Environmental Assessments of the Oinbei Power Plant Project
Public Disclosure Authorized and Associated 500-kV Transmission Line
Henan Province, PRC Public Disclosure Authorized
Prepared For: HENAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
Public Disclosure Authorized Prepared By: KBN ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES, INC.
With Assistance From:. NORZTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INSTITUTE
APRIL 1995 Public Disclosure Authorized I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE QINBEI POWVERPLANT PROJECT AND ASSOCIATED 500-KV TRANSMISSION LINE
HENAN PROVINCE, PRC
Prepared By:
Henan Electric Power Company No. 11 South Sangshan Road Zhenczhou, Henan Province People's Republic of China
With Assistance From:
KBN Engineering and Applied Sciences, Inc. 6241 NW 23rd Street, Suite 500 Gainesville, Florida 32653-1500
And
Northwest Electric Power Design Institute Xian, Shanxi Province People's Republic of China
July 1995 14435C A 14435C 04/14/95
TABLE OF CON'TENTS (Page I of 8)
LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF FIGURES xii
PART I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE QINBEI POWER PLANT PROJECT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I
1.0 BACKGROUND 1-1
1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) MISSION 1-1
1.1.1 WORLD BANK TREATMENT OF THERMAL POWER DEVELOPMENT 1-1
1.1.2 EA BY THE NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INSTITUTE (NWEPDI) AND KBN ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. (KBN) 1-2
1.1.3 QINBEI POWER PLANT GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE 1-3
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 1-3
1.2.1 PRC LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 1-3
1.2.1.1 PRC Laws 1-3
1.2.1.2 PRC Environmental Protection Agencies 1-6
1.2.2 WORLD BANK REQUIREMENTS 1-9
1.3 OINBEI POWER PLANT PROJECT 1-9
1.3.1 JUSTIFICATION 1-9
1.3.2 QINBEI POWER PLANT PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1-16
1.3.2.1 Fuel 1-16
1.3.2.2 Power Block 1-16
1.3.2.3 Water Supply and Treatment 1-19
i 14435C 0X 14/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Page 2 of 8)
1.3.2.4 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal 1-19
1.3.2.5 Solid Waste Disposal 1-23
1.3.2.6 Air Emission Controls 1-25
1.3.2.7 Transmission 1-26
2.0 DESCRIPTIONOF THE PHYSICALENVIRONMENT 2-1
2.1 PHYSICALENVIRONMENT 2-1
2.1.1 TOPOGRAPHY,PHYSIOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY 2-1
2.1.2 AIR RESOURCES 2-2
2.1.2.1 Climatoloev 2-2
2.1.2.2 Site Meteoroco,v 2-3
2.1.2.3 Ambient Air Quality 2-3
2.1.2.4 Noise 2-8
2.1.3 WATER RESOURCES 2-10
2.1.3.1 Surface Water Resources 2-10
2.1.3.2 GroundwaterResources 2-15
2.2 ECOLOGICALENVIRONMENT 2-17
2.2.1 EXISTINGVEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES 2-17
2.2.2 BIOLOGICALDIVERSITY AND ENDANGEREDSPECIES 2-21
2.2.3 WETLANDS 2-22
2.3 SOCIAL. CULTURALAND INSTITUTIONALENVIRONMENT 2-23
2.3.1 LAND USE 2-23
ii 14435C 0,4/14/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Page 3 of 8)
2.3.2 SOCIOECONOMICS 2-23
2.3.2.1 Demography 2-24
2.3.2.2 Emplovment and Opportunity 2-24
2.3.2.3 Transportation 2-25
2.3.2.4 Facilities and Services 2-25
2.3.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES 2-25
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 3-1
3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3-1
3.1.1 AIR QUALITY 3-1
3.1.1.1 Introduction 3-1
3.1.1.2 Air Modeling Methodology 3-1
3.1.1.3 Air Modeling Results . 3-10
3.1.1.4 Conclusions 3-20
3.1.2 NOISE 3-21
3.1.2.1 Reaulations and Criteria 3-21
3.1.2.2 Existin2 and Proposed Noise Sources 3-22
3.1.2.3 Noise Impact Methodologv 3-22
3.1.2.4 Impact Analysis Results 3-24
3.1.3 WATER RESOURCES 3-24
3.1.3.1 Groundwater Impacts 3-29
3.1.3.2 Surface Water Impacts 3-33
iii 14435C 04/14/95
TABLE OF CONTEN'TS (Page 4 of 8)
3.1.4 LAND RESOURCES 3-36
3.1.4.1 Impacts to Water Resources 3-37
3.1.4.2 Ash DisDosal Yard Overflow Potential 3-38
3.1.4.3 Flood Potential 3-38
3.1.4.4 Ash Reutilization Plan 3-38
3.1.5 NATURAL HAZARDS 3-39
3.1.5.1 Flood Potential 3-39
3.1.5.2 Earthguake Risk 3-40
3.2 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 3 41
3.2.1 VEGETATION REMOVAL AND LOSS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT 3-41
3.2.2 IMPACTS TO BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES 341
3.2.3 IMPACTS TO WETLANDS 3-42
3.2.4 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS 342
3.2.4.1 Impacts to Vegetation 3-42
3.2.4.2 Impacts to Human Health 3-51
3.2.4.3 Impacts To Wildlife 3-57
3.2.4.4 Impacts to Biodiversity and Endangered Species 3-64
3.3 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACTS 3-65
3.3.1 CHANGES TO LAND USE 3-65
3.3.2 RESETTLEMENT 3-65
3.3.3 DEMOGRAPHIC/EMPLOYMENT/ECONOMICIMPACTS 3-65
3.3.4 TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS 3-66
Iv 14435C 04114/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Page 5 of 8)
3.3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES 3-66
3.3.6 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 3-67
3.3.7 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 3-67
3.3.7.1 Power Plant Safety and Health Background 3-67
3.3.7.2 Rezulatorv Framework 3-69
3.3.7.3 Adeguacv of Proiect Response 3-69
3.3.7.4 Recommendations 3-70
4.0 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 4-1
4.1 MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES 4-1
4.2 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS 4-2
4.3 WATER SUPPLY AND PRETREATMENT 4-2
4.4 WASTEWATER DISCHARGE * 4-3
4.5 ALTERNATIVE COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY 4-5
4.5.1 ALTERNATIVE SO. EMISSION CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES FOR UTILITY BOILERS 4-5
4.5.2 ALTERNATIVE NOx CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES 4-10
4.5.2.1 Combustion Control Technologies 4-11
4.5.2.2 Post-Combustion Technologies 4-13
4.6 ASH DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES 4-15
5.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION AND MONITORING 5-1
v 14435C 04/ 14/95
TABLE OF CON'TENTS (Page 6 of 8)
5.1 AIR IMPACTS 5-1
5.1.1 COLLECTION OF SITE-SPECIFIC DATA ON METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS 5-1
5.1.2 MONITORING OF SO2 WITHIN PREDICTED AREA OF HIGH SO,/NOx CONCENTRATIONS 5-2
5.1.3 FLORAL SURVEY 5-2
5.2 IMPACTS TO WATER RESOURCES 5-3
5.2.1 ASH DISPOSAL YARD 5-6
5.3 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 5-8
5.4 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACTS 5-8
PART II ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ASSOCIATED 500KV TRANSMISSION LINE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1-1
1.1 JUSTIFICATION 1-1
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) MISSION 1-2
1.2.1 PRC LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 1-2
1.2.2 WORLD BANK TREATMENT OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 1-2
1.2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BY KBN AND NWEPDI 1-3
1.3 PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING AND CHARACTERISTICS 1-3
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 2-1
2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 2-1
vi 14435C 04114/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Page 7 of 8)
2.2 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 2-1
2.2.1 EXISTING COMMUNITIES 2-1
2.2.2 WETLANDS 2-1
2.2.3 ENDANGERED SPECIES AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2-2
2.3 SOCIAL. CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT 2-2
2.3.1 PRESENT LAND USE ALONG THE CORRIDOR 2-2
2.3.2 CULTURAL RESOURCES 2-3
2.3.3 POPULATION CENTERS 2-3
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION 3-1
3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3-1
3.1.1 WATER BODY TRANSMISSION LINE CROSSINGS 3-1
3.1.2 WASTE DISCHARGE FROM SUBSTATIONS 3-2
3.2 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 3-2
3.2.1 VEGETATION REMOVAL AND LOSS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT 3-2
3.2.2 IMPACTS TO WETLANDS 3-3
3.2.3 IMPACTS TO BIODIVERSITY, WILDLIFE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES 3-3
3.3 HUMAN HEALTH. SOCIAL. AND CULTURAL IMPACTS 3-4
3.3.1 PROXIMITY TO SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS 3-4
3.3.2 TRANSPORTATION CROSSINGS 3-9
3.3.3 PROXIMITY TO AIRPORTS 3-9
3.3.4 EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE 3-10
vii 14435C 04/14/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Page 8 of 8)
3.3.5 IMPACTSTO ARCHAEOLOGICALAND CULTURAL RESOURCES 3-10
3.3.6 AESTHETICIMPACTS 3-11
3.3.7 IMPACTSFROM IMPORTEDLABOR 3-11
4.0 ANALYSISOF ALTERNATIVES 4-1
4.1 NO ACTION 4-1
4.2 ALTERNATIVETRANSMISSION LINE ROUTES 4-1
4.3 ALTERNATIVEVOLTAGES 4-2
5.0 MMGATION PLAN 5-1
5.1 REOUIRED MITIGATIONS 5-1
5.1.1 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING THROUGH POPULATION CENTERS 5-1
5.1.2 TRANSPORTATIONCROSSINGS 5-1
5.1.3 OCCUPATIONALAND AGRICULTURALLANDS 5-2
5.1.4 AESTHETICIMPACTS 5-2
5.1.5 WATER CROSSINGS 5-2
5.2 MONITORING 5-2
5.3 OCCUPATIONALSAFETY AND HEALTH 5-3
REFERENCES
APPENDICES APPENDIX A: CONTACTSAND INTERVIEWS APPENDIXB: TRANSLATEDPERMITS APPENDIXC: AREA PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX D: GRAPHICSOF AIR POLLUTIONEXCEEDANCES APPENDIX E: LAND AND WATER RESOURCESSUPPORTING INFORMATION
viii 14435C 04/14/95
LIST OF TABLES (Page I of 3)
PART I
1.2-1 PRC Environmental Protection Legal Framework 1-5
1.2-2 PRC Grade I and Grade III Air Quality Standards 1-7
1.2-3 PRC Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water 1-8
1.2-4 World Bank General Environmental Guidelines for Power Projects 1-10
1.2-5 World Bank Air Emission Limitations for Stationary Sources 1-11
1.2-6 World Bank Ambient Air Quality Standards 1-12
1.2-7 World Bank Recommended Noise Criteria 1-13
1.3-1 Coal Analysis 1-18
1.3-2 Actual Water Demand at 2x600 MW 1-20
2.1-1 Atmospheric Background Daily Average Concentration Data (July 1985 and January 1986) 2-6
2.1-2 Daily, Monthly and Annual Averages for SO, and TSP Concentrations Measured from July 1992 through July 1994 at the Qinbei Power Plant Site 2-7
2.1-3 Background Noise Level Monitoring Results 2-9
2.1-4 Monthly Average Flow Rate of Qin River at Wulongkou Station (1954-1989) 2-11
2.1-5 Flow Characteristics of Qin River (Measured at Wulongkou Hydrologic Station) 2-13
2.1-6 Analysis Results of Surface Water Environmental Monitoring 2-14
2.1-7 Daily Measured Flow Results for the Baijian River for 1988 2-16
2.1-8 Analysis Results of Groundwater Environmental Monitoring (1993) 2-18
2.2-1 Plant Communities of the Taihang Mountains 2-20
3.1-1 Emission Rates and Stack Parameters Used in the Modeling Analysis 3-4
ix 14435C 04/14/95
LIST OF TABLES (Page 2 of 3)
3.1-2 Comparison of Air Dispersion Model and Meteorological Preprocessor Input Requirements to Parameters Available from Meteorological Station at Jiyuan City 3-6
3.1-3 Elevated Terrain Receptor Locations Used in the Air Modeling Analysis 3-9
3.1-4 Maximum Predicted SO, Ambient Concentrations For Various Cases - Constructed Meteorological Data 3-11
3.1-5 Maximum Predicted SO, Ambient Concentrations For Various Cases - 1-Year Meteorological Data 3-12
3.1-6 Maximum Predicted PM Ambient Concentrations For Various Cases - Constructed Meteorological Data 3-14
3.1-7 Maximum Predicted PM Ambient Concentrations For Various Cases - 1-Year Meteorological Data 3-15
3.1-8 Maximum Predicted NO, Ambient Concentrations For Various Cases - Constructed Meteorological Data 3-17
3.1-9 Maximum Predicted NO, Ambient Concentrations For Various Cases - 1-Year Meteorological Data 3-18
3.1-10 Summary of Source Input Data for the Noise Impact Analysis for the Qinbei Power Project 3-23
3.1-11 Wastewater Discharge Quality of Henan Province Power Plants 3-28
3.1-12 Weibull Type 3 Probability Distribution Function Using Minimum Flows by Month for Period 1970 - 1989 3-35
3.2-1 Sensitivity Groupings of Vegetation Based on Visible Injury at Different SO, Exposures 3-44
3.2-2 Effects of SO2 on Representative Crops 3-45
3.2-3 SO, Doses Reported to Affect Natural Vegetation 3-46
3.2-4 Maximum Predicted SO. Ambient Concentrations at Major Receptors (Constructed Meteorological Data) 3-48
3.2-5 Maximum Predicted NO2 Ambient Concentrations at Major Receptors (Constructed Meteorological Data) 3-50
x 14435C 04/14/95
LIST OF TABLES (Page 3 of 3)
3.2-6 Maximum Predicted PM Ambient Concentrations at Major Receptors (Constructed Meteorological Data) 3-52
3.2-7 Summary of USEPA Assessment of Key Controlled Human Exposure Studies 3-54
3.2-8 Summary of Human Health SO, Dose-Response Relationships 3-55
3.2-9 Summary of Human Health LOEL To Short-Term Exposure of SO, and Particulates 3-56
3.2-10 WHO Guideline Values for Combined Short-Term Exposure to SO, and PM 3-58
3.2-1 1 Maximum Predicted Trace Metal Concentrations for a Proposed 2x600 MW Power Plant Burning Design Coal with ESP Controls 3-61
3.2-12 Maximum Predicted Trace Metal Depositions for a Proposed 2x600 MW Power Plant Burning Design Coal with ESP Controls 3-62
5.3.1 Wastewater Monitoring Program, Qinbei Power Plant 5-9
PART 11
3-1 Transmission Line EMF Standards and Guidelines in the United States 3-5
xi I 14435C C0I14/95
LIST OF FIGURES
PART I
1.1-1 Site Plant 1-4
1.3-1 Qinbei Power Plant Project Location 1-14
1.3-2 Topography of Qinbei Project Vicinity 1-15
1.3-3 Simplified Plot Plant 1-17
1.3-4 Water Balance, Qinbei Power Plant: Maximum Daily Conditions 1-21
2.1-1 Jiyuan City Meteorological Monitoring Station 12-Month Windrose, August 1992 - July 1993 2-4
3.1-1 Asheville, North Carolina, 12-Month Windrose, January I - December 31, 1984 3-8
3.1-2 Predictd-Noise Impacts for Phase I (2x600) 3-25
3.1-3 Predicted Noise Impacts for Phase III (6x600) 3-26
3.14 Modeled Drawdown in Wulongkou Aquifer After 150 Days 3-30
PART 11
1-1 Proposed Transmission Line Route 1-4
1-2 Proposed Transmission Line Tower 1-9
1-3 Transmission Line Towers at the Yellow River Crossing 1-10
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VOLUME I: EXECUTIVE SUMINIARY
INTRODUCTION The Henan ProvincialPower Grid, an element of the Central China Power Grid, possessesan installedcapacity of 5,492 megawatts(MW) between 11 thermoelectricand one hydroelectric station. Power load is expectedto increasethreefold over the next decade as economicgrowth in Henan keepspace with that in the rest of the PeoplesRepublic of China (PRC).
The Electric Power of Henan (EPH) has developeda comprehensiveexpansion plan to meet the rising demand. As part of this plan, EPH has sought and received approval from the PRC Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP)to assess the feasibilityof constructinga coal-firedpower plant, known as the Qinbei Power Plant Project, in WulongkouTownship, Jiyuan, northwestem Henan province. The EPH is proposingWorld Bankfinancing for the first phase of the project (Phase I) which consistsof two 600 MW units and an associated500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line for bulk transfer of power to the Henan ProvincialPower Grid. The subsequentphases (II and III) of the project call for the constructionof two additionalpairs of 600 MW units, to achieve a final design size of 6x600 MW. The World Bank has classifiedthe Qinbei Power Plant Project as Category A. Therefore a comprehensiveenvironmental assessment will be prepared in accordancewith OperationalDirective (OD) 4:01 guidelines.
In accordance with the Thermal Power Plant Project PreparatoryStage EnvironmentalProtection Regulation(MOE, 1989), the EPH, with the assistanceof the NorthwestElectric Power Design Institute (NWEPDI),prepared an environmentalassessment of the first phase of the Qinbei Power Plant Project, submittingthe documentto both the MOEP and World Bank in 1993. The 1993 NWEPDI EnvironmentalAssessment was approvedby the MOEP for the 2x600 MW size, and submittedto the NationalEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordancewith the PRC EnvironmentalProtection Law of 1989.
After the 1993 EA submittal, the proposed mixtureof coal for the Qinbei plant was modified at the request of PRC authoritiesin order to lower the average sulfur content. This change, as well as the World Bank's interest in the assessmentof impactsarising from the project's final design size of 3600 MW, led to the preparationof a modifiedEA, which was submittedto the Bank in 1994. ContinuingWorld Bank concern regarding potentialenvironmental issues led to the
ES-I 14435CIES-2 0/1 1/95
recommendation that the EPH contract an international consultant skilled in the preparation of environmental assessment reports according to World Bank standards. In this manner, the World Bank seeks assurance that the project's potential for adverse impacts to the natural resources and human populations of Henan Province are identified and appropriate measures taken to reduce impacts.
This document contains the summary assessments of KBN Engineering and Applied Sciences regarding environmental impacts of the Qinbei project and recommended mitigating actions. The report is divided into volumes I and II addressing the power plant and transmission line respectively.
DESCRTPTIONOF THE PROJECT AND AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT The proposed Qinbei Power Plant site is located in northwesternHenan province at 175 to 185 meter (m) elevation, near the south face of the Taihang Mountainescarpment. The proposed site is adjacent to the Qinbei station of the Jiozhi railway, which assures ready access to the enormous coal deposits of ShanxiProvince to the north.
The plant is a coal-fired thermal power plant, which in Phase I is comprised of two units, each with a sub-critical, drum-type boiler, single shaft condensingturbine and 600 MW generator, sharing a single 240-m stack. The plant's design coal is a blend.in the ratio of 1 part bituminous, 2 parts lean and I part washed middlings,having an aggregatesulfur and ash content of 0.41 percent and 24.95 percent, respectively. Emissioncontrols consistof electrostatic precipitators with an efficiencyof 99.6 percent for removal of dust from flue gas emissions.
The plant will employ a recirculatingwater system for cooling, with a single, hyperbolic, natural draft cooling tower for each pair of 600 MW units. Makeupwater will be obtained from two wellfields near the Qin River, located below the Qin River valley upstream of Wulongkou Township and Jiyuan City, and which also includesthe Qin River buried alluvial plain downstreamof Wulongkou. Tlese two zones are referred to collectively as the Wulongkou Aquifer.
Qinbei is located within the warm, temperate, arid zone of north central China, which receives an average of 629 millimeters (mm) precipitationand 1564 mm evaporationper year. The proposed
ES-2 14435CIE53 041111X95
site is on uninhabited, rocky, sparsely vegetated land that lies above the irrigated agricultural areas of the Loess Plain to the south, and the ro.ky, steep escarpments of the Taihang Mountains to the north. No intact vegetativecommunities exist on the site, or within the immediatevicinity of the plant.
The boundariesof two Category C Forest Departmentprotected areas, the Taihangshanand Baisongling,are within 10 to 15 km of the proposedpower plant site. Category C has the lowest protective status within the three-tieredsystem employed in the PRC, and designatesareas that were created to conserveecosystems within each province that are representativeof the area's original floral and faunal communities. The Baisonglingand Taihangshanprotected areas are located entirely within the Taihang Mountains.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMIPACTSAN) RECOMMIENrDEDACTIONS OR MITIGATION MEASURES Air Resources Principal impactsto air resourceswere identifiedin terms of * the incrementaleffect of power plant pollutantson backgroundair quality, - actual anticipatedeffects to human and ecologicalhealth resultingfrom predicted pollutant concentrations,and - comparisonof predictedpollutant concentrations to PRC, World Bank and other published guidelines.
