Problems for Bankstown Airport - Case Study Example

Bankstown Airport Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Problems for Bankstown Airport 3 3.0 Types and Quantities with Relevant Standards for listed Pollutants and Wastes 4 Air Quality Monitoring at the Airport (Pollutant types) 4 Water Quality in Airport (Pollutant types) 5 Solid Waste at the Airport 6 Noise at the Airport 6 4.0 Specific Impacts of Wastes on Air, Soil, Water, Vegetation and Humans 7 5.0 Short Term and Long Term Sustainable Solutions 8 6.0 Conclusion 9 References 10 1.0 Introduction Bankstown Airport is a business park and general aviation in Bankstown City. The land area of the airport is 770 acres and has three parallel runways, a small passenger terminal, several apron areas and numerous offices for business [1]. The airport operates 24 hours a day but limitations have been placed on night circuit training. The following are images showing some of the plains that lands at the airport. The Bankstown Airport is located near the city centre and there are numerous components and factors that are affected by its existence [1]. For example, accidents may occur that may affect the entire community and society. The aim of this report is to analyse components that contributes to pollution that are associated to the airport. In addition, the report discusses the type and quantities of these pollutants and also proposes some measures and strategies that can be used to address the issues in short and long term periods. Moreover, the report analyses the impacts of these wastes on air, soil, water, environment and humans. 2.0 Problems for Bankstown Airport The following are some of the pollutants and pollutions that are associated with Bankstown Airport. The pollutants have not been quantified but information on these pollutants are available: Air - The major issues that affect the quality of air in Bankstown Airport are the emissions from aeroplanes, motor vehicle and issues associated to development and maintenance. These emissions affect the ozone because of emission of greenhouse gases. However, the emissions are not high at the Bankstown Airport when compared with other commercial and industrial plants [2]. Water- The Bankstown Airport is near the Georges River catchment area and this river has become a subject to pollution because of residential and industrial developments [1]. The rain that falls on the Bankstown Airport is collected through box culverts, pipelines system and open drains that are later discharged into the Georges River. Discharge of such water to the river reduces the quality of the water and may affect the biodiversity of the region [3]. Noise - At the Bankstown Airport, there are no specified sound limits because it differs among people and industries involved [9]. The management of the Bankstown Airport has not specially detailed the acceptable levels but bases their recommendations on general guide [3]. Solid waste-The Bankstown Airport was established more than seventy years ago and there are some industrial or aviation related activities that been identified top be causing soil contamination [2]. Some of these activities include spray painting, refuelling, heavy engineering, solid wasteland filling and night soil [4]. 3.0 Types and Quantities with Relevant Standards for listed Pollutants and Wastes Air Quality Monitoring at the Airport (Pollutant types) According to Air Emission Inventory for the Greater Metropolitan Region in NSW in 2007 indicated that aircraft contributed minimal emissions. Most of these emissions are from the aircraft exhaust and operations within the airport [4]. Other sources of emissions include ground based engine running, stack emissions, dust generated during maintenance or construction, ozone depleting substances e.g. halons and chlorofluorocarbons and fuel storage. The following table provides standards from EPA and the Concentration Standard set. Ambient Air Quality NEPM sets these details. Pollutant Averaging period Maximum (ambient) concentration Goal within 10 years (maximum allowable exceedences) Carbon monoxide 8 hours 9.0 ppm 1 day a year Nitrogen dioxide 1 hour 0.12 ppm 1 day a year 1 year 0.03 ppm none Photochemical oxidants (as ozone) 1 hour 0.10 ppm 1 day a year 4 hours 0.08 ppm 1 day a year Sulfur dioxide 1 hour 0.20 ppm 1 day a year 1 day 0.08 ppm 1 day a year 1 year 0.02 ppm none Lead 1 year 0.50 µg/m3 none Particles as PM10 1 day 50 µg/m3 5 days a year Source: http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/standards.html Some of the legislations that address emissions at the airport include [1]: Air Navigation (Aircraft Engine Emissions) Regulations Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 Airports Act 1996 Water Quality in Airport (Pollutant types) Numerous activities within the airport can contribute to the quality of the Georges River water [2]. The following are the major sources of surface