2_GOCZ_P1_02_Legislation_and_relevant_requirements_for_management-1-50

Key components of air quality management legislation typically include:

1. Standards and Regulations: Establishing permissible levels of pollutants.
2. Monitoring and Reporting: Requirements for regular monitoring of air quality and reporting findings.
3. Permitting: Regulations governing emissions from industrial sources.
4. Enforcement: Mechanisms for ensuring compliance with air quality standards.
5. Public Participation: Provisions for community involvement in air quality management decisions.

The ETWB Technical Circular provides guidelines and standards for managing dust emissions during construction activities, ensuring compliance with air quality regulations and minimizing environmental impact.

Common violations include failing to implement dust suppression measures, not maintaining equipment properly, and neglecting to monitor dust levels as required by regulations.

Partnership programs facilitate collaboration between construction companies, regulatory bodies, and the community to promote best practices in dust control and enhance compliance with environmental standards.

Effective dust control measures include:

1. Water spraying to dampen surfaces
2. Use of dust suppressants
3. Installation of windbreaks
4. Regular cleaning of construction sites
5. Properly covering materials during transport.

The Environmental Management Plan aims to manage environmental impacts by outlining strategies for waste management, abatement of nuisances, and implementing necessary environmental measures such as wheel washing systems and dust/smoke screens.

The Environmental Management Plan is required for all public works contracts, specifically for capital works contracts exceeding $20 million and with a contract period longer than 6 months.

Components of the Environmental Management Plan include:

1. Waste Management Plan
2. Abatement of nuisances
3. Payment for EMP documentation, environmental walks, training, etc.
4. Payment for environmental measures such as wheel washing systems and dust/smoke screens.

• Use ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) with a sulphur content of less than 0.005%.
• Maintain a delivery record of ULSD.
• Conduct a fuel sample analysis for sulphur content by a HOKLAS laboratory.

• Designated environmental personnel to oversee compliance.
• Implementation of air pollution abatement measures such as:
  • Screens/enclosure
  • Water spraying system
  • Vacuum cleaning device
• Ensure smoke from construction plant does not exceed Shade 1 on the Ringelmann Chart for more than 30 seconds.
• Use of an auto wheel washing machine.
• Installation of a mechanical cover.
• Development of an Environmental Management Plan.

An effective environmental management plan for construction activities should include:

1. Tendering for dust control equipment
2. Designated personnel responsible for overseeing environmental practices
3. Pollution prevention strategies rather than just abatement measures
4. Structured training programs to enhance environmental awareness among workers

• Pollution Prevention: Focuses on reducing or eliminating the generation of pollutants at the source, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
• Abatement: Involves controlling or reducing pollution after it has been created, often through treatment or cleanup methods.

Environmental awareness training is crucial in construction activities because it:

• Educates personnel on the impact of construction on the environment.
• Promotes compliance with environmental regulations.
• Encourages proactive measures to prevent pollution.
• Enhances the overall sustainability of construction practices.

The bar chart indicates trends in complaints against construction activities over the years:

• Total complaints show fluctuations, with a peak in certain years.
• Water, Waste, Noise, and Air complaints vary, indicating specific areas of concern.
• The overall trend can help identify which types of complaints are most prevalent and may require targeted interventions.

The main purposes are to:

1. Employ effective dust abatement measures to reduce dust emission.
2. Reduce air nuisance.
3. Improve general air quality.

The three main types of construction works are:

1. Notifiable work: Includes building demolition, construction of superstructure, site formation, reclamation, etc.
2. Regulatory work (Notification not required): Includes road opening/resurfacing, external renovation, slope stabilization.
3. Excluded work (Notification not required): Includes internal renovation, specified processes, etc.

The following types of work are considered notifiable:

1. Site formation
2. Reclamation
3. Work carried out in any part of a tunnel that is within 100 m of any exit to the open air
4. Road construction work
5. Demolition of a building
6. Construction of building foundation
7. Construction of building superstructure

In Part III of the dust control schedule, the following types of work are included:

The relevant plant or dusty process should be stopped immediately.

Using a compressed air jet to clean off dust is prohibited.

Vehicle washing facilities should be provided, and the area between the site exit and the vehicle washing facilities should be paved.

A hoarding of 2.4 meters should be provided along the site boundary.

1. Pave the road with concrete, bituminous materials, or hard cores to minimize dust.
2. Keep the road clear of dusty materials.
3. Maintain the entire road surface wet to suppress dust.

Clear dusty materials from the portion of the road within 30 meters of the vehicle entrance and exit to prevent dust from being carried onto the road.

Bagged cement exceeding 20 bags should be covered or enclosed in an area sheltered on the top and the three sides.

Cement bags should not be stored in an open area.

Cement bags should be stored in a sheltered area, preferably under a cover.

