2.
AIR QUALITY
2.1.1
The
EIA concluded dust impacts during the construction phase can be readily
mitigated through implementation of standard mitigation measures and good
housekeeping practices. However, if the proposed construction dust mitigation measures
are not fully implemented, it is likely that some nearest air sensitive
receivers would suffer unacceptable impact. It is therefore recommended that an
EM&A programme in respect of dust issue be carried out at representative Air
Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the
dust suppression measures.
2.1.2
This
section describe the requirements, methodology, equipment, monitoring
locations, criteria and protocols for
the monitoring and audit of air quality impacts during the construction phase
of the Project.
2.1.3
No
adverse air quality impact is expected during operation phase, hence air
quality monitoring during operation phase is considered not necessary.
2.2.1
1-hour
and 24-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels shall 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, that
indicate short event impacts, can be measured by direct reading methods which
are capable of producing comparable results to that taken by the high volume
sampling method.
2.2.2
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 other special phenomena and work progress of the
concerned site etc. shall be recorded in detail. A sample data sheet is shown
in Appendix
B.
2.3.1
High
volume samplers (HVS) in compliance with the following specifications shall be
used for carrying out the 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-hr 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; and
(m)
capable
of operating continuously for 24-hr period.
2.3.2
The
ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. They shall ensure
that sufficient numbers 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.
2.3.3
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. All the data should be converted into standard temperature and
pressure condition.
2.3.4
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 down in a data
sheet as shown in Appendix B.
2.3.5
If
the ET Leader proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure 1-hour TSP
levels, he shall submit sufficient information to the ER and IEC to prove that
the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result to the HVS. The
instrument shall 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.
2.4
Laboratory Measurement/Analysis
2.4.1
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 HOKLAS accredited.
2.4.2
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 in consultation with the IEC. Measurement performed by
the laboratory shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the ER and the IEC.
The IEC shall conduct regular audit to the measurement performed by the
laboratory to ensure the accuracy of measurement results. The ET Leader shall
provide the ER with one copy of the Title
40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B for
his reference.
2.4.3
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-hr and be pre-weighed before use for the
sampling.
2.4.4
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.
2.4.5
All
the collected samples shall be kept in a good condition for 6 months before
disposal.
2.5.1
The
air quality monitoring locations are shown in Table 2.1 and Figure
2.1. The status and
locations of air sensitive receivers may change after issuing this manual. If
such cases exist, the ET Leader shall propose updated monitoring locations and
seek approval from ER and agreement from the IEC.
Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Air Quality Monitoring Station |
ASR ID |
Description |
A1 |
ASR 1 |
Wing Jan Camp |
A2 |
ASR 2 |
Village house at No.57 Hang Hau Tsuen |
Notes:
All monitoring stations shall be proposed by
the Environmental Team Leader and verified by the Independent Environmental
Checker before submitting to EPD prior to commencement of any monitoring.
2.5.2
When
alternative monitoring locations are proposed, 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; and
(c)
take
into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.
2.5.3
The
ET Leader shall agree with the ER in consultation with the IEC on the position
of the HVS for installation of the monitoring equipment. 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 metres 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 metres separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required
for rooftop samplers;
(e)
a
minimum of 2 metres 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 metres 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; and
(k)
a
secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.
2.6.1
Baseline
monitoring shall be carried out at all of the designated monitoring locations (Table
2.1) for at least 14 consecutive days prior to the commissioning of the
construction works to obtain daily 24-hour TSP samples. 1-hour sampling shall
also be done at least 3 times per day while the highest dust impact is expected.
2.6.2
Before
commencing the baseline monitoring, the ET Leader shall inform the IEC of the
baseline monitoring programme such that the IEC can conduct an on-site audit to
ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring results. Table 2.2 summarises
the parameters, frequency and duration for baseline monitoring.
Air Quality Monitoring Locations, Parameters, Frequency and Duration for Baseline
Location |
Parameters |
Frequency |
Duration |
A1 |
24‑hour TSP |
Daily |
Two consecutive
week (total 14 days) |
A2 |
(All Locations) |
||
|
1-hour TSP |
Three times daily
during time of peak dust levels |
|
|
(All Locations) |
2.6.3
During
the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust
generation activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations.
2.6.4
In
case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring
locations during the baseline monitoring period, the ET Leader shall carry out the
monitoring at alternative locations that can effectively represent the baseline
conditions at the impact monitoring locations. The alternative baseline
monitoring locations shall be approved by the ER and with the IEC.
2.6.5
In
exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable
results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the IEC and EPD to agree on an
appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to ER for
approval.
2.6.6
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 updated
baseline levels, the monitoring should be conducted at times when the
contractor's activities are not generating dust, at least in the proximity of
the monitoring stations. Should a change in ambient conditions be determined,
the baseline levels and, in turn, the air quality criteria, should be revised.
The revised baseline levels and air quality criteria should be agreed with the
IEC and EPD.
2.7.1
The
ET Leader shall carry out impact monitoring during the course of the works. For
regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of once in every six-days
shall be performed at all designated monitoring stations for 24-hour TSP
monitoring. For 1-hour TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of three times in
every six-days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs. Before
commencing the impact monitoring, the ET Leader shall inform the IEC of the
impact monitoring programme such that the IEC can conduct on-site audit to
ensure accuracy of the impact monitoring results. All the locations listed in Table 2.1
shall be monitored.
2.7.2
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.
2.7.3
In
case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, additional monitoring, as
specified in the Action Plan in the following section, 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.
2.8
Event and Action Plan for Air
Quality
2.8.1
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 2.3
shows the air quality criteria and Action and Limit levels to be used. Should
non-compliance of the air quality criteria occurs, the ET, the ER and the
Contractor shall undertake the relevant action in accordance with the Action
Plan in Table 2.4.
Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality
Parameters |
Action |
Limit |
24-Hour TSP Level in μg/m³ |
For baseline level ≤ 200
μg/m³, For baseline level > 200
μg/m³, Action level = Limit level |
260 |
1-Hour TSP Level in μg/m³ |
For baseline level ≤ 384
μg/m³, For baseline level > 384
μg/m³, Action level = Limit level |
500 |
Event/Action Plan for Air Quality
EVENT |
ACTION |
|||
ET Leader |
IEC |
ER |
Contractor |
|
ACTION LEVEL |
|
|||
1. Exceedance
for one sample |
1. Identify
source 2. Inform
IEC, ER and Contractor 3. Repeat
measurement to confirm findings 4. Increase
monitoring frequency to daily |
1. Check
monitoring data submitted by ET Leader 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
IEC, ER and Contractor 3. Repeat
measurement to confirm findings 4. Increase
monitoring frequency to daily 5. Discuss
with IEC, Contractor and ER on remedial actions required 6. If
exceedance continue, arrange meeting with IEC, ER and Contractor 7. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring |
1. Checking
monitoring data submitted by ET Leader. 2. Check
Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss
with ET Leader 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 actions to IEC and ER 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 2. Inform
IEC, ER, EPD and Contractor 3. Repeat
measurement to confirm findings 4. Increase
monitoring frequency to daily 5. Assess
effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and kept IEC, EPD and ER
informed of the results |
1. Check
monitoring data submitted by ET Leader 2. Check
Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss
with ET Leader and Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise
the ER on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures 5. Audit
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 for the exceedance 2. Submit
proposals for remedial actions to IEC and ER 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
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 IEC, Contractor and ER to discuss the remedial actions to be
taken 7. Assess
effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and ER
informed of the results 8. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring |
1. Discuss
amongst ER, ET leader 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. Audit
the implementation of remedial measures |
1. Confirm
receipt of notification of failure in writing 2. Notify
Contractor 3. In
consultation with 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 for the exceedance 2. Submit
proposals for remedial actions to IEC and ER 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
abate. |
Construction Phase
Construction Dust
2.9.1 In order to comply with Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO), the Contractor should undertake at all times measures to prevent dust nuisance as a results of his activities. The Contractors are required to follow all the requirements for dust control stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation. Dust suppression measures should be installed as part of good construction practice, and they should be incorporated in the Contract Specification and implemented to minimize dust nuisance to within acceptable levels arising from the works. The followings are examples of the dust suppression measures.
(i)
The area in which excavation takes place shall be
sprayed with water immediately prior to, during and immediately after the
excavation to minimise dust generation.
(ii)
The Contractor shall frequently clean and water the
site to minimize fugitive dust emissions.
(iii)
Effective water sprays shall be used during the
delivery and handling of aggregate, and other similar materials, when dust is
likely to be created and to dampen all stored materials during dry and windy
weather.
(iv)
Watering of exposed surfaces shall be conducted at
least 2 times per day especially during dry and windy weather.
(v)
Areas within the site where there is a regular
movement of vehicles must be regularly watered as often as necessary for
effective suppression of dust or as often as directed by the Engineer.
(vi)
Where dusty material are being discharged to vehicle
from a conveying system at a fixed transfer point, a three-sided roofed
enclosure with a flexible curtain across the entry shall be provided. Exhaust
fans shall be provided for this enclosure and vented to a suitable fabric
filter system.
(vii)
The Contractor shall restrict all motorised vehicles
within the site, excluding those on public roads, to a maximum speed of 15 km
per hour and confine haulage and delivery vehicles to designated roadways
inside the site.
(viii)
Wheel washing facilities shall be installed and used
by all vehicles leaving the site. No earth, mud, debris, dust and the like
shall be deposited on public roads. Water in the wheel cleaning facility shall
be changed at frequent intervals and sediments shall be removed regularly. The
Contractor shall submit details of proposals for the wheel cleaning facility.
Such wheel washing facilities shall be usable prior to any earthworks
excavating activity on the site. The Contractor shall also provide a
hard-surfaced road between any washing facility and the public road.
(ix)
All vehicle exhausts shall be directly vertically
upwards or directed away from the ground.
(x)
Any materials dropped on paved roads shall be cleaned
up immediately to prevent dust nuisance.
Odour
2.9.2 In the event that excavated materials are found to be odourous, the following measures should be implemented by the Contractor.
(i)
Place odorous excavated material as far away (say, at
least 20m) from air sensitive receivers as possible.
(ii)
Temporary stockpiles of odorous excavated material
should be properly covered with tarpaulin and should be removed off-site as
soon as practically possible within 2 days to avoid any odour nuisance arising.
Operational Phase
2.9.3 No adverse air quality impact is identified during operational phase. In the event that sediment excavated during maintenance are found to be odourous, the following measures should be implemented by DSD (or DSD’s maintenance contractor).
(i)
Place odorous excavated material as far away (say, at
least 20m) from air sensitive receivers as possible.
(ii)
Odorous excavated material should be properly covered
with tarpaulin or packed in plastic bags or stored in enclosed skips and should
be removed off-site as soon as practically possible within 2 days to avoid any
odour nuisance arising.
2.9.4
If
the above construction phase mitigation measures are not sufficient to restore
the impacts to acceptable levels upon the advice of ET Leader, the Contractor
shall liaise with the ET Leader on some other mitigation measures, endorsed by
IEC and propose to ER for approval, and implement the mitigation measures.
2.9.5
The
implementation schedule for the recommended mitigation measures is presented in
Appendix
A.