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MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

Platypus Remediation Project

May 2013

Author:

Marguerite Gosse

COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE

Issue/Rev Date Revision

Description By Checked Approved


Thiess Services Pty Ltd 2 of 39 May 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................... 3

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................... 4

1. ACTIVITY SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 7

2. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS .................................................................................................. 8

3. MONITORING LOCATIONS .............................................................................................................. 9

4. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................. 10

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ...................................................................................................... 11

5.1 Dust Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 11

5.2 Noise and Vibration Monitoring .............................................................................................. 15

5.3 Attended monitoring for Benzene and Total Volatile Organic Compounds ............................ 18

5.4 Attended Monitoring for Odour ............................................................................................... 24

5.5 Monthly Compliance Monitoring ............................................................................................. 28

5.6 ECS Stack Testing ................................................................................................................. 30

6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 31

This disclaimer, together with any limitations specified in the report applies to the use of this report. This report was

prepared in accordance with the contracted scope of services for the specific purpose stated and subject to the

applicable cost, time and other constraints. This report has been prepared solely for use by the Sydney Harbour

Federation Trust and Thiess Services Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for its use by other persons. This report is subject to

copyright protection and the copyright owner reserves its rights. This report does not constitute legal advice.



ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ARL Action Response Level

AQRL Air Quality Response Level

AQRL1 Air Quality Response Level 1 (Goal)

AVG Average

BOM Bureau of Meteorology

BTEX Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylene

D/T Dilution-to-Threshold ratio

E East

ECS Emissions Control System

FEL Front end loader

GC/MS Gas chromatograph / Mass spectrometry

hr hour

HVAS High Volume Air Sampler

km kilometres

m3 cubic metres

MaxAQRL Maximum Air Quality Response Level (Adopted maximum limit)

mg milligram

mm millimetres

N North

N/A Not applicable

NATA National Association of Testing Authorities

NEPM National Environment Protection Measure

ng nanogram

NM Not measured

OCE Odour Control Enclosure

PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon

PID Photo-ionisation detector

PM10 Particulate matter less than 10µm in diameter

ppm parts per million

PPR Principals projects requirements

S South

SHFT Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon

VOC Volatile Organic Compound

W West

WTP Water Treatment Plant



OVERVIEW

Thiess Services is undertaking the Platypus Remediation Project (the Project) for the Sydney Harbour Federation

Trust, which involves the treatment of approximately 30,000 tonnes of gas works waste. The Platypus Site (the

Site) is located at 118 High Street, North Sydney and extends to the waterfront of Neutral Bay.

This report summarises the monthly environmental monitoring activities undertaken by Thiess Services Pty Ltd

during the Project, for the month of May 2013.

For the month of May 2013, there were no exceedances of any project limit criteria, with the exception of an

attended noise measurement made at the boundary to a residential property on the 16th May, 2013. The

location was the closest receptor to noise generated from a generator in the top car park. The measurement

exceeded the MaxAQRL 75dB(A). Control measures were put in place and the generator was then moved to

a more suitable location.

Environmental monitoring is conducted during the Project to confirm the effectiveness of the environmental

controls and to protect the surrounding environment and the health of workers and the community.

The environmental monitoring program includes air quality and noise monitoring at locations in the

community, at the project site boundaries and on the site itself. Measurements are collected continuously

and reported in real time for some contaminants (such as Volatile Organic Compounds), while samples for

others are collected periodically and taken to laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing

Authorities (NATA) for analysis.

Fixed environmental monitors are set at an apartment complex on the western site boundary of the Site and

at a residence adjoining the northern boundary. The equipment at these locations continuously monitors dust

including PM10, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), noise and vibration. Portable monitoring equipment is

also used by Environmental Officers at both locations. Additional monitoring is performed at Anderson Park,

High Street, Lower Wycombe Road and Adderstone Avenue, North Sydney.

The air quality monitoring program includes monitoring for odour as well as for VOCs. Odour monitoring is

conducted every operational day at a number of onsite, boundary and community locations. An

Environmental Officer uses a portable piece of equipment, known as a Nasal Ranger, to determine the

ambient air dilution-to-threshold ratio of any odour detected. This dilution rate indicates the intensity of the

odour, which is used in combination with the trained Officer’s characterisation of the odour, and the prevailing

meteorological conditions, to identify its precise source. Action is taken at the source to control the odour.

It is important to note that the presence or level of unpleasant odour is not necessarily an indicator of a

chemical’s harmfulness.

As VOCs are typically an odorous group of chemicals, an Odour Control Enclosure (OCE) has been built over

the excavation area. The OCE and its Emission Control System (ECS) have been designed to limit the release

of VOCs to the external atmosphere. Emissions from odorous soil stockpiles inside the OCE will also be

minimised through the use of tarpaulins and odour suppressant foam, as required.

VOC monitoring is undertaken with equipment that operates continuously and the accumulated data is

available in real time. In addition to continuously monitoring total VOC levels, an Environmental Officer

conducts monitoring at regular times throughout each working day with a handheld Photo-ionisation Detector



(PID). The portability of the PID means that real-time VOC measurements can be obtained onsite, at site

boundaries and in the community

Community-focused Air Quality Response Levels (AQRLs) have been set as part of the air quality monitoring

program and include AQRLs for total VOC levels. The AQRLs are conservative and are based on national and

NSW standards for keeping concentrations of chemicals in air well below those that would impact people’s

health. AQRLs are used as triggers to review work practices and to look at implementing additional controls.

For example, in the event an AQRL was reached at a stationary monitor located in the community, Project

Engineers and Environmental Officers would be notified through mobile phone and steps would be taken to

reduce the level of chemicals in the air.