Values for ground-levelconcentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and Total Suspended Particulates (SOn,NO,, and TSP) due to power plant emissionswere predicted using USEPA- approved modelingmethodologies that incorporatedata representingworst-case atmospheric conditions. These conditionswill occur at nighttimewith wind speeds under three knots, circumstancesthat should occur with a frequencyof 6.3 percent or less. Informationregarding backgroundair quality was obtainedfrom prior monitoringprograms conductedby the EPH in the lowland, populatedareas to the south of the proposed site. Effects on human and ecological health are assessed by comparingthe predicted pollutionconcentrations to research findings available in public literature. Air quality standardsto which modeledpollutant concentration values were comparedto World Bank and PRC Grade I and 11annual and 24-hour averages. The PRC Grades I and 11are applicableto ecologicallysensitive areas and for assuring human health
ES-3 144)5C/ES-4 07/31/95
and welfare respectively. Since PRC air quality standards are much stricter than those of the World Bank-, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards are also included to provide an added perspective to interpretation of the project's impacts to air quality. Summary findings are presented below. Note that findings presented are based on 1 year's meteorological data adapted from Asheville, North Carolina. * No adverse impact to human health or important natural communities is expected due to
incremental SO2 and NO, contributions to local air quality from the Qinbei Power Plant.
* Review of 1993-1994 monitoring data for TSP and SO2 indicatesthat background TSP concentrations of non-point, non-industrial origins are frequently in excess of the Annual and 24-hour standards of the World Bank, PRC and USEPA in the populated, lowland 3 areas. Concentrations of SO2 are less than 50 jg/m , which classifiesthe area as "unpolluted"according to World Bank guidelinesfor this pollutant.
e The maximumincremental contribution of the Qinbei Power Plant to lowland TSP concentrationswill be less than 12 percent of the maximum backgroundvalues, according to modelingresults. This corresponds to a backgroundof 404 jig/m3 and a contributionof 45 pg/m3 24-hour averages for 6x600 MW.
* Emissionsrates for S02 and PM are well within World Bank standards (500 TPD and 100 fg/m3 respectively).
* World Bank air quality standards for SO2 or NO, annual and 24-hour averages are not exceeded in any lowland, populatedarea or in either of the two protected areas at either the 2x600 MW or 6x600 MW sizes.1 * Predictedground-level concentrations of SO, and NO, are well within PRC Class II annual and 24-hour standards for lowlandpopulated areas at both 2x600 MW and 6x600 MW sizes, although PRC Class II 1-hour standardsare exceededat 6x600 MW. * PRC Class I air quality standardsmay be exceeded within the two protected areas for both SO, annual and 24-hour, and NO. 24-hour averages at both the 2x600 and 6x600 MW sizes. As previouslystated, no damage to vegetationor wildlife is expected based on literature review of exposure effects on similar organisms. * ThouglhWorld Bank noise criteria (dBA) are exceededat some locationswithin the plant at both Phase I and Phase II sizes, the noise levels drop sharply outside the plant's boundary and will not affect local populations.
ES-4 14435CiES-5 04/11/95
Recommendedfollow-up actions include: * The collectionof comprehensivemeteorological data at the Qinbei site for at least I year, which will allow more accurate modelingand predictionof pollutant concentrationsand impactsprior to initiationof Phases II and III. * The monitoringof atmosphericSO. and TSP concentrationson the elevated terrain north of the Qinbeisite, in order to validate modelingresults and obtain long-termdata. * Inventoryof plant species on the Taihano Mountainsto assure that the endemic, rare species Taihangiarupestris does not occur within the zone of maximumimpact from atmosphericpollutants.
Alternativesconsidered include: * Locationof the power plant at the alternativeNiezhang site, which was rejected becauseof predictedincreases in concentrationof atmosphericpollutants within the Baisongling protected area. * Flue gas desulfurization(FGD), which was rejected as an immediateoption since World Bank emission standardsare not exceeded, adverse local impactsare not anticipated,and FGD is a costly control technology. It is recommendedthat sufficientspace be reserved within the power block layout to accommodateFGD in case this option is required at a future date. * Other combustionand emissioncontrol SO, and NO, control technologies,which may be required based on repeat modelingemploying the comprehensivemeteorological data mentionedabove.
Impactsto Water Resources The environmentalassessment identifies four potential areas of concern to water resources that arise from: * Withdrawalof groundwaterfrom the WulongkouAquifer for cooling-systemmakeup, * Discharge of plant wastewaterstreams to the BaijanRiver bed, * Siting of the ash disposalarea in the Qin River floodplain,and * Leaching of pollutantsfrom ash piles into groundwater.
The demand for makeup water is 3.864 cubic meters per hour (m3/h) and 11,592 m3/h [3.22 cubic meters per second (m3 /s)] at the 2x600 MW and 6x600 MW sizes respectively,for which the
ES-5 14435C/ES-6 0411l/95
Qinbei project has received approval from the Henan Water Conservation Survey Bureau (HWCSB). The HWCSBbased their approval on assessments conducted by the National Mlineral Reserve Commission(NMRC), who characterizedthe aquifer as "large" and capable of supportingwithdrawals up to 6.0 m3/s. Additionalmodeling studies were conductedby the Henan Electric Power and Design Institute (HEPSDI)to predict drawdownon the Wulongkou Aquifer that may result from withdrawal at the 3.22 m3 rate needed by the 3600 MW phase of the Qinbei project. The model indicatesthat the aquifer could withstandwithdrawals at these rates, at least over the 150 day period consideredduring the study. However the modelingdid not extend beyond the 150-dayperiod, and did not take rainfall recharge or the complexnature of the aquifer into account.
The scope of modeling conductedto date will therefore be expandedto consider effects beyond 150 days, the target aquifer's complexityin terms of the number, areal extent and hydrological characteristicsof the various water-bearingand confining layers, plus the generally positive effects of infiltrationrecharge from both rainfall and the Qin River.
The HWCSBmodeling, and the supportingNMRC groundwatersurvey, may in fact be of sufficient scope to validate the proposed withdrawalrate. although this could not be determined at the time of the KBN environmentalassessment.
A separate considerationresults from the discharge of industrialwastewater and cooling tower blowdown to the Baijan riverbed. The hourly estimatedvolume of wastewaterand treated sanitary effluent is 692 m3/h for 2x600 I,IW, and 2.076 m3/h for 6x600 MW; including cooling tower blowdown, ash wetting runoff, plant drains, domesticwastewater, gland seal cooling water, and coal sluice wastewater. All effluent streams will be treated in order to bring water quality into compliancewith PRC Class 11Integrated IndustrialWastewater Standards prior to disposal. The proposed disposal method is discharge to the Baijanriverbed. Since the Baijan is dry over 90 percent of the year, the proposed disposal method is essentially a discharge to groundwater that is upgradient of the Qinbei welltield. The primary parameter of concern resulting from the introduction of wastewater is high dissolvedsolids.
Finally, coal ash leachatemay contain heavy metal ions that can represent a low-gradesource of environmentalcontamination to groundwater. In the case of the Qinbei Power Plant, ash for the
ES-6 14435CIES-7 CM14/95
2x600 MW facility will be trucked to a 117 hectare disposalyard located on the Qin River floodplainat a distanceof 4 km from the power plant site. Ash absorptiontests conductedby the NWEPDI indicatesthat the ash pile will be wet only to a depth of 0.6 m, even during the historic maximumrainfall events. Since ash will be ramped to a height of 11 m, little direct risk is believed to exist to ground water resourcesas a result of leaching. Despitethis situation, the highly permeablesand and cobble of the Qin River floodplain,and the abundanceof shallow groundwaterargue for the implementationof leachatecontainment measures.
Recommendedmitigations to protect groundwaterresources include: * The introductionof a liner for the ash disposal yard that will assure impermeabilityof at least 10' centimetersper second (cmls). Final ash yard design may includeeither compactedclay or membranetype liners, pendingfinal determinationof cost. * The installationand operationof monitoringwells outside the perimeter and liner of the ash yard to assure that leachateis not penetratingthe impermeablebarrier and contaminatinglocal groundwater.
Recommendedactions needed to identifypotential impactsto water resources with greater precision include: - In-depthreview of supportingstudies to assure that the aquifer's complexityhas been properly accountedfor, * As deemednecessary by the above assessmentof the adequacyof background studies, employ 3-D models for complexaquifers (e.g. MODFLOW)to better characterizethe impactsof groundwaterwithdrawals, * Modelingto identifyany risk to the WulongkouAquifer posed by wastewater discharge, * Water conservationmeasures within the plant, * Study to characterize any potential risk for upstream flooding posed by the ashyard's location in the Qin River floodplain,and * Collectionof supplementarydata regarding aquatic biota of the Qin River to verify presence or absence of significantresources.
Following review of NMRC backgroundstudies, additionalmodeling using three dimensional groundwater flow may be deemed necessaryto better characterizethe degree of risk posed by
ES-7 14435CrEs.8 04114195
groundwaterwithdrawal rates of the proposed magnitude. Trhemodel will be equivalent to the MODFLOWprogram developedby the United States GeologicalSurvey (USGS). The modeling will be conductedprior to the installationof production wells, and will incorporate recharge from rainfall and the Qin River as well as address any effects the multi-layerednature of the subsurface may have on the percolation and lateral movementof groundwaterwithin and around the source. The model will assess both the 2x600 MW and 6x600 MW cases.
With regards to wastewaterdischarge, additionalmodeling will be conductedprior to initiation of plant operations to assure that no adverse impacts will occur to either the Wulongkou Aquifer or surrounding groundwaterresources. A three-dimensionalgroundwater transport model such as FLOWPATH, MOC or MT3D will be used to assess the potential migration of contaminants discharge to the subsurface,and their impacts on the target resources.
Additionalwater conservationmeasures will be implementedwhich will serve to reduce overall water consumptionby 5 to 10 percent. These measures includethe use of cooling tower blowdownfor cooling pump glands and other applications, the installationof supplementarydrift eliminators to reduce drift from the cooling tower, and the implementationof comprehensiveand continuousauditing system for water consumptionpractices.
Finally, close attention will be given to the potential for increasedupstream flooding as a result of siting the ash disposal yard in the Qin River. Attentionwill focus initiallyon studies prepared by EPH that may quantify potential for upstream flood impact. If not sufficient, additional field assessmentwill be performed. Compensatoryfloodwater storage areas will be created as part of the Qinbei Power Plant project if significantrisk is identifiedas a result of the study.
WATER MANAGEMENTALTERNATIVES Water quality managementalternatives that were consideredinclude: * Water sources other than the WulongkouAquifer, * Discharge scenarios, includingdirect discharge to the Qin river and zero discharge technologies, * Ash disposal site locations, includingone potential site to the northwest of the Qinbei site.
ES-8 14435C/ES-9 041/ 1/95
No alternative to the Wulongkou Aquifer is readily identifiable as a water source for the Qinbei Power Plant, since no other aquifer of sufficient size or proximity has been identified. Storage of surface water from the Qin River would require the construction of a dam that would require inundation of a large area, a course of action that would carry significant risk of adverse environmental impact in its own right.
One alternative to the discharge of wastewater into the Baijan riverbed is to direct effluent to the Qin River via pipeline or canal, where flow and dilution would occur most of the year to reduce impacts. The adaptation of zero discharge technology is an alternative to either of the two proposed discharge location. However capital costs for such systems are typically twice the cost of conventionalsystems and significantenergy penaltiesalso apply during plant operation for final processing of briny waste to solid state. Therefore if modeling indicates high risk associated with the Baijan discharge, the Qin river discharge will be adapted as the alternative of choice.
An alternativeash disposalsite, northwestof the power plant, was considered. However the site's locationupstream of the Qin River and upgradientfrom the Wulongkouwellfield introduces risk of overflowand leachatecontamination of these resources. Protectionmeasures sufficient to assure the security of these water resourceswould make this site far more expensivethan the proposed site, which is the preferred alternative.
SOCTO-CULTURALRESOURCES There are no identifiedsocio-cultural resources within the Qinbei Power Plant constructionarea of impact. The principal impactof concern relates to the volume of truck traffic between the plant site and the ash disposal yard. The NWEPDI (1994) identifiesa volume of 30 trucks per hour during the 2x600 MW size, which increasesto 90 trucks per hour during Phase IL. Impacts associatedwith this high volume of traffic include the release of significantamounts of engine exhaust and fugitive dust within close proximityto villagesalong the route, plus safety issues associated with pedestrians, bicyclesand other users of the road.
Recommendedmitigation for this impact is the routing of ash disposalroads away from any populationcenter and the use of larger capacitytrucks that will reduce the number of trips to 13 and 39 per hour for 2x600 MW and 6x600 MW facilities,respectively. The trucks will furthermore be limited to daytimeoperation and will wet and cover ash cargo to reduce dust. If
ES-9 14435C/ES- 10 04/1 1/95
transport roads cannot be routed away from population centers, alternative ash transportation technologies will be implemented such as the establishment of a temporary ash disposal pile to reduce dependency on frequent truck traffic, the use of large vehicles to reduce the number of trips, or the use of a dust-free conveyor belt.
EPH has informedthe local public of the proposed power plant development. In a meeting held on March 8, 1993, in the WulongkouTownship MeetingHall, local residents met with EPH and EPA authorities. Given the opportunityto express their viewpoints,the villagers expressed a desire to see the project succeed, since no revenue was being realized from current land uses. During an informalmeeting held in WulongkouTownship on February 12, 1995, villagers again expressed enthusiasmfor the project's realizationbefore EPH, Jiyuan City, and KBN personnel.
ES-10 14435C/I -1 064r13195
1.0 BACKGROUND
Electric Power of Henan (EPH)has receivedapproval from the Ministryof Electric Power (MOEP)to assess the feasibilityof constructinga 6x600 megawatt(MW), coal-firedpower plant named the Qinbei Power Plant. The plant will be located in Wulongkou Township, Jiyuan City, in northwestern Henan province. The EPH is proposing World Bank financing for the first phase of project, which consists of a 2x600 MW unit and an associated 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The World Bank is tentatively proposing an April 1995 appraisal date for the loan project, and a 1996 construction start-up.
This document contains the summary assessments of potential environmental impacts arising from the proposed project. Impacts are reviewed in terms of the initial 2x600-MW World Bank financed project (Phase I) as well as the final design size of 6x600 MW (Phase 111). The report is structured in two main sectionsthat address the Qinbei Power Plant and the associated500 kV transmission line independently. Each report section is divided into chapters that present i. Descriptionsof the policy, legal, and administrativeframework for the project and project description, 2. Descriptionsof the affectedenvironment, 3. Characterizationof potential impactsarising from constructionand operation, 4. A review of alternativesfor the proposed project, and 5. Recommendedactions to mitigateenvironmental impacts.
1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ENVIRONNIENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) MISSION 1.1.1 WORLD BANK TREATMENT OF THERNIAL POWER DEVELOPMENT The World Bank has established guidelines for ensuring that borrowers have adequately characterized the environmental impacts of proposed actions, considered alternatives to a proposed project, developed measures that would mitigate unavoidable impacts, and identified training and monitoring requirements to assure implementation of those measures. Environmental assessment (EA) guidelines for the World Bank are specified in the World Bank Operational Directive (OD) 4:01 (1991); which provides general guidance in the preparation of EA reports. Via the Sourcebook series (1990), OD 4:01 is supported by supplementary guidelines that address sector specific issues. Specific environmental assessment guidelines exist for thermoelectric projects.
l-l 14435CI1 -2 03,!9195
Finally, Operational PolicyvNotes (OPN) assure treatment of topics of particular importance to the Bank; including possible impacts to biodiversity, indigenous peoples. wildlands. and wetlands.
During the identification phase, the World Bank screens projects with regards to their potential for causing adverse envirorunental impacts, assigning the projects to one of three categories: A, B or C. The Qinbei Power Plant project, like virtually all thermal power projects, was rated as Category A, meaning that significant potential exists for adverse environmental impacts and that an EA must always be performed.
1.1.2 EA BY THE NORTHWVESTELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INSTITUTE (NWEPDI) AND KBN ENGINEERING AN-DAPPLIED SCIENCES, INC. (KBN) The design of thermal power plants and associated facilities in Henan Province is the responsibilityof the NorthwestElectric Power Design Institute (NWEPDI), a public organization that provides technical assistanceservices to utilities in several additionalprovinces as well. The NWEPDI prepared an EA of the first phase (2x600 MW) of the project, which was approved by the MOEP in June 1993, and submittedto the World Bank in October of the same year. Subsequentto changing design coal, and on the basis of World Bank recommendationsthat environmentalimpacts from the final design size of 3,600 MW be considered, a second EA was prepared by the NWEPDI and submittedin August of 1994 prior to a World Bank pre-appraisal mission.
Ongoing World Bank concern regarding potentialenvironmental issues led to the involvementof KBN Engineeringand Applied Sciences, Inc. (KBN) in January of 1995. Through KBN collaboration with EPH and the NWEPDI, the World Bank seeks (inter alia) assurance that: 1. Potential impactsfrom atmosphericpollution are clearly understood, 2. Proposed levels of groundwaterwithdrawal are feasible without adverse impacts, 3. Flyash waste disposal issues are adequatelyaddressed, 4. Adequate public participationwas sought, and 5. The OPN special topics are addressed.
The objective for KBN's participationis to provide assistance to EPH and NWEPDI in the preparation of a final EA report that addresses these areas of particular World Bank interest and allows the timely executionof the Appraisal Mission.
I -2 14435C/ 1-3 03/13195
A three-person team of KBN scientists traveled to Henan province February 9 through 19, visiting the Qinbei site and surrounding areas, interviewing local officials and residents, and identifying additional data through a series of working meetings with EPH and NWEPDI staff.
An updated version of the 1994 EA document (NWEPDI, 1994) was used extensively by the KBN team as an information reference during EA preparation.
1.1.3 QINBEI POWER PLANT GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE The potential area of environmental impact is determined by the aggregate scope of construction and operational impacts.
Construction Impacts Constructionimpacts are derived principallyfrom the occupationand alterationof land for power plant infrastructure, includingthe switchyard,power block, coal handling facilities, associated railway and water resource infrastructure,and ash disposalareas. Additionalimpacts to local populationscan be anticipatedin the form of increasedroad and rail traffic, as well as from the influx of temporary labor. These impactswere consideredwithin the area encompassedin Figure 1.1-1).
Onerational Impacts Operationalimpacts for thermal power projects can be derived from the discharge of atmospheric and aquatic pollutants, withdrawalof water from surface and undergroundsources, and the generation of other waste streams. These impactswere consideredwithin a range of 15 kilometers(km) surroundingthe power plant site.
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL AND REGULATORYFRAMEWORK FOR PRO.TECT DEVELOPMENT 1.2.1 PRC LEGAL AND REGULATORYFRAMEWORK 1.2.1.1 PRC Laws The principal laws and regulationsrelated to environmentalimpacts of thermal power plants in China are provided in Table 1.2-1. Accordingto the Thermal Power Plant Project Preparatory Stage EnvironmentalProtection Regulation (MOE, 1989) promulgatedby the Ministry of Energy (MOE), an EA is required during the feasibilitystudy stage of project development. For projects
1-3 Figilre 1.1II--
PROPOSED WASTEWATER VoCtscn;AfnEARX 1A
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flefrjaflfl Village~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MaVllg '~~~~SM~~~~~~~~~~~~LlcuXin ViIh~ Vllg n.owVillage l7n(,lreY > s lp
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PRESENT FUTUREIECT PLAN I'RO | \t DISPOSALASHDlSPt;SAL | , ASH /
\ / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EPEI1:QlNitrl i O ER _ ~~~~~~~~~PiANT1;PIIU}CCT 14435C 03/13/95
Table 1.2-1. PRC Environmental Protection Legal Framework
Laws and Regyulations
PRC EnvironmentalProtection Law (December26, 1989)
PRC Ambient air pollutionprevention and mitigationlaw (September5, 1989)
PRC Water pollutionprevention and mitigationLaw (May 11, 1984)
PRC Water Act (January21, 1988)
PRC EnvironmentalNoise Protectionand MitigationRegulation (September 26, 1989)
EnvironmentalProtection Administration Regulation promulgated by the State Environmental Protection Committee,the State PlanningCommittee and the State EconomicCommittee (Document No. E003, 1986)
Thermal Power Plant ConstructionPreparatory Stage EnvironmentalProtection Regulation promulgatedby the Ministryof Energy (DocumentNo. AB 993, 1989)
Thermal Power Plant EnvironmentalMonitoring Regulation promulgated by the Ministry of Water Conservancy(Document No. SD 299, 1987)
EnvironmentalStandards
PollutantEmission Standards
Emission Standardsof Air Pollutantsfor Coal-FiredPower Plants (GB13223-91)
IntegratedWastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-88)Class 1 standard for newly built projects
Standard of Noise at Boundaryof Industrial Enterprises(GB12348-90) Category II Standard
AmbientQuality Standards
Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB3095) Grade II (See Table 2-1)
EnvironmentalQuality Standard for SurfaceWater (GB3838-88)Grade III
Sanitary Standard for Drinkin, Water (GB3749-85)used for groundwater
1-5 14435C/1-6 03/13195
with an investmentpotential in excessof 200 million yuan (RMB), the EA should be submittedto MOEP by the main administrativeunit of the project. In the case of the Henan Qinbei Power Plant, this administrativeunit is EPH. After previewingthe document,MOEP submits the EIS to the national EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) for approval.
