air quality & climate assessment · 2019-10-03 · 1 introduction 1 2 project description 2 3...

Appendix G

Air Quality & Climate Assessment

REPORT NO. 08377 VERSION A

HW10 PACIFIC HIGHWAY LISAROW TO F3 STAGE 3A (OURIMBAH STREET, LISAROW TO

GLEN ROAD, OURIMBAH) UPGRADE AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

HW10 PACIFIC HIGHWAY LISAROW TO F3 STAGE 3A (OURIMBAH STREET, LISAROW TO

GLEN ROAD, OURIMBAH) UPGRADE AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

REPORT NO. 08377 VERSION A

NOVEMBER 2009

PREPARED FOR

HYDER CONSULTING PTY LTD LEVEL 5, 141 WALKER STREET NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060

Report No. 08377 Version A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2

3 SENSITIVE RECEIVERS 3

3.1 Catchments 3 3.1.1 Catchment W1 3 3.1.2 Catchment E1 4 3.1.3 Catchment W2 4 3.1.4 Catchment W3A 5 3.1.5 Catchment W3B 5 3.1.6 Catchment E2 6

4 AIR QUALITY CRITERIA 8

4.1 Carbon Monoxide 8

4.2 Nitrogen Oxides 8

4.3 Particulates 9

4.4 Lead 9

5 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 10

5.1 Climatic conditions 10

5.2 Existing Air Quality 10

6 TRAFFIC DATA 12

7 AIR QUALITY MODELLING 14

8 CONSTRUCTION 18

8.1 Construction Air Quality Goals 18

8.2 Air Quality Construction Mitigation 18

9 CONCLUSION 20

APPENDIX A – Glossary of Terms APPENDIX B – References

Report No 08377 Version A Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

The RTA propose widening the existing Pacific Highway between Lisarow and Ourimbah from the current two lanes to a four lane carriageway. This widening will allow enhanced traffic flow, improved intersections, pedestrian facilities and cycleways, for a length of approximately 1.9 kilometres. The “proposal” is known as the “HW10 Pacific Highway Lisarow to F3 Stage 3A (Ourimbah Street, Lisarow to Glen Road, Ourimbah) Upgrade”.

The proposal is located within the RTA’s Central Coast Region, and falls partly within Wyong Shire Council (north of Teralba Street) and Gosford City Council (south of Teralba Street).

Funding for the proposal would be provided under the NSW State Government’s Central Coast Transport Action Plan, through the RTA’s Road Network Infrastructure Development Program.

A range of corridor and route options have been evaluated resulting in the final concept design. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared for this project and Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd has been contracted by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to conduct an air quality assessment as part of the REF.

This technical report assesses the potential impacts on air quality of atmospheric emissions during the construction and operation of the proposal.

The air quality assessment covers the following issues:

existing air quality and local meteorology;

quantification of emissions from various segments of the road involved in the development;

estimation of kerbside concentrations of roadway air emissions; and

construction impacts.

The assessment of motor vehicle emissions uses the typical methodology endorsed by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW). Computer models are used to determine the dispersion of emissions and to predict ground level concentrations for the various exhaust components in the vicinity of the road. The primary pollutants of concern are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and lead. Pollutant concentrations were calculated from various segments along the road. Air quality impacts for the opening (assumed 2012) and for ten years in the future (2022) are considered.


2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The RTA propose widening the existing Pacific Highway between Lisarow and Ourimbah from the current two lanes to a four lane carriageway. This will allow enhanced traffic flow, improved intersections, pedestrian facilities and cycleways. The road corridor is shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1 Location of the Proposed Stage 3A Upgrade and Study Area

The preferred option for the Stage 3A concept design is a 1.9 km dual carriageway upgrade of the Pacific Highway. It comprises the following key features:

Four lane divided carriageway with median separation; Three signalised intersections with local roads at Ourimbah Street, Teralba Street and

Walmsley Road; Interim works at Railway Crescent intersection (i.e. banned turning movement); One u-turn facility (opposite Walmsley Road); Off road, shared pedestrian and cycle path; Road shoulders allowing for on road cycleway and vehicle breakdowns; Street lighting; Upgraded bus stop facilities; Three parallel bridges over Cut Rock Creek, including one new road bridge, one new

pedestrian/cycleway bridge and one existing bridge to be upgraded; One culvert extension over Cut Rock Creek; One upgraded residential access road (near Teralba Street); One upgraded light industrial service road (near Walmsley Road); Two local road roundabouts; Provision for “on street” parking on northbound carriageway in Ourimbah; Several retaining structures; and Creek re-alignment works and several cross drainage culverts.