A copy of this report is provided on the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust’s web pages for the Platypus

Remediation Project: http://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/about-us/community/platypus-project/index.html

Further enquiries can be made through the Community Contact Number, 1800 009 414.

The primary focus of this report is to address compliance with environmental compliance targets for the

Project.

Table A- 1 overleaf provides a summary of all environmental monitoring conducted this reporting month.

http://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/about-us/community/platypus-project/index.html



Table A- 1: Summary of Environmental Monitoring Conducted this Reporting Month

Parameter Frequency Adopted Goal

(AQRL1/ARL1)

Adopted Maximum Limit

(MaxAQRL/MaxAQRL) Discussion Actions

Report

Reference Compliant

PM10 Monitoring (HVAS) Monthly 0.03 mg/m3

(24-hr AVG)

0.05 mg/m3 (24-hr AVG)

0.03 mg/m3 (Annual AVG)

Concentrations of PM10 were below the

Adopted Goal No action required Section 5.1

PM10 Monitoring

(DustTrak) Continuous

Concentrations of PM10 were below the


Total Volatile Organic

Compounds (VOC) Continuous 3ppm 5ppm

Concentrations of VOCs were below the


Total VOC Daily 3ppm 5ppm Concentrations of VOCs were below the


Benzene Daily 0.003 ppm

(15min AVG)

0.003 ppm (Annual AVG)

0.05 ppm (15-min AVG)

Concentrations of Benzene were below the


Odour Daily 1 odour unit (OU) 2 Odour units (OU) Odour was detected at the site boundary, but

below project limits at all times No action required Section 5.3

Noise Attended LAeq(15min) 53 dB(A) LAeq(15min) 75 dB(A)

Noise was measured in excess of the

maximum limit. Additional measures were

implemented and works altered

Source of noise was

moved. Section 5.2

Noise Continuous

Vibration Continuous 0.56 mm/s 5 mm/s Vibration levels were below project limits No action required Section 5.2

Total Deposited Dust Monthly 3 g/m2/month 4 g/m2/month Concentrations were below the adopted goal No action required Section 5.1

Heavy metals Monthly Various Various Concentrations were below the adopted goal No action required Section 5.5

Ammonia Monthly Comparison to

Background Comparison to Background Concentrations were below the adopted goal No action required Section 5.5

Hydrogen Cyanide Monthly < 0.238 mg/m3 0.34 mg/m3 Concentrations were below the adopted goal No action required Section 5.5

Particulate Polycyclic

Aromatic Hydrocarbons

(PAHs)

Monthly Comparison to


Benzo(a)pyrene (as part

of the above PAH suite) Monthly

0.0000003 mg/m3

(24-hr AVG)

0.0000003 mg/m3 (Annual

AVG) Concentrations were below the adopted goal No action required Section 5.5

Total Petroleum

Hydrocarbons (TPH) Monthly

Comparison to


Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl

Benzene and Xylene Monthly

Comparison to


ECS Stack Test POP & 3

monthly

Adopted Project

Goals

Protection of the

Environment Operations

(Clean Air) Regulation 2010,

Human Health Risk

Assessment & Best Practice

Concentrations were below the adopted goal No action required Section 5.6

= Compliance achieved = Potential area of non-compliance, ongoing due diligence required = Non-compliance present



1. ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Environmental monitoring was completed in accordance with the requirements set out in the following

documents:

1. Site Management Plan Stage 2 Works June 2011 (Sydney Harbour Federation Trust)

2. Platypus Stage 2 Major Remediation Works Principals Project Requirements (PPR) NB0802.T1402/2011

(Sydney Harbour Federation Trust)

3. Environmental Monitoring Procedure TSRM-050010-ENV-PR-001 (Thiess Services Pty Ltd)

All environmental monitoring is undertaken in accordance with Australian Standards, where applicable.

During the reporting month, the following primary activities occurred on Site:

Excavation and stockpiling within the OCE;

Operation of the ECS;

Drilling and jet grouting works within Building 10;

Propping and shoring of central and southern sea wall;

Operation of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP);

Mixing of tarry material with magnesium oxide;

ECS carbon bed change out;

Removal of tank on Southern-end of wharf;

Screening and treatment of ‘other than rock’ materials;

Preparatory works for coal store roof works;

Scraping and light hammering in and around tar pit; and

Validation of tar pit.



2. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) at Sydney Observatory, Sydney Airport and Fort Denison

weather stations was recorded. Temperatures ranged between 9.2°C and 26.4°C. A total of 110.2mm of

rain was recorded during the monitoring period. A summary of meteorological data is presented below in

Table 2- 1.