The appropriatenessand sufficiencyof the environmentalmitigation proposed for the facility is the responsibilityof MOEP accordingto DocumentDJ No. 131: Acceptanceof Regulationfor Thermal Power Plant EnvironmentalMitigation Devices after Completion(MOEP, 1988). The organizationsresponsible for monitoringthe impacts associatedwith the project are determined by MOEP accordingto regulationsthat specify in detail the monitoringorganization, personnel, installations,duties, monitoringparameters, station locations,and monitoringperiods, methodologyto be used, among other details.
PRC air and water quality standards are summarizedin Tables 1.2-2 and 1.2-3.
1.2.1.2 PRC Environmental Protection Agencies Environmentalprotection in China is implementedon three principal levels: national (or state), provincial, and the municipal (or local). Therefore, there exists a national EPA, provincialEPA, and an EPA at the local level for the nearest city of significantsize. For the Henan Qinbei Power Project, the relevant environmentalprotection agencies includethe following: 1. The national EPA, 2. The Henan provincial EPA, 3. The Jiozou City EPA (representingthe closest city with significantsize that has a fully staffed EPA), and 4. The Jiyuan City EPA (whichapparently serves only to operate intermittentair monitoringstations).
While the local and provincial EPAs are consulted as part of the EIS process, the ultimate decision on the approval of the EIS rests entirely with the national EPA. Moreover, the published environmentalregulations provide no detailed guidanceon prioritizationof impacts and how decisions on resource use are made. A list of all agencies contacted is the EIS process is provided in AppendixA.
1-6 14435C/I X 03/14f95
Table 1.2-2. PRC Grade I and Grade II Air Quality Standards Grade II Concentration Limits2 Grade I Concentration Limitsb Daily Annual Daily Annual Pollutant Once Average Average Once Average Average
SO2 0.5 0.15 0.06 0.15 0.05 0.02 NO, 0.15 0.10 - 0.10 0.05 -
TSP 1.00 0.30 - 0.30 0.15 -
Note: All concentrations expressed in mg/Nm3.
Human health and welfare. b Ecologically sensitive areas.
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Table 1.2-3. PRC Sanitary Standardsfor Drinking,Water Parameter Unit Grade I Grade II Grade III Color degree 1.5 50 >50 Turbidity degree 5 25 >25 pH std. units 6.5 - 8.5 6.0 - 9.0 <6.0 or >9.0 Iron mg/L 0.3 1.0 > 1.0 Manganese mg/L 0.1 0.5 > 0.5 Oxygen Consumed mg/L 3 6 >6 Hardness CaCo,, mg/L 450 700 >700
Chloride mg/L 250 600 > 600 Sulfate mglL 250 400 > 400 Fluoride mg/L 1.0 1.0 > 1.0 Arsenic mg/L 0.05 0.1 >0.1 Nitrate-nitrogen N,mg/L 20 23 >23 Coliform MPN/L < 3 60 >60
Source: Committeeof Patriotic Health Campaignof China, 1989.
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1.2.2 W'ORLD BANK REQUIREMENTS In additionto guidelinesreferenced in Section1. 1. 1, the World Bank also has specific industrial pollutant discharge and ambient environmentalquality standardsfor the power sector, as detailed in Table 1.2-4. World Bank air quality guidelinesapplicable to power plants are presented in Tables 1.2-5 and 1.2-6. Noise guidelinesare presented in Table 1.2-7.
1.3 OINBEI POWN'ERPLANT PRO.JECT The Qinbei site, approved by the MOEPDesign and Planning General Institute, is located in WulongkouTownship, Jiyuan City, Henan Province. This area borders Shanxi Province to the north, and is located approximately140 km northwestof the Provincial Capital of Zhengzou, 60 km northeast of Luoyang,and about 17 km northeast of Jiyuan City (Figure 1.3-1).
The site is within 2.0 km of the south face of the Taihang Mountainescarpment, 4 km north of the Qin River and adjacent to the Qinbei North railway station. The Jiozho-Kejinghighway and Jiozhi railway pass on the south side of the site, and the seasonal Baijianriver drainagepasses along the site's western boundaryFigures 1.1-1 and 1.3-2). The Jingluoyangnational highway that passes along the west bank of the Baijanchannel is a major transportationartery for Shanxi coal.
1.3.1 JUSTIFICATION The Henan ProvincialPower Grid is an elementof the Central China Power Grid. The Henan Province Power Grid has, as of 1992, an installedcapacity of 5492 MW. According to N'WEPDI (1994), installedcapacity is providedby: 1. One hydroelectricstation of 250 MW. and 2. Eleven thermal power plants with an aggregatecapacity 5242 MW, of which the largest single unit is of 300 MW capacity.
At present, the grid maintransmission network is 220 kV, with two 500 kV lines in the early developmentstages.
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Table 1.24. World Bank General Environmental Guidelines for Power Projects
Environmental Resource Criteria
2 AIR 1. SO2 -454 MT/day (500 tons/day) Emissions 2. Particulate-100 mg/m3 3. NO-300 ng/joule (0.3 lb/106 Btu) fossil fuel steam generators burning bituminouscoal
3 Ambient Quality 1. SO2-100 tLg/mannual average 500 Iyg/m3 maximum24-hour average 2. Particulate--100pag/m 3 annual geometric mean 500 ig/m3 maximum24-hour average 3. NO,-100 ug/m' annual average
WATER AND Thermal limitationsof +3°C for subtropicaland tropical waters and LAND 5°C for other waters, with an alternativemaximum according to the equation:
T. = oT + URLT-OT
where: T, = Maximumallowable stream temperatureafter mixing OT = Optimumtemperature for species affected URLT = Ultimaterecipient lethal temperature
Also, general restrictionson affecting aquatic organisms, human health and welfare exist.
NOISE Noise levels (yearly average)required for protection of public health and welfare recommendedin the World Bank Environmental Guidelines(September 1988).
SOCIAL AND Secondarygrowth effects to the general populationshall be addressed CULTURAL and impactsto tribal people shall be mitigated.
OCCUPATIONAL World Bank OccupationalHealth and Safety Guidelines for Power Plants, Coal, and Fuel Oil; TLVs by American Conferenceof GovernmentalIndustrial Hygienists.
Notes: SO, = Sulfur dioxide. NO, = Nitrogen oxide. MT/day = Metric tons per day. lb/106 Btu = Pounds per million British yglm3 = Micrograms per cubic thermal units. meter. NO, = Nitrogen dioxide.
'nonpolluted to moderately polluted areas (i.e., 50 to 200 AIg/Irn). 1-10 14435C 03113195
Table 1.2-5. World Bank}Air ErmissionLimitations for Stationary Sources Pollutants Qualitv Standard
Particulates 100 Azg/m3 -World Bank}emissions guideline
3 SlrBLel(#m) Criterion I Criterion II Maximum SluBcrud eMaximum SO2 Allowable Ground Level MIaximum Emission Increment to Ambient Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Annual Average 24-Hour Interval (TDP) (ug/m3 1-year average)
Unpolluted <50 < 200 500 50 Moderately Polluteda Low 50 200 500 50 High 100 400 100 10 Very Polluted' > 100 >400 100 10
Note: No emission guidelines for NO. currently exist for combustion turbine generators. a For intermediate values between 50 and 100 og/m3 , linear interpolations should be used. i No projects with sulfur dioxide emissions are recommended in these areas.
Source: World Bank, 1988b.
1-11 14435C 03/13195 Table 1.2-6. World Bank AmbientAir Quality Standards
Pollutant Quality Standard
Particulates (Dust)
Annual geometric mean 100 pg/mi % Maximum24 hour peak 500 Pg/mr3
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Inside plant fence Annual arithmetic mean 100 P/rnI' Maximum24 hour peak 1,000 pg/mr3
Outsideplant fence Annual arithmeticmean 100 Ug/m3 Maximum24 hour peak 500 pg/rn
Nitrogen Oxides (NOJ) Annual arithmeticmean (as NO2) 100 pg/rM'
Arsenic (As)
Inside plant fence 24 hour average 0.006 mg/m'
Outsideplant fence 24 hour average 0.003 mgl/m
Cadmium (Cd)
Inside plant fence 24 hour average 0.006 mg/mr
Outsideplant fence 24 hour average 0.003 mglm/r
Lead (Pb)
Inside plant fence 24 hour average 0.008 mg/m'
Outsideplant fence 24 hour average 0.004 mg/m3
Source: World Bank, 1988b.
1-12 1M435C 03113195
Table 1.2-7. World Bank Recommended Noise Criteria
Indoor Outdoor To To Hearing Protect Heanng Protect Activity Loss Against Activity Loss Against Inter- Considera- Both Inter- Considera- Both Location Measure ference tion Effects' ference Lion Effect.?
Residential L . 45 45 55 55 With Outside Space and Farm Residences L J(24) 70 70
Residential With L. 45 45 No Outside Space L..(2 4) 70
Commercial L,(24) 70 70' 70 70'
Inside Transportation L,q(24) 70
Industrial L.q(24)' 70 70' ' 70 70'
Hospitals L. 45 45 55 55
L,,(24) 70 70
Educational Lq(24) 45 45 55 55
70 70
Recreational Areas L,(24) I 70 70' ' 70 70'
Farmland and General Unpopulated Land L. (24) 70 70'
Note: L." is the day-night average A-weighted equivalent sound level, with a 10-decibel weighting applied to nighttime levels. L, (24) is the equivalent A-weighted sound level over 24 hours.
Based on lowest level. Since different types of activities appear to be associated with differcnt levels, identification of a raximum level for activity interference may be difficult except in those circumstances where speech communication is a critical activity. Based only on hearing loss. ' An L"(8) of 75 dB mnaybe identified in these situations so long as the exposure over the remaining 16 hours per day is low enough to result in a negligible contribution to the 24-hour average. i.e.. no greater than an L. of 60 dB.
Source: EPA, 1974.
1-13 *-^_- M~ -- k /'
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LOCATIONs , 0 /H ENL~~~ARGEAD\t r JS.
PROJECT~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- sk / ----~BELOW8eJi ~ 9
PROJECT J f*4'@Man LOCATION j " l"a]
I 200{\ /HEBEJ Qingdao Scalein km \ inan/ SHANXI>\ \ SHANDONG Yell / \ ; / / 1X. ~~~~~~~~~~Sea
SHAANXI(*-\\ rZhengzhou ,>>H h * IZIEJIANGSUJ Xi rn Pj HNAN P PROJECT C ^\HnnNanjing,
1--4Hefei
SICHUAN Hang Hangzhu ) ~~~~~Wuhan* \ ZEING
Figure1.3-1 EPH: QINBEI POWER QinbeiPower Plant Project Location PLANT PROJECT tlenan, China
1-14 1443'C/1-16 07/28/95
According to NWEPDI (1994), the Henan Provincial Economic Development Planning Bureau anticipates that energy resources, communications, raw materials industries and non-ferrous metallurgical sectors will show the strongest development over the next several years. The document further states that predicted power load in the whole province will be 15,600 MW by the year 2005, and 22,800 MW by the year 2010. With installed capacity of 1,200 MW planned for cormrnercialoperation by the year 2001, the Qinbei Power Plant is a significant component of MOEP's plan for alleviating an anticipated energy shortfall.
1.3.2 QINBEI POWER PLANT PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project is a condensing-type, coal-fired thermal plant, consisting of two units of 600 MW each during for the first construction phase, and a final buildout to six units of 600 MW as approved by the People's Republic of China (PRC) state planning agencies. The layout is in a three-block mode comprised of the coal-yard, main power building and switchyard arranged in south-to-north orientation (Figure 1.3-3). The first phase will be constructed on the westernmost portion of the site, with future expansion occurring in an easterly direction.
1.3.2.1 Fuel Fuel for the Qinbei Plant will be supplied by rail from mines of the Huozhou, Linfen and Chanzhi fields in Shanxi Province. Shanxi has the greatest coal resources of any other province in China, having predicted reserves of 871 billion metric tons (MT) of brown, bituminous, lean, and anthracite coal types.
According to data presented in NWEPDI (1994), fuel quality has been approximated at this phase by a mix of 1:2:1 bituminous, lean and washed middlings; plus a mix of 0:2:1 bituminous and lean and washed middlings for the design, and the checking qualities respectively (Table 1.3-1). NWEPDI anticipates that 3.46x106 and 1.04x107 MT per year will be consumed by Qinbei at the Phase 1 1.200 and Phase III 3,600 MW sizes, respectively.
1.3.2.2 Power Block The main equipment is described by NWEPDI (1994) as: Boiler: a sub-critical, single-reheat, drum-type boiler with a maximum rating of 2,020 tons per hour (TPH)
1-16 LEGEND (7 Phaso I c 1orracian(2 GC00 MW) PimasPIII conslraclie, (6 .600 MW) Bouldnary wall 0 100 204, 1,v, Earlrag1w 'I -1-:1 1 LI -. - - F. neSe Scaltil- met.ls fairoadna- KEYTOBUILDINGSANDEQUII'MENT
I Tatbi,etoause 0 e=r0 2 Domasilicalionroor= 3 Ca.l storage ...... -. o' 4 BWohr S Cont ol mrllretraet, 6 ESP 1 ESPprorrpros 8 Btnrash ur
1(9 ESlac 21Coakrrgso lowe 14 Circulating water pnph.oso.. I1 220 kV switChlyOd/ C 500-kV swilnryard - 17 NalnohControl loilrting //' .' <\C h' - - ),vedirno bridge ------19 Coalt Coronyor 20 Coolcrusher boos. 22 T,ansporlatlionnlaloj - 23 Coo y sdosj~~~
26 Ar stroWagesils I 28 CoolronsIondepodd t 29 Graugetj9hot eslt tannspr tracks ... f\. A* i'. ':.;-2 - . | 30 Garage tor coat lton oi t n . .
31 Tractr WeigIl slalloIr~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Wa AA lll mm
35 P101mmlotrrrlnbading o.l 511/\ 38 Syslem prnpheu st ndrelerolr 32 Oaiewiroaliznrare ekcalalinig and 39 Sowaga treaorrr stal on 4- 39 Cor garage O0 40 rac resorvod rGDFGD_1 , _. - - - : 42 P aoductitrprinrnlupr aId., iMing 43 Microw,ae tower 44 Generalmainnarce plat J__ :. .: 4S Metal processg workhoP, 46 Coal convonyecontrol brlindg 7 42 Dinirrgh_all ______,_, 49 LUtbrrry G0 Trairing _ne--r 5I siosleaind caetetlea 52 Foreignguos, and dininghall ,ostel ____ _, 4853 Urariodfnleucrairo, workermsmaledlgon hrusing - - 7 *--_,__ 54 Jarigorsroars 55 Accessroad P,60S7I 50*606/ V11(000A~ P///'/606017/ MO Mown0W/o MM50660 6020WM/ 'A 7-I '% 56 NorthrGirrtr nailwy Statiron 57 Crorstructionlarea ,---r -r-----r--.-- - 5| CSonstrctlionnraterial groound 59 Corlsaclione accessrood 60 Electricrailway syer 61 nleservad gr=nd .Z2 Hydrogenproaci- station =Z r - .- 1 ~ 63 Slam,etroi l,or on,
[figure 1.3-3 ______SimnpliliedPlot PlanEII: QN E [ W R PLANI PROJECT I I It,s,,.ll,,(llil,,,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I1lt,Cltlr 14435C 03113/95
Table 1.3-1. Coal Analysis Component Symbol Unit Design Coal Check Coal Carbon Car % 56.71 58.12 Hydrogen Har % 3.26 3.12 Oxygen Oar % 5.01 4.76 Nitrogen Nar % 1.01 0.98 Sulfur St.ar % 0.41 0.56 Ash Aar % 24.95 25.27 Volatile Matter Var % 15.4 12.95 Low Heating Value Qnet.ar kJ/kg 21297 22083 Metals Arsenic As ,uglg 1.56 1.62 Cadmium Cd zg/g 0.04 0.05 Chromium Cr jzg/g 13.2 13.8 Cobalt Co jlg/g 5.03 4.35 Mercury Hg jcg/g 0.128 0.112 Nickel Ni ,Uglg 8.0 8.0 Vanadium V jg/g 22.2 21.5
Source: NWEPDI, 1994; EPH, 1995.
1-18 14.435C/1-19 04/13/95
Turhine: a sub-critical, intermedliatere-heat. single-shaft condensing turbine with four cylinders and exhausts and a rated output of 600 MW Generator: rated output of 600 NM' at 22 kV. with water-hydrogen-hydrogen cooling
1.3.2.3 Water Supplv and Treatment Makeup Water Svstem The required amount of makeup water for the Phase I (2x600 M`vW)units is 3,864 cubic meters per hour (m3/h) [1.07 cubic meters per second (m3/s)] (Table 1.3-2). A water balance for the proposed plant is provided in Figure 1.3-4; the makeup water amount for Phase III (6x600 MW) units will be 11,592 m3/h (3.22 m3/s). Makeup water will be supplied from the two linear wellfieldsof the WulongkouAquifer. One wellfield is located near the villages of Xiyaotou and Liu along the left bank of Qin River. A reservoir and boost pumphousewill be provided between Xiyaotou and Liu to store and subsequentlyboost the makeup water to the power plant area. Groundwaterfrom the other wellfieldnear the village of Luzhai will be pumped from the well directly to the power plant. Cooling tower makeup will be treated initiallyby a weak acid cation exchanger and then routed to the cooling tower.
Circulatina Water Svstem The project will utilize a recirculatingcooling water system with a natural draft cooling tower. The total circulatingwater flow for Phase I is 143,465m 3/h (40 m3/s), whereas the Phase III capacity (6x600 MW) will require a circulatingflow of 430,395 m'/h (120 m3/s). A unit system with one cooling tower per each 600 MW generatina unit, as well as one pump house for each cooling tower will be used. The cooling towers will be the hyperbolicnatural draft type, each with a cooling surface of 9,250 square meters (m2). After evaporativecooling in the tower, the cooling water will be pumped via circulatingwater pumps to the condenser in the main power building to cool the exhaust steam of turbine, after which the heated water will be returned to the cooling tower.
1.3.2.4 Wastewater Treatment and Disnosal Two primary wastewater streams will be generatedby the Qinbei power plant. The first, referred to as industrial wastewater. will combinea number of plant effluents and include demineralizer waste streams, sanitary sewage, oil-contaminatedwastewater, washwaterfrom the coal
1-19 14435C 03113195
Table 1.3-2. Actual Water Demandat 2x600 NMw No. Item Water Demand (m'fh) I Coolingtower evaporation(1.4 percent) 2,008 2 Cooling tower drift (0.1 percent) 144 3 Cooling tower blowdown(0.35 percent) 502 4 Make-upwater chemistry 200 5 Domestic use 130 6 Sluicingwater in main building 300 7 Water for heat, ventilation,and air conditioning 50 8 Water for ash removalsystem 120 9 Sluice water for coal handling 40 10 Acid treatmentsystem 20 11 Contingency 350
1-20 1995.3.3/Water tBalance 0302 9S
Evaporation Loss1.4% Drift Loss0.1%
NormallyIS02 Blowdown 0.35% Blowdown102 0 (1,506)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~16
5,346 Cooling 46S 400 Boiler Ash and 240 (16,03s) \ Touver (430,39S) (1,200) SlagWetting (720 \ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~120(360) 10 (30) 30 (90) Pp 1 80 90 Loss Dry Ash DRymSlag Wetting Wttin
Auxi6,%0V0W} Water300 Sluice Water In 120 Oily Treatment 150 ary ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~(900)Main Building (60Watwero
Pump5 i1540 40 Loss _406.395 130 DomesticUse 110 DomesticWastewter tor0o (390) a _}(330) Treatnent system (100)
6.000 in 4r30 (18.000) Watr Sys,0; Coal Handling (90) Wstewater Treatmvent(90)
2.000 ClosedColn 120 Asgeoalado (6.000) W ystem (and Sel `Cooling (2401
SO Water fHeat,0 * R g1,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0S(150) wentIlationdandSlic Water foA/C H 2 (90c
meters__per__hour)__for_2_x Boile0MakW.up wauer Weak AcidTeatment Syl6em CP k 600) Chemistry 20 (60) Loss 350 Cninec
1.190 (3.570) BoosterPump
Note: Thisdiagram is basedon maximum daily water demand(in cubic metersper hour)for 2 x 600MW.Grudae
Figure1 .3-4 Wa4terBalance, Qinbei PowerPlant: Maximum Daily Conditions EPH: QINBEIPOWER PLANTPROJECT Henan,China 14435C1 -I 03/13/95
conveyance system, and coal pile runoff. The second wastewater stream will consist of cooling tower blowdown.
