In this section, the requirements, methodology, equipment, monitoring locations, criteria and protocols for the monitoring and audit of air quality impacts during construction and operation of the on-site concrete batching plant are presented.
At present, dust monitoring is carried out at 4 stations in Telegraph Bay at a frequency of once every six days, using Higher Volume Samplers. In order to have effective management of the site, it is proposed that continuous, on-site real-time monitoring data is collected at 2 of the four stations. In addition, one meteorological station and 2 web cameras are proposed to be installed. All real-time monitoring data will be accessible whenever there is a need through dial up telephone line. This will also allow quick responses to complaints on environmental issues.
A database for all real-time monitoring data will be developed and updated on a daily basis. The data will be audited within 2 working days of sampling and the audited data will be posted onto the Web-site for public access two working days after sampling.
Air Quality
Continuous Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) concentrations shall be measured at two stations and the data shall be posted onto the web as 24-hour and 1-hour averaged concentrations which indicate the impacts of construction dust from the construction and operation of concrete batching plant. Discrete 24-hr average TSP concentrations shall continue to be measured at a frequency of once every 6 days at the other two stations, except during the initial period as described below.
Meteorological Conditions
Wind speed, wind direction and rainfall shall be monitored and the data will provide supplementary information for determining the source of dust. These data shall be posted onto the Web-site after 2 working days.
A schematic diagram illustrating the monitoring system is presented in Figure B1 of Appendix B.
Air Quality
TSP shall be measured using the state-of-the-art technology – Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) at A3 and A4. Instantaneous TSP concentrations are displayed and 5-minute average concentrations are stored in an internal buffer memory. A schematic diagram for the monitoring system in Figure B2 of Appendix B.
Using a dial up line, the 5-minute averaged data will be transferred from the instrument to the ET office, where the data will be audited and converted to hourly and daily average TSP concentrations.
The ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. Initial calibration of dust monitoring equipment shall be conducted upon installation and thereafter at three month intervals. The calibration data shall be properly documented for future reference by the concern parties such as ER. All the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure conditions.
TSP shall continue to be measured at A1 and A2 using High Volume Sampler. Details of the equipment have been described in “Infrastructural Works for the Proposed Development at Telegraph Bay: EM&A Manual”.
Meteorological Parameters
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 ER. 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 to a delicated computer in the site office. All the data can be accessed by the environmental audit through dial up line.
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.
Figure B4 of Appendix B presents the design of the sampling system.
In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the ER and agreement from EPD.
ET shall audit the data and check against the construction activities and meteorological data on each working day. If exceedance is found, the data will be further verified with the resident site staff to see if there were construction works when the exceedance occurred. Remarks and justifications will be recorded together with the data set in the centralized database. All the audit result will be posted to the Web-site 2 working days after sampling. The data management is summarized in Figure B5 of Appendix B.
Internet
ET shall provide a web server containing all environmental related information. All the audited monitoring data will be updated on a daily basis and other general environmental information will be updated on a weekly basis.
A link shall be added to the index page of the Cyberport Homepage so that the data is accessible to the public. The advantage is that the dynamic database can be separated from the Internet Server, which stores other Cyberport information. This will simplify the security problem such that only the audited data and non-confidential information is accessible to the public.
Tables 2.1 gives the proposed monitoring stations for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring and their locations are shown in Figures 2.1. Locations have been based on the likely affected sensitive receptors.
Table 2.1 Proposed Air Quality Monitoring Stations During the Construction Works
|
Identification No. |
Location |
Type of monitoring |
|
A1 |
No. 60 Sassion Road |
High Volume Sampler |
|
A2 |
Upper Kong Sin Wan Tsuen |
High Volume Sampler |
|
A3 |
Baguio Villa |
Continuous |
|
A4 |
Pui Ying Secondary School |
Continuous |
If for whatever reasons it is necessary to establish alternative monitoring stations, the ET shall propose alternative monitoring locations and seek approval from ER and IC(E). 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 (Figures 2.1)
c) Take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.
