COURSE CODE: ESST3003

Assignment #1

Section A

The Environmental Management Act has established rules with regards to noise, air, and water
pollution to manage pollution sources that can cause damage to the environment and to human
health. A review of these rules will be done to identify provisions with regards to monitoring and
assessment.

1. Noise Pollution Rules

The second and third schedule of the Noise Pollution Rules provides detailed information with
respect to monitoring and assessment of noise. According to the second schedule [Rules6(3) and
8(2)], monitoring of sound pressure levels is done by using an integrating-averaging sound level
meter which must fulfill specific requirements before measuring pollution. An assessment is then
done by using this information to compare with the regulations.

Table 1 shows the provisions made with regards to monitoring and assessment:

Provisions Description
Equipment An integrating-averaging sound level meter is used to monitor
noise. The specific requirements states that it must measure noise
within a range of 30-140 dB (decibels) and should have the ability
to log acoustic data as well as measuring unweighted sound
pressure levels.
Calibration Th meter must be calibrated to the environment in which it will be
used to comply to the rules. A setting of 3dB exchange rate must be
adjusted in the meter with a fast and peak response at linear
frequency.
Measurement Positions Outdoor- the sound level meter should be placed 1.2m to 1.5m
above floor level and 1.2 m horizontally from the building.
Indoors- the sound of interest is measured 1 m away from walls,
1.5 m away from windows and 1.2 m to 1.5 m above floor level.
Procedure Measurements will be conducted by officers in authority or persons
who are trained in using the equipment. The instrument must first

Measuring background
sound pressure
Reporting of measured
data
be calibrated before measuring the sound of interest. Standard
sound measurements must be carried out and the meter but be
enclosed by a windscreen to prevent errors caused by wind when
measuring.
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level must also be
recorded at the site together with the maximum instantaneous
unweighted peak sound pressure at the same time.
A report must be prepared which must contain the general location
and description of the sound being measured. This includes the
nature, character and the source generating the sound of interest.
Details must also be provided with respect to the height and
measuring positions and the sound pressure levels that are
recorded. The frequency and time-weighting characteristics must
also be provided when measuring the equivalent continuous and
maximum instantaneous unweighted peak sound pressure levels.
Weather conditions should be included together with the type of
instrument used and persons present at the site.

An assessment of these measurements is done by comparing the obtained sound pressure levels
with the prescribed standards to determine if there is a breach of regulations. Table 2 shows the
permissible sound pressure levels in different zones for the sound of interest, according to the
first schedule [Rule 5(1)]:

Zone Maximum permissible sound pressure

1 – Industrial Areas
2 – Environmentally Sensitive Areas
At any time of day, the equivalent continuous
sound pressure must not exceed 75 dBA and
an instantaneous peak pressure level of 130
dB
Daytime (8am-8pm) - Equivalent continuous
sound pressure - 3dBA
 Instantaneous unweighted peak sound
pressure - 120 dB
Night (8pm-8am) - the equivalent continuous
sound pressure - 3dBA
Instantaneous unweighted peak sound
pressure - 115dB
3 – General Areas Daytime (8am - 8pm) - Equivalent continuous
sound pressure - 5dBA
Instantaneous unweighted peak sound
pressure - 120dB
Night-time (8pm - 8am) - Equivalent
continuous sound pressure - 5dBA
Instantaneous unweighted peak sound
pressure - 115dB.

The noise pollution rules provide detailed instructions about what instrument to use, how the
instrument should be calibrated, positions to measure and the general procedure of measuring at
the site of interest. It also shows precautions when using the instrument such as taking weather
conditions into consideration which makes these rules scientifically sound.

