced at the National Park.
• * Assessing the status of the trees introduced as part of the greenhouse gas and EDUKAR projects. Vineyard producers and Pagancillo sports centre representatives will also be contacted to organize a new forestry project.
• * Further organic waste material to be used for compost production, as a means for continued reductions in the amount of residues disposed of at the dump site in Pagancillo.
• * Assessing possible options for entering an agreement with a PET bottle recycling company.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENTS

The following figures act as indicators of how involved in environmental protection the company is, by providing a general notion of the budget used for that purpose.

So far, Rolling Travel has invested $212,000 in environmental protection projects and actions. Furthermore, only a 10% of that figure was mandatory as per the concession contract, and the remaining 90% of the funds were used by the sole decision of the company administration.