The power plant industrialwastewater treatment system will handle sanitary wastewater, oily wastewater, coal handling system wash water, coal pile runoff, and some roof runoff. Industrial wastewaterincludes both continuousand intermittentdischarges. Continuousdischarges consist of the demineralizerreject wastewaterof the boiler makeupand cooling tower makeup water treatmentsystems, laboratorywastewater, condensate polishing reject, and the regenerative wastewaterof the circulatingwater treatment system. Intermittentdischarges include boiler acid cleaning washwater and air preheater flushing water.
Industrial wastewater will be routed to the industrialwastewater treatment plant for collective treatment. Treated water will be dischargedto two 1,000 cubic meter (m3 ) capacity treated water ponds for potential reuse. Surplus treated water will be discharged to Baijian River.
Continuousindustrial wastewater streams will be treated by pH adjustment,coagulation and precipitation, and final pH adjustment. Intermittentwastewater streams will also includean oxidationstep as well as pH regulation, coagulationand precipitation,and final pH adjustment. The boiler acid-cleaningwater treatmentmethod will be determinedafter the acid medium is proposed by the boiler contractor.
Sanitary wastewater will be pumpedby sewagepump to the sanitary wastewatertreatment station for treatment. This wastewaterwill be subjectedto primary and secondary treatmentusing the biological contact oxidationmethod. Treated sanitary wastewaterwill be discharged to the treated water ponds for potential reuse or discharge to the BaijianRiver.
Oily wastewater will be pumpedby a sump pump to the oil-contaminatedwastewater treatment station for treatment by a forced air flotationunit. The treated water then will be routed to the treated water ponds for reuse or discharge to the BaijianRiver.
Any sludges generated by these wastewatertreatment systems will be thickenedand dewateredto make sludge cake and subsequentlytrucked to the ash disposal yard.
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The coal handling system washwater and coal pile runoff will be routed into a settling pond for coagulation and precipitation prior to discharge to the Baijian River.
Roof runoff from the main power building and other large structures on the site will be collected by rainwater piping and discharged directly to Baijian River. Blowdown from the circulating water system also will be discharged to the river.
The hourly estimated volume of non-cooling wastewater and treated sanitary effluent is 350 m3/h for 2x600 MW (919 m3/s), and 1,050 m3/h for 6x600 MW (2,756 m3/s).
Cooling Water Treatment and Disposal In order to control the growth of microbes and bacteria-algae;sodium bichloride will be applied to the cooling water circulationsystem. The dosingof sodium bichloriteshall be conducted periodicallydepending on the extent of microbial and bacterial-algaegrowths in the system. Two sets of sodium bichlorite generators, with the output of 10 kilograms per hour (kg/h) (electrolyte salt solution), shall be set in first stage of the project, and will be installed in a separate building next to the cooling tower. The chlorine concentrationin the circulatingwater will be maintained at a level below 0.5 milligramsper liter (mglL) to prevent condenser corrosion.
The circulating water make-up water treatment is designed accordingto weak acid double flow bed system. Two sets of mixed-bedweak acid cation exchangerand auxiliary systems of acid storage and metering regenerationwill be providedand set in a separate weak acid treatment room. The cation regeneration unit will utilize 88 percentsulfuric acid, with regenerant wastewater discharged to the industrialwastewater treatment station for treatment.
1.3.2.5 Solid Waste Disposal Ash Handling!Svstem Boiler bottom ash and flyash will be managedby separate handling systems. The boiler bottom ash handling system will utilize water-sealedsludge hoppers. After passage through the sludge breaker, the bottom ash and water mixture will be discharged by a water jet to the dewater bin for dewatering. Following dewatering, bottomash will be either trucked to the ash disposal yard or shipped to a reuse customer for comprehensiveutilization. Overflow water from the dewater bin
1-23 14435C/1-24 03/13/95
will be clarified prior to routing to the retention pond for reuse in the bottom ash handling system.
The flyash handling system will utilize a low-pressure pneumatic dry handling system. Flyash from the electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and economizers will be discharged periodically into air lock valves and conveyedby low-pressureair throughpiping into the flyash bin. Each boiler will be provided with two sets of low-pressurepneumatic ash handlers. Flyashfrom the economizer and the flyash hoppers of the first ESP field will be conveyedto the coarse ash bin, while flyash from the second,third, and fourth ESP field hoppers will be conveyedto the fine ash bin. Fine ash also can be switchedover to the coarse ash bin. The practice of separately managingcoarse and fine ashes will facilitate comprehensivereutilization of flyash. Beneaththe ash bins, wet stirring devices (knownas pugmills)will be providedto wet the ash to 20 to 30 percent water contentbefore removalto the ash disposal yard. Removalwill be effectedby enclosed self- dumpingtrucks. Flyash can also be conveyedby tanker or truck directly for sending to potential customersfor reutilization.
The total ash amount (both flyash and bottomash) expectedto be generatedby the initial 2x600 MW units is 133.4 TPH [86.7xlO' tons per year (TPY) based on 6,500 hours of operation per year]. The ultimateash generationvolume of 6x600 MW units is expectedto be 400.2 TPH (260.1x1O0TPY). Flyashwill constitute85 percentof this total volume and bottom ash will comprise the remainder.
Ash Disposal Strategv The amount of ash to be disposed of in the ash disposalyard is assumedto result from the burning of 90 percent design coal and 10 percent checkingcoal. The total annual flyash and bottom ash generationrate of the first project stage will be 867,100 tons. The area of ash disposal yard occupied in the first stage of the project will be 117 hectare (ha). The ash pile height ultimatelywill reach 11 meters (m), and the total ash volume will be approximately 1,120x104 m 3 which would handle ash disposal from the first stage units for 11 years. The final ash disposal yard will be 452 ha in size and will be capableof storing ash for up to 17 years for the 6x600 MW facility.
1-24 14435C II-25 03113195
The ash disposalyard will be constructedstep bv step accordingto project stages. For the first stage project, the ash disposal yard will be locatedalong the left bank of Qin River (Figure 1.3-3). A flood dike will be constructedalong the river faces (south and west) of the proposed ash disposalyard, and dikes will be placed on the east and north sides to form a closed ash disposal yard. In addition, a managementstation, fence enclosure, and auxiliary structures will be built to complete the ash disposalyard structure. Flyash and bottom ash will be both dumped, rolled out, compressedin layers, and stacked with an outside slope of I vertical: 3 horizontal. The ash will be disposed in series from west to east on 8 parcels of land in sequence. Flyashand bottomash will be disposedon separatesides of the disposal yard (west and east, respectively)to facilitate reutilization.
Accordingto the Divisionof Design Standardsas stipulatedin China's Thermal Power Plant Water Supply EngineeringTechnical Regulation (NCT5-88) Item No 10.2.3, and in conjunction with the Design Standardof the dike on the right bank of the Qin River in Jiyuan City section, the ash disposal yard dike design standard will be treated as Grade 1. The corresponding recurrence interval for wind and flood maxima will be 50 years. The checkingflood standard will be for a 100-yearrecurrence interval. The design of the dike will be the design flood level plus 1.5 m for 50-year recurrence intervalsfor flood and wind. The dikes will be built utilizing sand fill from within the ash disposalyard perimeter. The river-facingsides of the disposal yard will be made of mortared stone blocks as a protective slope and the dike foot will be protected by riprap.
The disposal of ash within the yard will be performed in a manner intendedto reduce the amount of ash left exposed to the elements. After being rolled out, the ash will be pressed to increase compaction. During the stackingprocess, water will be sprayed on the stack surface to maintain an ash surface layer with sufficientwater contentto minimizefugitive emissions. Following attainment of ultimatestack height, the ash will be covered with soil and planted with trees and grass.
1.3.2.6 Air Emission Controls Particulates will be collectedby ESPs, for which a 99.6 percent efficiency is claimed. The first two 600 MW units will share a single stack 240 m high, a configurationthat will be repeated for each of the other two 2x600 MW blocks.
1-25 14435C/ 1-26 03/13t95
1.3.2.7 Transmission To deliver power to the Henan grid, two 165-km transmission lines of 500 kV capacity are proposed to connect the Qinbei plant to the Xialou substation to the southwest of Zhengzhou. One additional 750-kV substation will be constructed near Nanyang, to the east of the Qinbei site. Environmental impacts arising from transmission line construction are discussed in Part II of this report.
1-26 II 14435Ct2- I W4106195
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PHY'SICAL ENVIRONMIENT
2.1 PHYSICAL ENIrRONMIEN'T 2.1.1 TOPOGRAPHY, PHYSIOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AN-DSEISNIICITY Power Plant Site The proposed plant site is located in the piedmontof the Taihang Mountainsand covers 73.7 ha (see Figure 1.3-2). An additional6.4 ha will be used for the workers colony for the facility. Site topographyis gently sloping, ranging in elevationfrom approximately175 to 200 meters above mean sea level (m-msl). The site area is arid and is not used for agriculturalproduction of any significance. The plant site is situatedon alluviumalong the east side of the Baijian River as it flows from the Taihangmountain range. Immediatelyto the north and west of the plant site is mountainousterrain with elevations300 to 925 m higher than at the plant site. Riverine floodplainslie south and east of the site.
The uppermostgeological stratum in the vicinityof the plant site is alluvial sedimentsdeposited during the QuaternaryPeriod. These sedimentsoverlay a conglomeratelayer of the Tertiary Period. Tertiary conglomeratesare underlainby a series of the OrdovicianPeriod containing Majiagou limestone.
Ash Disposal Yard The ash disposal yard is located south of Liucun and Huacunvillages approximately4.5 km south of the proposed power plant site along the left bank of Qin River (see Figure 1.1-1). The proposed disposal site varies in width from 800 m to 1,700 m and consistsof a low river beach terrace. Topographywithin the ash disposalyard is generallyflat and ranges in elevationfrom 132.8 to 136.0 m-msl. Much of the site is arid with the exceptionof some low-qualityfarm land and fruit orchards in the north end. During flood season, the area may be flooded by the Qin River. The ash disposal yard for the initial 1,200 MW plant capacitywill cover 117 ha. An additional 335 ha has been reserved for the final buildoutcapacity of 3,600 MW.
The ground surface in the southern portion of the ash disposalyard along the Qin River is primarily fine sand, whereasthe surface layer of the northern area is a light clay. In general, the soil at the site is composedof two differentunits, the upper unit being sandy in appearancewith medium sand, fine sand, silt, and silty sand interlavers,while lower strata consist of cobbleswith
2-1 i443SC.- ' 04;;6!95
clayey interlayers. Groundwater at the ash disposal yard location is siruated approximately 3-5 m below ground surface. The average value of the field-measured permeability for light mild clay in the ash disposal yard area is 8.4xl0" cm/s. that of fine sand is 8x10' cm/s.
Seismicitv China is situated in the southeasternpart of the Eurasian plate and is bordered to the east by the western Pacific seismic belt and the Himalaya-Mediterraneanseismic belt to the south. In general, the country is particularlyvulnerable to large and frequent earthquakes. Since 1901, 648 earthquakesof Richter Magnitude(M) 6 or greater have occurred, among which 95 were greater than 7M and nine were greater than 8M. Twenty-oneof 30 provinces in China, includingHenan Province, have been stuck by 6M earthquakesin this century.
The project site is located near the southern end of a Quaternary (i.e., recently active) fault zone along the piedmontof the Taihang mountainrange. The zone runs through Beijing, Hebei Province, and the northern part of Henan Province. The zone is composedof a series of faults oriented in a south-southwestto north-northeastdirection, with a southern section deflecting to the southwest close to the proposed project site. Few traces of the faults are evident on the ground surface. The zone has acted intenselyduring the present era. Sixty strong earthquakeshave occurred along the zone and in its vicinity, the strongest being 7.5 M (Instituteof Seismology, 1990). At least two large earthquakesin northeasternChina in the last 30 years have been felt in northern Henan province. On March 8, 1966, an earthquakeof 6.8M struck Xingtai in Hebei province. This earthquakewas followedby a 7.2 M earthquakeat Ningjin, approximately 325 km north-northeastof the proposedpower plant. The felt effects of this aftershock at the site was approximatelyModified Mercalli(MM) Scale IV. The 7.8 M 1976 Tangshan earthquake, in northern Hebei province, was also felt in northern Henan province, some 750 km away (Yong et al., 1988), indicatingan intensitvat the site of at least MM 111. Prior to the 20th century, two 8.0+ M earthquakesstruck near Linfen in Shanxi Provinee on the Fen River approximately 150 km to the northwestof the site, while two earthquakesof roughly 6.0 M struck near the cities of Luoyang and Jiaozou, roughly 60 km south and 70 km east of the proposed project site. (Science Press, 1986).
2-2 I4435C22-3 0.4/06195
2.1.2 AIR RESOURCES 2.1.2.1 Climatolo2v Geographically, China, including its neighbor Mlongolia, is roughly circular in form and lies east- northeast of the Indian subcontinent. China extends from 22 to 52 degrees north (°N) latitude and 74 to 134 degrees east (°E) longitude and is 9,561,000 square kilometers (kmr) [3,692,000 square miles (mi2)] in area. This vast expanse of land gives fill opportunity for continental weather conditions to develop a cold area of high barometric pressure in the winter as well as low-pressure hot areas in the summer. The Himalaya Mountains on the southwest border of China blocks the monsoon weather patterns that India experiences during the summer from reaching western China. For this reason, most areas of northern and western China average less than 1,000 millimeters (mm) of rain per year. The exception to this rule is the coastal area of China which annually has precipitation values greater than 1000 mm. Rainfall amounts decrease rapidly from the southeast to the northwest. The reason for this decrease is the movement of the summer monsoons, in which the interior of China is beyond the reach of the Pacific air mass flow.
In China, the winds are generally from a northerly direction in winter and from the southeast in summer. The causes of the reversal of the wind system are related to both the large size of the Asian continent and adjacent oceans, and the very high and extensive Himalayan mountain range (Tibet Plateau) of the continent. This range is oriented in an east-west direction and forms a barrier between tropical (monsoonal) and polar air masses.
2.1.2.2 Site Meteorologv The Qinbei Power Plant site, located directly south of the Taihang Mountains in the warm zone, has a continental season wind climate. The Jiyuan City Meteorological Station, located 12 km southwest of the plant site, provided the statistic meteorological data for the period of 1961-1990, with the annual values as follows: Average annual atmospheric pressure 999.9 hPa Average annual temperature 14.2 degrees Celsius (°C) Maximum period temperature 43.40C Minimum period temperature -20.0°C Average annual pr,ecipitation 629.8 mm Average annual relative humidity 67 percent
2-3 14435C?-4 04!06/95
Average annual wind speed 2.3 meters per second (m/s) Average annual evaporation 1.564 mm Annual prevailing wind directions (2 each) E/ENE (21.3 percent) Annual second prevailing wind direction (3 each) W/WSW/SW (21.4 percent)
Figure 2.1-1 illustrates the 12-month windrose depicting wind speed and wind direction frequencies for the months August 1992 through July 1993 (based on daily measurements collected every third hour) at the Jiyuan City meteorological monitoring station. This windrose confirrns the predominant bimodal wind frequency pattern suggested for this area of the country, which is light easterly winds as well as westerly winds and calms occurring approximately 30 percent of the time.
2.1.2.3 Amhient Air Qualitv Background Concentrations There are no significantmajor sources of atmosphericpollution in the area of the proposed power plant. An initial short-term (7 consecutivedays of data collection, with analysisperformed once per day), eight-stationambient air quality monitoringnetwork was establishedin 1985 by the local (Jiyuan City) environmentalmonitoring agency in the vicinity of the plant. The parameters measured were sulfur dioxide (SO,), oxides of nitrogen (NO2), and total suspendedparticulates (TSP). These measurementswere initiallyconducted in and to the east of Jiyuan City towards the power plant site. The analyticalmethodology employed to determine pollutant concentrations during the monitoringprograms were the wet chemistrybubbler method for SO, and NO., and gravimetric for TSP. The data collectedduring this short-term monitoringeffort indicates that neither SO. nor NO, exceed the World Bank guidelinesfor SO2 and NO.. However, the TSP concentrationsmeasured routinely exceededboth the World Bank and PRC Grade II standards for particulates, which are 0.500 milligramsper cubic meter (mg/m3) and 0.300 mg/m3, respectively. The data collected from this short-term monitoringeffort are summarizedin Table 2.1-1
Subsequentto the short-term 1985 air quality monitoringstudy, a comprehensive,2-year air quality study was conductedat the Qinbei Power Plant site and Jiyuan City. From August 1992 through July 1994, a two-stationair quality monitoringnetwork collected and analyzed daily (i.e., eight 3-hour samples per day) samples for both SO, and TSP. A summary of the SO, and TSP data collected during this period is presented in Table 2.1-2.
2-4 N NNW NN
NW E
WNW //o g\\ENE
W E
WSW ESE
SW SE
SSW SSE S
SCALE (KNOTS) JIYUAN CITY MET STATION 12-MONTH WINDROSE 1-3 4A- 7-10 11-16 17-21 >21 AUGUST 1992 - JULY 1993
rFigure2.1-1 EPH: QINBEI POWER JiyuanCity Meteorological Monitoring Station PLN POJEC 12-Month \AindrosePLNPRJC August 1992-july 1993 Henan, China
2-5 03/14195
Table 2. 1- 1. Atmospheric BackgroundDaily Averige ConcentrationData (July 1985and January1986)
S02 TSP NO, Maximum Maximum Maxinwiin Concentration Standard Standard Concentration Standard Statadard Concentration Standard Stanidard Monitoring Point Range Exceeding Exceeding Range Exceeding Exceeding Range Exceediing Excee(linig No./Location Month (tig/nl) Rate (%) Times (mg/m3) Rate(%) Times (mg/ml) Rate(%) Times
I Airport July 1985 ND-0.002 0 0 0.137-0.565 43 0.88 0.01-0.04 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.032-0.073 0 0 0.146-0.663 86 1.21 ND-0.04 0 0 2 Liandong July 1985 ND-0.002 0 0 0.104-0.390 29 0.30 0.01-0.04 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.031-0.069 0 0 0.240-0.528 57 0.76 ND-0.04 0 0 3 XingzIuang July 1985 ND-0.007 0 0 0.150-0.825 71 1.75 0.01-0.04 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.035-0.071 0 0 0.157-0.466 57 0.55 ND-0.04 0 0 4 Ballongalao July 1985 ND-0.009 0 0 0.105-0.462 43 0.54 0.01-0.03 0 0 c Jan. 1986 0.042-0.070 0 0 0.250-0.529 43 0.76 ND-0.02 0 0 S Qinbei Station July 1985 ND-0.006 0 0 0.080-0.423 14 0.41 ND-0.03 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.059-0.078 0 0 0.125-0.601 71 1.00 0.01-0.08 0 0 6 Shangzhuang July 1985 ND-0.008 0 0 0.024-0.337 14 0.12 ND-0.03 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.038-0.080 0 0 0.209-0.548 86 0.83 0.02-0.03 0 0
7 Liucun July 1985 ND-0.014 0 0 ND-0.717 57 1.39 0.01-0.04 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.031-0.078 0 0 0.260-0.588 86 0.96 0.01-0.04 0 0
8 Dongluzhai July 1985 ND-0.00S 0 0 0.011-0.327 14 0.09 0.01-0.04 0 0 Jan. 1986 0.034-0.069 0 0 0.423-0.595 100 0.98 0.01-0.05 0 0
Note: PRC and World Bank standardsare provided in Section 1.0. ND = Not detected. 144'34C O3i1l4.^95
Table 2.1-2. Daily, lonthiy and Annual Avera!e SO and TSP Concentrations Measured from July 1992through July 1994at the Qinbei Power Plant Site
SO, TSP Dailv Range Average Daiil Range Average
1992 August 0.009-0.039 0.027 0.085-0.297 0.200 September 0.008-0.039 0.026 0.065-0.320 0.135 October 0.008-0.037 0.027 0.117-0.306 0.176 November 0.010-0.075 0.037 0.095-0.312 0.273 December 0.033-0.067 0.060 0.218-0.328 0.301
1993 January 0.045-0.078 0.069 0.043-0.323 0.252 February 0.034-0.079 0.073 0.062-0.201 0.187 March 0.008-0.065 0.062 0.055-0370 0.228 April 0.022-0.063 0.058 0.093-0.396 0.379 May 0.012-0.051 0.047 0.113-0-350 0.242 June 0.011-0.046 0.044 0.167-0.404 0303 July 0.009-0.042 0.040 0.085-0.280 0.226 August 0.013-0.034 0.023 0.145-0.214 0.183 September 0.018-0.034 0.026 0.171-0.220 0.193 October 0.023-0.035 0.028 0.198-0.230 0.219 November 0.028-0.038 0.033 0.219-0.244 0.233 December 0.032-0.048 0.040 0.229-0.262 0.245
1994 January 0.040-0.059 0.046 - 0.237-0.258. 0.248 February 0.040-0.054 0.045 0.234-0.245 0.240 Mtarch 0.037-0.049 0.042 0.212-0.248 0.235 April 0.032-0.040 0.036 0.210-0.22 0.226 May 0.025-0.034 0.031 0.203-0.230 0.216 June 0.021-0.030 0.025 0.152-0.208 0.189 July 0.020-0.028 0.024 0.155-0.194 0.172
8192-7/93 Ave. 0.047 0.333 8/93-7/94 Ave. 0.033 0.216
Note: Concentrations are expressed in mg/m3.