The ET shall agree with the ER on the position for the installation of the TEOM. When positioning the equipment, 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.
Baseline results shall be referred to “Infrastructural Works for the Proposed Development at Telegraph Bay: Baseline Monitoring Report ”. No additional baseline monitoring shall be required.
The ET shall carry out initial
impact monitoring during the construction and operation of concrete batching
plant. During construction and for the
first month of the full operation, the sampling frequency at the High Volume
Sampling stations (locations A1 and A2) shall be twice in every six days. For 1-hr TSP monitoring, the sampling
frequency of at least four times in every six days should be undertaken at A1
and A2. The increase in frequency of monitoring
is to closely monitor the impacts from the concrete batching plant and the
effectiveness of the mitigation measures.
If
there is no action/limit exceedance that is attributable to the Project during
the initial reporting month, the frequency of the impact monitoring shall be
returned to normal. That is, for
regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency shall be once in every six
days for A1 and A2. 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. If there is interim exceedance report during
the first operation month, the more frequency monitoring will continue until no
valid exceedance report during the month.
The specific time to start and stop the High Volume TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined for each location and be strictly followed by the operator.
At locations A3 and A4, continuous air quality monitoring will be conducted.
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 at locations A1 and A2. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.
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 mg/m3 |
For baseline level £ 200 mg/m3, Action level = (baseline level * 1.3 + Limit level)/2; For baseline level > 200 mg/m3 Action level = Limit level |
260 |
|
1 Hour TSP Level in mg/m3 |
For baseline level £ 384 mg/m3, Action level = (baseline level * 1.3 + Limit level)/2; For baseline level > 384 mg/m3, Action level = Limit level |
500 |
Table 2.3 Event / Action Plan for Air Quality
|
EVENT |
ACTION |
||||
|
ET |
IC(E) |
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) and ER; 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) and ER; 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) and Contractor on remedial actions
required; 7. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IC(E) nd ER; 8. If exceedance stops, cease
additional monitoring; |
1.
Checking
monitoring data submitted by ET; 2.
Check
Contractor’s working method; 3.
Discuss
with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures; 4.
Advise
the ET 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 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, 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), EPD and ER informed of the
results. |
1.
Checking
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) 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), 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) and ER to discuss the remedial actions to be taken; 7.
Assess
effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IC(E), 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
consolidation with the IC(E), 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 excessdance is abated. |
1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance; 2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E) 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. |
|
Mitigation measures during operational phase proposed in EIA Report are listed in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 Mitigation Measures on the Concrete Batching Plant
|
Item/ Process |
Description |
Mitigation Measures |
|
Unloading
of Sand And Aggregates |
a. Unloading
of Sand and Aggregates from Barge to aggregate Receiving Hopper at Seafront |
·
Water spray installed on
barge for wetting the sand and aggregates1 ·
Conveyor barge designed for
unloading aggregate3 ·
Fully enclosed conveyor used
to unload the material to the aggregate receiving hopper1 ·
Aggregate receiving hopper
installed with 3 sides and water spray1 |
|
b.
Unloading of wetted Sand and Aggregates from Aggregate Receiving Hopper to
Tipper truck |
·
The wetted sand and aggregates
are loaded into the tipper truck in enclosed loadout section1 |
|
|
Storage
of Sand and Aggregates |
Storage
of Sand and Aggregates in Ground Storage Yards and Aggregate Storage Bins. Storage
of Sand and Aggregates in Fully Enclosed Aggregate Overhead Storage Bins |
·
The storage yards are
installed with 3 sides enclosure and roof, curtain at entrance1 ·
Water spray is installed in
storage yard for wetting the sand and aggregates1 ·
Aggregate Storage Bins and Aggregate
Overhead Storage Bins are fully enclosed1 |
|
Transfer
of Sand And Aggregates |
a.