water that can contribute to water pollution at the Airport: Leaks and spills during aircraft maintenance, and servicing, aircraft washing runoff and aircraft refuelling [3] Leaks and spills during maintenance and refuelling of vehicles and during washing of these vehicles Leaks and spills during maintenance and construction activities [8] The area around the airport has Ashfield Shale and it determines the hydro geological regime of this region [4]. Some characteristics of shale include negligible permeability and porosity [1]. The water from this region is not for drinking but some potential sources of groundwater pollution are: Underground fuel tanks leakage Contaminated sites Historic activities e.g. land filling Chemical use e.g. herbicides and pesticides Like any other industrial and commercial areas, Bankstown Airport generates wastewater. Wastewater includes those discharges that are left to drain into the sewage system [3]. Some activities that contribute to generation of wastewater include: Industrial process Food outlets Equipment and parts washing Vehicle and aircraft washing Vehicle and aircraft servicing The following are standards that are based on ANZECC (2000) Guidelines: Indicator Guideline level Total phosphorus Upland rivers: 20 μg/L; Lowland rivers: 25 μg/L Total Nitrogen Upland rivers: 250 μg/L; Lowland rivers: 350 μg/L Chlorophyll-a Upland rivers: not applicable; Lowland rivers: 5 μg/L Turbidity Upland rivers: 2–25 NTU; Lowland rivers: 6–50 NTU Salinity Upland rivers: 30–350 μS/cm; Lowland rivers: 125–2200 μS/cm Dissolved oxygen Upland rivers: 90–110%; Lowland rivers: 85–110% Ph Upland rivers: 6.5–8.0; Lowland rivers: 6.5–8.5 Chemical contaminants or toxicants—metals Copper – 1.4 μg/L; Lead – 3.4 μg/L; Zinc – 8 μg/L; Copper – 1.3 μg/L; Lead – 4.4 μg/L; Zinc – 15 μg/L Source: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/water/envvalueswater06171.pdf Solid Waste at the Airport Some of the potential risk areas at the Bankstown Airport include filling material that is brought onto the airport, potential leakage from hydrant systems, pipes and underground tanks [1]. Most of the information and frameworks that should be implemented within the airport is premised on the National Environment Protect (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999. Noise at the Airport Noise is inevitable in any industrial or commercial area and Bankstown Airport is not avoided. The Airports (Environment protection) Regulations 1997 supervises and manages any noise that is emitted within the Airport boundaries [2]. Some sources of noise within the airport include aircraft servicing, ground running of aircraft, construction activities, road traffic, non-aviation industrial activities and operation of warning systems [3]. The allowable limits of engine noise are based on The Engine Ground Running Rules and each tenant is provided a copy to enable to manage noise [4]. The following table indicates the maximum permissible industrial noise levels. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determines these standards and permissible hours. Sound Level in dB Maximum duration during any working day in terms of hours 90 8 92 6 95 4 100 2 105 1 110 0.5 (30 minutes) 115 0.25 (15 minutes) Source: The Australian Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NOSHA) 4.0 Specific Impacts of Wastes on Air, Soil, Water, Vegetation and Humans Pollution and wastes impacts the environment differently based on the toxicity and the nature of the wastes. The following are some impacts of these wastes on air, soil, water, vegetation and humans. Air - The wastes make the air to smell. In addition, wastes create acidification whereby the air reacts with the components creating components that may harm the buildings, animals and humans [1]. Waste on the air results in depletion of the ozone layer resulting global warming. Moreover, acidic rain may be reported and these consequences are not friendly to the environment [6]. Soil - Soil pollution or contamination is the built up of chemicals and other components into the natural soil environment [3]. It is attributed to persistent chemicals, toxic compounds, radioactive materials, salts resulting in diseases. Contaminated soil inhibits the growth of plants and affects other components that affect the ecosystem [2]. Vegetation - The vegetation contamination affects the diverse ecosystems that contribute to the sustainability of the environment [1]. Contamination of the environment creates a chain of complications up to the individuals and animals that consumes these products. For example, contaminated grass will be eaten by animals and later own people consumes products from these animals [4]. Water - Water dissolves numerous compounds and products becoming soluble and consumed by people, animals and plants. Contaminated water affects the flora and fauna resulting into complex situations like contamination of the environment [2]. Human - Wastes are a major concern to development and growth of humans. Exposure of wastes and contaminants to humans due to poorly managed landfills and disposals causes human health risk [3]. The fumes and dust from the airplanes and aircraft may cause cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Therefore, the wastes affect the health of humans. 