Table 2- 1: Sydney Observatory Hill and Fort Denison, BOM

Date Day

Temps Rain Evap Sun

Max wind gust 9 am 3 pm

Min Max Dir Spd Time Temp RH Cld Dir Spd MSLP Temp RH Cld Dir Spd MSLP

°C °C mm mm hours km/h local °C % 8th km/h hPa °C % 8

th km/h hPa

1 We 16.9 25.0 0 1.2 7.4 S 37 21:14 18.1 86 7 WNW 15 1018.7 24.2 61 5 SE 17 1014.3

2 Th 14.4 20.3 0 5.6 7.4 S 46 11:43 15.1 53 1 W 13 1025.3 18.7 51 4 S 20 1025.2

3 Fr 11.1 22.9 0 3.0 10.2 N 31 20:34 14.0 72 1 WNW 19 1026.7 20.9 51 7 ENE 19 1020.5

4 Sa 14.0 26.4 0 4.4 6.2 SSE 56 14:50 17.4 50 7 W 19 1017.9 20.2 56 3 SSE 37 1018.5

5 Su 12.7 20.1 0 6.4 9.1 SSE 37 00:03 14.5 56 6 W 15 1025.1 19.7 38 1 S 7 1022.1

6 Mo 10.8 20.1 0 3.4 8.2 SSW 35 11:12 14.3 68 3 W 13 1026.6 19.2 60 7 S 17 1024.5

7 Tu 11.7 21.5 0 3.0 8.8 ESE 31 19:30 15.2 76 2 W 13 1028.7 19.9 55 6 SSE 19 1027.1

8 We 12.4 21.6 0 3.4 5.3 WNW 22 00:46 15.2 80 7 W 13 1031.1 21.2 51 4 E 9 1028.1

9 Th 12.1 23.2 0 1.8 10.2 W 24 08:00 14.7 79 1 W 17 1030.7 22.0 54 1 ENE 13 1027.4

10 Fr 12.5 23.5 0 3.6 10.0 W 26 08:18 14.3 77 1 W 20 1030.8 22.9 53 1 SE 13 1028.4

11 Sa 13.0 22.1 0 2.0 4.3 ENE 31 15:09 15.2 77 5 W 22 1030.2 20.8 69 6 ENE 22 1027.5

12 Su 14.0 22.1 0 3.6 7.0 ENE 28 13:42 14.3 93 8 W 13 1027.2 21.4 59 2 ENE 13 1022.7

13 Mo 13.7 22.8 0 2.0 1.8 NNW 28 19:16 14.4 88 7 W 9 1018.9 21.9 53 8 NNE 11 1014.2

14 Tu 14.2 21.3 0 2.4 6.9 W 41 09:09 14.2 60 7 W 20 1013.8 20.0 31 6 SE 13 1011.1

15 We 9.2 20.6 0.2 2.8 9.8 W 46 14:06 13.6 59 1 W 15 1013.2 20.1 34 3 WNW 28 1009.6

16 Th 13.6 20.6 0 5.4 8.3 W 50 15:40 16.9 55 2 NNW 22 1010.3 19.4 36 3 W 31 1007.3

17 Fr 12.2 19.6 0 4.6 10.1 WSW 57 15:00 14.7 50 1 WSW 24 1011.9 18.6 33 1 WSW 28 1010.4

18 Sa 11.1 20.6 0 3.8 10.1 WSW 41 10:07 13.2 53 1 W 17 1014.7 19.1 31 1 W 22 1011.8

19 Su 9.8 20.2 0 3.6 9.1 W 39 09:36 12.1 54 2 W 20 1016.8 19.0 30 1 W 20 1014.1

20 Mo 10.1 20.7 0 4.0 8.5 W 44 13:57 11.3 61 4 W 19 1018.7 19.6 37 3 WSW 22 1014.7

21 Tu 10.1 22.5 0 4.0 9.1 W 54 14:22 15.4 55 3 W 22 1015.3 21.8 32 7 SW 20 1012.3

22 We 9.4 16.0 0 2.2 1.3 WNW 31 08:22 11.2 71 6 WNW 17 1015.0 14.5 79 8 SSW 20 1010.1

23 Th 10.6 17.4 27.2 5.2 0.7 SSE 48 20:23 13.4 93 7 WSW 11 1013.7 16.4 71 6 SE 22 1012.7

24 Fr 12.7 20.6 30.6 2.4 5.8 SE 48 13:26 13.0 89 7 W 28 1019.1 20.1 47 7 SSE 24 1017.9

25 Sa 10.6 21.3 20.0 3.8 9.4 - - - 12.2 83 1 W 22 1023.7 20.8 50 1 SSE 15 1022.1

26 Su 9.5 21.3 0 1.8 10.1 W 30 4:06 11.3 70 1 W 20 1025.7 20.2 45 1 NE 4 1023

27 Mo 10.6 20.2 3.4 3.2 7.1 SSW 41 11:23 11.6 84 5 W 22 1029.4 19.4 58 5 SSE 24 1028.2

28 Tu 11.6 19.3 28.6 1.2 3.2 ENE 30 14:23 12.9 94 8 WNW 11 1032.8 17.8 75 8 E 15 1030.2

29 We 11.3 21.1 0.2 2 4.9 W 20 9:06 12.3 94 8 W 15 1031.4 20.6 60 3 ENE 15 1027.8

30 Th 11.7 21.4 0 2.6 5.7 E 24 13:28 12.8 90 4 WNW 15 1029.3 20 67 5 ENE 7 1025.9

31 Fr 11.8 24.9 0 1.6 9.1 - - - 13.9 84 1 W 9 1028 24.1 40 5 NNE 13 1023.8



3. MONITORING LOCATIONS

Figure 1 below denotes the environmental monitoring points (depicted in yellow). Additional site-based

monitoring points for worker occupational health and hygiene purposes are shown for information only

(depicted in green).

Figure 1: Environmental Monitoring Locations



4. METHODOLOGY

Environmental monitoring was conducted using the methodology as listed below.

PM10, Heavy metals, Sulphates and particulate PAHs were measured using a High Volume Air Sampler

(HVAS) fitted with a PM10 sampling head in accordance with AS 3580.9.6-2003, ‘Methods for sampling and

analysis of ambient air – Determination of suspended particulate matter – PM10 High Volume sampler with

selective size inlet – Gravimetric method’. A sample is collected over a 24-hour period. Equipment is sited in

accordance with AS/NZS 3580.1.1-2007, ‘Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air – Guide to siting

air monitoring equipment’.