Transfer of sand and Aggregates from Loadout Section to Storage Yards by
tipper truck |
·
The tipper trucks with wetted
sand and aggregates are covered with plastic canvas2 ·
The aggregate materials are
unloaded into storage yards, which have 3 sides and roof enclosed and curtain
at entrance and water spray1 |
|
b. Transfer
of Sand and Aggregates from Storage Yards to Aggregate Receiving Hoppers by
loader |
·
The sand and aggregates are
wetted before transferring to aggregate receiving hopper1 ·
Aggregate receiving hopper
installed with 3 sides and roof and water spray1 |
|
|
c.
Transfer of Sand and Aggregates from Seafront Aggregate Receiving Hopper to
Aggregate Storage Bins OR from Ground Aggregate Receiving Hopper or from
Aggregate Storage Bins to Overhead Aggregates Storage Bins |
·
The sand and aggregates are
transferred by fully enclosed conveyors1 ·
Aggregate conveyor and
Transfer Points are fully enclosed1 ·
The sand and aggregates are
unloaded into fully enclosed overhead storage bins1 |
|
|
Batching
of Sand And Aggregates |
a. Weighing
and Batching of Sand and Aggregate by Aggregate Weigh Hopper |
·
The sand and aggregates are
transferred and weighed within an enclosed structure1 |
|
Unloading
of Cementitious Material |
a. Transfer
of Cementitous Material from Cement Barge to Cement Tankers or directly to
Plant Silos |
·
All cementitious materials
are transferred within a fully enclosed piping system1,2 ·
The cement blower of barge
is enclosed1,2 ·
The cement tanker and silos
are fully enclosed systems1,2 ·
Dust-laden air is filtered
through bag filter and vented to the dust collectors1,2 |
|
Transferring
of Cementitious Material |
a.
Transferring of Cementitious Material from cement tanker to Silos |
·
The silos are fully
enclosed1,2 ·
Dust-laden air is filtered
through bag filter and vented tot he dust collectors1,2 ·
The level alarms are
installed for all silos to prevent overfilling1,2 ·
Cement Tanker will transfer
the materials within an enclosure1,2 |
|
Batching
of Cementitious Material |
a.
Weighing and batching of Cementitious Material by Cement Weigh Hoppers |
·
The weigh hopper is fully
enclosed1,2 ·
Dust-laden air from the
cementitious weigh hoppers is filtered through bag filter and vented to the
dust collector1,2 ·
Cementitious transfer using
fully enclosed pipes and screw conveyors1,2 |
|
Mixing
of Sand, Aggregates and Cementitious Material |
a.
Mixing of Batched Sand, Aggregates and Cementitious Material in the Concrete
Mixer |
·
The mixer is fully enclosed1,2 ·
Dust-laden air in the mixer
is filtered though bag filter and vented to the dust collector1,2 |
|
Truck
Loading |
a.
Loading of mixed concrete into the trucks |
·
All mixing & loading
conduct in fully enclosed area1 ·
Truck loaded with concrete
in “Wet” form1,2 |
|
Plant
Yard |
a.
The Concrete Batching Plant Area |
·
Floor to be concrete paved1,2 ·
Pavement to be kept moist
with water1,2 |
|
Concrete
trucks |
a.
Concrete Delivery Mixer Trucks within Cyber Port Site |
·
Well maintained trucks3 ·
Clean trucks regularly1 ·
Trucks comply with APCO
regulations2 |
|
Plant
Equipment |
a.
Facilities and equipment operates within the batching plant for handling
materials and producing concrete |
·
Perform regular maintenance
works for plant equipment1,3 ·
Maintain all environmental control
facilities in operating condition3 |
2
Recommended by the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust)
Regulation in Dust Control
3
Good Site Management Practices
The recommended mitigation measures and their implementation schedule are 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 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 and ER, the ET, upon consultation with the IC(E) if necessary, shall propose and Contractor shall implement some other mitigation measures.