2. Water Pollution Rules

In the 2019 Water Pollution Rules, there are varying criteria that a permittee must fulfill to apply
for a permit to release any of the pollutants stated in the first schedule of the rules. Table 3 shows
information regarding permit applications, establishments, factors to be considered and scientific
rationales for approving applications:
Provisions Description
Requirements to apply Rule 9 [Subrules 1(d)] states that applications must contain
details of the company, a map showing the locations of water
release, intakes and any receiving water/s. Environmental
Impact States or Assessments and water pollution control
programs must be referenced together with daily monitoring
data for effluent quality for each discharge point.
Scientific rationales Rules 16 [Subrules (9)] identifies applications must be based
on the factors of:
-Different methods of sample preservation and analysis.
- Permissible concentrations of varying water pollutants being
released to the environment.
-Monitoring of those pollutants and how often testing is done.
Factors to consider in Rule 2 [Subrule (4)] - The authority must consider the
developing terms and activities at the industry, the concentrations, and volumetric
conditions of a permit rates of the effluents as well as the characteristics and uses of
the receiving water. Factors in the facility must be considered
including the age, pollution equipment, technology, and the
location of the point source/s.
Terms and conditions Rule 14 [Subrules 2(c)] states that monitoring should be done
by taking measurements of effluent quality and must maintain
the records of all other monitoring procedures. These include
calibration, maintenance, strip chart or electronic recordings
and records of data to complete the permit application.
Subrules 2(g) states that monitoring information should
include the dates and times when water samples are taken and
analyzed. The methods used for analysis should be recorded
and the results obtained from those methods. Supporting
information of observations, readings, data, calculation, and
handling of samples should be included. The company must
carry out good management practices, quality assurance
procedures, prevention measures to pollution and must have
 back up facilities to comply with the permit.

The water pollution rules states factors that must be considered when applying and approving of
a permit. It gives information on sample preservation and monitoring pollutions, but no detailed
information was given on sample preservation and methods in monitoring water quality
parameters. Calibrations and quality assurances were only mentioned and did not state the
procedures.

3. Air Pollution Rules

In the 2014 Air Pollution Rules, part two and part three provides detailed information with
provisions relating to monitoring and assessment. Table 4 shows these provisions made on the
applications and permits:

Provisions Description
Permit application Rules 11 [Subrules b(iv-xxi)] states that applications for permits
includes a plan of the facility with its structures and elevation,
stack dimensions, elevations, emissions, ambient air quality data,
 exit temperatures and velocities. Its operations, maintenance and
safety measures should be included. Descriptions of the
environment in which the pollutant is released is also necessary
and the activity that is causing the release.
Provisions to monitoring data encompasses details of the release
(method, quantity, and concentration). Measures should be
implemented to mitigate air pollution.
Information to be According to Rule 5 [Subrules(d-p)], details of the facility are to
provided on registration be provided to the authority as to what type of facility (proposed
or existing), location, age, and components of the facility. A
description of the activities that will generate the pollutant with
the emission rates and the uses of water.
The emission data must be detailed containing information of
emission characteristics (location of sources, flow rate,
concentrations of constituents and release methods).
A description of the environment and management programs that
is utilized must be presented to authority.
Considerations The Authority takes priority on permits based on the following
factors from Rule 13 [Subrule (2)]:
-The impacts of the emissions to overall environmental and
human health and the proximity to sensitive environmental areas.
- Quality and concentrations of the pollutants.
-The overall impact when combined with other emissions in the
area and the extent in which permissible levels are exceeded.
Monitoring records Rule 20 [Subrule (1)] reveals that monitoring of all pollutants and
equipment specified must be followed in accordance with the
permit. Records of monitoring must include calibrations and
maintenance of equipment, instrumentation recordings, and
modelling results and calculations.
Dates and times of sample measurements and analyses must be
provided, and the analytical methods used.
Assessment of Air Quality Air quality is determined through measurement of air pollutants
 and concentrations, calculations, and modelling of the
dispersions.

These rules provide depth in terms of what a permittee should provide to the authority to obtain a
permit and release pollutants. Information on the facility properties and data on the emissions it
releases is detailed; however, the rules do not fully state how to measure pollution, how
instruments should be maintained and calibrated, how often and how many times should the
facility monitor and record air quality parameters.