A calibrated DustTrak system, fitted with a PM10 size selective inlet was used as a real-time measure to

collect PM10 dust concentrations at three site boundaries.

Odour monitoring was performed each day. If odours were detected, then the Nasal Ranger odour

detection system was used to verify the dilution-to-threshold ratio of odours, this is then compared to the

project criteria in Odour Units (OU) at the site boundary in accordance with AS/NZS 4323.3 2001, ‘Stationary

source emissions’.

Samples for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Ammonia and Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene, and

Xylene (BTEX) were collected using laboratory supplied SUMMA canisters. The method used complied with

the relevant sections of US EPA Method TO-15, ‘Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in air

collected in Specifically-Prepared Canisters and Analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

(GC/MS).

Calibrated AreaRAE direct reading instruments fitted with PID sensors were used to measure concentrations

of VOCs in real time at three boundary locations.

Total deposited dust was measured using dust deposition gauges. The method used complied with

AS3580.10.1:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of

Particulates - Deposited Matter - Gravimetric Method.

Real-time measurements were collected for Benzene using a calibrated UltraRAE-3000 Photo-ionisation

Detector fitted with a 9.8eV lamp and RAE-sep tubes for specific detection of Benzene.

Attended measurements were collected for Hydrogen Cyanide using hand-pumped colorimetric tubes for

specific detection of Hydrogen Cyanide.

Attended noise monitoring was completed at six monitoring locations each week using either Class 1 or 2

sound level meters. Measurements are completed in accordance with AS 1055.1-1997, ‘Acoustics –

Description and measurements of environmental noise’.

Unattended noise monitoring was performed in accordance with AS1055-1997, ‘Acoustics – Description

and measurement of environmental noise’

Unattended vibration monitoring was performed in accordance with AS 2436-2020, ‘Guide to noise and

vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites’.

Meteorological Data was obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) from the Sydney (Observatory

Hill), Sydney Airport and Fort Denison Station weather stations.



5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

5.1 Dust Monitoring

Concentrations of ambient PM10 are continuously monitored at boundary monitoring points (MP), MP1 and

MP15, through the use of a DustTrak. These measurements are compared against the ambient dust monitoring

criteria shown in Table 5- 1.

Table 5- 1: Ambient PM10 Dust Monitoring Criteria

Parameter AQRL1 MaxAQRL

PM10 dust 0.03 mg/m3 (30 µg/m3) as a 24-hour

mean concentration

0.05 mg/m3 (50 µg/m3) as a 24-hour mean

concentration, with a maximum of 5 daily

exceedances per year;

0.03 mg/m3 (30 µg/m3) as a mean annual

concentration

Total deposited dust 3 g/m2/month 4 g/m2/month

On the 16/04/13, an additional DustTrak was installed at MP15, to the south of the existing monitor. Continuous

measurements via a DustTrak provide the PM10 (the finer particle) dust concentration by fitting a PM10 size

selective inlet to the instrument. Results are logged every 30 seconds and a 24-hour average is produced. A

summary of the results are shown in Table 5-2. Graphical results are provided in Figure 5- 1, Figure 5- 2 and

Figure 5- 3.

Most measurements were at or below the AQRL1 for the project (0.03mg/m3) however, a number of 24-hour

average exceedances occurred during the month of May. On these days atmospheric moisture (such as fog

and haze) was observed over Sydney harbour and high readings were recorded both during and out of site

hours. Moisture is established to have an effect on the laser contained within the DustTrak, causing the unit to

read droplets of fine moisture as particulate matter (Innes 2009). On the days with the highest reading on

more than one monitor, the NSW Government Environment and Heritage website reported hazardous

Regional Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Sydney’s North West and South West regions.

On these days no visible dust was observed leaving the site boundary. During the monitoring period, site

operations were considered normal with excavation and treatment operations being performed within the

OCE. It is therefore considered, (due to a combination of the reported high regional AQI, instrument sensitivity

due to moisture, site observations reporting no visible dust and consistent high readings outside of site hours),

unlikely that the high readings were as a result of site works.

Table 5-2: DustTrak data

Start Date Finish Date Location

Daily PM10 24-hour

Results - Minimum

(mg/m3)

Daily PM10 24-hour

Results - Maximum

(mg/m3)

Daily PM10 24-hour

Results - Average

(mg/m3)

01/05/13 31/05/13 Point 1 <0.001 0.033 0.013

01/05/13 31/05/13 Point 15 N <0.006 0.050 0.019

01/05/13 31/05/13 Point 15 S <0.007 0.041 0.018



Dust deposition gauges were installed for the duration of the monitoring period as listed in Table 5-3 below.

These results were all below the project goals for the monthly monitoring period.

Table 5- 3: Dust Deposition Gauges

Start Date Finish Date Location Result NEPM Criteria

Compliant?

01/05/13 03/06/13 Point 1 0.9 g/m2/month Yes

01/05/13 03/06/13 Point 15 1.6 g/m2/month Yes

High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS) fitted with a selective size inlet were installed at boundary Monitoring Points 1

and 3 to measure concentrations of PM10 this reporting month. A sample is collected over a 24-hour period at

each monitoring point. Site activities during the HVAS sampling period were general OCE operations including

excavating and stockpiling.

Table 5- 4 presents the results of the monitoring and shows that the HVAS located at MP1 had a PM10

concentration of 0.009 mg/m3 and the HVAS located at MP3 had a PM10 concentration of 0.0024 mg/m3. Both

measurements were below the project maximum criteria of 0.05mg/m3 as a 24-hour average.

Table 5- 4: HVAS

Start Date Start

Time Finish Date

Finish

Time Location Result

NEPM Criteria

Compliant?

