3.                 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING (AIR QUALITY IMPACT)

 

3.1              Monitoring Requirements

 

In accordance with the EM&A Manual, baseline air quality monitoring (1-hour and 24-hour average Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels) shall be carried out at all the designated monitoring locations for at least 14 consecutive days to obtain daily 24-hour TSP samples. 1-hour TSP sampling shall also be done at least 3 times per day while the highest dust impact is expected.

 

            1-hr and 24-hour TSP air quality monitoring were performed using High Volume Sampler (HVS) associated with equipment and shelter complied with the specifications stipulated in the EM&A Manual.

 

3.2              Monitoring Methodology

 

Instrumentation

 

High Volume Samplers (HVS) completed with appropriate sampling inlets were employed for air quality monitoring. Each sampler was composed of a motor, a filter holder, a flow controller and a sampling inlet and its performance specification complies with that required by USEPA Standard Title 40, Code of Federation Regulations Chapter 1 (Part 50).

 

HVS Installation

 

The following guidelines were adopted during the installation of HVS:

 

§          Sufficient support is provided to secure the samplers against gusty wind.

§          No two samplers are placed less than 2 meters apart.

§          The distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, is at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler.

§          A minimum of 2 meters of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samples.

§          A minimum of 2 meters separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required.

§          No furnaces or incineration flues are nearby.

§          Airflow around the samplers is unrestricted.

§          The samplers are more than 20 meters from the drip line.

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

 

Filters Preparation

 

Fiberglass filters (G810) were used (Note: these filters have a collection efficiency of larger than 99% for particles of 0.3 mm diameter). A HOKLAS accredited laboratory is responsible for the preparation of 24-hr conditioned and pre-weighed filter papers for monitoring team.

 

All filters are equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature is around 25°C and not variable by more than ±3°C; the relative humidity (RH) is < 50% and not variable by more than ±5%. A convenient working RH is 40%.

 

Operating/Analytical Procedures for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP Air Quality Monitoring

 

Operating / analytical procedures for the air quality monitoring are highlighted as follows:

 

n            Prior to the commencement of the dust sampling, the flow rate of the HVS are properly set (between 1.1 m³ /min. and 1.4 m³ /min.) in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction to within the range recommended in USEPA Standard Title 40, CFR Part 50. The flow rate shall be indicated on the flow rate chart.

n            The power supply shall be checked to ensure the samplers worked properly.

n            On sampling, the samplers shall be operated for 5 minutes to establish thermal equilibrium before placing any filter media at the designated air quality monitoring station.

n            The filter holding frame is then removed by loosening the four nuts and carefully a weighted and conditioned filter is centered with the stamped number upwards, on a supporting screen.

n            The filter shall be aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter. Then the filter holding frame is tightened to the filter holder with swing bolts. The applied pressure should be sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

n            The shelter lid shall be closed and secured with the aluminum strip.

n            The timer is then programmed. Information shall be recorded on the record sheet, which included the starting time, the weather condition and the filter number (the initial weight of the filter paper can be found out by using the filter number).

n            After sampling, the filter shall be removed and sent to laboratory for weighing. The elapsed time is also recorded.

n            Before weighing, all filters are equilibrated in a conditioning environment for 24 hours. The conditioning environment temperature should be between 25°C and 30°C and not vary by more than ±3°C; the relative humidity (RH) should be < 50% and not vary by more than ±5%. A convenient working RH is 40%. Weighing results are returned to MCL for further analysis of TSP concentrations collected by each filter.

 

3.3              Name of Laboratory and Types of Equipment Used and Calibration Details

 

HOKLAS accredited laboratory – ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd is responsible for the preparation of 1-hr and 24-hr conditioned and pre-weighed filter papers for monitoring team.

 

Table 3.1 summarizes the equipment used in the baseline air quality monitoring programme. Copies of the calibration certificates for the equipment are presented in Appendix A.

 

Table 3‑1    Air quality monitoring equipment

 

 

Item

Equipment

Model Number

Serial Number

1

HVS Sampler Thermo HS2310

G310-1

2086

2

HVS Sampler Thermo HS2310

2091

3

HVS Sampler Thermo HS2310

2088

4

HVS Sampler Tisch TE-5170

TE-5005X

3841

5

HVS Sampler Tisch TE-5170

3834

6

HVS Sampler Tisch TE-5170

3835

7

HVS Sampler Tisch TE-5170

3796

8

HVS Sampler Tisch TE-5170

3802

 

HVS Sampler Calibrator

Tisch TE-5025A

2456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintenance / Calibration for 1-hour and 24-hour Air Quality Monitoring

 

The following maintenance / calibration are required for the HVS:

 

n            The high volume motors and their accessories are properly maintained. Appropriate maintenance such as routine motor brushes replacement and electrical wiring checking are made to ensure that the equipments and necessary power supply are in good working condition.

n            All HVS shall be calibrated (five point calibration) using Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of the baseline monitoring.

n            A copy of the calibration certificates for the HVS and calibrator are attached in Appendix A.