Source: NWEPDI, 1994.
2-7 04/06/95
The data indicate that daily (24-hour) back-round SO. concentrations in the proposed Qinbei Power Plant area, ranging from 0.008 mg/mrn to 0.079 mgr/m3, are below both the World Bank and PRC Grade II ambient air quality standards of 0.500 mg/m3 and 0. 150 mg/m3, respectively. The annual average ambient backgroundSO, concentrationsare 0.047 mg/m3 for the period of August 1992 through July 1993 and 0.033 mg/m3 for the next 12 months (August 1993 through July 1994). Again, these annual average backgroundambient concentrationsfor SO, do not exceed either the World Bank or PRC Grade 11ambient standards of 0. 100 mg/m3 and 0.060 mg/m3, respectively.
The data indicate that the 24-hour backgroundTSP levels range from 0.065 mg/m3 to 0.404 mg/m3 . This range exceeds the PRC Grade 11TSP standardof 0.300 mgy/r3. However, in the absence of major regional industry, this concentrationis believed to be a result of natural sources and consistsof relatively non-respirableparticles.
From the data collected during the air quality monitoringstudies, it is evident that the winter months (i.e., heating season) produce higher SO, and TSP values. The elevated ambient concentrationsof both SO. and TSP during the winter season directly correspondsto increased emissions of SO, due to the combustionof home heatingfuels (mainly coal) and to increased fugitive dust emissions due to reduced ground cover (agriculturalplantings) in the area.
2.1.2.4 Noise There are no significant industrialdevelopments in the project area. While no industrialnoise sources are near the project area, the main railway line connectingLuoyang and Xinxiang is due south of the proposed site. These mobile noise sources (cars, trucks, and trains) are intermittent in nature and are the only significantsources of noise in the area.
Baseline(background) noise monitoringwas conductedonsite February 28 and March 1, 1993 at the proposed plant site. Backgroundnoise levels were monitoredat three sites along the property boundary both during the daytime and nighttime. The measured noise levels were less than or equal to 45 A-weighteddecibels (dBA) (well below World Bank noise guidelines for agricultural land use areas), except when a train passed within 200 m of the monitoringsite (when the noise level measured in the field was 62 dBA). Table 2.1-3 summarizesthe backgroundnoise monitoringdata collected at the property boundaryduring the 2-day noise study.
2-8 14435C 03/11/95
Table 2.1-3. Background Noise Level Monitoring Results (dBA) Monitoring Points Day Night North side of plant site 37 32 West side of plant site 42 35 South side of plant site 45 40 200 m from railway South side of plant site 62 while train passing
2-9 14435C.--10 0O/06/95
2.1.3 *WATERRESOURCES 2.1.3.1 Surfnce Water Resnurcec Precipitation The proposed power plant is located in an arid region of north China where evaporation is high and precipitation is relatively low. Annual average evaporation is 1,564.5 mm and annual average precipitation is 629.8 mm. There are approximately 70 rainy days per year. The plant site is situated in the warm zone and has a continental season and climate. A summary of meteorological data from Jiyuan Meteorological Station is provided in Section 2.1.2.2.
Qin River The Qin River is a major tributary of the Yellow River and issues from the Taihang Mountains approximately2.5 km west of the proposedproject site (Figure 1.1-1). The Qin originates from Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province and passes west and south of the plant site, through Qinyang City, then flowing into the Yellow River in Wuzhi County.
According to 34 years of monitoringdata availablefrom the WulongkouHydrologic Stationwest of the plant site, the Qin River has a measuredmaximum flow is 4,240 m3/s and a perennial average flow of 39.2 m3 /s. Yearly runoff of the Qin River is distributed unevenly, with higher flows during the peak rainfall monthsof July through October and lower flow periods during January and February. Flood levels in Qin River range from 136.9to 138.1 m-msl in reaches nearest the plant site. Projected flows for the 50-year and 100-yearfloods on the Qin River are 4,480 and 5,430 m3/s, respectively(NWEPDI, 1994). Long-termflow data for the Qin River are provided in Table 2.1-4 and are summarizedin Table 2.1-5.
Although35 years of flow data was availablefor the Qin River, for approximatelythe last 20 years of data it is evidentthat some obstruction(i.e., a dam) was placed on the river around 1970. This obstructionhas served to significantlylimit downstreamflows of the river.
Water quality monitoringof the Qin River was carried out during February 22 through 24, 1993. A subsequent monitoringprogram was conductedduring March 1994 in four cross-sectionsacross the Qin River. Water samples were taken from the center of each section daily for a 3-day period. In the sampled river sections, surface water quality was within PRC drinking water quality standards, as provided in Table 1.2-3. Monitoringresults are presented in Table 2.1-6.
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Table 2.1-4. Monthly Average Flow Rate of Qin River at Wulongkoti Station (1954-1989) (Page I of 2) Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average
1954 219.0 47.1 28.7 26.3 21.0 1955 26.3 26.3 24.5 22.7 19.2 15.2 30.7 105.0 130.0 117.0 47.1 30.7 49.6 1956 23.4 21.5 22.1 40.7 26.6 84.0 151.0 420.0 120.0 54.8 36.7 28.3 85.8 1957 24.5 22.7 22.7 21.2 18.4 35.0 120.0 53.9 28.1 24.0 24.9 21.4 34.7 1958 16.3 16.9 17.0 14.9 17.2 24.4 144.0 369.0 108.0 59.1 65.3 45.8 74.8 1959 30.2 30.1 29.9 27.8 25.2 36.2 33.0 85.2 40.2 25.9 24.7 19.3 34.0 1960 15.8 14.9 14.8 15.7 12.9 11.3 52.3 87.8 41.4 28.3 20.8 15.9 27.7 1961 13.0 14.7 15.2 13.8 12.0 15.7 34.7 71.8 28.0 111.0 72.8 43.0 37.2 1962 26.9 23.6 20.7 16.6 13.7 17.5 57.8 127.0 134.0 158.0 80.2 67.3 61.9 1963 38.5 33.5 30.7 33.0 100.0 91.4 89.4 135.0 320.0 104.0 56.3 40.1 9.3 1964 33.2 23.6 32.1 43.9 73.8 62.5 162.0 129.0 111.0 94.6 77.8 48.2 74.7 1965 35.0 29.9 26.6 27.6 30.6 21.8 34.1 22.4 19.6 16.2 17.3 13.6 24.6 1966 12.9 13.6 13.7 12.6 11.2 20.6 173.0 102.0 49.7 30.2 22.5 16.3 39.9 1967 15.0 16.3 20.0 22.1 17.3 11.4 29.4 107.0 133.0 67.2 39.5 30.4 42.4 1968 25.6 22.2 23.1 18.9 18.6 12.9 64.4 28.7 46.4 120.0 51.6 29.9 38.5 1969 21.3 19.6 20.1 41.7 41.1 16.1 32.4 28.4 47.3 49.0 28.0 12.7 29.8 1970 12.6 13.9 13.3 9.42 14.3 21.7 79.3 84.7 25.9 22.0 16.0 9.40 26.9 1971 10.8 11.7 11.5 11.1 5.69 46.7 95.4 19.0 103.0 30.3 49.5 28.4 35.3 1972 22.3 18.7 22.1 15.6 7.59 5.92 28.0 27.7 52.5 14.2 16.3 9.11 20.0 1973 11.7 13.4 10.5 9.01 13.3 17.9 79.8 47.9 62.4 102.0 37.8 14.5 35.0 1974 17.7 19.0 17.6 9.52 6.20 3.06 12.6 35.0 18.5 29.2 21.6 21.3 17.6 14435C 03/11/95
Table 2.1-4. Monthly Average Flow Rate of Qin River at WulongkotuStation (1954-1989)(Page 2 of 2) Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jull Jul Atug Sep Oct Nov D)ec Average 1975 15.4 14.5 3.78 5.90 15.0 3.45 81.5 57.5 65.3 119.0 51.4 30.4 38.6 1976 13.0 17.9 17.6 13.9 22.5 6.24 48.1 172.0 120.0 42.0 27.0 15.4 43.0 1977 7.33 9.29 7.18 5.25 4.38 4.69 42.8 94.7 52.0 19.0 28.6 9.18 23.7 1978 6.52 4.72 4.64 2.99 1.27 2.08 50.4 23.5 24.8 10.1 21.2 9.11 13.4 1979 6.29 5.21 10.6 22.1 4.13 5.17 35.9 22.1 7.13 6.77 2.95 4.33 11.1 1980 11.7 3.65 2.52 5.31 0.76 5.61 40.7 32.3 15.6 11.7 12.3 3.28 12.1 1981 3.30 3.19 2.95 4.36 0.87 1.58 7.45 48.6 29.6 19.1 12.7 4.34 11.5 1982 4.27 6.06 5.20 4.28 2.77 13.1 14.8 273.0 81.2 34.3 24.3 10.2 39.5 1983 8.60 6.00 9.14 5.41 21.2 19.2 11.6 27.6 63.8 59.4 37.9 13.7 23.6 1984 11.3 10.4 7.17 7.61 6.08 19.3 46.5 28.2 69.6 57.6 29.6 21.5 26.2 tJ 1985 16.1 13.3 12.5 3.40 17.0 11.9 6.88 12.7 112.0 62.1 34.9 12.2 26.2 1986 15.7 13.3 8.40 9.85 7.20 4.48 5.73 11.9 11.6 13.7 11.1 8.01 10.1 1987 9.67 4.72 9.13 3.19 2.22 21.4 9.97 16.0 13.4 8.88 12.8 5.13 9.71 1988 4.05 3.99 6.01 5.91 3.62 2.21 60.3 22.1 53.0 22.2 20.2 11.0 17.79 1989 12.9 13.0 13.0 4.76 5.15 10.2 8.53
Note: Flow rates expressed in m'I/s. 14435C 03/11/95
Table 2.1-5. Flow Characteristicsof Qin River (Measuredat WulongkouHydrologic Station) AnnualAverage Value, 1955-1988 Typical Value
Item Annual Monthly Monthly Annual Annual Monthly Monthly Average Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Average Average Average Value Value Value Flow Rate 34.89 15.13 86.29 9.71 89.3 0.76 420 Time of Averageof March August 1987 1962 May 1980 Aug. Occurrence 34 years 1956
Note: Qin River sometimeshas no flow downstreamof Wulongkoudue to irrigationuses, such as in June 1980 (13-dayno-flow period); July 1980 (5-day no-flowperiod); and July 1986. (5-dayno-flow period).
All flows expressed in m3 /s.
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Baijian River The Baijian River flows roughlv from north to south along the west side of plant site and joins the Qin River approximately 2 km downstream. The Baijian is a seasonal river and does not flow during the dry season. The 100-year flood flow is 1,430 m3/s, with a corresponding flood level of 179.3 m-msl. Since flow in the river is sporadic in nature, no comprehensive flow data are available for the river. However, some measurements were made during the period from 1986- 1989 and are presented in Table 2.1-7.
2.1.3.2 Groundwater Resources Water Source The proposed water supplysource for the project is groundwater. The groundwatersources are located below the Qin River valley upstream of WulongkouTownship and also includethe Qin River buried alluvial plain downstreamof Wulongkou. Together, these two zones are referred to as the WulongkouAquifer (see Figure 1.1-1).
The main water-bearinglayers of the WulongkouAquifer are composedof loose sandstoneand cobbles in the Quaternary alluvial stratum and are characterizedby relativelylarge pore size and high permeabilityin water bearing layers. The water bearing strata of the aquifer are located at 15 to 20 m, 35 to 55 m, 65 to 74 m. 77 to 100 m, 102 to 137 m and 145 to 150 m below ground surface. The upper water-bearinglayers are phreatic in nature, while deeper layers are confined. The phreatic surface of groundwateris located 3 to 5 m under ground surface, dependingon season and location. The coefficientof permeabilityis 100 to 150 meters per day (m/d); tubewell output is reportedly greater than 50 m3/h (NWEPDI, 1994).
The aquifer is delineatedon Figure 1.1-1 and coversa subsurfacearea of approximately3.34 km2. Based on the number and depth of the water-bearingstrata described previously, it has a total depth of 103 m. Sand and cobble (gravel) aquifers typically have a porosity of between 10 and 35 percent (Driscoll, 1986). If the aquifer has an average porosityof 22.5 percent, the maximum amount of water in the aquifer at any one time will be about 77,300,000 m3.
Ash Disposal Yard The depth of groundwaterin the ash disposal yard area ranges from 3 to 5 m, of which the upper layer is phreatic water and lower layers are confined water-bearingstrata. As at the power plant
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Table 2.1-7. Daily Measured Flow Results for the Baijian River for 1988
Date Flow Rate (m3 /s) Date Flow Rate (m3 /s) July 15 1.87 August 15 0 16 0.46 (cont.) 16 4.16 17 0 17 2.38 18 0 18 2.07 19 4.68 19 1.34 20 1.67 20 1.16 21 2.58 21 0 22 1.22 22 0.94 23 0.56 23 0.86 24 0 24 0.68 25 0 25 0.39 26 0 26 0.39 27 0 27 0.36 28 0 28 0.27 29 0 29 0.24 30 0.36 30 0.19 31 4.38 September I 0.16 August 1 2.56 2 0.24 2 1.5 3 0.39 3 1.04 4 0.16 4 0.83 5 0.12 5 0.96 6 0.10 6 0.69 7 0.084 7 0.52 8 0.063 8 0.48 9 0.051 9 1.58 10 0.043 10 0.96 11 0.034 11 0 12 0.013 12 3.68 13 1.98 14 1.56
Note: For days when no data are provided, the flow rate is 0. There was no flow during 1989. 2-16 1:435CV2-17 CM/06195
site, the main makeup source of groundwater is from upper-stream phreatic water and atmospheric rainfall infiltration. The tlow direction of groundwater in ash disposal yard region tends from northwest to southeast.
Groundwaterquality Groundwaterquality is bicarbonatein nature, and contains approximately500 mg/L of solids. Six wells near the proposed project site were used as monitoring points for groundwater backgroundquality. The monitoringwas conductedduring March 26 through 27, 1993. Sampled parameters and results are presented in Table 2.1-8. Overall groundwaterquality was good and met PRC Sanitary Standardsfor DrinkingWater.
The primary makeup sourceto the WulongkouAquifer is bed infiltrationfrom Qin River water as well as seasonalstreams, precipitationand deep percolationof irrigation water. The allowable
3 exploitationof the aquifer has been estimatedto be 6.0 m /s (NWEPDI, 1994). The groundwater source survey report for the power plant has been reviewed and approvedby the National Mining ResourcesCommission Report No. SF 126 (1991).
2.2 ECOLOGICAL ENXVIRONNTENT 2.2.1 EXISTING VEGETATIVE COMIMUNITIES The area to the south of the Qinbeiplant site is part of the Loess Plain of the North China Plain. The Loess Plain in general has been continuouslyand densely inhabitedfor thousandsof years, and holds few intact natural communitiesof significanceas a consequence. Present estimatesare that 93 percent of Henan's original forest cover has been removed, with most remaining fragments located in the Taihang Mountainsand other rugged areas (Mackinnon,1992). Virtually all land south of the Taihang Mountainsin Jiyuan countyhas been convertedfrom the original dry, temperate, lowland deciduousscrub to cropland. No stands of either natural forest fragments or plantation timber were observed in the project area during the site visit. River drainageswere generally channelizedor levied, highly braided with large volumes of accumulatedsilt, and held no identifiablestream corridor communities.
The plant site proper is located at the foot of the Taihang-Mountain range on elevated tableland 50 to 100 m above the Loess Plain's irrigated croplands. The site property, described as
2-17 . ,i3Sc 03/11/95
Table 2.1-8. Analysis Resultsof Groundwater EnvironmentalMonitoring (1993)
Total Sample Sampling Disolved Total Sc No. Date Pb Solids alkalinity F Cr6+ Hardness pH S02 A s g/L)
1 02/26/93 0.015 340 137.55 0.44 0.007 328 7.62 108.15 0.004 0.60 02/27/93 0.020 340 139.64 0.45 0.006 328 7.63 107.22 0.004 0.58 Average 0.018 340 138.6 0.445 0.0065 328 7.63 107.67 0.004 0.59 2 02/26/93 0.015 200 116.60 0.44 0.002 236 7.95 54.44 0.004 0.38 02/27/93 0.015 201 116.60 0.44 0.002 236 7.95 56.30 0.004 0.4(0 Avera;ge 0.015 200.5 116.60 0.44 0.002 236 7.95 55.37 0.004 0.39 3 02/26/93 0.015 286 124.28 0.50 0.002 268 7.96 60.00 0.004 0.12 02/27/93 0.015 286 131.26 0.57 0.002 264 7.95 tJ 56.30 0.004 0.1 00 Avewrage 0.015 286 127.77 0.575 0.002 266 7.96 58.15 0.004 )I 1 4 02/26/93 0.015 725 342.12 0.33 0.002 264 7.42 26.67 0.004 0.48 02/27/93 0.015 726 353.99 0.33 0.002 264 7.42 24.81 0.004 0.)46 Average 0.015 725.5 348.10 0.33 0.002 264 7.42 25.74 0.004 0.47 5 02/26/93 0.015 224 107.52 0.39 0.002 224 7.64 56.30 0.004 0.5'4 02/27/93 0.015 220 107.52 0.39 0.002 224 7.63 54.44 0.004 0.52 Average 0.015 222 107.52 0.39 0.002 224 7.63 55.37 0.004 0.53 6 02/26/93 0.015 228 101.94 0.30 0.002 264 7.62 65.35 0.004 0.58 02/27/93 0.015 228 101.94 0.30 0.002 264 7.62 65.35 0.004 0.56 Average 0.015 228 101.94 0.30 0.002 264 7.62 65.35 0.004 0.57
Note: ND = Not detected.
All values expressed in mg/L unless otherwise noted. 14435Ct2- 19 04106/95
wasteland in the NWAIEPDIreport', was cleared of all original vegetative cover has been used for rainfed agriculture or pasrure. At the time of the site visit the property held only a sparse cover of weedy, annual vegetation principally comprised of cockleburr (Xanthium C?)sibiricum) and wormwood, (Artemisia scoparia) intermixed with small, terraced parcels of plowed land (see Appendix C, Photograph 2).
Steep escarpments of the Taihang Mountain Range are located approximately 2 km north of the plant site. The Taihangs, and the associated drainage systems, originally held extensive, temperate, broadleaf, deciduous forest communities dominated by oak, elm and ash (Mackinnon, 1992; Table 2.2-1); which have been largely cleared by logging. Although the KBN team observed only a sparse cover of scrub vegetation on the mountainsides (Appendix C, Photograph 1), the mountains are believed to be 27 percent forested with mixed broadleaf and conifers and have been designated as one of six priority re-forestation areas in the PRC2. Ruderal scrub vegetation of the Taihangs consists principally of broadleaf, deciduous shrubs (families Rhamnaceae and Anacardiaceae), with ground covers of grasses and verbenas (Gramineae and Verbaenaceae) (Table 2.2-1).
No evidence was seen of wildlife communities in the vicinity of the plant site, though it is likely that the scrub of steep slopes and dry drainage channels in the mountains hold populations of small reptiles and mammals. The Qin River, which originates in the Taihang Mountains north of the site and which borders the proposed ash disposal yard in lower elevations (Figures 1.1-1 and 1.3-3 and Appendix C, Photograph 4), was said by the NWEPDI report as well as local scientists2 to hold no exploitable populations of fish. No evidence of fishing activity among local populations was observed during the field visits. No birds at all were observed in the vicinity of Jiyuan except for an occasional magpie (Pica pica).
The term "wasteland" is a formal land-use term in the PRC, interpreted by KBN to indicate untilled, unirrigatable rocky lands with marginal or no economic utility and little vegetative cover.
2 Personal Communication. Dr. Yucui Liu, Professor, Henan Agricultural University, Director, Eco-Environmental Research Branch. Henan Agricultural University. tel. 011-86-371- 394-3365.