Bulk cement or PFA should be stored in a closed silo equipped with a high-level alarm.

The recommended methods for treating exposed earth include:

1. Compaction
2. Hydroseeding
3. Vegetation planting

These treatments should be completed within 6 months after the last construction activity.

Dusty materials should be:

• Disposed of in enclosed containers.
• Not stored in open areas to prevent dust emissions.

1. Cover entirely by impervious sheeting.

2. Place in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides.

3. Maintain the entire surface wet.

Wet dusty materials with water spraying prior to operation.

1. Enclose the belt conveyor from the top and the 2 sides.

2. Enclose the transfer point between conveyors.

3. Install belt scraper and bottom plates.

4. Maintain vertical distance between belt conveyor outlet and material landing point at <1 m.

5. Enclose the unloading area.

Wash every vehicle to remove dusty materials from the body and wheels before leaving the site.

Cover any load of dusty materials to prevent dust emissions during transport.

Continuously spray the surface with water to control dust emissions during these activities.

Equip drilling machines with an effective dust extraction and filtering device to minimize dust emissions.

1. Cover or store debris in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides.

2. Enclose the debris chute.

3. Wet debris before dumping into the chute.

Spray the working area with water or chemicals before, during, and immediately after the operation to maintain the entire surface wet.

The process must be conducted in an area that is sheltered on the top and the 3 sides.

The working area should be wet to minimize dust. Additionally, all demolished items must be covered or placed in a sheltered area within a day of demolition.

A wet area must be maintained within 30 meters before blasting.

Blasting is not permitted during a strong wind signal or tropical cyclone warning No.3 or above, unless permitted by the Commissioner of Mines.

Stockpiles of dusty materials greater than 1.2 m high and less than 50 m from the site boundary should be treated or sealed with bitumen or other suitable surface stabilizers.

1. Wet the working area prior to, during, and immediately after demolition.

2. Enclose the building with impervious dust screens to a height of at least 1 m higher than the building.

3. Wet remaining dusty materials after removal and clear the road surface.

Provide an effective dust screen where scaffolding is erected.

Enclose the skip hoist to manage dust effectively.

• Provide dust screens where there is scaffolding.
• Enclose the skip hoist.
• Wet remaining dusty materials after removal and clear the road surface.

• Cover dusty materials.
• Spray, remove, backfill, or reinstate dusty materials within 24 hours.
• Ensure dusty materials do not extend beyond pedestrian barriers, fencing, or traffic cones.
• Wet and clear any remaining dusty materials from the road surface after removal.

• Road construction work
• Slope stabilization (if the site boundary adjoins road for vehicular traffic)

Road opening or resurfacing work is exempt from:

• Vehicle washing facilities
• Hoarding requirements

Emergency work is exempt when:

• There is a threat to human life or building safety.
• Immediate repair of utility services, road collapse, or road blockage due to accidents.

For the first conviction, the penalty is Level 4 ($25,000)**. For the second or subsequent conviction, the penalty is **Level 5 ($50,000).

For the first conviction, the penalty is Level 5 ($50,000)**. For the second or subsequent conviction, the penalty is **Level 6 ($100,000) + 3-month imprisonment. Additionally, there is a daily fine of $10,000.

For the first conviction, the penalty is Level 4 ($25,000)**. For the second or subsequent conviction, the penalty is **Level 5 ($50,000). There is also a daily fine of $5,000.

No water spraying is allowed during mechanical breaking or drilling, which can lead to significant dust in the air.

There should be hoarding along the site boundary to separate the construction area from the public sidewalk and street, but in this case, there is none.

A common violation is having no cover for more than 20 bags of cement/PFA.

A common violation is having no cover for stockpile of dusty material.

Vehicles are often not washed before leaving construction sites, which can lead to dust and debris being spread onto public roads.

A common violation is that there is no cover for the load of dusty material in vehicles, which can contribute to air pollution and dust dispersion.

Producing concrete not in a sheltered area, which exposes it to environmental elements, is a common violation.

Not submitting a notification for notifiable works, such as failing to complete the required Air Pollution Control Ordinance form, is a common violation.

The key partnerships in the construction industry in Hong Kong involve the Hong Kong Construction Association, various government departments, and educational institutions. These collaborations aim to enhance the industry's development and promote best practices.

Events organized to promote the construction industry include seminars and conferences. These events often feature discussions on topics like Green Construction and provide a platform for industry stakeholders to share knowledge and innovations.

The key components of the EPD's work include:

1. Licensing / Permits: Ensuring that construction activities comply with legal requirements.
2. Complaint Investigations: Addressing concerns raised by the public regarding construction practices.
3. Surprise Inspections: Conducting unannounced checks to ensure compliance with regulations.
4. Enforcement Actions:
   • Advisory / Warning Letters / Record of Inspections: Providing guidance and documentation of compliance status.
   • Abatement Notices: Issuing notices to rectify non-compliance issues.
   • Prosecution: Taking legal action against violators.
5. Workshops, Seminars: Educating stakeholders on safe construction practices and environmental protection.