3 SENSITIVE RECEIVERS

3.1 Catchments

The project generally follows the alignment of the existing Pacific Highway with minor deviations to improve road geometry. Figure 3-1 shows the location of five catchment areas for sensitive receivers identified as potentially being affected by air quality from the proposal.

Surrounding catchments are:

W1 – west from the highway between Glen Road and Walmsley Road ; E1 - eastern side of the highway between Glen Road and the end of James Graham Lane W2 – west from the highway from Walmsley Road to the end of Robert Holl Drive; W3A – west of the highway between Teralba Street and Ourimbah Street; W3B – west of the highway between Ourimbah Street and Railway Crescent; and E2 – eastern side of the highway.

3.1.1 Catchment W1

South of Glen Road to Wamsley Road, there are 13 residences. There are also three commercial businesses including the Tall Timbers Hotel, Ourimbah Thai Restaurant and Ourimbah Real Estate located on the corner of Glenn Road and the Pacific Highway. Table 3-1 presents the receiver locations in Catchment W1.

Table 3-1 Receivers in Catchment W1

# Address Description

W1-1 33 Pacific Highway Ourimbah Real Estate

W1-2 31 Pacific Highway Residential





W1-7 21 Pacific Highway Ourimbah Thai Restaurant


W1-9 17 Pacific Highway Tall Timbers Hotel

W1-10 15 Pacific Highway Tall Timbers Hotel – Bottle Shop





W1-15 5 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence in front yard)


W1-17 1 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence in front yard)


3.1.2 Catchment E1

Receivers south of Glen Road to Wamsley Road on the eastern side of the Pacific Highway are commercial in nature. Table 3-2 presents the receiver locations in Catchment E1.

Table 3-2 Receivers in Catchment E1


E1-1 12 Pacific Highway Service Station

E1-2 10 Pacific Highway Ourimbah Veterinary Hospital

E1-3 Lot 101 Pacific Highway Affordable Wardrobes

E1-4 Pacific Highway Ourimbah Landscape Supplier

E1-5 Pacific Highway Shed Supplier

3.1.3 Catchment W2

Between Wamsley Road and Teralba Street there are twenty three residences. Twenty two of the residences are located on Robert Holl Drive with one residence in the bushland area identified as Lot B number 1030 Pacific Highway. Table 3-3 presents the receiver locations in Catchment W2. In addition a childcare centre is located at 2 Robert Holl Drive.

Table 3-3 Receivers in Catchment W2


W2-1 2 Robert Holl Drive Nanna’s House Childcare Centre

W2-2 4 Robert Holl Drive Residential (Fence)
























W2-24 Lot B, 1030 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence)

3.1.4 Catchment W3A

Between Teralba Street and Ourimbah Street there are twenty residences. These residences are set back from the Pacific Highway with the majority being shielded by a 1.8 metre fence. Table 3-4 presents the receiver locations in Catchment W3A.

Table 3-4 Receivers in Catchment W3A


W3A-1 2 Teralba Street Residential (Fence)

W3A-2 Lot 246 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence in front yard)

W3A-3 1016 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence in front yard)

W3A-4 1014 Pacific Highway Residential


W3A-6 42 Lisarow Street 1010 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence in front yard)


W3A-8 46 Lisarow Street Residential (Fence in front yard)









W3A-17 28 Lisarow Street Residential



W3A-20 980 Pacific Highway Residential (Fence)

3.1.5 Catchment W3B

The Lisarow Anglican Cemetery and associated land is on the corner of Dora Street and the Pacific Highway. North of Lisarow Cemetery and Ourimbah Street there are 8 residences. There is a service station at 4 Ourimbah Street. Table 3-5 presents the receiver locations in Catchment W3B.


Table 3-5 Receivers in Catchment W3B


W3B-1 4 Ourimbah Street Service Station

W3B-2 978 Pacific Highway Residential








3.1.6 Catchment E2

On Baileys Road to Cox Street on the eastern side of the Pacific Highway there are 14 residential receivers. Table 3-6 presents the receiver locations in Catchment E2.

