2.                 AIR QUALITY

 

2.1              Air Quality Parameters

 

2.1.1        Monitoring and audit of the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels shall be carried out by the ET to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation.

 

2.1.2        1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels should be measured to indicate the impacts of construction dust on air quality.  The 24-hour TSP levels shall be measured by following the standard high volume sampling method as set out in the “Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B”.  Upon approval of the ER, 1-hour TSP levels can be measured by direct reading methods which are capable of producing comparable results as that by the high volume sampling method, to indicate short event impacts.

 

2.1.3        All relevant data including temperature, pressure, weather conditions, elapsed-time meter reading for the start and stop of the sampler, identification and weight of the filter paper, and any other local atmospheric factors affecting or affected by site conditions etc. shall be recorded down in detail.  A sample data sheet is shown in Appendix B1.

 

2.2              Monitoring Equipment

 

2.2.1        High volume samplers (HVSs) in compliance with the following specifications shall be used for carrying out the 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring:

 

a)      0.6-1.7 m3/min (20-60 SCFM) adjustable flow range

b)      Equipped with a timing/control device with +/- 5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation

c)      Installed with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation

d)      Capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2)

e)      Flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period

f)        Equipped with a shelter to protect the filter and sampler

g)      Incorporated with an electronic mass flow rate controller or other equivalent devices

h)      Equipped with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring

i)        Provided with a peaked roof inlet

j)        Incorporated with a manometer

k)      Able to hold and seal the filter paper to the sampler housing at horizontal position

l)        Easy to change the filter

m)    Capable of operating continuously for 24-hour period.

 

2.2.2        The ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment.  They shall ensure that sufficient number of HVSs with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring.  The HVSs shall be equipped with an electronic mass flow controller and be calibrated against a traceable standard at regular intervals.  All the equipment, calibration kit, filter papers, etc. shall be clearly labelled.

 

2.2.3        Initial calibration of dust monitoring equipment shall be conducted upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals.  The transfer standard shall be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard and be calibrated annually.  The calibration data shall be properly documented for future reference by the concern parties such as IC(E)IEC.  All the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.

 

2.2.4        The flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling exercise with the filter in position shall be verified to be constant and be recorded in the data sheet.

 

2.2.5        If the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hour TSP levels, he shall submit sufficient information to the IC(E)IEC to prove that the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result to the HVS.  The instrument should also be calibrated regularly, and the 1-hour sampling shall be determined periodically by HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

 

2.2.6        Wind data monitoring equipment shall also be provided and set up at conspicuous locations for logging wind speed and wind direction near to the dust monitoring locations.  The equipment installation location shall be proposed by the ET and agreed with the ER in consultation with the IC(E)IEC.  For installation and operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points shall be observed:

 

a)      The wind sensors should be installed 10m above ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by buildings

b)      The wind data should be captured by a data logger.  The data shall be down loaded for analysis at least once a month

c)      The wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months

d)      Wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.

 

2.2.7        In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the ER and agreement from IC(E)IEC.

 

2.3              Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

 

2.3.1        A clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity control, and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments, to handle the dust samples collected, shall be available for sample analysis, and equipment calibration and maintenance. The laboratory should be accredited by HOKLAS or other internationally recognised accreditation.

 

2.3.2        If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment shall be approved by the ER and the measurement procedures shall be witnessed by the ER in consultation with IC(E)IEC.  Any measurement performed by the laboratory shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the ER and the IC(E)IEC.  IC(E)IEC shall regularly audit to the measurement performed by the laboratory to ensure the accuracy of measurement results.

 

2.3.3        Filter paper of size 8"x10" shall be labelled before sampling.  It shall be a clean filter paper with no pin holes, and shall be conditioned in a humidity controlled chamber for over 24-hour and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.

 

2.3.4        After sampling, the filter paper loaded with dust shall be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag.  The filter paper shall then be returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the humidity controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic balance with a readout down to 0.1 mg.  The balance shall be regularly calibrated against a traceable standard.

 

2.3.5        All the collected samples shall be kept in a good condition for 6 months before disposal.

 

2.4              Monitoring Locations

 

2.4.1        Construction work will be carried out along the road alignment.  Thus, many sensitive receivers will be affected at one time when the construction work is undertaken in close proximity.  Based on the results of air quality assessment, the following monitoring stations are proposed (Table 2.1) and shown in Figure 2.1.

 

Table 2.1       Proposed Air Quality Monitoring Stations

 

Identification No.

