ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT OF CARREFOUR LAVAL METRO LINE EXTENSION
1 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA
1.1.1 As the economy continues to grow, specifically in urban areas, there is a constant need to improve our public transit system. In the process of upgrading our system, there has been an extensive use of natural resources, which consequently has lead to a negative effect on our very own environment in general. Therefore, the urge to protect and conserve our environment has become an important issue in today’s society. Aside from conservation of land use, urban transportation is an extremely important aspect of eco-development. The gathering and analysis of proper data is essential in assessing the impact on the environment due to particular activities. The environment includes land, air, noise, socio-economic issues, etc… The information presented in this report has been gathered from on-line research as well as direct contact with people from Carrefour Laval. 1.1.2 Environment in General Guys I need general information about where the new station will be located in terms of topography, elevation, seasonal climate, etc… Anything general about the area itself where construction will take place… 1.1.3 Soil Profile This is where the soil profile and info comes in place. Also any tables regarding Physio-Chemical Characteristics of the soil: ex. Ph level, %Clay, %Sand, %Silt, any minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, etc… 1.1.4 Flora of the Project Area No rare or endangered species of trees had been noticed during the field studies. 1.1.5 Air Quality Clean air is one of the major priorities of the Canadian government. Research indicates that poor air quality has the potential to seriously affect the health, environment and economy of all Canadians. Info-Smog is a smog forecasting and information program that aims to inform and advise the population when smog concentrations are likely to reach or have reached levels that are harmful to health and the environment. In addition, the program Info-Smog offers suggestions to the public on what they can do through
small daily acts to help improve air quality, by using public transit, driving in a more environmentally friendly way, and by limiting the use of solvents and volatile chemical products. Among others, the program consists of a daily air quality forecast in three categories. It is based solely on the ground-level ozone concentrations. GOOD is defined by concentrations less than 41 parts per billion (ppb), FAIR for concentrations in the range of 41 to 81 ppb and POOR by concentrations of 82 ppb and above. An Info-Smog warning is issued when the forecasted category is identified as POOR. Although Carrefour Laval is one of the most congested areas of the city in terms of traffic, it generally always has a GOOD rating for the Info-Smog forecasting. This is mainly due to the number of trees that are planted all around as well as the increasing number of people traveling by bus and walking rather than taking their cars. 1.1.6 Seismicity Two active bands within the Western Quebec Seismic Zone control seismicity around the island of Laval. One band follows along the St.Laurence and Ottawa rivers and has recorded a few historical earthquakes. The last being in 1944 about 30 minutes from Laval and had a magnitude of 5.6 on the Richter scale. Although earthquakes of magnitudes as large as 6.2 and 5.8 have also been recorded prior to this, there has not been anything major since. The second band is oriented NW-SE and extends from Laval to roughly 200km north of Ottawa. Suitable seismic factor as per the National Building Code of Canada needs to be considered for design purpose and for Civil Engineering structures. 1.1.7 Noise The municipal by-laws must include provisions to ensure that noise levels inside new homes located in undeveloped neighborhood are no higher than 55dBA along highways 15, 19, 25, and 440 and their future extensions, as applicable. If there is no sound barrier between the highway and a residential building, a minimum distance of 400m is required from the residential building to the centre of the highway. 1.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT Development of the proposed metro line extension project involves the acquisition of land for entry, exit, and for other facilities of the station. For the acquisition of the land, the metro line will be situated underground and remains entirely within the government land.
1.3
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Based on the existing environmental conditions, potential positive impacts have been identified that are likely to result from the proposed Metro project. The positive impacts are listed below: Reduction in Air Pollution Traffic congestion reduction Employment Opportunities Quick service and safety Less fuel consumption
1.4
NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1.4.1 Based on the existing environmental conditions, potential negative impacts have been identified that are likely to result from the proposed Metro project. The negative impacts are listed below: Impacts due to project location Impacts due to constructions works Impacts due to project operation
1.4.2 Impacts Due to Project Location 1.4.2.1 Change of Land Use The metro line requires a change from underground to an elevated section. 1.4.2.2 Loss of Trees No tress will be lost during the proposed metro construction. 1.4.2.3 Loss of Cultural and Historical Monuments No cultural/historical monuments will be affected as a result of the proposed metro construction. 1.4.3 Impacts Due to Project Construction 1.4.3.1 Soil Erosion and Health Risk at Construction Site Excessive soil erosion can occur from run off in unprotected excavated areas and tunnel faces. Mitigation measures include careful planning and timing of cut and fill operations.