5.0 Short Term and Long Term Sustainable Solutions Due to the negative impacts associated with pollution at the airport, it is appropriate to formulate and implement strategies to prevent pollution. Some of the proposed strategies include or measures: Air – The short-term strategies and programs to be implemented include requiring all stakeholders such as tenants to comply with the Airports (Environment protection) Regulations 1997 and each development proposal to be assessed in its effects towards air quality and strategies to minimize the emissions [4]. On the other hand, the long term approaches include Annual monitoring of annually reports with the aim of formulating strategies such as informing when emissions surpasses specified thresholds [2]. Promote and encourage utilization of alternative fuels and chemicals to reduce emissions [4]. Preparation of Air Quality Management Plan Water – the short-term strategies includes Installation of absorbent booms that are aimed to absorb hydrocarbons and monitoring of discharged water to understand and address contaminants and regular ground monitoring. Moreover, the long-term strategies include utilisation of oil interceptors and grease traps, incorporation of Water Sensitive Urban Design on new developments [1] and regular, frequent auditing in tenants operations and completion of Environment Information Sheets, Environmental Site Register [2]. Noise – the short term strategies and programs to be implemented include collaboration with different stakeholders that include regulators, aircraft operators, local communities in formulation solutions to minimise the impacts of noise on the communities [5]. While the long term strategies include Formulation and implementation of Noise Management Plan [3], fly friendly procedure that defines procedures to be adopted by pilots to inform the pilots on friendly measures to prevent noise pollution, utilisation of The Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines [2] and annual reports should be submitted by the tenants. In addition, support and work together with other airports, the government and stakeholders on frequent review of policies and directives towards reducing noise pollution [1]. Solid waste – the short-term strategies include keeping updated records through Environmental Site Register in which information such as potential, confirmed and remediated sites [2]. In addition, the long-term strategies include frequent audits and inspections, lease clauses – each tenant should be informed on environmental performance requirements and development control on new constructions. Other strategies include education and informing stakeholders on importance of sustainability of the environment [1] and categorisation of contamination based on location, mobility, toxicity, proximity and size [7]. 6.0 Conclusion Bankstown Airport is a commercial/industrial area and numerous flights land and take off daily. However, different types of pollution exist that includes air, water, soil and environmental. The management within Bankstown Airport has taken proper initiatives to sustain the environment through proposing and implementing legislations that are important towards fulfilling the requirements of the community and society. References [1] Bankstown Airport. 2013. Home and Environment. Available at http://www.bankstownairport.com.au/ [2] EPA. 2013. Protecting your Environment. Available at http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/air/airinventory.htm [3] Bankstown Airport. 2004. Master Plan: Environment Management. Available at Available at http://www.bankstownairport.com.au/ [4] Heggies Pty Ltd. 2007. Sydney Metropolitan Airport – Bankstown Noise Management Plan. Report 10-4631-NMP-R1 Revision 1. [5] The Australian National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC). Exposure. Available at http://www.nohsc.gov.au/OHSLegalObligations/NationalStandards/Expstd.htm [6] Australian Government. 2013. Air Quality Standards. Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/standards.html [7] Department of Environment and Conservation NSW. 2006. Considering Environmental Values of Water when Issuing Prevention Notices. Available at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/water/envvalueswater06171.pdf [8]Yu, M., Tsunoda, H., and Tsunoda, M. 2011. Environmental Toxicology: Biological and Health Effects of Pollutants. London: CRC Press [9] Gurjar, B., Molina, L., and Ojha, C. 2010. Air Pollution: Health and Environmental Impacts. London: CRC Press Read More