Table 3-6 Receivers in Catchment E2


E2-1 Baileys Road Residential

E2-2 Baileys Road Residential

E2-3 Lot 100 Baileys Road Residential

E2-4 35 or Lot 93 Baileys Road Residential

E2-5 Lot 1 Manning Road Residential

E2-6 13 Manning Road Residential

E2-7 59 Private Road of Tuggerah Road Residential











Figure 3-1 Overview of Sensitive Receivers

W1

W2

W2

W3A

E2

W3B

E1

W2

Cemetery


4 AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES

This section discusses the ambient air quality goals which relate to motor vehicle emissions. The pollutants applicable are:

carbon monoxide (CO); oxides of nitrogen (NO2); particulate matter less than 10 micrometres (PM10); and Lead.

The National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) has determined air quality objectives for adoption at a national level, which are part of the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM). The DECCW “Action for Air” presents NSW air quality objectives which are consistent with the NEPM standard. The DECCW air quality objectives are presented in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1 Summary of NSW Air Quality Objectives

Pollutant Standard1 Averaging Time

Carbon Monoxide 25 ppm or 30 mg/m3

9 ppm or 10 mg/m3 1 hour maximum 8 hour maximum

Nitrogen dioxide 0.12 ppm or 246 g/m3 0.03 ppm or 62 g/m3

1 hour maximum annual mean

Particulate Matter < 10 mm (PM10)

30g/m3

50 g/m3 annual mean

24 hour maximum

Lead 1.5 g/m3

0.5 g/m3 90 day average annual average

4.1 Carbon Monoxide

When CO is inhales it enters the blood stream and may disrupt the supply of essential O2 to the body’s tissues. The health effects of CO results principally from its ability to displace O2 from haemoglobin, forming carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb). The normal function of haemoglobin is to transport O2 from the lungs to all body tissues. The consequent reduced O2 availability can give rise to a wide range of health effects (depending on how much the supply of oxygen to the body is impeded). These health effects are usually related to blood levels of COHb (expressed as a percentage), which can in turn be related to exposure as a function of exposure time as well as concentration.

However, there is evidence that there is a risk for individuals with cardiovascular disease when the carboxyhaemoglobin concentration reaches 4% and WHO recommends that ambient concentrations be kept to values that would protect individuals from exceeding the 4% level.

The 1 hour objective of 25ppm and 8 hour objective of 9ppm adopted by the DECCW reflects the “no-observed effects” level with a significant margin of safety.

4.2 Nitrogen Oxides

The most important nitrogen compounds present in urban locations are nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), referred to collectively as NOx.

Nitric oxide is much less harmful to humans than is nitrogen dioxide and is not generally


considered as a pollutant with health impacts at the concentration levels normally found in the urban environment. Concern with nitric oxide relates to its transformation to nitrogen dioxide and its role in the formation of photochemical smog.

A variety of respiratory system effects have been reported to be associated with exposure to NO2. Young children and asthmatics are the groups at greatest risk from ambient NO2 exposure. Chronic bronchitis and individuals with emphysema or other chronic respiratory diseases may also be sensitive to NO2 exposure.

There are no air quality objectives for nitric oxide. The DECCW standard for NO2 is 0.12 ppm or 246 µg/m3 for a 1-hour average.

4.3 Particulates

The presence of particulate matter in the atmosphere can have an adverse effect on health and amenity. Particles lodged in the lungs can affect the respiratory system, especially if they contain absorbed acid gases such as sulphur dioxide.

The health effects of particles are largely related to the extent to which they can penetrate the respiratory tract. Larger particles, that are those greater than 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter, generally adhere to the mucus in the nose, mouth, pharynx and larger bronchi and from there are removed by either swallowing or expectorating. The nature of particles in the air has an inverse relationship between the size of the particle and its diameter. So that as a particle diameter decreases, the number of similarly sized particles increases. This relationship is a factor resulting in increased scientific concern about the effects of fine particles. Fine particles are of concern for two principal reasons, since they have the ability to penetrate deeper into the lungs and the increased number of similarly sized particles that can reach the deep regions of the lung, like the alveolar sacs. The presence of particles can inflame tissue in this region and behind the alveolar sacs, since it is quite sensitive to foreign material. The human body does have defences against deposition of particles in this region but due to the increased number of particles this mechanism may be unable to cope, resulting in inflammation of the alveolar sacs. The health effects of particulate matter are further complicated by the chemical nature of particles and the possibility of synergistic effects with other air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide.

