Table Air quality legislation and policy relevant to Melbourne Metro Legislation Policy/guideline Comment Commonwealth National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure The NEPC Act and complementary and Territory legislation allow the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) to make National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs). These measures assist in protecting or managing particular aspects of the environment. The NEPMs covering air quality are the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure and the National Environment Protection (Air Toxics) Measure. The impact of emissions from Melbourne Metro would be assessed in accordance with the Ambient Air Quality NEPM, as adopted by the complementary Victorian State Environment Protection Policy (Ambient Air Quality) (SEPP (AAQ)). As Melbourne Metro is not expected to contribute significantly to background air toxics, the management requirements of the Air Toxics NEPM would not be triggered. State Environment Protection Act 1970 SEPP (Ambient Air Quality) SEPP (AAQ) applies the standards and objectives of the Ambient Air Quality NEPM to Victoria. Emissions from Melbourne Metro would be managed in accordance with SEPP (AAQ) for six primary pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide, lead and particles (as PM10). SEPP (Air Quality Management) Protocol for Environmental Management (PEM): Mining and Extractive Industries To meet the SEPP (AAQ) objectives, the SEPP (AQM) establishes a framework for managing emissions. Meeting SEPP (AQM) requirements would include applying ‘best practice’ mitigation techniques, methods and processes, undertaking ongoing reporting and pursuing continuous improvement. The PEM would not be mandatory for Melbourne Metro but it has been prepared under the SEPP (AQM) and contains the only relevant criteria for dust deposition associated with mobile equipment. EPA Environmental Guidelines for Major Construction Sites (Publication 480) These guidelines would be incorporated within the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Melbourne Metro’s construction phase. This would include the development of a dust prevention strategy and the implementation of dust control and suppression measures. Local
The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements are listed in Section Table Air quality risks Impact pathway Project Precincts Residual risk rating Category Potential event Handling, storage and removal of spoil Increased dust and combustion emissions to air in the vicinity of the surface construction work sites due to handling of spoil, wind erosion and operation of vehicles on unpaved surfaces, resulting in a deterioration of the existing air quality environment. Construction 1 – Tunnels (Fawkner Park construction work site and emergency access shafts) 2 – Western portal 3 – Arden station 4 – Parkville station 5 – CBD station 6 – CBD South station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal Medium Activities with low residual risk outcomes include general earthworks and construction, station and platform construction post-excavation, the operation of construction ventilation shafts and exhaust fans, boring and excavation works, restoration of surface areas and emissions due to non-routine or emergency events such as tunnel wall cleaning or fire. Impact Assessment Potential air quality impacts expected from Melbourne Metro would be associated with construction activities. Some routine operational emissions would also be expected. Potential air quality impacts from the construction and operation of Melbourne Metro would be expected at precinct or local levels only. No significant adverse impacts to regional air quality would be anticipated. The main impacts identified in the air quality assessment are described below. Sections to describe these impacts as they apply specifically to each of Melbourne Metro precincts.
Construction Construction Dust Emissions Dust emissions would be expected to be the main air pollutant during the construction of Melbourne Metro. Construction works likely to generate dust include general earthworks and clearing activities, wheel-generated dust, wind generated dust from exposed surfaces, the on-site concrete batching plant and restoration of surface areas. The main pollutants of concern are airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and dust deposition (see box on page Dust emissions associated with construction would be likely to vary in intensity and duration, with the potential for air quality impacts at some sensitive receptors. The risk of elevated 24-hour PM10 and PM2.5 impacts and monthly dust deposition impacts at the precinct level are summarised in Table Table Summary of air quality risk factors at precinct level Precinct Main issues Commentary All precincts Receptors in very close proximity to works that have the potential to generate dust emissions Dust emissions would likely to be intermittent in nature, with potential for short-term impacts at sensitive receptors. Some locations would be more affected than others, due to a higher volume of spoil being extracted, handled and transported. All precincts Construction works coinciding with days of high background PM2.5 and PM10 Intensive construction works for extended periods in close proximity to sensitive receptors During days of high background particulate matter, the addition of incremental impacts from construction dust emissions could exceed the PM10 (24-hour) criteria set by SEPP (AQM) of 50 µg/m³. All precincts Potential to encounter contaminated spoil requiring high level dust containment Intensive construction works for extended periods in close proximity to sensitive receptors Dust and odour emissions resulting from the excavation and handling of contaminated soil and the operation of construction vehicles/equipment over existing contaminated soils could give rise to contaminated dust particles (such as heavy metals) or odours, impacting on the nearest sensitive receptors. In general, dust emissions are likely to be intermittent, with impacts occurring at receptors close to construction activities and sites depending on wind direction. Specific Environmental Performance Requirements would be included in the CEMP to minimise dust emissions at the precinct level and to manage location-specific impacts.