 

3.4              Parameters Monitored

 

Table 3.2 summarizes the monitoring parameters, monitoring duration and frequencies of air quality monitoring.

 

Table 3‑2   Monitoring parameters, duration, frequency of air quality monitoring

Parameter

Duration

Frequency

1-hr TSP

14 consecutive days

1 hour x 3 per day

24-hr TSP

14 consecutive days

24 hours per day

 

3.5              Monitoring Locations

 

According to the EM&A Manual, four designated air quality monitoring stations, AM1 to AM4 are selected as they are the representative air sensitive receivers located near to the Project site. All designated air quality monitoring stations listed in EM&A Manual and alternative environmental monitoring locations are summarized in the following table:

 

Table 3‑3   Monitoring Locations

Designated Monitoring Stations in EM&A Manual

Alternative Monitoring Stations

AM1 - International Commerce Centre

N/A

AM2 - The Harbourside Tower 1

N/A

AM3 - The Victoria Towers - Tower 1

N/A

AM4 - Canton Road Government Primary School

N/A

 

Seeking Permission from Premises Owner for Setting Up Monitoring Station

 

Site visit was conducted with the representatives of Property Management Company on 4 July 2014 at The Harbourside Tower 1 for selecting the most representative location for environmental monitoring. Letter was sent and phone call was made to the responsible staff of the Property Management Company to explain the purpose and details regarding to the environmental monitoring since June 2014. However, the notification of not permitting the setup of environmental (air quality and noise) monitoring equipments at The Harbourside Tower 1 was received from the Property Management Company of The Harbourside. Letters of rejection by the owners committee is shown in Appendix G.

 

Subsequently, alternative air monitoring stations had been explored on the podium level of Kowloon Station as well as construction area of MTR XRL 810B to place air monitoring equipment for baseline monitoring. Responsible staff from the property management company of MTR XRL 810B had been contacted. However, adverse comments were received from both property management company of MTR.

 

Considering the fact that suitable location for placing air quality monitoring equipment could not be identified on the building of The Harbourside Tower 1 (please refer to photo in Appendix G), baseline monitoring was then proposed to be conducted on the ground level right below the podium of the ASRs after all the available options had been exhausted.

 

While baseline air monitoring could not be arranged on or above the podium level of The Harbourside Tower 1, effort will be made to lobby the owners committee in hope of getting their consent to allow impact monitoring to be carried out during construction phase.

 

3.6              Monitoring Date, Time, Frequency and Duration

 

The environmental monitoring schedule is shown in Table 3.4.

           


Table 3‑4   Monitoring Schedule for Air Montiroing

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

20 Jul

 

21

22

A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

23

A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

24

A1(1) A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

25

A1(1) A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

26

A1(1) A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

27

A1(1) A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

28

A1(1) A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

29

A1(1) A1(24)

A2(1) A2(24)

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

30

A1(1) A1(24)

A2(1) A2(24)

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

31

A1(1) A1(24)

A2(1) A2(24)

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

1 Aug

A1(1) A1(24)

A2(1) A2(24)

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

2

A1(1) A1(24)

A2(1)

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

3

A1(1) A1(24)

 

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1)

4

A1(1) A1(24)

A2(1) A2(24)

A3(1) A3(24)

A4(1) A4(24)

5

A1(1)

A2(1) A2(24)

 

A4(24)

6

A1(1)

A2(1) A2(24)

 

 

7

 

A2(1) A2(24)

8

 

A2(1) A2(24)

9

 

A2(1) A2(24)

10

 

A2(1) A2(24)

11

 

A2(1) A2(24)

12

 

A2(1) A2(24)

13

 

14

 

 

15

 

A2(24)

16

 

 

Note:                

n     A1(1), A2(1), A3(1), A4(1): 1-hr TSP monitoring at AM1, AM2, AM3 and AM4.

n     A1(24), A2(24), A3(24), A4(24): 24-hr TSP monitoring at AM1, AM2, AM3 and AM4.

n     1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP are conducted for 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction works. 1-hr sampling shall be done at least three times per day when the highest dust impacts are expected

n      Due to the electricity shortage, monitoring of 1-hour and 24-hour TSP at AM2 were suspended on 2/8 (24-hr), 3/8 (1-hr and 24-hr) and 13/8-14/8 (24-hr), and rescheduled to 11/8(1-hr and 24-hr), 12/8(1-hr and 24-hr) and 15/8 (24-hr) respectively.

n      Due to electricity shortage, monitoring of 24-hour TSP at AM4 were suspended on 3/8, and rescheduled to 5/8.