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 0.009 mg/m3 Yes

28/05/13 15:09 29/05/13 15:10 Point 2 0.024 mg/m3 Yes



Figure 5- 1: PM10 Ambient Dust Monitoring (mg/m3) - Point 1




5.2 Noise and Vibration Monitoring

Operator attended noise measurements were completed during the daytime assessment period and were 15

minutes in duration. Site noise level contributions were assessed via calculation, and based on instantaneous

noise levels, event duration and extraneous noise emissions noted during operator attended noise

measurements. These measurements are compared with the project limit ARLs shown in Table 5- 5 and Table

5- 6 below.

Table 5- 5: Boundary / Community Noise Criteria

Time of Day

ARL1 MaxARL

LAeq(15 minutes) dB(A) Maximum Construction noise Level

LAeq(15 minutes) dB(A)

Day 53 75

Evening 48 N/A*

Night 37 N/A*

* - comparison to relative background levels (RBLs) as defined by the NSW DECC Interim Construction Noise Guidelines

Table 5- 6: Boundary / Community Vibration Criteria

Time of Day

ARL1 MaxARL

Preferred Peak Particle Velocity

(mm/s)

Maximum Peak Particle Velocity

(mm/s)

Day 0.56 5.00

Table 5- 7 provides detail on the continuous noise and vibration loggers currently installed on the project site

boundaries. From the 21st of May, the continuous noise logger located at Point 12 gave much higher LAeq

readings than previous monitoring periods both within and outside of site hours of operation. The readings

were also much higher than those taken at MP 1. On the 30th of May, a 10-minute attended noise

measurement was conducted to use as a comparison to the unattended results. This showed that the LAeq

measurements recorded by the unattended noise logger at MP 12 were reading higher than the hand-held

noise logger. It was determined that the high readings from the unattended noise logger at MP 12 were due

to equipment malfunction. Actions have been taken to resolve the issue.

Table 5- 8 provides a summary of measurements collected this reporting month. It is noted that AS 1055.1-1997

recommends that caution be applied to noise measurements collected during wind speeds in excess of 5

metres per second (m/s), as highlighted in Table 5- 8.

All attended measurements collected this reporting month were below the maximum project criteria, six

attended measurements were above the project goal for site contribution.

Table 5- 7: Continuous Noise and Vibration Loggers

Monitoring Location Parameter Start Date Finish Date Compliance

Point 1 Noise – Unattended 01/05/13 31/05/13 Yes

Point 1 Vibration - Unattended 01/05/13 31/05/13 Yes

Point 3 Noise – Unattended 01/05/13 31/05/13 Yes



Table 5- 8: Boundary / Community Noise Measurements

Date Time Location Site

Audible?

Measured

LAeq

Site

Contribution

(LAeq)

Comparison

to ARL

Wind

Direction

Wind

Speed

(m/s)

Off-site contributing sources Onsite contributing sources

1/05/13 14:09 Point 7 No 60 <43 <AQRL 1 SE 4.7 Traffic, community noise Nil

1/05/13 14:32 Point 10 Yes 56 48 <AQRL 1

SE 4.7 Traffic, community noise, local

business Small tools, Fan, WTP

2/05/13 15:00 Point 3 Yes 53 52 <AQRL 1 E 5.6 Motorbike, Wind OCE operations

6/05/13 12:42 Point 6

No 53 36

<AQRL 1 W 4.7 Traffic, community noise Nil

7/05/13 10:48 Point 3 Yes 51 48 <AQRL 1 SSE 3.6 Community noise, helicopter Car park, sweeper truck, OCE

works, reverse alarms

8/05/13 11:02 Point 1 Yes 66 66 <MaxAQRL

W 3.6 Nil OCE works, loader, reverse

alarms

9/05/13 14:25 Point 5 Yes 56 53 <AQRL 1

ENE 3.6 Community noise, traffic, local

business Screen in OCE

9/05/13 14:51 Point 7

No 59 36

<AQRL 1 ENE 3.6 Community noise Nil

10/05/13 14:10 Point 4

No 53 40

<AQRL 1 SE 3.6 Community noise, helicopter Nil

14/05/13 11:26 Point 3 Yes 51 50 <AQRL 1 WSW 5.6 Ferry, Pedestrian OCE works, reverse alarms

15/05/13 15:04 Point 6 No 55 <40 <AQRL 1 W 7.8 Community noise, traffic, wind Nil


WNW 6.1 Wind Generator, OCE works,

reverse alarms

16/05/13 15:01 Point 1 Yes 69 67 <MaxAQRL W 8.6 Nil OCE works

17/05/13 12:43 Point 10 Yes 56 29 <AQRL 1

WSW 7.8 Community noise, wind, local

business OCE works

17/05/13 13:06 Point 7 No 60 <43 <AQRL 1 WSW 7.8 Community noise, grinder Nil

22/05/13 7:52 Point 6 No 58 <43 <AQRL 1 NW 1 Community noise, ferry Nil

22/05/13 14:20 Point 3 Yes 50 37 <AQRL 1 W 0 Community noise Site car park

23/05/13 8:40 Point 2 No 56 <43 <AQRL 1 SE 0 Community noise, traffic Nil

23/05/13 13:34 Point 10 No 55 <42 <AQRL 1 SSE 0 Community noise Nil

23/05/13 13:58 Point 7 No 62 <38 <AQRL 1 S 0 Traffic, community noise Nil


SE 0 Helicopter OCE works (TMSR, reverse

alarms)

29/05/13 10:15 Point 6 No 54 <35 <AQRL1 W 0.3 Community noise, helicopter Nil


W 0.6 Community noise, local business. OCE operations (excavator

scraping), reverse alarms.