Location

 

CA1

School in Area 65C

CA2

Residential building in Area 72

CA3

Soccer Pitch in Area 77

CA4

Planned school in Area 72

 

2.4.2        If it is necessary to establish alternative monitoring stations, the ET Leader shall propose the alternative monitoring locations and seek approval from ER and EPD and agreement from the IC(E)IEC from time to time.  When selecting alternative monitoring locations, the following criteria, as far as practicable, should be followed:

 

a)      At the site boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source

b)      Close to the sensitive receptors (Figure 2.1)

c)      Take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.

 

2.4.3        The ET shall agree with the ER and EPD on the position for the installation of the HVS.  When positioning the samplers, the following points shall be noted:

 

a)      A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the samplers against gusty wind should be provided

b)      No two samplers should be placed less than 2 meters apart

c)      The distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, must be at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler

d)      A minimum of 2 meters of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers

e)      A minimum of 2 meters separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required

f)        No furnace or incinerator flue is nearby

g)      Airflow around the sampler is unrestricted

h)      The sampler is more than 20 meters from the dripline

i)        Any wire fence and gate, to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring

j)        Permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations

k)      A secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

 

2.5              Baseline Monitoring

 

2.5.1        Baseline monitoring should be carried out at all of the designated monitoring locations to be approved by EPD, ER and IC(E)IEC for at least 14 consecutive days prior to the commissioning of the construction works to obtain daily 24-hour TSP samples.  The selected baseline monitoring stations should reflect baseline conditions at the impact stations.  1-hour sampling should also be done at least 3 times per day while the highest dust impact is expected.  A schedule on the baseline monitoring shall be submitted to EPD, ER and IEC for approval before the monitoring starts.  Before commencing baseline monitoring the ET shall inform the IC(E)IEC of the baseline monitoring programme such that the IC(E)IEC can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring results.

 

2.5.2        During the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generation activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations.

 

2.5.3        In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the IC(E)IEC and EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to ER and EPD for approval.

 

2.5.4        Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and shall be reviewed at three monthly intervals.  When the ambient conditions have changed and a repeat of the baseline monitoring is required to be carried out for obtaining the updated baseline levels.  The monitoring should be at times when the contractor's activities are not generating dust, at least in the proximity of the monitoring stations.  The revised baseline levels and air quality criteria should be agreed with EPD.

 

2.6              Impact Monitoring

 

2.6.1        The ET shall carry out impact monitoring during the course of the Works.  For regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least once in every six-days, shall be strictly observed at all the monitoring stations for 24-hr TSP monitoring.  For 1-hr TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six-days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs.  Before commencing baseline impact monitoring, the ET shall inform the IC(E)IEC of the impact monitoring programme.

 

2.6.2        The specific time to start and stop the 24-hour TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined for each location and be strictly followed by the operator.

 

2.6.3        In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action Plan in Section 2.7, shall be conducted within 24 hours after the result is obtained.  This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.

 

2.7              Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

 

2.7.1        The baseline monitoring results form the basis for determining the air quality criteria for the impact monitoring.  The ET shall compare the impact monitoring results with air quality criteria set up for 24-hour TSP and 1-hour TSP.  Table 2.2 shows the air quality criteria, namely Action and Limit levels to be used.  Should non-compliance of the air quality criteria occur, actions in accordance with the Action Plan in Table 2.3 shall be carried out.

 

Table 2.2       Action / Limit Levels for Air Quality

 

 

Parameters

 

 

Action

 

Limit

 

24 Hour TSP Level in mmg/m3

 

For baseline level £ 200 mmg/m3, Action level = (baseline level * 1.3 + Limit level)/2;

For baseline level > 200 mmg/m3 Action level = Limit level

 

260

 

1 Hour TSP Level in mmg/m3

 

For baseline level £ 384 mmg/m3, Action level = (baseline level * 1.3 + Limit level)/2;

For baseline level > 384 mmg/m3, Action level = Limit level

 

500

 

Table 2.3         Event / Action Plan for Air Quality

 

 

 

EVENT

 

 

ACTION

 

 

ET

 

IC(E)IEC

 

ER

 

CONTRACTOR

 

ACTION LEVEL

 

 

 

 

 

1.         Exceedance for one sample

 

1.       Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2.       Inform IC(E)IEC and Contractor;

3.       Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4.       Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

 

1.   Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2.   Check Contractor’s working method.