The DECCW adopts the NEPM 24-hour standard of 50 µg/m3, and references a new annual average of 30 µg/m3 as a long-term reporting goal.

4.4 Lead

Lead occurs in the atmosphere mainly in particulate form. Historically, the principle source of atmospheric lead has been the combustion of alkyl lead additives in motor fuels. However the contribution from this source is decreasing in Australia as a result of controls on the lead content of fuels and the availability of lead free petrol.

Human exposure to lead is through inhalation of airborne lead and ingestion of lead in foodstuffs and beverages. Blood lead concentration levels are a good indicator of recent exposure to lead and adverse health effects tend to increase with increasing blood lead levels.

The most sensitive body system to the effects of lead are the haematopoietic system, the nervous system and the renal system. The most sensitive group to lead poisoning is children. Studies indicate that children with high levels of lead in blood or accumulated in their teeth experience more behavioural problems, lower IQs and decreasing ability to concentrate, although these finds are currently controversial.


The NEPM/DECCW standard of 0.5 µg/m3 for lead is based on an annual average concentration. Lead levels have not been assessed in this report as it has been assumed that in the future the majority of motor vehicles will be fitted with catalytic converters and will therefore use unleaded petrol. Since the introduction of unleaded petrol there has been a steady decline in lead emissions. This can be seen in Figure 4-1 showing DECCW’s monitoring data in NSW (EPA, 2003).

From 1986 when unleaded petrol was introduced to 1998, the lead levels in air have been reduced by a factor of two in suburban Sydney. The ambient levels of lead in air are approximately half the DECCW or NEPM standard.

Figure 4-1 Lead Concentrations Levels in Sydney between 1990 and 1998

5 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

5.1 Climatic conditions

The closest weather station to the project site is the Narara Research Automated Weather Station. In general, the significant wind directions for the Ourimbah /Narara area are south-easterly and north-westerly winds. The south-easterly winds occur predominately in the summer months while north-westerly winds are more common in the winter months. Calm winds less than 0.5m/s occur for approximately 25% of the time in winter afternoons. Annual average wind speeds for Ourimbah /Narara are between 2.1m/s and 2.8m/s in the morning and afternoon, respectively.

5.2 Existing Air Quality

Local air quality with respect to NO2, CO and PM10 has been monitored at selected DECCW air quality sites that represent existing air quality conditions currently experienced near the proposal. While no project specific or locality specific air quality monitoring has been undertaken for this project, this monitoring data gives a general indication of the likely background levels in the study area.


The closest monitoring sites to the project area are Wallsend and Newcastle. Table 5-1 shows results for NO2, CO and PM10 monitoring. These levels have been presented in this report to show typical pollutant concentrations in the central coast region not measured directly on a busy road. This monitoring data gives an indication of the likely pollutant levels in the area around Ourimbah/ Narara.

Table 5-1 Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Conducted at Wallsend and Newcastle (DECC monitoring stations)(DECC, 2007)

Month & Year

Carbon Monoxide

ppm (1 hour)

Nitrogen Dioxide

pphm (1 hour)

PM10 (24 hour average)

(µg/m3)

Newcastle Wallsend Newcastle Wallsend Newcastle Wallsend

2007 January 0.1(0.3) - 0.5(2.6) 0.6(1.9) 31(49) 24(38)

2007 February 0.1(0.3) - 0.4(2.1) 0.6(2.5) 21(33) 18(27)

2007 March 0.1(0.4) - 0.7(2.7) 0.7(3.0) 23(33) 17(25)

2007 April 0.2(1.1) - 0.8(2.5) 0.9(3.5) 20(33) 17(28)

2007 May 0.3(1.7) - 1.3(3.2) 1.1(3.4) 21(58) 20(51)

2007 June - - - 1.0(2.6) 19(26) 11(17)

2007 July - - - 1.0(3.2) - 13(23)

2007 August - - - 1.0(3.2) - 16(34)

2007 September - - - 0.9(3.0) - 18(28)

2007 October - - - 2.0(3.2) - 25(45)

2007 November - - - 1.2(2.4) - 14(26)

2007 December 0.8(1.0) - - 0.9(1.6) 22(32) 15(24)

Average 0.3 - 0.7 1.0 26 17

Goals 25ppm 12 pphm 50g/m3

Note: - Data not available. The monitoring results measured are well below NSW air quality objectives. Based on the data presented in Table 5-1 the background air quality levels are assumed to be:

0.3 ppm CO;

0.9 pphm NO2; and

22 g/m3 for particulates less then 10 micrometres (PM10).