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Table 2.7-1. Plant Communities of the Taihan, Mountains Family Description Species Remnant Forest Fragments Trees Salicaceae Poplar P. davidiane Fagaceae Oak Q. variabilis Q. aliena Q. dentate Oleaceae Ash F. chinensis Ulmus Elm Ulmus spp. Ulmaceae Hackberry Celtis spp. Anacardiceae Pistachio Pistacia spp. Pinaceae Pine Pinus populiformes Platycladus Coniferous, evergreen Platycladis orientalis shrub Ground Cover Leguminosae Legume Sophora japonica Verbaenaceae Verbena Vitex negundo Vitex heterophylla Ruderal Scrub Rhamnaceae Broadleaf shrub Ziziphus sativa Anacardiaceae Bushy, deciduous shrub Cotinus coggygrida Verbaenaceae Verbena Vitex negundo Vitex cinerea Gramineae Grass Bothriochloa ischaemum Themeda triandra Threatened/Endangered 3 Rosaceae Broadleaf shrub Taihangia rupestris - rare Ulmaceae Broadleaf tree Pteroceltis tatarinowii - rare Ranunculaceae Broadleaf shrub Paeonia suffruticosa - vulnerable Juglandaceae Walnut Juglans mandshurica - vulnerable
'Source: Li-Kuo, 1992.
2-20 14435CT2-2 1 04/06/95
2.2.2 BIOLOGICAL DIN'ERSITY' A.ND ENDANGERED SPECIES Back!round The NWEPDIEA report states, as did representativesof the Henan AgriculturalUniversity Eco- EnvironmentalResearch Branch, that no endangeredor threatenedplants and animals exist within the project impact area.
Mackinnon(1992) provides a figure of 4,000 speciesoverall for Henanprovince, including40 endemics. This World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)study states that there are three Grade I and 16 Grade II species and that the only first-classprotected animal, the Chinese leopard (Pantherapardus) has long been extinct in HenanProvince.
Threatened or Endangered SRecies in the Project Area Li-Kuo (1992) describes four regionalendemic plant species that are of concern; includingan elm (Ulmaceae) and a shrub (Taihangia rupestris, Fam. Rosaceae) that are considered rare; in addition to a walnut (Juglandaceae)and another broadleafshrub (Ranunculaceae)that are classifiedas vulnerable(Table 2.2-1). Accordingto the InternationalUnion for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Habitats (IUCN)-derivedRed Book classificationsystem, rare describes organismsthat are not endangeredor vulnerable,but are at risk due to restricted geographic range or thin populationdistributions. Vulnerableindicates that the species may move into the endangeredcategory unless current populationtrends are reversed and causal factors mitigated.
The endemic Taihangiarupestris, representinga unique genus, is apparentlyvery rare according to both Li-Kuo and Mackinnon. Though actuallyknown to occur in only two stands, the current range of this shrub is described by Li-Kuoas the south slope of the Taihang Mountainsin northwest Henan, where it is found on sheer precipicesand overhangingrocks or crevices between 1,000- and 1,300-melevation. Li-Kuofurther describesthe species as "short, small and unnoticeableto nonspecialists,"indicating that an expert, focused effort is needed to determine presence or absence. These descriptionsof both range and appearance indicatethat the presence of Taihangiarupestris in the projectarea cannot he ruled out in the absence of directed search.
2-21 14435Cr2-2 04(06195
Protected Areas Accordingto the WWNIFreport, approximately3 percent of Henan province is under some protective status, includingthree protected areas clusteredalong the ridges of the Taihang mountainsin the northwesternpart of the province in the region of the Qinbei Power Plant Project. All three of these protected areas are under the administrativeauspices of the Provincial Departmentof Forestry, and are listed as Category C. In the three-tieredsystem described by the WWF report, Category C has the lowest protectionstatus and indicatesan area of local significance, whose protection is important in order to assure the continuedexistence of representativeecosystems in each province. The Baisonglingprotected area of approximately 30 km2 and created for the protectionof Rhesus macaquemonkeys (Rhesusmacaque), begins approximately5 kmnnortheast of the Qinbei site, coveringthe mountainridge and extendingdown the southern slopes to an elevation of approximately200 m (Figure 1.3-2). The Taihangshan protected area of approximately40 km2 and createdto protected representativeforest ecosystems, lies along a narrow band of ridges that extend to within 10 km northwestof the Qinbei site at elevations above 800 m (Figure 1.3-2).
2.2.3 WETLANDS Three internationallyimportant wetlands exist in Henan, none of which are in the vicinity of the Qinbei Power Plant Project; 1. The DangiangkouReservoir located approximately95 km west-southwestof Nanyang; 2. The Suya Hu Wetland, approximately20 km east of Zhumadian; and 3. The Old Huang He Marshes near Kaifeng, approximately70 km north of Kaifeng city.
No wetland sites were observed in the vicinity of the power plant. As mentioned in Section 2.2.1, the Qin River has been extensivelydiked or channelized,and probably contains few if any natural wetland communitiesalong its entire length. The river banks and bed are exploited for the extraction of constructionsand (AppendixC, Photograph4), and areas disturbed by this practice have been recolonized by sparse stands of weedy vegetation (Xanthium (?) sibiricum and Artemisia scoparia).
2_ _- s4435c1-23 >4/13195
2.3 SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONALENVIRONMNIENT 2.3.1 LAND USE A detailed description of physical and biological resources at the site is provided in previous sections of the EA. The areas allocated for the power station and supporting facilities, the workers colony during construction,and the ash disposal facility are located on unpopulated parcels of land that are, for the most part, not in current use by the surrounding villagers. Considered not suitable for agriculture by local populations, due to the predominant ground surface (gravel and cobble), small components of the power station site specifically are periodically aerated to allow grass growth for livestock grazing. Local villagers have access to the site informally through permission of EPH for this purpose. While evidence of such aeration (i.e., plowing) was evident on a few scarce patches of soil, no livestock grazing was observed during the site visit, although grazing was observed on cultivated sites with better access to water southeast of the site and closer to the existing villages.
Land use in the proximity of the project site is comprised primarily of agricultural production, predominated by winter wheat. Other crops cultivated within 5 km of the project site include spinach, rice, peanuts, apples, pears, and watermelon. A small cluster of walnut trees were observed within 0.5 km of the project site. Production occurs mainly on small plots amounting to approximately 700 m' per farmer.
There are no systematic laws that specify how a particular parcel of land is categorized for land use. Approval on the appropriateness of land acquisition for the power station was provided by the Land Acquisition Bureau of Jiyuan Municipality. Throughout the project development process, EPH has coordinated the proposed change in land use with local populations. During the public meeting conducted by EPH on March 3, 1993. and an informal followup meeting conducted while the EA team was at the site, the villagers expressed an eagerness to see the site developed since they were not benefiting from the current land use and they perceived that the power station would improve the standard of living for the surrounding villages. Records of both meetings are provided in Appendix A.
2.3.2 SOCIOECONOMICS Henan Province offers excellent potential for economic growth due the state of its infrastructure, roads, railways, and communications. As noted in previous sections, the Henan Province Power
2-23 1435C!2.24 04106/95
Grid is considered an importantpart of the Central China Power Grid and critical to future economicdevelopment throughout Central China.
Jiyuan city is rich in mineral reserves, classifiedas metal, non-metal, and constructionmaterials. The main industrieswithin Jiyuan City larger urban area includemetallurgy, coal electrical devices, chemical manufacturing,machine building,construction materials, food processing, textile production, and paper and plastics manufacturing. The closest large- to medium-sized industry occurs approximately10 km from the power plant site.
There are three villages within 2 km of the power plant site: Shang Zhuan, Xi Yao Tou, and Bailong Mao. Economic activitiesof the villagersrange from crop production and animal husbandry to stone masonry. The villagesalso have clusters of small merchant shops which provide goods and services to the local populations.
2.3.2.1 Demographv Jiyuan, the nearest city to the project site, controls five towns, eight communities,and 515 villages. The populationof the area exceeds 600.000, with nearly 8,796 living in rural areas.
The villages surrounding the power plant are indicated in Figure 1.1-1. Approximatepopulations for the three nearest villages follow:
Village Distance to Site Population Shang Zhuang 1.5 km 3,000 Xi Yao Tou 1.5 km 800 Bailong Mao 700 m 300
2.3.2.2 Emplovment and Oppnrtunitv In keeping with the principal economicactivities of the surrounding areas, most villagers earn their livelihoodsfrom agriculturalrelated activities, low-skilledlabor-related professions such as masonry works, and merchandisingfor local inhabitants. The poor road conditionsand low skill level of the work force reduces the potential for economicopportunities outside of the village communities.
2-24 14435Ct2-25 04/06195
2.3.2.3 Transportation The Jio(zho)-Ke(jing) highway and the Jiozhi railwav pass on the south side of the site. There is currently poor road access to the site from the highway, with current road conditions consisting of two-lane, unpaved roads that connect the surrounding villages. The site is traversed by two small earthen paths that are covered in loose stone and used predominantly for foot traffic. While road transportation to the power facility is currently poor, the site has excellent access to rail transportation, through which supplies, fuel, and construction materials will be provided to the facility. The Qinbei Rail Station is currently used for passenger and commercial transport amounting to two trains passing through Qinbei in each direction daily (a total of four trips).
Vehicular traffic on roads between villages is scarce; the roads are predominated by foot and bicycle traffic. The roads are predominantly earthen impacted and approximately two-lanes in width.
2.3.2.4 Facilities and Services Jiyuan City offers the nearest major hospital, firefighting, and security (i.e., police) facilities. In addition to primary and secondary schools, Jiyuan City hosts a well-respected technical college.
Each village has its own clinic or hospital and most have at least a primary school. The largest of the three nearest villages, Shang Zhuan, has approximately 20 doctors at its medical facility and offers both a primary and secondary school.
2.3.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES Jiyuan city is a famous ancient cultural city, with Wangwushan (northwest of the city) a famous tourist attraction. The Jiyuan City Cultural Bureau has issued the project a certificate stating that the project site does not exist in a protected area from the stand point of cultural relics.
2-25 I 1443S5C!3I-I 04 14,95
3.0 E.NVIRONMlENTAL I,MPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONvMENT 3.1.1 AIR QUALITY 3.1.1.1 Introduction An air quality impact assessment was performed to predict maximum SQOand PM impacts due to the proposed power plant operation. These impactswere predicted in the lower terrain areas in which the proposed plant is to be located, and in the nearby mountainareas. Impactspredicted in the lower areas represent those to which the generalpopulation would be exposed. Impacts in the mountainousareas generallyrepresent those which may affect the soils, vegetationor animal life in those areas. Althoughthe mountainousareas in the vicinityof the proposed plant site have not been previouslyidentified as environmentallysensitive, the Taihangshanto the west and the Baisonglingto the east of the proposedplant site are two Category C protected areas under the Forest Department.
3.1.1.2 Air Modelin! Methodoloyv 3.1.1.2.1 General Modeling Approach Becausethe PRC environmentalregulatory agencies have not establishedprocedures or policies for performing air quality impact assessments,the general modelingapproach followed U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (IJSEPA)modeling guidelines using USEPA-approvedair dispersionmodels. These models and guidelineswere used becausethey offer validated techniquesfor estimatingmaximum ground-level concentrations and are used extensivelyfor comparingair quality impactswith air qualitystandards. For comparisonto World Bank standards and the PRC standards, highestpredicted concentrations from the modelinganalysis are reported.
3.1.1.2.2 Model Selection The areas to the southwest, south, and east of the proposed site are generally at or lower than the elevation of the proposed plant site. Areas to the northwest,north, and northeast of the proposed site are mountainous. Areas lower than the proposedstack top elevationare referred to as simple terrain. Those areas with elevationsabove the proposed stack top elevationare referred to as complexterrain areas. Models selectedwere capableof performing in both simple and complex terrain areas.
3-1 14-35C.'3 1-'
Because of the limited meteorological data available in the area of the proposed site (see Section 3.1.1.2.5), maximumair quality impactsof air pollutantsfrom the proposed power plant were primarily predicted in the lower elevationareas with the SCREEN2model (Version 92245). The SCREEN2mode] predicts maximum1-hour concentrationsfor a range of meteorological conditionsand range of distancesdirectly downwindfrom an emissionssource. SCREEN2 determinesa maximumimpact by consideringa range of potentialcombinations of wind speed and atmosphericstability class. SCREEN2was used to predict maximum 1-hour impactsat areas that are at or below the power plant's base elevation. This representsnearly all areas located to the east clockwiseto the southwestfrom the proposed plant site.
Predictionsof maximumair quality impactsin the mountainousareas surrounding the proposed power plant were made using the IndustrialSource ComplexShort-Term Model (ISCSTDFT, latest version, draft). This model is a USEPA-approvedmodel and is based on proposed modeling approachespresented in SupplementC to the Guidelineon Air Quality Models (December 1994). The ISCSTDFTmodel predicts impacts in both simpleand complex terrain areas. However, the model was primarily selected in this analysis for its ability to predict impacts in complexterrain. The current version of the Industrial Source ComplexShort-Term Model (ISCST2,Version 93109) does not predict impacts in complexterrain. For this analysis, the ISCSTDFTmodel was used to predict impacts in both simple and complexterrain area.
The ISCSTDFTcalculates hourly impactsusing hourly meteorologicaldata includingwind direction, wind speed, ambient temperature,atmospheric stability class, and mixing height. The model calculatesmaximum impactsfor several averagingtimes.
Because of limited meteorologicaldata availablenear the proposed site, the ISCSTDFTmodeling analysis was performed in two phases. The first phase involvedusing the model in a screening mode by using a constructedmeteorological data set designedto produce worst-caseimpacts. For this phase, maximum 1-hour impactswere obtained and then adjusted to estimate maximum impacts for other averagingtimes. Impacts for the annual average, 24-hour and 3-hour averaging times were obtained by multiplyingthe maximum 1-hour impactsby factors of 0.05, 0.4, and 0.9, respectively.
3-2 14-35C3 1.-3 0X/ 14/95
The second phase involved using an annual meteorological database to determine maximum impacts for the annual average. 24-hour, 3-hour, and 1-hour averaging times. Additional detail concerning the two modeling phases is provided in Section 3.1.1.2.5.
3.1.1.2.3 Model Options The terrain is rural within 3 km from the proposedplant site, Therefore, rural dispersion parameterswere selectedfor both the SCREEN2and ISCSTDFTmodel. This is the only option setting required for the SCREEN2model.
USEPAregulatory default optionswere used with the ISCSTDFTmodel. These include: 1. Final plume rise at all receptor locations, 2. Stack-tipdownwash, 3. Buoyancy-induceddispersion, 4. Default wind speed profile coefficientsfor rural or urban option, 5. Default vertical potentialtemperature gradients, 6. Calm wind processing,and 7. Reducingcalculated SO, concentrationsin urban areas by using a decay half-life of 4 hours (i.e., reduce the SO, concentrationemitted by 50 percent for every 4 hours of plume travel time).
3.1.1.2.4 Source and Emission Data
Emission data for SO2 and particulatematter (PM) were providedto KBN for both the 2x600 and 6x600 MW design power plants. Emissionrates for NO. were developedfrom USEPAemission factors. All the model runs were performedusing the SO, emissionsfor a 2x600 MW power plant burning design coal. Impactsfor PM and the 6x600 MW case were calculatedby multiplyingthe maximummodeled concentration by the appropriateemission ratio. A listing of the emissionrates and stack parametersused in the modelinganalysis is presented in Table 3.1-1.
Dimensionsfor three buildingstructures were providedto KBN. The three buildingstructures are the turbine house, the boiler room, and the natural draft cooling towers. The heights of these structures are 29.9, 78, and 71 m, respectively. Since the proposed power plant stack(s), at 240 m, are more than 2.5 times the height of the tallest structure, the structures will not cause
3-3 14;35C 0s/O6/95
Table 3.1-1. Emission Rates and Stack Parameters Usted in the Modeling Analvsis
Emission Rates
2 x 600 MW Facilitv Sulfur Dioxide (Design Coal) 3.55 TPH (894.60 g/s) Sulfur Dioxide (Checking Coal) 4.85 TPH (1,222.20 gls) Particulate Matter 0.52 TPH (131.04 g/s) NO. (Design and Checking Coal) 4.30 TPH (1,082.57 g/s) (62.5 mngm3)
6 x 600 MW Facility Sulfur Dioxide (Design Coal) 10.65 TPH (2,683.80 gJs) Sulfur Dioxide (Checking Coal) 14.5STPH (3,666.60 g/s) Particulate Matter 1.56 TPH (393.12 g/s) NO. (Design and Checking Coal) 12.89 TPH (3,247.71 g/s)
Physical Stack Parameters
Stack Height 240 m Stack Inner Diameter lO m
Stack O0nerating Parameters
Stack Exit Velocity 26.69 mls Stack Exit Temperature 108-C (381K)
3-4 144)5C'I .5 04, 14/95
plume downwash from the proposed stacks. Therefore, the effects of building downwash were not considered in the modeling analysis.
3.1.1.2.5 MeteorologicalData For the simpleterrain analysis,the SCREEN2model does not require any external meteorological data. All combinationsof potentialworst-case hourly meteorologyare containedin the model.
Meteorologicaldata needed to perform the complexterrain modelinganalysis using the ISCSTDFTmodel consistof the followingfive meteorologicalparameters: 1. Wind direction-determinesthe transport directionstoward which the plume-willtravel and potentiallyaffect receptors downwindof the plant, 2. Wind speed-determinesthe amountof dilution of plume concentrationand height to which the plume will rise, 3. Temperature-affectsthe height to whichthe plume will rise and also is used in estimatingafternoon mixing heights, 4. Atmosphericstability-determines the extent of plume spread or dispersionin the vertical and horizontaldirections, and 5. Mixingheight-determines the maximumvertical extent or volume of air in which the plume can disperse.
Meteorologicaldata from Jiyuan City were evaluatedfor use in the dispersionmodeling analysis. A comparisonof ISCSTDFTmodel requirementsto the parametersavailable from Jiyuan City are presented in Table 3.1-2. Based on this assessment,the data from Jiyuan City were not consideredcomplete enoughto be used in the ISCSTDFTmodeling analysis. Therefore, maximumimpacts from the ISCSTDFTmodel were obtainedusing two separate methodologies. 1. Constructionof Hourlv MeteorolosicalRecords Hourly meteorologicalrecords consistof 52 combinationsof wind speed and stability class that are consideredas likely to occur. The wind direction, ambienttemperature and mixingheight are held constanteach of these hours. The wind direction is assumed to always blow directly from the source to the receptors. A maximum 1-hour concentrationis determinedfrom the 52 combinationsof meteorologicaldata.
3-5 1-"}5C 03' 14 95
Table 3.1-2. Comparison of Air Dispersion Model and MleteorologicalPreprocessor Input Requirements to Parameters Available from MleteorologicalStation at Jivuan Citv
Jivuan City ISCSTDFT Model and Parameter MeteorologicalStation Preprocessor Requirements
Frequency of Observations Once every 3 hours Every hour
Wind Direction Reported Units Nearest 22.5 degrees Nearest degree but can be randomizedover sector width for reported direction
Wind Speed Reported Units Meters per second Units converted to m/s
Temperature Reported Units Not available Units converted to °K Stahilitv3Based on Cloud Cover Reported Units Cloud cover Convertsto a code of I to 7 for stability determination
Cloud Height Reported Units Not available Actual height in ft
Wind Speed See above See above
Mixing Height Reported Units Not available Hourly mixing heights based on interpolated values using calculated afternoon mixing height
' Not measured directly but inferred usin, Turner (1964) method and specifiedparameters.
3-6 1J435CV3 I -- 0/ 14195
2. Development of a Representative I-Year Hourlv Database To ensure that the maximum impacts produced by the SCREEN2 model and by the ISCSTDFT model using the constructed meteorological hours from Item I are reasonable, I year of hourly meteorological data from a representative United States city was used in a separate modeling analysis. The shape of the windrose from Asheville, North Carolina for the year 1984 (see Figure 3.1-1) very closely matches the 12-month windrose from Jiyuan City (see Figure 2.1-1) except that the prevailing wind directions are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the Jiyuan City prevailing wind directions. Therefore, to use this meteorological data set in the modeling analysis, the receptors selected to represent locations around the proposed Henan Qinbeiplant were rotated 90 degrees counterclockwisearound the proposed plant.
3.1.1.2.6 ReceptorLocations SimRleTerrain For predicting impactsin the lower terrain areas with the SCREEN2model, all receptors were assumedto be at the same elevationas the proposedpower plant. Impactswere predicted along a line of downwindreceptors at distancesfrom 100 m to 10,000m from the proposed plant. From 100 to 3,000 m, the maximumimpacts are output by the model for every 100 m, while beyond 3,000 m, the impactsare determinedat every 500 m.
For predicting impacts in the lower terrain areas with the ISCSTDFTmodel, arrays of 36 receptors, at 10 degree intervalsaround the circle, were locatedalong radials from the plant at distancesof 300, 500, 700, 1,000, 1,500, 3,000, 5,000, 7,000, and 10,000 m from the proposed plant.
ComRlexTerrain For predicting impacts in the mountainousareas around the proposed plant with the ISCSTDFT model, 32 receptors were selected whichrepresent significantpeak elevationpoints in all mountainousareas around the proposedplant. The locationsand elevationsfor each of these receptors were obtainedfrom a topographicalmap of the area. A listing of the elevated terrain receptors used in the ISCSTDFTmodeling analysis is provided in Table 3.1-3. A map showing the locationsof these receptors is provided in AppendixD (Figure D-l). Of the 32 receptors, 15
3-7 IN
CALM WINDS 14.62 % WIND SPEED (KNOTS)
NOIE: Frequencies 1111617-21 _21 injdicnte direcionti from whichthe wind is blowing.