Surface and ground water pollution can occur from dumping of construction wastes such as concrete or brick material. It is proposed to have ready mix concrete directly from batching plant at site. Other construction materials such as brick, steel, etc… will be housed in a fenced yard. Mitigation measures include careful planning, cleaning and landscaping. Health risks include lack of sanitation facilities (water supply and human waste disposal) of local workers. Mitigation measures should include proper water supply, sanitation, drainage, health care and human waste disposal facilities. 1.4.3.2 Risk to Existing Buildings and Traffic Diversions No risk is foreseen to any existing buildings as the tunnel excavation takes place away and underground from any existing building. However extra caution is to be taken when passing under highway 15. During construction minimum traffic diversions on roads will be required as the total length of construction is 2.3km. 1.4.3.3 Impacts on Water Quality The project does not usage of any harmful chemicals. No impacts on either ground or surface water are anticipated in the present project. 1.4.3.4 Disposal of Soil Construction The construction of a metro station in Laval is a complex task, as many elaborate as well as safety measures must be taken in the collection, transfer, and disposal of excavated soil. Soil collection, transferability, and disposal must be taken in a collective manner because Laval is a fairly large and busy city. Soil collection should be in containers that should not spill during movement to disposal sites. The excavated soil should be first collected at dumping ground and then transferred to disposal sites. Dumping area are essential for storing excavated soil, which may later serve as back filling. It is extremely important to first clean and treat the disposal site in order to prevent contamination of soil and ground water. During construction about _________m^3 is to be excavated. Out of this approximately __________m^3 is likely to be used as back filling. The balance ___________m^3 will be disposed. A truck has a carrying capacity of about 8-10 tones. The density of soil is about 2.5t/m^3 jence about 3.2m^3 of earth could be carried out in every trip. About ___________ truck trips will be required in a span of ___________ months at a rate of ____________ trips per day. 1.4.4 Impacts Due to Project Operation 1.4.4.1 Oil Pollution
Oil spillage during the change of lubricants, cleaning and repair of machinery is likely to occur. The spilled oil should be trapped in a chamber for settling of suspended matter and later either be auctioned or incinerated in order to avoid any underground water contamination. 1.4.4.2 Noise The main source of noises from the project are: engine noise, cooling fan noise, wheel-rail interaction, electric generator, etc… As most of the construction takes place underground there will be no impact on the ambient noise. 1.4.4.3 Accidental Hazards On-site and off-site emergency plans have been formulated in view of any hazardous potential involved due to failure of system or accident. 1.4.4.4 Water Supply Water supply, sanitation, and restrooms are necessities at the metro station. The water supply at the station will be primarily for the following: Metro Staff (personal use) Fire Demands Wastage
1.4.4.5 Metro Station Refuse The refuse from the station includes garbage and floor sweepings. The collection and disposal of refuse is extremely important in order to maintain the station sanitarily. 1.4.4.6 Visual Impact An architectural, aesthetically well-designed station will bring about change in visual to the people in the streets, which it will operate.
1.5
Checklist of Impacts
1.5.1 A typical checklist anticipating environmental impacts is shown below Parameter A) i) ii) B) i) Negative Impact Positive Impact No Impact
ii) iii) C) i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) D) i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi)
Impacts Due To Project Location Change of Land Use and Ecology Impact on Cultural/Historical Monuments Impact Due To Project Construction Soil Erosion, Pollution and Health Risk at Construction Site Traffic Diversion and Risk to Existing Buildings Impact on Water Quality Impact Due To Project Operation Oil Pollution Noise and Vibration Accidental Hazards Water Supply Railway Station Refuse Visual Impacts Positive Impacts Traffic Congestion Reduction Quick Service and Safety Less Fuel Consumption Reduction in Air Pollution Better Roads Employment Opportunity
1.6
Environmental Management Plan
1.6.1 From the above environmental baseline conditions, the following is a list of compensatory measures to be taken in order to balance the negative impacts on the environment from the metro project. 1.6.2 Mitigation Measures From the project description, it is essential to follow the Environmental Management Plan for the following:
a) b) c) d) e)
Compensation for Loss of Land Water Supply & Sanitation Oil Pollution Control Noise Control Vibration Control
a) Compensation for Land Loss The cost of land for compensation is taken under the project cost. b) Water Supply and Sanitation Public health facilities such as water supply, sanitation, and restrooms are a necessity at the project location. Water should be treated before being used as drinking water. Also collection and disposal of human waste is an important issue as well. Sewerage disposal system should be adopted according to sewage disposal standards. c) Oil Pollution Control Since oil has a tendency to form scum in sedimentation chambers, clog fine screens, an oil removal tank should be installed. Such tanks usually employ compressed air to coagulate oil and grease and cause it to rise promptly to the surface. Compressed air may be applied to porous plates located at the bottom of the tank. The tank may be designed for a detention period of 5 to 15 minutes. Adding chlorine in an amount of 2.0mg/L will increase the efficiency removal. d) Noise There will be an increase in noise level in ambient air due to construction and operation of the metro station. However, noise levels in the main parts of the city will go down. The increase in levels is marginal and therefore the population will not be affected. However, the exposure of noise to the workers is high due to working near the engine, vent shaft, etc…and need to be minimized. This is attainable through job rotation, automation, protective devices, noise barriers, and soundproof compartments. Through a system of rotation, workers employed in areas with high noise can now be employed in areas with little or no noise. Also automation aids in the decrease of noise as well. Where automation is not possible, workers should use protective gear to shield them from high intensities of noise. Pile driving operations can produce noise levels up to 100dB at a distance of 25m from site. Noise barriers can reduce levels up to 70dB at a distance of 15m from the piles.
Noise levels from the loading and unloading of various materials can be reduced by using various types of cranes and by placing materials on sand or sandy bag beds. Sound barriers are usually effective on routes having fast traffic. Increasing the height of the barrier reduces noise levels. e) Vibration Control