30/05/13 10:04 Point 3 Yes 55 49 <AQRL 1 WNW 3.1 Community noise, ferry,

helicopter, works across the bay.

OCE works, (light hammering

and scraping of tar pit walls)



Date Time Location Site

Audible?

Measured

LAeq

Site

Contribution

(LAeq)

Comparison

to ARL

Wind

Direction

Wind

Speed

(m/s)

Off-site contributing sources Onsite contributing sources

30/05/13 10:23 Point 2 Yes 59 60 <MaxAQRL WNW 3.1 Community noise, plane

OCE works, (light hammering

and scraping of tar pit walls)

car park.

31/05/13 14:59 Point 10 Yes 56 49 <AQRL 1 NE 0.5 Community noise, loud

motorbike.

Very faint reverse alarms in

the OCE.

31/05/13 15:25 Point 7 No 60 <33 <AQRL 1 NE 2.2 Community noise, pedestrians

talking, cars, bus Nil



5.3 Attended monitoring for Benzene and Total Volatile Organic Compounds

Attended monitoring for total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and benzene commenced at the site

boundary on July 5th 2012. These measurements are compared against the project AQRLs as shown in Table

5- 9.

Table 5- 9: Boundary / Community VOC and Benzene Criteria


Total VOCs1 3 ppm 5 ppm

Benzene 0.003 ppm as a 24-hour average 0.05 ppm as a 24-hour average

0.003 ppm as a mean annual average

1 Measured as a Daily Average from unattended monitoring stations; or Measured directly from hand-held attended

monitoring devices

Table 5- 10 presents a summary of the measurements collected during the reporting month. The boundary

AreaRAE system which monitors total VOCs continuously was commissioned at the end of July 2012. Graphs for

the month are provided in Appendix A.

All measurements for VOCs and Benzene were below the project adopted goals during the reporting month.



Table 5- 10: Boundary / Community VOC and Benzene Measurements

Date Time Location Weather Wind direction VOC (ppm) Compliant? Benzene (ppm) Compliant?

1/05/13 9:35 Point 1 Overcast WNW 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

1/05/13 10:20 Point 8 Fine WNW 0.00 Yes 0 Yes




2/05/13 14:01 Point 6 Windy S 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

2/05/13 14:05 Point 4 Windy S 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

2/05/13 14:25 Point 3 Windy E 0.00 Yes 0 Yes



2/05/13 15:35 Point 1 Overcast S 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

3/05/13 14:20 Point 1 Fine Calm 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

3/05/13 15:10 Point 6 Fine E 0.00 Yes 0 Yes




4/05/13 9:37 Point 1 Overcast Nil 0.50 Yes 0 Yes

4/05/13 10:15 Point 6 Fine Nil 0.00 Yes 0 Yes





6/05/13 12:30 Point 1 Fine S 0.25 Yes 0 Yes

6/05/13 12:41 Point 6 Fine S 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

6/05/13 13:07 Point 4 Overcast SSE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes



7/05/13 10:45 Point 6 Fine SSE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes








8/05/13 11:45 Point 1 Overcast W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes






9/05/13 17:18 Point 1 Fine ENE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes





10/05/13 10:33 Point 1 Fine, Haze Nil 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

10/05/13 14:00 Point 6 Fine ESE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes




11/05/13 11:51 Point 1 Fine W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes










14/05/13 11:29 Point 4 Fine WSW 0.00 Yes 0 Yes














16/05/13 9:11 Point 1 Fine NNW 0.00 Yes 0 Yes











18/05/13 11:18 Point 4 Fine SW 0.00 Yes 0 Yes
















22/05/13 9:35 Point 1 Cloudy W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes





23/05/13 8:50 Point 6 Light rain SW 0.00 Yes 0 Yes



23/05/13 14:28 Point 8 Cloudy SE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

23/05/13 15:23 Point 1 Cloudy SE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes


24/05/13 8:41 Point 4 Partial cloud W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

24/05/13 8:44 Point 2 Partial cloud W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes


24/05/13 15:25 Point 1 Cloudy SSE 0.00 Yes 0 Yes






27/05/13 13:25 Point 6 Sunny S 0.00 Yes 0 Yes




27/05/13 16:25 Point 1 Cloudy S 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

28/05/13 10:15 Point 1 Heavy fog W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

28/05/13 11:55 Point 8 Sunny W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes







29/05/13 9:40 Point 1 Slight fog/haze W 0.00 Yes 0 Yes





30/05/13 12:33 Point 1 Sunny E 0.00 Yes 0 Yes

30/05/13 14:13 Point 6 Partial cloud E 0.00 Yes 0 Yes





31/05/13 13:00 Point 6 Sunny N 0.00 Yes 0 Yes






5.4 Attended Monitoring for Odour

Daily attended odour monitoring is performed during excavation, pre-treatment and treatment activities

within the Odour Control Enclosure (OCE) and/or in the site driveway. This monitoring is compared with the

project AQRLs as shown in Table 5- 11.

Table 5- 11: Boundary / Community Odour Criteria


Odour 1 dilution-to-threshold (D/T) 2 D/T, or “Offensive Odour”

A summary of odour measurements collected during the reporting month are presented in Table 5- 12. It

should be noted that odour is a parameter not directly attributable to health risk and other monitoring is

conducted to confirm air quality parameters are compliant.

There were 18 instances this monitoring period where odour levels detected on the boundary were above the

project goal and attributable to site. All detectable odours attributable to site were measured with a field

olfactometer (nasal ranger) by a suitably trained environmental officer. Field olfactometers objectively

measure odour by measuring the dilution-to-threshold (D/T) ratio of an odour. This result is then compared to

the project criteria, represented as odour units. Based on observations and measurements, it is considered that

the project criterion for odour is being met.