Other sources of emissions include ground based engine running, stack emissions, dust generated during maintenance or construction, ozone depleting substances e.g. halons and chlorofluorocarbons and fuel storage. The following table provides standards from EPA and the Concentration Standard set. Ambient Air Quality NEPM sets these details. Pollutant Averaging period Maximum (ambient) concentration Goal within 10 years (maximum allowable exceedences) Carbon monoxide 8 hours 9.0 ppm 1 day a year Nitrogen dioxide 1 hour 0.

12 ppm 1 day a year 1 year 0.03 ppm none Photochemical oxidants (as ozone) 1 hour 0.10 ppm 1 day a year 4 hours 0.08 ppm 1 day a year Sulfur dioxide 1 hour 0.20 ppm 1 day a year 1 day 0.08 ppm 1 day a year 1 year 0.02 ppm none Lead 1 year 0.50 µg/m3 none Particles as PM10 1 day 50 µg/m3 5 days a year Source: http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/standards.html Some of the legislations that address emissions at the airport include [1]: Air Navigation (Aircraft Engine Emissions) Regulations Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 Airports Act 1996 Water Quality in Airport (Pollutant types) Numerous activities within the airport can contribute to the quality of the Georges River water [2].

The following are the major sources of surface water that can contribute to water pollution at the Airport: Leaks and spills during aircraft maintenance, and servicing, aircraft washing runoff and aircraft refuelling [3] Leaks and spills during maintenance and refuelling of vehicles and during washing of these vehicles Leaks and spills during maintenance and construction activities [8] The area around the airport has Ashfield Shale and it determines the hydro geological regime of this region [4].

Some characteristics of shale include negligible permeability and porosity [1]. The water from this region is not for drinking but some potential sources of groundwater pollution are: Underground fuel tanks leakage Contaminated sites Historic activities e.g. land filling Chemical use e.g. herbicides and pesticides Like any other industrial and commercial areas, Bankstown Airport generates wastewater. Wastewater includes those discharges that are left to drain into the sewage system [3]. Some activities that contribute to generation of wastewater include: Industrial process Food outlets Equipment and parts washing Vehicle and aircraft washing Vehicle and aircraft servicing The following are standards that are based on ANZECC (2000) Guidelines: Indicator Guideline level Total phosphorus Upland rivers: 20 μg/L; Lowland rivers: 25 μg/L Total Nitrogen Upland rivers: 250 μg/L; Lowland rivers: 350 μg/L Chlorophyll-a Upland rivers: not applicable; Lowland rivers: 5 μg/L Turbidity Upland rivers: 2–25 NTU; Lowland rivers: 6–50 NTU Salinity Upland rivers: 30–350 μS/cm; Lowland rivers: 125–2200 μS/cm Dissolved oxygen Upland rivers: 90–110%; Lowland rivers: 85–110% Ph Upland rivers: 6.5–8.0; Lowland rivers: 6.5–8.5 Chemical contaminants or toxicants—metals Copper – 1.

4 μg/L; Lead – 3.4 μg/L; Zinc – 8 μg/L; Copper – 1.3 μg/L; Lead – 4.4 μg/L; Zinc – 15 μg/L Source: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/water/envvalueswater06171.pdf Solid Waste at the Airport Some of the potential risk areas at the Bankstown Airport include filling material that is brought onto the airport, potential leakage from hydrant systems, pipes and underground tanks [1]. Most of the information and frameworks that should be implemented within the airport is premised on the National Environment Protect (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999.

Noise at the Airport Noise is inevitable in any industrial or commercial area and Bankstown Airport is not avoided. The Airports (Environment protection) Regulations 1997 supervises and manages any noise that is emitted within the Airport boundaries [2]. Some sources of noise within the airport include aircraft servicing, ground running of aircraft, construction activities, road traffic, non-aviation industrial activities and operation of warning systems [3].

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