6 TRAFFIC DATA

The traffic data used for the air quality modelling was supplied by the Hyder Consulting.

For the air quality assessment the traffic volumes required are the worst case 1 hour Pacific Highway traffic numbers for the new alignment on opening (2012) and at 10 years after opening (2022). These traffic volumes are presented in Table 6-1 and Table 6-2 or Years 2012 and 2022, respectively.

Traffic data was supplied at 2 locations. The first was on the Pacific Highway North of Glen Road (M-1) and the second on the Pacific Highway North of Railway Crescent (M-2) as shown in See Figure 6-1.

Table 6-1 Traffic Volumes, 2012 – Worst case 1 hour (1600-1700 hrs)

ID Location

Daily

Northbound Southbound Total

Lights Heavy Lights Heavy Lights Heavy

M-1

Pacific

Highway

North of

Glen Road

1,300 40 1,190 30 2,490 70

M-2

Pacific

Highway

North

of Railway

Crescent

1,220 40 1,180 50 2,400 90

Table 6-2 Traffic Volumes, 2022 – Worst case 1 hour (1600-1700 hrs)

ID Location

Daily

Northbound Southbound Total

Lights Heavy Lights Heavy Lights Heavy

M-1

Pacific

Highway

North of

Glen Road

1,690 60 1,550 60 3,240 120

M-2

Pacific

Highway

North

of Railway

Crescent

1,550 50 1,500 60 3,050 110

The maximum traffic volume was used for the air quality modelling.


Figure 6-1 Traffic Monitoring Locations


7 AIR QUALITY MODELLING

The potential risk for adverse air quality impacts at residences along the Pacific Highway was assessed by conducting air dispersion modelling. The RTA’s “TRAQ” dispersion modelling tool was utilised to estimate potential air quality impacts.

TRAQ is a pre-processing tool that uses the CALINE-4 dispersion model thereby estimating the concentrations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter less than 10 micrometres. The model has been used extensively in NSW and is currently accepted by regulatory agencies as an appropriate conservative model for forecasting near field ground level pollutant concentrations of traffic on major roads. TRAQ estimates traffic air emissions based on DECCW emission factors from the Motor Vehicle Emission Projection System (MVEPS) based on the description given in the Metropolitan Air Quality Study (Carnovale and Tilly, 1995). Motor vehicle emission factors have been developed for a number of years including 2006, 2008, 2001 and 2016.

For the modelling of the new alignment on opening (2012) MVEPS emission factors for 2011 have been used and for 10 years after opening (2022) MVEPS emission factors for 2016 have been used. These emission rates have been combined with traffic flow data, presented in Section 6, to estimate the road emissions.

Once pollutants are emitted from the vehicle it is primarily the prevailing meteorological condition which determine the efficiency in which they are dispersed and diluted into the surrounding environment. The most important climatic parameters governing the dispersion of pollutants are as follows:

Wind direction: this determines the transport of the plume and the sector of the compass into which the plum is dispersed;

Wind speed: this influences the initial dilution of pollutants and the plume rise; and Atmospheric stability: this is a measure of turbulence in the context of the surface layers and

in particular, the vertical motions present. This has a key influence on the way which the plume disperses in the atmosphere and hence also ground level concentrations.

The potential for stagnation of the atmosphere and hence the accumulation of pollutants is at one of its two extremes. Atmospheric stability has been classified by Pasquill and Gifford. The stability categories are derived from a number of factors which influences the atmosphere stability and include temperature, time of day, wind speed and cloud cover. The ranges of stability is categorised into six classes, as follows:

A Extremely unstable applies under sunny conditions with strong winds when dispersion of the plume is most rapid;

B Unstable; C Slightly unstable; D Neutral; E Slightly stable; and F Very stable applies normally at night or early mornings/evenings when winds are light

and the sky is clear. For this assessment a conservative wind speed of 0.5 m/s and an F stability class was used for modelling purposes. The model was run using “worst case” wind direction scenario.