 

3.7              Baseline Monitoring Observations

 

According to on-site observation, the influencing factor in the vicinity of the monitoring stations was recorded. A summary of the weather and influencing factors for baseline monitoring works is given below:

 

Table 3‑5  Summary of the Weather and Influencing Factors for Baseline Monitoring Works

Monitoring

Stations

Date

Influencing Factors

And Major Activities

AM1

July 2014

Aug 2014

 

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

01

02

03

04

05

06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM2

July 2014

Aug 2014

Road traffic dust and MTR site activities

29

30

31

01

02

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM3

July 2014

Aug 2014

 

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

01

02

03

04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM4

July 2014

Aug 2014

 

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

01

02

03

04

05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remarks

Sunny

 

Cloudy

 

Rainy

 

Sunday

 

 

 

3.8              Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Results and Detection Limits

 

ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd (HOKLAS Reg No. 066) has a comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

 

3.9              Results

 

Baseline air quality monitoring was conducted at 4 monitoring stations, namely AM1, AM2, AM3 and AM4 in the period between 22 July 2014 and 15 August 2014

 

The monitoring data are summarized in Tables 3.6 and 3.7. All monitoring data of 1-hour and 24-hour TSP are presented in Appendix B.

 

Table 3‑6    Summary of Baseline 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

Average TSP Concentration, µg/m³

(Range)

AM1

36.4 (5.7 – 84.9)

AM2

37.2 (5.6 – 122.2)

AM3

46.7 (5.9 – 160.7)

AM4

43.9 (5.3 – 148.4)

 

Table 3‑7    Summary of Baseline 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results

Monitoring Station

Average TSP Concentration, µg/m³

(Range)

AM1

20.9 (8.6 – 44.4)

AM2

32.5 (10.9 – 59.0)

AM3

34.4 (11.0 – 70.8)

AM4

34.7 (6.1 – 60.5)

 

3.10          Action and Limit Levels

 

The Action and Limit Levels have been set in accordance with the EM&A Manual, which are summarized in Table 3.8.

 

Table 3‑8    Guidelines for Establishing Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

1-hour TSP Level

in µg/m³

For baseline level ≤384µg/m³,

Action level = (Baseline level * 1.3 + Limit level)/2

For baseline level > 384µg/m³,

Action level = Limit level

500

24-hour TSP Level

in µg/m³

For baseline level ≤200µg/m³,

Action level = (Baseline level * 1.3 + Limit level)/2

For baseline level > 200µg/m³,

Action level = Limit level

260

 

  

Following the above guidelines, the Action and Limit Levels for air quality impact monitoring have been set, as presented in Tables 3.9 and 3.10.

 

Table 3‑9    Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Location

Action Level, µg/m³

Limit Level, µg/m³

AM1

273.7

500

AM2

274.2

AM3

280.4

AM4

278.5

 

Table 3‑10  Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Location

Action Level, µg/m³

Limit Level, µg/m³

AM1

143.6

260

AM2

151.1

AM3

152.4

AM4

152.6

 

The Event and Action Plan for Air Quality is given in Table 3-11.

 

Table 3‑11  Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

Event

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

 

1. Exceedance for one sample

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

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

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 IEC and WKCDA;

3. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

4. Repeat measurements to confirm findings;

5. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

6. Discuss with IEC and Contractor on remedial actions required;

7. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA;

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 ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the 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 WKCDA within three 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 WKCDA, 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 IEC, EPD and WKCDA 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 WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the 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 IEC within three 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, WKCDA, 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 and WKCDA to discuss the remedial actions to be taken;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

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

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. In consolidation with the 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 IEC within three 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 WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

 

 

2. Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

1. Identify source;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

4. Repeat measurements to confirm findings;

5. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

6. Discuss with IEC and Contractor on remedial actions required;

7. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA;

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 ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the 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 WKCDA within three 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 WKCDA, 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 IEC, EPD and WKCDA 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 WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the 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 IEC within three 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, WKCDA, 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 and WKCDA to discuss the remedial actions to be taken;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

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

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. In consolidation with the 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 IEC within three 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 WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.