Section B

a. Parameters that should be measured immediately when sampling in-situ include:

 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
 Temperature
 pH
b. Chosen parameter – Dissolved Oxygen

As time increases the content in a dissolved oxygen sample would decrease. This is due to
the presence of microbes present in the water sample, consuming the available oxygen and
decreasing its concentration. Therefore, taking the measurement on site would provide a
more accurate reading of concentration present in the water body. In addition, dissolved
oxygen is affected by temperature. Concentrations decrease in warmer temperatures while in
colder temperatures, concentrations increase. (EPA. 2012). Carrying back a sample of water
to be tested in the lab will have a temperature that is different on site, leading to an inaccurate
measurement.

c. Six parameters that can be measured in the laboratory include:

 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
 Nitrates
 Total Lead (Pb)
 Total mercury (Hg)
 Fecal Coliform
 Five Day Biological Oxygen Demand

d. Five Day Biological Oxygen Demand – water samples should be stored in a special bottle
that has a cork for sealing. It should be cleaned with soap, diluted bleach, and distilled
water to avoid contamination. It must then be stored at a temperature of 20°C in a dark
area. (Jouanneau. 2014)

Total Mercury (Hg) – water samples must be stored in a plastic or glass bottle with 0.8 mL
sulphuric acid that increases the acidity of a sample to a pH of less than two.

Nitrates – water samples must be stored in a plastic or glass bottle with 0.8 mL sulphuric acid
that increases the acidity of a sample to a pH of less than two. (EPA. 2016)

e. Sample preservation is needed to inhibit biological and chemical reactions in the water
samples. It also prevents the samples from degrading, which will lead to inaccurate
results. As in the case of Biological Oxygen Demand, it must be stored at a controlled
temperature as changing temperatures can affect the concentration. Warmer temperatures
increase the rate of decomposition by bacteria thereby increasing BOD levels. Preserving
samples with the use of an acid prevents the growth of microorganisms and other
reactions such as precipitation, flocculation, and complexation of chemicals. (Magdalena
et al. 2003). This is seen as in the case of preserving samples of nitrates with acid to
prevent microorganism growth and total mercury to prevent chemical reactions.
f. The quality control methods used in collecting water samples is classified into two
categories:
 Internal Checks are carried out by project volunteers and involves the use of blank,
duplicate, and spiked samples in the field. Blank samples consist of distilled or deionized
water which indicates if there is contamination or errors that may occur during sampling.

Duplicates are two samples that are taken at the same place and time that allows for
precise results during analysis.

Spiked Samples involves the addition of substances to the water sample in which the
concentration is known. This enables the evaluation of the analytical methods used and
allows for accurate results.

 External Checks are also performed in which the results would be compared to the results
of the internal checks. It consists of duplicate samples collected by a professional and the
results will then be compared to that of the internal results for precision.
Split Samples are also used which is a single grab sample that is divided into two other
samples which will be tested separately and then compared. (EPA. 2012)

References

1. “5.2 Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand.” 2012. EPA. Environmental
Protection Agency. March 6, 2012.
https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms52.html.
2. Jouanneau, S., L. Recoules, M.j. Durand, A. Boukabache, V. Picot, Y. Primault, A.
Lakel, M. Sengelin, B. Barillon, and G. Thouand. 2014. “Methods for Assessing
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): A Review.” Water Research 49: 62–82.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2013.10.066.
3. “Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Quality Assessment Measures.” 2012. EPA.
Environmental Protection Agency. March 6, 2012.
https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/132.html.
4. "Quick Guide to Drinking Water Sample Collection". 2016. EPA. Environmental
Protection Agency. September 2016. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-
11/documents/drinking_water_sample_collection.pdf
5. “The Air Pollution Rules”.2014. EMA. Environmental Management Act. Accessed
September 26, 2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MHksVyf46mYErOtTAjbVUKOMZm0b9VOs/view
6. “The Noise Pollution Control Rules”. 2001. EMA. Environmental Management Act.
Accessed September 26, 2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKyNtNJZKcXj_hA66aoh3IvaxF5vBk8I/view
7. “The Water Pollution Control Rules”. 2019. Environmental Management Act. Accessed
September 26, 2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bAZyjWX9W3CiMm2KcKQvUpAD0q9eywIz/view
8. S˙liwka-Kaszyńska, Magdalena, Agata Kot-Wasik, and Jacek Namieśnik. 2003.
“Preservation and Storage of Water Samples.” Critical Reviews in Environmental
Science and Technology 33 (1): 31–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643380390814442.