The odours were characterised as similar to hydrocarbons, slight dust and bitumen and anticipated to be

related to site works. Residents adjacent to the site were notified that they may experience odour during the

periods of treatments works. Although odour may be noticeable, it is not a health risk and environmental

monitoring confirms that other air quality parameters, including VOCs are well below the projects criteria.

Table 5- 12: Boundary / Community Odour Measurements

Date Time Location Weather Wind

direction

Odour

Detected Odour Description Compliant?

1/05/13 9:35 Point 1 Overcast WNW No Nil Yes

1/05/13 10:20 Point 8 Fine WNW No Nil Yes




2/05/13 14:01 Point 6 Windy S Yes Vegetation (non-site) Yes

2/05/13 14:05 Point 4 Windy S No Nil Yes

2/05/13 14:25 Point 3 Windy E No Nil Yes

2/05/13 14:26 Point 2 Windy E No Nil Yes

2/05/13 14:33 Point 8 Windy E Yes Hydrocarbons (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

2/05/13 15:35 Point 1 Overcast S No Nil Yes

3/05/13 14:20 Point 1 Fine Nil Yes Hydrocarbon (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

3/05/13 15:10 Point 6 Fine E No Nil Yes







direction

Odour


4/05/13 9:37 Point 1 Overcast Nil No Nil Yes

4/05/13 10:15 Point 6 Fine Nil No Nil Yes

4/05/13 10:30 Point 4 Fine Nil Yes Slight Dust (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL




6/05/13 12:30 Point 1 Fine S No Nil Yes

6/05/13 12:41 Point 6 Fine S No Nil Yes

6/05/13 13:07 Point 4 Overcast SSE No Nil Yes



7/05/13 10:45 Point 6 Fine SSE No Nil Yes





8/05/13 11:45 Point 1 Overcast W No Nil Yes




8/05/13 13:55 Point 2 Fine E Yes Hydrocarbons (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL


9/05/13 17:18 Point 1 Fine ENE No Nil Yes

9/05/13 18:01 Point 6 Fine ENE No Nil Yes

9/05/13 18:05 Point 4 Fine ENE Yes Hydrocarbons (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL



10/05/13 10:33 Point 1 Fine, Haze Nil No Nil Yes

10/05/13 14:00 Point 6 Fine ESE No Nil Yes

10/05/13 14:06 Point 4 Fine ESE No Nil Yes

10/05/13 14:07 Point 2 Fine ESE Yes

Slight dust,

hydrocarbon (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

10/05/13 14:39 Point 8 Fine ESE Yes Slight dust (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

11/05/13 11:51 Point 1 Fine W No Nil Yes




11/05/13 13:24 Point 8 Fine W Yes Vegetation (non-site) Yes


13/05/13 15:44 Point 6 Fine NNE No Nil Yes

13/05/13 15:48 Point 4 Fine NNE Yes Hydrocarbons (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

13/05/13 15:49 Point 2 Fine NNE Yes Hydrocarbons (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

13/05/13 15:53 Point 8 Fine NNE Yes Dust (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

14/05/13 11:29 Point 4 Fine W Yes Hydrocarbons (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL







direction

Odour



14/05/13 14:43 Point 1 Fine SE No Nil Yes






16/05/13 9:11 Point 1 Fine NNW No Nil Yes




16/05/13 11:05 Point 8 Fine NNW Yes Dust (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

17/05/13 15:05 Point 6 Fine No Nil Yes

17/05/13 15:10 Point 4 Fine Yes Fertiliser (non-site) Yes

17/05/13 15:15 Point 2 Fine Yes

Dust, slight

hydrocarbon (<2D/T) <MaxAQRL

17/05/13 15:20 Point 8 Fine No Nil Yes


18/05/13 11:18 Point 4 Fine SW No Nil Yes













22/05/13 9:35 Point 1 Cloudy W No Nil Yes





23/05/13 8:50 Point 6 Light rain SW No Nil Yes



23/05/13 14:28 Point 8 Cloudy SE Yes Slight dust <2D/T <MaxAQRL

23/05/13 15:23 Point 1 Cloudy SE No Nil Yes










direction

Odour






27/05/13 13:25 Point 6 Sunny S No Nil Yes




27/05/13 16:25 Point 1 Cloudy S No Nil Yes

28/05/13 10:15 Point 1 Heavy fog W No Nil Yes

28/05/13 11:55 Point 8 Sunny W No Nil Yes




29/05/13 9:40 Point 1

Slight

fog/haze W No Nil Yes





30/05/13 12:33 Point 1 Sunny E No Nil Yes

30/05/13 14:13 Point 6 Overcast E No Nil Yes





31/05/13 13:00 Point 6 Sunny N No Nil Yes






5.5 Monthly Compliance Monitoring

Samples are collected from the Site boundary each month for the following parameters:

- Heavy Metals, including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Lead, Mercury, and Zinc

- Total sulphates

- Ammonia

- Hydrogen Cyanide

- Particulate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), including Benzo(a)pyrene

- Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)

- Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene, and Xylene (BTEX)

These samples are compared to the project AQRLs shown in Table 5- 13 below.

