Study on Air and Noise Impacts at South Indian Port

The port is making considerable pollution to the environment due to its activities comprising of exports and imports of coal and iron ore. The port activities can cause deterioration of air and noise quality in the surrounding areas. Many people living in the localities in and around the harbor are suffering from respiratory infections due to the increased level of atmospheric pollution. To evaluate the environmental and health impacts of the air and noise pollution and to form new environmental management plan, it is important to conduct an air and noise quality survey in the port trust. An air quality survey was conducted at one of the Port in Tamilnadu by using a Respirable Dust Sampler. The particulate matter pollution and the emission due to different port activities were measured and analyzed at ambient zone and the working zone of the port. Noise pollution over the port was measured by using a sound level meter. The observed values of air and noise quality parameters were compared with pollution standards of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It was found that the particulate matter emission exceeds the limits assigned by CPCB. So, the obtained data was used to develop an effective Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to reduce or eliminate the potential environmental impacts of port. A detailed management plan to improve the air quality parameters in the port was formulated. In addition to this, a management plan to reduce the public health impacts due to the port activities was also developed.