Table 7-1 and Table 7-2 present maximum total predicted pollutant levels at the closest receiver in each catchment for the years 2012 and 2022, respectively.


Table 7-1 Results of Air Quality Modelling (worst case weather conditions) Total predicted pollutant ground level concentrations, 2012.

Location

Distance

from

curb

(metres)

Carbon

Monoxide

(mg/m3)

(1 hour

average)

Carbon Monoxide

(mg/m3)

(8 hours average)

Nitrogen

Dioxide

(g/m3)

(1 hour

average)

Nitrogen Dioxide

(g/m3)

(annual)

Particulates

<10 PM10

(µg/m3)

(24 hours)

Particulates

<10 PM10

(µg/m3)

(annual)

Road Total Road Total Road Total Road Total Road Total Road Total

W1 9 2.7 3.0 1.5 1.8 35.5 54 7.1 25.6 5.13 27.13 2.05 24.05

W2 26 1.3 1.6 0.9 1.2 26.1 44.6 5.2 23.7 2.7 24.7 1.26 23.26

W2-1 2

Childcare

Centre

39 1.0 1.3 0.7 1.0 24.8 43.3 5.0 23.5 2.5 24.5 1.0 23

W3A 30 1.2 1.5 0.8 1.1 28.4 46.9 5.7 24.2 2.9 24.9 1.15 23.15

W3B 12 1.8 2.1 1.3 1.6 34 52.5 6.8 25.3 4.7 26.7 1.75 23.75

E1 11 1.9 2.2 1.3 1.6 34 52.5 6.8 25.3 4.8 26.8 1.8 23.8

E2 95 0.7 1.0 0.4 0.7 15 33.5 3.0 21.5 1.6 23.6 0.63 22.63

Criteria 30 10 246 62 50 30

* Includes background air quality concentrations. Assumed background pollutant concentrations:

0.3 ppm CO;

0.9 pphm NO2; and

22 g/m3 for PM10.


Table 7-2 Results of Air Quality Modelling (worst case weather conditions) Total predicted pollutant ground level concentrations, 2022.

Location

Distance

from

curb

(metres)

Carbon

Monoxide

(mg/m3)

(1 hour

average)

Carbon Monoxide

(mg/m3)

(8 hours average)

Nitrogen

Dioxide

(g/m3)

(1 hour

average)

Nitrogen Dioxide

(g/m3)

(annual)

Particulates

<10 PM10

(µg/m3)

(24 hours)

Particulates

<10 PM10

(µg/m3)

(annual)

metre Road Total* Road Total* Road Total* Road Total* Road Total* Road Total*

W1 9 1.4 1.7 1.0 1.3 40.3 58.8 8.1 26.6 5.5 27.5 2.2 24.2

W2 26 0.9 1.2 0.65 0.95 34.9 53.4 7.0 25.5 3.4 25.4 1.35 23.35

W2-1

Childcare

Centre

39 0.7 1.0 0.5 0.8 28.3 46.8 5.7 24.2 2.7 24.7 1.1 23.1

W3A 30 0.8 1.1 0.6 0.9 32.4 50.9 6.5 25 3.1 25.1 1.2 23.2

W3B 12 1.2 1.5 0.8 1.1 38.7 57.2 7.7 26.2 4.7 26.7 2.1 24.1

E1 11 1.25 1.55 0.9 1.2 38.7 57.2 7.7 26.2 4.8 26.8 2.0 24

E2 95 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.6 17.7 36.2 2.8 21.3 1.7 23.7 0.7 22.7

Criteria 30 10 246 62 50 30

* Includes background air quality concentrations. Assumed background pollutant concentrations:

0.3 ppm CO;

0.9 pphm NO2; and

22 g/m3 for PM10.


Based on a review of the results of the air quality modelling undertaken for this report it can be concluded that:

The carbon monoxide levels around the proposed site are expected to be well within the NSW air quality goal;

The nitrogen dioxide levels around the proposed site are expected to be well within the NSW air quality goal; and

The PM10 levels around the proposed site are expected to be well within the NSW air quality goal.

It should be noted that CO pollutant ground level concentrations are predicted to decrease by 2022 even though vehicle numbers have increased because vehicle emissions have been predicted to reduce as a result of cleaner running combustion engines and a newer vehicle fleet.