A vehicle washing facility at the site exit helps to minimize dust by ensuring that vehicles are clean before leaving the site. Additionally, the road surface can be paved and dampened with hose water to further reduce dust emissions.

Washing vehicles before leaving a construction site is crucial to prevent the spread of dirt and debris to surrounding areas, which can lead to environmental pollution and potential violations of regulations. It also helps maintain the cleanliness of public roads and reduces the risk of accidents caused by debris.

Covering loads of dusty materials with impervious sheeting is crucial to prevent dust emissions during transport. This practice helps to minimize air pollution, protects public health, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

1. Water Tanker Truck: A mobile method where a water tanker truck sprays water on the haul road to suppress dust.

2. Fixed Water Spray System: A stationary system that continuously sprays water onto the haul road to maintain moisture and reduce dust.

Wetting haul roads with water tankers helps to control dust emissions, improving air quality and safety for workers and nearby communities.

A fixed water spray system provides continuous dust suppression, reduces the need for manual watering, and ensures consistent application of water to maintain road conditions.

Dust screens or netting are used to control and minimize dust emissions during construction activities. They help to prevent dust from spreading into the surrounding environment, thereby protecting air quality and reducing health risks for workers and nearby residents.

Wetting of haul roads helps to suppress dust by adding moisture to the surface, which binds the dust particles together and prevents them from becoming airborne. This practice is essential in maintaining air quality and ensuring safe working conditions on construction sites.

Impervious sheeting is used to control dust emissions, protect materials from weather conditions, and minimize environmental impact during construction activities.

Impervious sheeting covers stockpiles of dusty materials to prevent dust from becoming airborne, thereby reducing air pollution and protecting the surrounding environment.

Water spray is used to control dust emissions during breaking operations, ensuring a safer and cleaner work environment.

Wetting and enclosing the breaking area helps to minimize dust emissions and improve safety by keeping the work area contained and reducing airborne particles.

A soaked mop is often used to control dust emissions during small-scale road opening work, along with water spray to keep the area damp.

The purpose of a dust extraction device in external wall grinding is to control dust emission, ensuring a cleaner and safer work environment by minimizing airborne particles during the grinding process.

Water is continuously sprayed on the breaking area to control dust and minimize air pollution during the demolition process.

Water is continuously sprayed on the drilling surface to suppress dust and improve visibility, ensuring a safer working environment.

The purpose of using impervious sheeting in construction sites for slope stabilization is to fully enclose the work area, which helps to minimize dust emissions and protect the surrounding environment from dust pollution.

Covering stockpiles of dusty materials with tarpaulin helps in dust control by preventing wind from displacing the materials, thereby reducing the amount of dust that can become airborne. It also protects the materials from moisture and contamination.

Wetting soil prior to transfer helps to minimize dust generation during the operation, thereby reducing air pollution and improving safety for workers.

An Environmental Management Plan is crucial as it helps in minimizing environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting sustainable practices. It outlines strategies for managing dust, waste, and other environmental concerns effectively.

Adopting Green Construction Practices can lead to reduced environmental impact, improved resource efficiency, and enhanced worker safety. These practices often include using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient processes.

Strengthening training and supervision is vital to ensure that all workers are aware of dust control measures and best practices. Proper training helps in reducing dust emissions and enhances compliance with environmental regulations.

Establishing a communication channel allows for effective coordination among workers, management, and stakeholders. It ensures that everyone is informed about dust control measures and can report issues promptly, leading to better management of dust emissions.

Air pollutants include any solid, particulate, liquid, vapor, objectionable odor, or gaseous substance emitted into the atmosphere.

Air pollution is defined as an emission of air pollutants that is prejudicial to health, a nuisance, imperils safety or interferes with the normal operation of aircraft, or is determined to be air pollution under a technical memorandum.

'Dark Smoke' is defined as smoke which is as dark as or darker than shade 1 on the Ringelmann Chart.

The criteria for smoke emissions to be considered an offence are:

1. Smoke emission lasting more than 3 minutes continuously.
2. Smoke emission lasting more than 6 minutes in any period of 4 hours.

The Micro-Ringelmann Chart is used to visually assess the density of smoke emissions from sources such as industrial stacks. It provides a standardized method for comparing the opacity of smoke against defined density levels, helping to determine compliance with air quality regulations.

1. Hold the chart at arm's length and view the smoke through the slot provided.

2. Ensure that the light shining on the chart is the same light illuminating the smoke being examined; for optimal results, the sun should be behind the observer.

3. Match the smoke as closely as possible with the corresponding grid on the chart.