 

1.   Notify Contractor.

 

 

1.   Rectify any unacceptable practice;

2.   Amend working methods if appropriate.

 

2.         Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

 

1.       Identify source;

2.       Inform IC(E)IEC and Contractor;

3.       Advise the ER on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures

4.       Repeat measurements to confirm findings;

5.       Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

6.       Discuss with IC(E)IEC  and Contractor on remedial actions required;

7.       If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IC(E)IEC  and ER;

8.       If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.    Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2.    Check Contractor’s working method;

3.    Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4.    Advise the ER on the Effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures

5.    Supervise implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.    Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2.    Notify Contractor;

3.    Ensure remedial measures properly implemented

 

1.   Submit proposals for remedial to IC(E)IEC within 3 working days of notification;

2.   Implement the agreed proposals;

3.   Amend proposal if appropriate.

 

LIMIT LEVEL

 

 

 

 

 

1.         Exceedance for one sample

 

1.       Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2.       Inform ER, Contractor and EPD;

3.       Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4.       Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5.       Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IC(E)IEC, EPD and ER informed of the results.

 

1.        Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2.        Check Contractor’s working method;

3.        Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4.        Advise the ER on the Effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures

5.        Supervise implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.        Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2.        Notify Contractor;

3.        Ensure remedial measures properly implemented

 

1.   Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;

2.   Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E)IEC within 3 working days of notification;

3.   Implement the agreed proposals;

4.   Amend proposal if appropriate.

 

2.         Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

 

1.       Notify IC(E)IEC, ER, Contractor and EPD;

2.       Identify source;

3.       Repeat measurement to confirm findings;

4.       Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5.       Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented;

6.       Arrange meeting with IC(E)IEC  and ER to discuss the remedial actions to be taken;

7.       Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IC(E)IEC, EPD and ER informed of the results;

8.       If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

 

1.        Discuss amongst ER, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

2.        Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the ER accordingly;

3.        Supervise the implementation of remedial measures.

 

1.        Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2.        Notify Contractor;

3.        In consultation with the IC(E)IEC, agree with the Contractor on the remedial measures to be implemented;

4.        Ensure remedial measures properly implemented;

5.        If exceedance continues, consider what portion of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that portion of work until the exceedance is abated.

 

1.   Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;

2.   Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E)IEC within 3 working days of notification;

3.   Implement the agreed proposals;

4.   Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control;

5.   Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the exceedance is abated.

 

 

2.8              Mitigation Measures

 

2.8.1        Mitigation measures in this EIA Report are as follows :

 

Ÿ         Use of regular watering to reduce dust emissions from exposed site surfaces and unpaved roads, at least twice daily with complete coverage, particularly during dry weather;

Ÿ         Use of frequent watering for particularly dusty static construction areas and areas close to air quality sensitive receivers;

Ÿ         Side enclosure and covering of any aggregate or dusty material storage piles to reduce emissions.  Where this is not practicable owing to frequent usage, watering should be applied to aggregate fines;

Ÿ         Open stockpiles should be avoided or covered.  Where possible, prevent placing dusty material storage piles near air quality sensitive receivers;

Ÿ         Provision of barriers, which may be the temporary noise barriers, between the site and nearby air quality sensitive receivers to act as dust barriers;

Ÿ         Tarpaulin covering of all dusty vehicle loads transported to, from and between site locations;

Ÿ         Establishment and use of vehicle wheel and body washing facilities at the exit points of the site, combined with cleaning of public roads where necessary;

Ÿ         Provision of wind shield and dust extractextraction units or similar dust mitigation measures at the loading points, and use of water sprinklers at the loading area where dust generation is likely during the loading process of loose material particularly in dry seasons/periodsor at the loading points and use of water sprinklers at the loading area;

Ÿ         Imposition of speed controls for vehicles on unpaved site roads.  Eight kilometres per hour is the recommended limit;

Ÿ         Where feasible, routing of vehicles and positioning of construction plant should be at the maximum possible distance from air quality sensitive receivers;

Ÿ         Instigation of an environmental monitoring and auditing program to monitor the construction process in order to enforce controls and modify methods of work if dusty conditions arise; and

Ÿ         Good site practices.

 

2.8.2        The implementation schedule for the mitigation measures is presented in Appendix C1.  On the other hand, impact prediction review checklist (Appendix F1) should be employed to check the extent of discrepancy between the actual and the predicted impact at the designated monitoring stations.  ET should estimate the efficiency of proposed mitigation and plan it carefully for the ongoing construction activities.  The proposed mitigation measures shall be reviewed by IEC prior to the implementation.

 

2.8.3        The Contractor shall be responsible for the design and implementation of these measures.  If the above measures are not sufficient to restore the air quality to acceptable levels upon the advice and discussion with the ET, IEC and ER, the ET shall propose and Contractor shall implement some other mitigation measures.