Figure 3.1-1 EPH: QINBEI POWER Asheville,North Carolina EPLANT PROJECT 12-Month Windrose X January1-December 31, 1984 Henan, China 3-s 14-435C 3,'11,95
Table 3.1-3. Elev'ated Terrain Receptor Locations Us-2 in the .A-rM-Sodeling Analysis
Distance from Site X (km) Y (km) Z (m) (m)
Henan Qinbei PP 56.0 95.5 IS5 0 Non-Protected Area 56.0 96.5 333 1000 54.6 96.4 358 1664 55.1 9,.1 606 1836 57.5 96.8 646 1985 53.3 95.0 542 2746 53.5 96.8 932 2818 53.2 96.1 678 2864 55.2 9S.4 1048 3008 58.5 97.9 974 3466 55.5 99.0 1060 3536 58.0 98.5 941 3606 52.6 97.2 1058 3801 53.5 98.4 820 3829 56.0 99.6 1083 4100 56.0 100.5 1102 5000 51.2 92.9 688 5459 59.5 99.7 1098 5467
TaihanpshanProtected Area
44.5 98.6 1002 . 11910 44.0 99.3 1042 .12587 44.3 100.3 988 12646 42.9 99;5 1037 13697 42.0 99.1 1052 14455 4 I.5 99.8 1068 15124 40.0 98.S 931 16337 37.9 9S.3 606 18315
Baison2lingProtected Area
63.9 98.4 338 8415 633 100.2 1028 8682 63.8 99.4 890 8721 62.5 102.0 1059 9192 62.5 103.0 1089 9925 66.2 99.4 842 10920 65.1 103.9 1169 12384
3-9 14435Crj1 - 10 O4! 14'95
receptors are located in the Baisongling and Taihanashan Protected Areas, which are sensitive land areas to the east and west of the proposed power plant, respective]k.
3.1.1.3 Air Modeling!Results Maximumimpacts are provided for the lower areas, the non-protectedmountains near the proposed power plant, and the protectedmountainous areas to the east and west of the proposed plant. Impacts are providedfor the followingfour cases: 1. Design coal for a 2x600 MW facility, 2. Design coal for a 6x600 MW facility, 3. Checking coal for a 2x600 MW facility, and 4. Checking coal for a 6x600 MW facility.
3.1.1.3.1 S02 The maximumSO. impactsfrom the SCREEN2and ISCSTDFTmodels are presented in Tables 3.1-4 and 3.1-5. The maximumpredicted SO, impactsobtained using the constructed meteorologicaldata set are presented in Table 3.1-4, while Table 3.1-5 summarizesimpacts using the 1-year meteorologicaldata set. The maximumimpacts in both simple and complex terrain areas for both types of meteorologicaldata are very similar. Therefore, the maximumimpacts from the constructedmeteorological data set will be used as the primary impactsfor the proposed power plant for the remainder of this section.
2x600 MW Facilitv Simple Terrain Maximumpredicted impactsin the lower areas are below the World Bank and PRC Grade II standards, with the exception of the 24-hour PRC standard for burning checking coal, which is marginally exceeded. The predicted area of the exceedanceis located 1.5 to 1.9 km from the power plant in the lower areas.
Complex Terrain Maximumimpacts in complexterrain near the proposed power plant exceed some World Bank and PRC standards. The areas of the World Bank 24-hour and PRC once and 24-hour exceedances are provided in AppendixD, Figure D-2. ne areas of the annual averaged standard exceedancesare provided in Figure D-3. The highest impactsoccur along two 600 to 700 m
3-10 Table 3.1 -4. MlaximiuniPlredicted SO 2Z AmtbicentConcentratIions (jgig/r) ror Various Cases - Constructed Meteorological Datla
______Ctncentrations a roirSclect Areas Ambient Air Quailitv_Snt:iiui I, Averaging Ambient I oe Nn-Potected IProtected Mountains WVorld PRiC I, R Uase TIimel Nickground Areas Mountains Blaisongling Taihanshan Bank GradeI (rte I iStITA
Design Coat Annual 33 13 (416) 161 (II91) H (41) 8 (.11) 1(10 60 21) Ho 2.%6tt0MtvW 24 -I lour 73 1t02 (175) 1284I (1357) 61 (13.1) 65 (133) 500 125 53 If's 3- 1 our - 230 - 28990 - I3a - 146 - - - I-Ihour - 255 - 3211 - 153 - 162 - 50(( 15(1
Design CoAl Annual 33 38 (71) 482 (515) 23 (56) 24 (57) 100O 60 20 80l 6.x600MIW 24--I lour 73 306 (379) 3853 (3926) 184 (257) 194 (267) 500 125 511 II's 3-1 our - (.89 - 8670 - 413 - 437 - - - I - Iour - 765 - 9633 - 459 - 486 - 5tIt 1iso
Ch~ecking Coatl Annual 33 17 (5(l) 219 (252) It) (43) 1I (.1.1) 1(10 60 2) HoI 2xbtl0 MiW 24 -1 our 73 139 (212) 1755 (1828) 84 (157) 89 (162) 500 125 SIt I. 3 -hIotur - 314 - 3948 - 188 - 199 - - - I - Iour - 3-18 - 4387 - 209 - 221 - - 5ttt I(5
Checking C~oal Annual 33 52 (85) 6.5H (69t ) 31 (64) 33 ((06) 1(11) 6t 20) Ho 6x00O MW 24 -I ltour 73 418 (.191) 5264 (5337) 251 (324) 266 (339) 500( 125 SIt0. 31-Iouitr - 941 - I11845 - 564 - 598 - -
I - I bour -11)45 - 13161 627 - 664 -- 51)4) 15(1
Notc: 3 oripwste , fet seset I-lhour i nup.ucstissed (or cO)iii paristo tolP C onicesta ndaird.
* Predicted concentration (aggregate conceniraflion).
Aggregate concentration = prted icted imopact plus ;.nI blent backgrounid, Table 3.1-5. Maximum Predicted SOZAmbient Concentralions (pg/mn) For Various Cases - I -Year Mcleorological Data
Concentralionsa for Select Areas AnmbicntAir GualilvS1ntai,arls Case Avcraging Ambient L owcr Non-l'roiccted 1Protected Miountains World l RC I'--c linic flaLground Vallevs Mountains Blaisongling T'aihangilan Bank Grade11 Grade I MSETA
D)esign Coal Annual 33 1 (34) 50 (83) 4 (37) 3 (36) 100 60 20 H( 2x6OOMW 24-hlour 73 13 (86) 446 (519) 31 (104) 30 (103) 500 150 50 365 3 -I lour - 80 - 1829 - 131 - 94 - - - - 1-llour - 240 - 300Z - 113 - 173 - - SOt ISO
Design Coal Annual 33 3 (36) 150 (IR3) 12 (45) 9 (42) 100 60 20 80 6xMeJt)MW 24-Ilounr 73 39 (112) 13U9 (1411) 93 (166) 90 (163) 500 IS0 50 365 3- lour - 240 - 5487 - 393 - 282 - - I-fIlour - 720 - 900)6 - 519 - 519 - - 500 150
CheckinogCoal Annual 33 1 (34) 68 (101) 5 (38) 4 (37) ItO 60 20 H\t 2xt,uI\W 24-lour 13 18 (91) 6019 (682) 42 (115) 41 (113) So0 150 StO 3n 3-lticr - 109 - 2499) - 179 - 128 - - - I-lloir - 328 - 4101 - 236 - 236 - - 500 15(
Checking Coal Annual 33 4 (37) 205 (238) 16 (49) 12 (45) IUo 60) 2tl 80 6xts)0OMIW 24- loiur 73 53 (I 2') 1828 (19411) 127 (2(10) 123 (1)6) S5UIt 150 SO 3-1 It ur - 328 - 7496 - 537 - 385 - - - 1-llour - 984 1ZuI L - 70') - 709 - - 500 15S-
Noi : 3- hour i,I,,aetx uscl foarelkteasasseei I -hour inmpactsused tur vmunpar ison to 1YltC once standard.
' Iredicied concenlr.lion (aggregateconcentralion).
Aggregate concenlraliom = lredicited imnpactplus ainhicnt hickground. 14435C.' 31-13 04114195
peaks located 1.800 to 2.000 m from the proposed power plant. The impacts occur under very stable stability conditions (i.e., nighttime Class F) with light winds which are expected with a frequency of 6.3 percent or less. Under these conditions, the height of the proposed power plant plume is between the 600 and 700 m elevation. The modeling analysis indicated further that impacts at terrain areas below 500 m and above 800 m are generally more than an order of magnitudelower than the maximumimpacts shown in the Table 3.1-4.
Impacts on the protectedmountainous areas are generally in compliancewith the PRC Grade I standards, which are intendedfor applicationto ecologicallysensitive areas. For the Taihangshan Protected Area, one receptorat 606 m exceededthe Grade I standard. The elevation of that receptor is near the stable plume height of the power plant. At the BaisonglingProtected Area, the 24-hour standardwas exceededat two receptors, located at heights of 890 and 842 m.
6x600 MW Facility Simple Terrain Maximumpredicted impactsin the lower areas exceedboth the World Bank and PRC Grade II standards. The area of the maximumimpacts is from 1.5 to 1.9 km south of the power plant in the lower areas (AppendixD, Figure D-4).
Complex Terrain The areas of exceedancefor the PRC Grade 1I standardin complexterrain are shown in AppendixD, Figure D-3. The areas of the World Bank and PRC 24-hour exceedancesare shown in Figure D-5. The maximumimpacts for a 6x600 MW facility area 3 times those for a 2x600 MW facility. The maximumimpacts are at the same areas as for the 2x600 MW plant except that the areas of the exceedanceare more extensive.
Impacts at the protected mountainousareas exceededthe P.RCGrade I once and 24-hour standards for all receptors modeled.
3.1.1.3.2 PM The maximumpredicted PM impactsobtained using the constructedand annual meteorological data sets are summarizedin Tables 3.1-6 and 3.1-7, Tespectively.The maximumimpacts in both simple and complexterrain areas for both types of meteorologicaldata are very similar.
3-13 0 li ,5
'lablc 3.1-6. Maximum Predicted I'M Ambient Concentrations QPglmn)For Various Cases - Constructed Meteorological Dala
Concentration * for Various Amas Ambictair qunlity Standatrds Averaging Ambient Lower Non-Plrolected 1'roteclcd Mountainis World I'RC l'Rt IJSIi1'A Case limc tlackground Aiwas Mountains fIaisongling Taihangsia;nii flank Grade 11 (;t;de I (i'M Iti)
Design Coal Annual 216 2 (218) 21 1 1 100 - - 5n Checking Coal 24-hlour 404 15 (419) I88 9 9 S00 300 150 150t 2x600tMW 3-lonur - 34 - 423 20 21 - - - I- I our - 37 - 470 22 24I - 1000 300 --
D)esign Coal: Annualh 216 6i (222) 71 3 4 IOU - - Sl) Checking Co:t 24-I llur 404 45 (449) 564 27 28 5(J0 300 150 150 6x60OMIW 3-I lour - 101 - 1270 61 64 - - - I-oItiir - 112 - 1411 67 72 - 10(t) 3tH-
Note: 35-tomnur illp:lcti used ror eI(ects assessntcnt. I- 2111 I l jlpact5used (Or etinipa Iison to Il'l C (IICL Stlidn;I tdtl
I'retlicied concelio11(nn (aggreg:lte concentration).
A ggi eg:teclcill -:ltion -iredicted impact plus a mbicnl backgrlound. 1441w'
5711L9II Table 3.1-7. Maximumn 1redicted l M Ambicnt Concentrations(Ag/m3) For VariousCases - I - Year MeteorologicalData
Concentralions& for Select Areas Ambient Air QuIiiyt Stsqjjrds Averaging Ambient Lower Non-Protected Protected Mountain World PRC PRC iiSiI'A tase lime llackground Areas Mountains Dahongling Taihangohan oank Orade ll OradeI ('M to)
t)Desi Coal Annual (216) 0 (216) 7 1 0 100 - 5lI CheckingCoal 24-hlour (404) 2 (406) 65 ) 4 500 300 ISO 2x600MMW 3-hlouf - 12 - 268 19 14 -- - I-llour - 35 - 440 25 25 - 1000 300
D)eign Coal Annual (216) 0 (216) 22 2 1 100 - - t CheckingCoal 24-hlour (404) 6 (410) 196 14 13 500 300 IS0 120 6x600 MW 3-llour - 35 - C04 S3 41 -- - I-llour - 105 - 1319 76 76 -1000 l (l
Note: 3-bout impactsused for effectsassessment. 1-hour impactsused for comparisonto PRC oncestandard.
^i redietedcone ntration (afrg AteConcentration).
Aggregateconcentration n predictedImpact plus ambient background.
LtX 144.SC:31-16 04/ 14'95
Therefore, the maximum impacts from the cons-uzted meteorolo=cnalda:a set. Table 31-6. will be used in the remainder of this section for comparison to standards.
2x600 MSWFacilitv Simple Terrain Maximum predicted impacts in the lower areas are well below all World Bank and PRC standards.
Complex Terrain Maximum predicted impacts in the non-protected mountain areas are also in compliance with the World Bank and PRC Grade II standards.
Maximumpredicted impactson the protectedmountainous areas are in compliancewith the PRC Grade I standardsat all locations.
6x60QMW Facilitv Simple Terrain Maximumpredicted impactsin the lower areas are well below all World Bank and PRC standards.
Complex Terrain Maximumpredicted impactsin the non-protectedmountain areas exceed 24-hour World Bank and PRC Grade II standards. The receptor locationsthat exceedthe standardsare located at two 600- to 700-m peaks located 1,800 to 2,000 m from the proposedpower plant. The maximumimpacts at these two peaks occur under very stable stability conditions(nighttime) with light winds.
Maximumpredicted impactson the protected mountainousareas are in compliancewith PRC Grade I standards at all locations.
3.1.1.3.3 NO2
The maximum NO2 impactsfrom the SCREEN2and ISCSTDFI models are presented in Tables 3.1-8 and 3.1-9. Table 3.1-8 representsthe maximumpredicted NO, impacts obtained using the constructedmeteorological data set. Table 3.1-9 summarizesimpacts using the annual
3-16 'I tblc 3. 1-8. Mlximum l'redicied N0 2 Ambient Concentrations For VatriousCases - Constructed Meleorological Waln
ConcentralIon jp1f/m) fr Various Areas Ambient Air Quali!y S_Iandtds(pg/n') Averaging lIower Non-l'rotccted _'rotected Mountains World l'R( I'RW Case lUimc Areas Mounlains liaisongling 'ITaihmngshan IJank Grade11 (GraldeI
D)esign Coal Annual 15 194 9 10 I U- Chccking Coal 24-hlour 124 1556 74 78 - IIHI 51 2x6(00MW 3-lhour 278 35(0 167 177 - - I-Ilour 309 3889 185 196 - 1n(IM(
D)esign Coal Annual 46 583 28 29 10( - CheckingCoal 24-Dlour 371 4667 222 235 - l(K 6x600 MW 3-llour 834 1(OOI SO(I 530 l-llour 927 1168 556 589 15( 0n(
Nole: 3l-hour inpctist usedfor anetrls ntssc con ie n I -hour in1p;cdsused ror ccnpatrlstn to l'l&: onlCCstanda;rd.
-J Ie1,1 SU fl vKW/9¶
Table 3.1-9. MaximumPrcdicted NO 2 AmbicntConcentrations For VariousCases - I-Year McicorologicalData
Concentration(JgItn forVarious Arcas Ambicnl Air QualilyStand ards (,tVtii 1) Avcraging Lower Non-Proiccced ProtectedMountains _ World PRC PRitc Case Timc Valleys Mountains Baisongling Taihangshan Bank Grade11 GradecI
DcsignCoal Annual 1 5() 4 3 100 2x6(KIMW 24-1lour 13 446 . 31 30 - 1(1 3-Hour 80 1829 131 94 - - I-llour 291 3636 210 210 - ISO tnt)
DcsignCoal Annual 3 150 12 9 I(N) - WxiK)MW 24-tHour 39 1338 93 90 - 1() 3--lHour 241) 5487 393 282 - I-I lour 872 II)(99 629 629 - 151
Note: 3-hour imlacts used for afrcctszissessnIIeiIt. I-hour Impactsused fOr cOml)atrisoin it PRlC OIICC standard. 00
oo~ ~ ~ I4-3C!35 1-t9 0:; 14 '95
meteorological data set. Tne maximum impacts in both simple and complex terrain areas for both types of meteorological data are very similar. Therefore, the maximum impacts from the constructed meteorological data set will be used as the primary impacts for the proposed power plant for the remainder of this section.
2x600 MW Facility Simple Terrain Maximumpredicted impactsin the lower areas are belowthe World Bank standardsbut are above the PRC Grade II standards. The area of the PRC standard exceedanceis from 1.5 to 1.9 km from the power plant in the lower areas.
Complex Terrain Maximumimpacts in complexterrain near the proposed power plant exceed the World Bank and PRC standards. The highest impactsoccur alongtwo 600- to 700-m peaks located 1,800 to 2,000 m from the proposedpower plant. The impactsoccur under very stable stability conditions(i.e., nighttimeClass F) with light winds.
MaximumNO impactsat the protectedmountainous areas exceed both the PRC Grade I 24-hour and once standards.
6x600 Mw Facilitv Simple Terrain Maximumpredicted impactsin the lower areas comply with the World Bank annual standard but exceed the PRC Grade II standards.
Complex Terrain The maximum impacts in the non-protectedmountainous areas exceedboth the World Bank and PRC Grade II standardsover a wide area.
The maximum impactsat the protected mountainousareas exceedthe PRC Grade I 24-hour and once standards for all receptors modeled.
3-19 435C.'31-0 cm/14'95
3.1.1.3.4 Sumrmars The predicted maximum air quality pollutant concentrations due to the power plant include both the impactsof the facility by itself and the inclusionof the existincbaseline (ambient)pollutant concentration. The SO2impacts presented are combinedwith the existingambient air SO: concentrationsat all receptors since Sa is a gaseouspollutant and, therefore, its ambient concentrationsis expectedto be uniformlydispersed throughout the predicted impact area. The ambient SO, concentrationsare typicallyhigher in the impact area in the winter monthsdue to home heatingemissions during the winter.
However, ambientTSP concentrationsin the area are typically higher in the summer months due to the lack of precipitationand increasedagricultural cultivation (i.e., non-point,non-industrial sources). TSP is non-gaseousand subject to physicalforces (i.e., gravitational,etc.), thus limiting its dispersionto the higher elevations. Therefore,only the ground level impactsfor TSP take into accountambient TSP concentrations.
3.1.1.4 Conclusions The modelinganalysis indicatedthat for a 2x600 MW facility, exceedancesof the PRC SO, Grade B1and Grade I standardswould occur in the mountainareas around the proposed plant. The areas that exceedthe standard are generallyat elevationsfrom 600 to 800 m-msl. The lower terrain areas are also expectedto exceed the PRC Grade11 standard at distancesfrom 1.5 to 2.0 srmfrom the plant.
For a 6x600 MW facility, additionalareas of exceedancewere obtained in the lower and mountain areas around the proposedplant. All maximumimpacts in the protected mountainareas were predicted to exceedthe PRC Grade I standards.
For PM, compliancewith all standardsis predictedin the-lowerand protectedmountain areas for both the 2x600 MW and 6x600 MW plants. For the 6x600plant only, exceedanceof the PRC Grade 11standard occurred in the nearby mountainareas.
For NO,, the modelinganalysis indicatedthat for a 2x600 MW facility, exceedancesof the World Bank and PRC Grade 11and Grade I standardswould occur in the mountainareas around the proposed plant. The areas that exceed the standardare generally at elevationsfrom 600 to
3-20 14435C.3).- OW14195
800 m-msl. The lower terrain areas are also expezted to exzeed the PRC Grade II standard a. distances from 1.5 to 2.0 km from the plant. The World Bank-standards will be met in the lower areas.
For a 6x600 MW facility, additionalareas of exceedancewere obtainedin the lower and mountain areas around the proposed plant. All maximumimpacts in the protected mountainareas were predicted to exceedthe PRC Grade I standards.
3.1.2 NOISE Noise resultingfrom human activitiescan impactthe health and welfare of both workers and the general public. The level of impact is related to the magnitudeof noise, which is referred to as sound pressure level (SPL)with units in decibels(dB). Decibels are calculatedas a logarithmic function of SPL in air to a referenceeffective pressure, which is consideredthe hearing threshold, or:
SPL = 20 log.0 (PelPo)
where: Pe = measured effectivepressure of sound wave in micropascals(juPa), and Po = reference effectivepressure of 20 jPa.