Pollutant ground level concentrations have been specifically modelled for receiver W2-2 Nanna’s House Childcare Centre. There are no specific air quality criteria for childcare centres. The air quality modelling shows that CO, NO2 and PM10 ground level concentrations are expected to be well within the NSW air quality objectives.


8 CONSTRUCTION

8.1 Construction Air Quality Goals

DECCW consider that residential areas begin to experience dust related nuisance impacts when annual average dust (insoluble solids) deposition levels exceed 4 g/m2/month, and that dust impacts would be at unacceptable levels when they reach 10g/m2/month.

DECCW dust deposition criteria in terms of maximum acceptable increases in dust deposition over the existing dust levels are presented in Table 8-1.

Table 8-1 Construction Dust Deposition Criteria

Existing Dust deposition Level

(g/m2/month)

Maximum Acceptable increase Over Existing dust deposition Levels (g/m2/month)

Residential Other

2 2 2

3 1 2

4 0 1

A site inspection indicated that dust levels in the study area are likely to be in the order of 1 to 2 g/m2/month. Therefore an increase of 2 g/m2/month may occur before there was a perceptible degradation in air quality.

8.2 Air Quality Construction Mitigation

Dust generation would be the primary potential impact on air quality resulting from construction of the project. The amount of dust would depend on the silt and moisture content of the soils and the type of activities being carried out.

The major causes of dust would be:

Clearing of vegetation and moving topsoil.

Earthworks including embankments and cuttings.

Milling and re-sheeting of the road pavement.

Trenching for the installation of structures.

General use of construction equipment and compound sites.

Dust mobilisation has the potential to create a visual impact, settle on property and residences and cause general discomfort for the community in the immediate area, as well as project personnel.

However, these impacts are likely to be temporary and localised, and best practice management and mitigation measures can adequately address relevant DECCW goals for dust deposition and control potential impacts.


Exhaust from construction vehicles, plant and equipment would result in the emission of air pollutants. However, given the high traffic flow in the study area, the relative contribution from construction based emissions would be minor and will disperse quickly.

Mitigation and construction management measures for air quality impacts are presented in Table 8-2.

Table 8-2 Air quality mitigation and management measures

Potential impact Mitigation and management measures

Airborne dust particulates

Hardstands or similar will be provided in compound areas and work sites. Where possible, existing ground cover will be retained.

Disturbed areas, stockpiles and handling areas will be maintained in a condition that minimises windblown, traffic-generated or equipment-generated dust. This will be done through activities including (but not limited to) watering, road sweeping and removal of accumulated material from environmental controls.

Disturbed areas will be restored progressively, where possible, or at the completion of works. Where wind speeds reach a velocity that visually mobilises dust particulates, dust generating activities will cease and appropriate measures will be implemented to control dispersion.

Dust deposition monitoring would be conducted at appropriate locations.

Reduction in local air quality from vehicle emissions

Construction equipment and plant will be maintained in good working order, and maintenance will be carried out where emissions are unacceptable. Equipment, plant and construction vehicles will be turned off when not in use.


9 CONCLUSION

An air quality assessment from the proposed Pacific Highway Upgrade Lisarow to F3 Stage 3A (Lisarow Cemetery to Glen Road, Ourimbah) Project has been assessed. The following aspects were considered:

Operational air quality; and Construction air quality.

The operational air quality predictions for the major vehicle emissions were conducted, namely:

Carbon Monoxide;

Nitrogen Dioxide; and

Particulate Matter less than 10 micrometres (PM10).

The following scenarios were modelled:

Year 2012 after Upgrade completed; and Year 2022 10 years after opening. Based on the results of the air quality modelling undertaken for this report it is conclude that:

The carbon monoxide levels around the proposed site are expected to be well within the NSW air quality goal;

The nitrogen dioxide levels around the proposed site are expected to be well within the NSW air quality goal.

The PM10 levels around the proposed site are expected to be well within the NSW air quality goal.

In the construction stage dust from construction has potential for some annoyance to neighbouring premises. Therefore, dust management and mitigation would need to be considered. However, these impacts are likely to be temporary and localised, and best practice management and mitigation measures can adequately control potential impacts.