Table 5- 13: Monthly Boundary Sampling Criteria


Cadmium 0.000005 mg/m3 as a mean annual

average 0.000018 mg/m3 as a 1-hour average

Mercury 0.001 mg/m3 as a mean annual

average 0.0081 mg/m3 as a 1-hour average

Benzo(a)pyrene 0.0000003 mg/m3 as a 24-hour

concentration 0.0000003 mg/m3 as a mean annual average

Benzene 0.003 ppm as 24-hour average 0.005 ppm as 24-hour average; 0.003 as a

mean annual average

Toluene 0.1 ppm as 24-hour average 1 ppm as a 24-hour average; 0.1 ppm as a

mean annual average

Xylenes 0.2 ppm as 24-hour average 0.25 ppm as a 24-hour average; 0.2 ppm as a

mean annual average

Zinc 0.75 mg/m3 as a 24-hour

concentration 1.0 mg/m3 as a 24-hour concentration

NB: Parameters not included in Table 5-13 are assessed against background concentrations.

The above mentioned testing is performed each month to assess the Site’s contribution, if any, to the

background concentrations surrounding the site. Background concentrations were measured over a 48-hour

period at five sampling locations over a week in June 2012. The measurements were used to assess the

ambient background concentrations surrounding the site, prior to site operations commencing. Table 5- 14

summarises the results of the reporting month’s testing.



Table 5- 14: Additional Boundary Monitoring

Start Date Start Time Finish Date Finish Time Monitoring

Location Parameter Result Compliant?

28/05/13 14:14 29/05/13 14:22 Point 1 TPH Above

Background1 Yes

28/05/13 14:14 29/05/13 14:22 Point 1 BTEX < AQRL 1 Yes

28/05/13 14:14 29/05/13 14:22 Point 1 Ammonia Within

Background Yes

28/05/13 13:59 28/05/13 14:02 Point 1 Hydrogen

Cyanide < AQRL 1 Yes

29/05/13 14:00 29/05/13 14:03 Point 1 Hydrogen

Cyanide < AQRL 1 Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Heavy Metals

(As, Cr, Cu, Ni)

Within

Background Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Sulphates Within

Background Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Particulate PAHs Within

Background Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Benzo(a)pyrene < AQRL1 Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Cadmium < AQRL1 Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Mercury < AQRL1 Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Zinc < AQRL1 Yes

24/05/13 10:47 25/05/13 10:47 Point 1 Lead < AQRL1 Yes

1 Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) were found above detection limit. The highest detection was Tolulene at <0.047 ppm.

This was still below the AQRL1 (0.1ppm) for Tolulene.



5.6 ECS Stack Testing

ECS stack testing is conducted for the following parameters:

- Type 1 and 2 substances in aggregate (including Antimony, Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium,

Cobalt, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Selenium, Tin and Vanadium)

- Total Solid particles

- Total VOCs as n-propane equivalent

- Cadmium

- Mercury

The parameters above are compared to the MaxAQRL shown in table 5-15 below (note there is no AQRL1 for

the ECS stack as it is a pass/fail criteria only).

Table 5- 15: ECS STack Emissions Criteria

Parameter MaxAQRL*

Cadmium 0.2 mg/m3

Mercury 0.2 mg/m3

Solid Particles 10 mg/m3

Total VOCs as n-propane 20 mg/m3

Type 1 and 2 substances in aggregate 1.0 mg/m3

*MaxAQRL limits in accordance with Principal Project Requirements Revision I (Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, 2012)

Samples are collected by a NATA accredited laboratory within the site ECS stack during Proof of Performance

(POP) and each 3 months thereafter to assess the Site’s emissions control system (ECS). An additional stack test

was conducted by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust in April 2013 as an independent check of Thiess’

regular stack testing. This stack test was performed in accordance with NSW EPA test methods on 18th April

2013. Table 5- 16 summaries the results of the ECS stack test during the compliance testing. All criteria were

below MaxAQRL. A full summary can be found in HMAS Platypus Site – Emissions Testing Report – April 2013

(EML Air Pty Ltd, May 2013, N90868a).

Table 5- 16: ECS Stack Emissions Concentrations

Parameter Concentration (mg/m3) Compliant?

Cadmium 0.027 mg/m3 Yes

Mercury 0.31 x 10-6 mg/m3 Yes

Solid Particles <0.31 mg/m3 Yes

Total VOCs as n-propane <0.021 mg/m3 Yes

Type 1 and 2 substances in aggregate 0.028 mg/m3 Yes



6. REFERENCES

This monthly performance report draws upon a number of principal documents as reference as listed below.

AS 1055.1-1997, ‘Acoustics – Description and measurements of environmental noise’.

AS/NZS 3580.1.1-2007, ‘Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air – Guide to siting air monitoring

equipment’

AS 3580.9.6-2003, ‘Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air – Determination of suspended

particulate matter – PM10 High Volume sampler with selective size inlet – Gravimetric method’

AS/NZS 3580.10.1: ‘Determination of Particulate Matter – Deposited Matter – Gravimetric Method’

AS/NZS 4323.3 2001, ‘Stationary source emissions’

DECC Approved Methods and Guidance for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in New South

Wales (2005)

DECC Approved Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants in New South Wales (2007)

Innes J. Base-Line Air Network of EPA Tasmania)BLANkET Technical Report – 1 (2009)

National Environmental Protection (Air Toxics) Measure (NEPM)

NSW Industrial Noise Policy (2000)

Parsons Brinkerhoff 2012, Remedial Action Plan, Platypus Site, High Street, North Sydney NSW

Protection of the Environment Operations Act (1997)

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) Principals Project Requirements (2011)

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) Principal Project Requirements Revision I (2012)

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) Site Management Plan (2011)

Thiess Services Environmental Monitoring Procedure (2012)

US EPA Method TO-15, ‘Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in air collected in

Specifically-Prepared Canisters and Analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)



APPENDIX A

Real time Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentrations (Boundary) in May 2013

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