Note All materials specified by Wilkinson Murray Pty Limited have been selected solely on the basis of acoustic performance. Any other properties of these materials, such as fire rating, chemical properties etc. should be checked with the suppliers or other specialised bodies for fitness for a given purpose. The information contained in this document produced by Wilkinson Murray is solely for the use of the client identified on front page of this report. Our client becomes the owner of this document upon full payment of our Tax Invoice for its provision. This document must not be used for any purposes other than those of the document’s owner. Wilkinson Murray undertakes no duty to or accepts any responsibility to any third party who may rely upon this document.

Quality Assurance We are committed to and have implemented AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008 “Quality Management Systems – Requirements”. This management system has been externally certified and Licence No. QEC 13457 has been issued.

AAAC This firm is a member firm of the Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants and the work here reported has been carried out in accordance with the terms of that membership.

Version Status Date Prepared by Checked by A Final 22 November 2009 John Wassermann Brian Clarke

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Report No. 08377 Version A Appendix A-1

GLOSSARY

Canyon Where a road is enclosed on both sides by tall buildings that form a continuous barrier, the road becomes at the bottom of a canyon. This results in poor dispersion of pollutants by wind etc. and levels of pollution may be abnormally high in the canyon.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) A gas produced in the process of combustion, including motor car engines, domestic heating appliances, cigarettes, or even forest fires. Out doors the main sources of carbon monoxide are vehicle exhausts.

Fine Particles (PM10) Particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less are referred to as PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter). Particles of this size and below are particularly important because they penetrate deep into human lungs carrying with them the surface coatings which include many organic chemicals. There is a documented relationship between levels of PM10 particulates and rates of disease and death.

Microgram One microgram (1mg) is one millionth of a gram (1/1,000,000 of a gram). There are one thousand micrograms in a milligram and one thousand milligrams in a gram.

Micrometer One micrometer (1mm) is one millionth of a metre (1/1,000,000 of a metre).

Milligram One milligram (1mg) is one thousandth of a gram (1/1,000 of a gram).

Modelling A technique for predicting what concentration of a pollutant will occur at a particular place. It relies on being given information about the source of a pollutant (either assumed or measured), and then assuming that it is dispersed in a particular way that can be described mathematically. The more complex models are often run on computers. Models can be reasonably accurate when describing the dispersion of a single pollutant from a single point source.

ng/m3 Nanograms per cubic metre. This is one thousand millionth of a gram per cubic metre. This is an expression of the weight of a pollutant per cubic metre of air. There are one thousand nanograms in a microgram.

g/m3 Micrograms per cubic metre. Can also be written as mgm-3. This is an expression of the weight of a pollutant per cubic metre of air. There are one thousand micrograms in a milligram.

Nanogram One nanogram is one thousand millionth of a gram. There are one thousand nanograms in one microgram, one thousand micrograms in a milligram and one thousand milligrams in a gram.

Report No. 08377 Version A Appendix A-2

Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas produced by the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen in combustion processes. There are natural sources but the largest source in Australia is from the combustion of fossil fuels by motor vehicles.

NOX A general term for the oxides of nitrogen including nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

ppb Parts per billion. One ppb is one part in 1,000,000,000 parts by volume. This is an expression of the concentration of a pollutant in air. The relationship between ug/m3 and ppb will vary according to the pollutant being dealt with.

ppm Parts per million. One ppm is one part in 1,000,000 parts by volume. This is an expression of the concentration of a pollutant in air. The relationship between ug/m3 and ppb will vary according to the pollutant being dealt with.

APPENDIX B REFERENCES

Report No. 08377 Version A Appendix B-1

Carnovale F and Tilly K (1995) “MAQS Consultancy – Emissions Inventory Report” prepared by the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria, 1995. DECCW (2009) “Action for Air – Update 2009”, November 2009. DEC (2005) “Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW”, August 2005. DECC (2007) "Air Quality Monitoring Reports 1, 2, 3 and 4"

NSW EPA (2003) "Action for Air", the NSW Government's 25-Year Air Quality Management Plan

NEPC (1998) “National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality”, National Environmental Protection Council, Commonwealth Government of Australia, 26 June. TRAQ (2008) “ Tool for Roadside Air Quality: Manual”, RTA, 2008. WHO (1987) “Air Quality Guidelines for Europe”, World Health Organisation (WHO), WHO Regional Publications, Series No. 23, European Office, Copenhagen.

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