To account for -theeffect of how the human ear perceivessound pressure, sound pressure level is adjusted for frequency. Tlis is referred to as A-weighting(dBA), which adjusts measurements for the approximatedresponse of the human ear to low-frequencySPLs [i.e., below 1,000 hertz (Hz)] and high-frequencySPLs (i.e., above 1,000 Hz). This section addressesthe potential noise impacts of the project to the surroundingarea.
3.1.2.1 Reiulations and Criteria World Bank Guidelines The World Bank has developednoise guidelinesrelated to annual average sound levels that are designed to protect public and welfare. These levels are applicableto indoor and outdoor areas and certain types of land use. The World Bank guidelinescorrespond to sound levels recommendedby USEPA. These recommendationsare discussed in the followingsection.
3-21 o4I14w95
U.S. Environmental Protection Aaencv USEPA (1974) has developed indoor and outdoor noise criteria for various land uses as a guide for protecting public health and welfare (see Table 1.2-5). These criteria relate to short-term and day-night average SPLs. The L., is the equivalent constant SPL that would be equal in sound energy to the varying SPL over the same time period. The L. is the 24-hour average SPL calculated for two daily time periods, i.e., day and night, but has 10 dBA added to nighttime SPL. The equation for Ld, is:
L, = 10 log 1124 [15 x 1 0 (UhO) + 9 x io(LA '°"°']
where: Ld = daytime L,, for the period 0700 to 2200 hours, and Ln = nighttime L.* for the period 2200 to 0700 hours.
For residential areas, EPA recommends an outdoor L,, of 55 dBA.
3.1.2.2 Existing and Pronosed Noise Sources The noise levels and sound power levels associated with the proposed power plants were calculated using equipment-specific octave band data developed from Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Electric Power Plant Environmental Noise Guide (2nd edition. 1984). The sound power levels and octave band data for the proposed Phase I (2x600 MW) and Phase HI (6x600 MW) configurations are presented in Table 3.1-10.
3.1 .3 Noise ImRact Methodology The impact evaluation of the project was performed using the NOISECALC computer program (NYDPS, 1986). NOISECALC was developed by the New York State Department of Public Service and modified by KBN to assist with noise calculations for major power projects. Noise sources are entered as octave band SPLs. Coordinates, either rectangular or polar, can be specified by the user.
All noise sources are assumed to be point sources; line sources can be simulated by several point sources. Sound propagation is calculated by accounting for hemispherical spreading and three other user-identified attenuation options: atmospheric attenuation, path-specific attenuation and barrier attenuation. Atmospheric attenuation is calculated using the data specified by the
3-22 I 111)1'
TIbkc3.1-10. Sunomaryof Souce tipul Dal for theNoise Impac) Analysisfor IheOinbel power Project
Modeled SourceLocalion (a Source N X v lie.ihI _so__ _Sondlower i.eveidIi ortoctave nandIL'nqtncy_JI!?) --- _Nd¾sm I evri Source (nt) (m) (i) 31.5 63 125 250 500 IK 2K 4K 8K 16K (dIn (lIIA)
Iloile IW (1.1 -262.J5 128.100 39.0 1210 12011 115.0 109.0 1080 1060 10.0 104.0 1040 01I 1.1I 1 4ii
loiterIl!(b) -153.21 128.56 39.0 121.0 120.0 115.0 109.0 108.0 106.0 1040 1040 101( (o0 1('I1 11211
lIoileU2w -5J.70 128.87 39.0 121.0 1200 1150 109.0 10.0 106.0 104.0 104.0 l010 00 121s IIJ it
Iosilir 2li 52.14 129.31 390( 12111 12110 IIS0 109.0 ION0 106.0 101.11 1010 J10(\ t)tl 1 S. 11! 11
Ioiltr 3W 113.63 133.8. 39.0 121.0 120.0 115.0 109.0 108.0 106.0 104l0 101(0 10J0 1n 121S! 1111
tboilet 111 26Ci.11 tt2. 7 37.0 121( 12tOf11 If 5 O 1(15(.l 1tiO10 104O 1( 101(0 O1111 1 1! 11! 11
C.1ilI'C Iuinfle (llt its I k 2 (I) -39.72 -377.'12 10.0 12711 12" O 1210 11( 11 114.0 112.0 110.1 11110 11011O 11 I .1I 114I It
('ealCar l umnopetrIllsti 3 -6 463.01 -436.18 100 127.0 1200 1210 118.0 11.0 1120 1100 II( 0 11011 1)11 1o1o 11AIt
1'..Oling;Ii SVzI(I) -665.11 331.1111 10.0 00 00 1111.11 1)6.0 103.0 1(o. 112 0 IIIO 112)f 1)II9 111) 1014% to.) IJI C(ling leer lE -5041.3 39J.)2 10U 0.0 110 107.0 U06.0 10U0 1100 112i0 [itO 112tl 00O flit I)it '/i
ooli1ngTower 2W 339.39 404.17 10.11 0.0 00 1070 106.0 103.U 110.0 112.0 11O 11211 00 I I II IIN'lt9
Casoling'oert 2I 197.3? 402.77 100 0.0 00 1070 106.0 1080 110.0 1120 1140 1121l Int9 119 A is
Ctooilingl owet 3W 658.30 395.55 10.0 0 0 0 0 107.0 106.0 108.011 110.0 1120 1140 1120 Ott Itt Is IIR AI5
Ctoolinglbettr 31 821.35 315.36 to0 00 00 107.0 106.0 108.0 1100 1120 IIIJ0 1121t nn 1)119 II l 95
CostatC',hlct litns I 2 (b) -300.0 0 0 6 I 1210 121to 1211 117.11 115.0 112.0 1I10 b106 0 97 l tl t I !6 90 III 11
Cosl Crusher Unitsl3 - 6 -96.0 0.0 6.0 121.0 121.0 121.0 117.0 115.0 1120 1100 106l0 9170 IIO 1264f) 1117f
I$) Source location denotesX& andy ioo,diiealt Withltspe5cCto a glid crnitc pointle osltdo 1theUsit I boiletsl act. (bJ 1iesr bowtcescompote Phase I of the pro,ec5. All sourca lisled composePhase III of theprolee. 0; 1J'9S
American National Standard Instirute's (ANSI's) meThod for the calculation of the absorption of sound by the atmosphere (ANSI, 1978). Path-specific artenuation can be specified to account for the effects of vegetation, foliage and wind shadow. Directional source characteristics and reflection can be simulated using path-specific attenuation. Attenuation due to barriers can be specified by giving the coordinates of the barrier. Barrier attenuation is calculated by assuming an infinitely long barrier perpendicular to the source-receptor path. Total and A-weighted SPLs are calculated. Background noise levels can be incorporated into the program and are used to calculate overall SPLs.
NOISECALC was perforrned to predict the maximum noise levels produced by the proposed and existingnoise sources with and withoutbackground noise levels. Only atmosphericattenuation was assumed.
The noise impact was determinedin a radial pattern aroundthe existingand proposed facilities.
3.1.2.4 ITM1act Analvsis Results Figures 3.1-2 and 3.1-3 represent isoplethsof SPLs (given in dBA) that are predicted for the proposed Phase I and Phase III power plant project, respectively: As noted from the figure, the noise levels exceeds the World Bank guidelinesof 70 dBA at the northwestcorner and southern power plant property boundariesfor the Phase I configuration. Likewise, the Phase m configurationalso exceeds the World Bank noise guidelinesat the northeast corner, as well. However, these noise levels drop off sharplywith distancefrom the power plant and the nearest residential areas are more than I km away.
Based on these results, no significantimpact to public health and welfarefrom noise levels is predicted.
3.1.3 WATER RESOURCES Circulating Water System The project will utilize a recirculatingcooling water systemwith a natural draft cooling tower. The total circulatingwater flow for the first stge of 2x600 MW is 143,465m'/h (40 m'/s), while for the ultimate planned capacityof 6x600 MW the circulatingflow will be 430,395 nm/h (120 m'ls). lThe unit system with one coolingtower for each 600 MW generatingunit, as well as
3-24 (0 0.5 CA Scale in kiiometers
/ 60 < st~~~~~~~~~~~~R;aiiway/
Renzhai
A A
a 2 Hetou \' LiucunVillage
7 V ~~~~~Huacun/ M / ~~~~~~~~Village
Figure3.1-2 EPH: QINBEIPOWER Predicted Noise Impacts (dBA)for-Phase I (2 x 600) PLANT PROJECT Henan, China 3-25 0 0.5 1.04
Scale in kilcmeters -'
'Z' 6~~~~~~S6
/ @ | S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~tation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Renzhai
Q2R Hetou uucun viliage i |
. X ucn_ Villageillage
Figure 3.1-3 EPH: QINBEIPOWER Predicted Noise Impacts (dBA) for Phase III (6 x 600) P lNT POJEC Henan,China
3-26 1.435C!3 I . 0'! 14195
one pump house for each cooling tower will b- used. The cooling towers will be of the hyperbolic natural draft type, each with a cooling sur.aze of 9.250 m . After evaporative cooling in the tower, the cooling water will be pumped via circulating water pumps to the condenser in the main power building to cool the exhaust steam of turbine, following which the heated water will be returned to the coolingtower.
MakeuR Water System
The required amount of makeup water for the first stage 2x600 MW units is 3,864 m3 /h (Table 1.3-2). A water balance for the proposedplant is provided in Figure 1.3-4; the makeup water amount for 6x600 MW units will be 11,512 m3fh (32 m3 Is). Makeup water will supplied from the two wellfieldsof the WulongkouAquifer. One wellfield is located near the villagesof Xiyaotou and Liu along the left bank of Qin River. A reservoir and boost pumphousewill be provided betweenXiyaotou and Liu to store and subsequentlyboost the makeup water to the power plant area. Groundwaterfrom the other wellfieldnear the village of Liizhai will be pumped from the well directly to the power plant. Coolingtower makeup will be treated initially by a weak acid cation exchangerand then routed to the cooling tower.
Industri2l Wastewater Treatment and Disgosa The hourly estimated volume of wastewaterand treated sanitary effluent is 692 m3/hfor 2x600 MW (919 m3Is),and 2,076 m'h3 for 6x600 MW (2,756 m3's). Expectedvolumes of wastewater streams to be generatedby the Qinbei power plant are shown on the facility water balance (Figure 1.3-4).
Water quality of the expected Qinbeiwastewater discharge has been assumedto be roughly equivalent to the wastewaterpresently generated by the existingpower plants of Jiaozuo, Dan He, and Xin Xiang, which are situatedin the region of the proposedplant. Water quality results from these facilities are presented in Table 3.1-11.
Accordingthese wastewater qualityanalyses, all wastewaterstreams discharged from the main outlet of the three power plants comply with the PRC Grade I standardof integral wastewater discharge (GB8978-88). The item of most concern in the wastewaterdischarge of the Jiaozuo Power Plant (which is nearest to Qinbei Power Plant) CODcr, which is shown to be 32 mgIL, slightly higher than Grade III standardof surface water.
3-27 01011,9
Talle 3.1-l1. WstsewrterDischarge Quality of llennnProvince Power Plants
pil llg CG Cl Cu As Al Pb NO,-N N0ON NII.-N F COI) IloDs s 7n (CN (sId. units) (gagL) (j.gIL) bigtL) (bigiL) (pg/L) (pgL) (pgIL) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/l.) (ing/L) ( ("gIl),j6/l./ (r.. I0r/l ) flaci Zuo 0 Ash Waler 9.06 0.20 <0.1 44 2 10 II IS 2.46 0.012 0.131 1.28 56.0 0.5 0.o012 oo 10<.002 Totl Disharge 1.51 0.95 <0.1 I1 2 to 16 3 2.11 0.023 0.349 0.50 32.0 0.5 001I ionl Note: Powerplants ate equippedwith hydraulicash handling systems. ND - Not detected. 14435C.?31 -9 O.'14/95 It is experted that the final wastewater qualitv o ithis effluent will be lower than the PRC Grade III water quality standards for surface water. After treatment, the wastewaterwill discharged into the treated industrial water basin for recovery and reuse as appropriate. Excess industrial wastewater of Qinbei Power Plant, will be discharged after treatment into the Baijian River/riverbed. Since the B,ijian is a seasonal river, it typically has no flow for much of the year except followinga heavy rain or flood period. Followingintermittent organic acid cleaningof the boiler, boiler washwaterwill be routed to the boiler furnace to be incinerated,after pH value adjustmentand filtration. 3.1.3.1 Groundwater Impacts Groundwater Withdrawal ImRacts 3 The ultimate 6x600 MW project requires the provision of 11,592 m 1h of groundwater from the WulongkouAquifer for condensercooling and other plant water requirements. Computer modelingof this ultimatewithdrawal was conductedby the NWEPDIto assess the potential drawdownof the aquifer in responseto this demand. Drawdownwas modeledfor I I pairs of productionwells arranged in a line through the center of the productionzone of the aquifer, located from 2 to 4 km southwestof the proposed plant site. Drawdown (in meters) in the aquifer is shown for 30-dayand 150-daymodeling scenarios (Figure 3.1-4). This modeling,as well as backgroundstudies conductedby the National Mineral Reserve Commission(NMRC), indicates that 3.22 m3/scould be withdrawnfrom the aquifer for this period of time. The modeling conductedby NWEPDIcovers a period of 150 days. The drawdown effect from welifield pumping, however,has not reachedsteady-state conditions by the end of this period so that consequently,actual drawdownand adverse impactsresulting from a depressed water table may be greater than indicatedby modelingconducted to date. Groundwaterwithdrawal modeling reviewed for this EA did not includea number of factors that could either reduce or exacerbateassessed impacts. For example, no recharge to the aquifer from either bed infiltrationfrom the Qin River or from rainfall was utilized. Considerationof infiltrationwould serve to lessen expecteddrawdown over the long term. Also, based on review 3-29 ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AquliferAIt(-rI So flay1 PPIOPOSEVWASTEWATER SModr(Ipcj(.1c,arnii wp'II drRwdnn iml(~ I IIjII 0 n; I n it, krlornr'Irr EPII: QiNf3lI POWER PLANT PROJECT I 1(3~~~~~~~~~~~ I143SC3 1-31 0t 14.'95 of geologic cross-sections of the area, the presenze of a number of confining lavers in the subsurfacehas been noted. These confininglavers and their possibleeffect on subsurface groundwaterflow, both horizontaland vertical, has not been taken in account in the groundwater modeling. As a result, modelingresults may not be sufficientlyaccurate to determineif significant adverse impacts will or will not occur. In summary, it cannot be determined based on modeloutput availableduring EA preparation, if the WulongkouAquifer is capable of sustaining the proposed demandfor the project life at the 6x600 MW level. Nevertheless,these modelingresults show that, after 150 days, drawdownat the village of Xinzhuansome 3 km west of the center of the wellfield is about 11 m. Two potable water wells (Well Nos. 429 and 430) are located near Xinzhuan. These wells are each about 30 m deep, with the upper 15 m in the productivegravel/cobble layer, while deeper layers are sub-clay. Sub-clay layers are not expectedto be very productive. Consequently,some impactto the ability of these wells to supplywater for potableuse on a long-termbasis appears likely. Similarly, drawdownat Well No. 485 near the town of Wulongkounear the northwesternend of the wel1fieldappears to be at least 10 m for the 150 day modelingscenario. Some adverse water supply impact at this well location also seems likely as a result of proposedlong-term pumping in the wellfield. No other potable water wells have been identifiedwithin the cone of depressionof the proposed wellfield. Withdrawalsfor the 2x600 MW first phase project were not modeled. However, potential impacts would be proportionatelyless and may not cause significantimpacts at nearby potable water supply wells. Modelingfor impactsat reduced water supply levels associatedwith the first stage of generation capacityat Qinbei would still require that factors discussedpreviously be considered. Based on informationobtained to date, the total amount of water in the aquifer was estimatedto be about 77,300,000 m3. This representsabout 2.45 m'ls if the water was completelywithdrawn over the course of a year, a value less than the required amount for the 3,600 MW final buildout (3.06 m'/s), even assumingall water in the variouswater-bearing strata of the aquifer is available for pumpage and is being pumped. Obviously,some recharge to the aquifer will occur during the course of the year, primarily through the Qin River bed. However, quantificationof this recharge has not yet been determined. 3-31 i.435Cn3 I-3 41 14,95 Impacts or wastewater Discharaec on Groundwater A separate groundwater consideration relates to the discharge of industrial wastewater and cooling tower blowdown to the Baijian River/riverbed (see Appendix C, Photograph 5). For the first stage of the project (2x600 MW), approximately 692 m"Ih of wastewater will be discharged to the riverbed (see Figure 1.3-4). This discharge includes cooling tower blowdown (102 m3/h), ash wetting runoff (240 m'/h), plant drains (110 m3/h, domestic wastewater (100 m'/h), gland seal cooling water (30 m'/h), air conditioning condensate (30 m 3 /h) and coal sluice wastewater (80 m'/h). Non-blowdownportions of the dischargewill receivetreatment as indicated. Water quality of the dischargeis estimatedin Table 3.1-11. Estimatedtotal dissolvedsolids (TDS) contentof the dischargeafter four cyclesof concentrationand pretreatmentof cooling tower makeup is expectedto be approximately1,000 mg/L. This parameter will be dependenton the quality of the intake water for the power plant and the effectivenessof the pretreatmentregime. As noted in Section2.1.3, TDS levels in the wellssupplying the plant ranges from 250 to 700 mg/L. Althoughwastewater discharge is routed to the BaijianRiver, this river is usually dry over 90 percent of the year on average. As a result, the wastewaterdischarge from the facility is essentiallya groundwaterdischarge and an assessmentof the potential impactto groundwater resulting from this discharge, in the form of groundwatertransport modeling is an appropriate measure. Primary.parameters of concern in the potentialdischarge are TDS, lead, and fluoride. Even TDS levels meeting potablewater standards(1,000 mg/L) have the potential, in the long term, to raise the levels of dissolvedsolids in the aquifer. Since the dischargewill be upgradient of the project wellfield,this may have the effect of raising the level of incomingdissolved solids in the source groundwater,both raising pretreatmentcosts to the facility (for examnple, demineralization,cooling tower makeup, and other processesand units requiring ultra-highwater quality) as well as reducing the efficiencyof other systems(cooling tower). Naturally occurring lead and fluoride are also of concernsince they are shown by sampling results to be somewhatelevated in backgroundgroundwater quality samples (Table 2.1-8). Average lead in backgroundwater qualityis 0.015 mglL and average backgroundfluoride is 0.41 mglL, with several individualreadings above 0.5 mg/L. An increase of concentrationin the cooling system and other plant systemsof at least 100 percent (2 times) may be expected for all 3-32 14435Cn I- 04/ 14/95 parameters present in the source water. Consequently, lead levels in the wastewater discharoe may attain at least 0.03 mg/L and fluoride mav atain 0.8 mg/L on average and could exceed 1.0 mg/L with relative frequencygiven the variabilityin backgroundwater quality. Both of these levels can exceed internationalstandards for maximumacceptable concentrations in drinking water, which range from 0.01 to 0.05 mglL and 0.8 to 4.0 mg/L for lead and fluoride, respectively. Dischargeof the plant's wastewaterto groundwatermay be expectedto result in a long-term increase in the dissolvedsolids contentof at least some portion of the water supply aquifer downgradientof the proposed discharge. No characterizationof the movementin the subsurface of the proposedwastewater discharge nor the transportof pollutantscontained in it has been undertaken. As noted above, the proposed dischargewill occur upgradientof the Wulongkou Aquifer, which is the water supplyfor the project. The presence of a hydraulicconnection between the area of the proposeddischarge seems likely. Consequently,the potential for the discharge to adversely and significantlyaffect the quality of the water source in the long term exists. Potable water quality wells in the immediatearea appear to all be on the opposite (right) bank of the Qin River. Consequently,adverse impacts at such wells resultingfrom the introductionof wastewater to the water table aquifer containinghigh dissolvedsolids and other potential pollutants (lead, fluoride) would not be expectedto occur. 3.1.3.2 Surface Water Impacts As noted in Section 3.1.3.1, the plant's wastewaterdischarges will be directed to the Baijian River/riverbed. For the first stage of the project, approximately692 n'/h (0.19 m'ls) will be discharged to the riverbed. Water quality of this dischargeis presented in Table 3.1-11. Imnacts to Baiiian River Since the Baijian River is dry for much of the year, most of-the time wastewaterswill reach groundwater. However, during summer months, flow in the river may range from a peak flow of 4.68 m'/s to a lowest measured flow of 0.013 rn/s. The proposed wastewater discharge would represent from 4 to 1,400 percent of this flow. Since the Baijian is ephemeral in nature, no significant impactsto the Baijian River itself are expectedto result from this discharge. 3-33 1443sC31.31- Ot411'95 Impacts to Oin River Wastewater discharges to the Baijian River during its flow periods can be assumed to reach the Qin River. During times when the Baijian River has enough water to generate flow in the riverbed, it may be assumed that the Qin River will be at relatively high flow as well, since both rivers are subject to the same meteorological phenomena. The wastewater discharge of 0.19 m'/s would represent approximately 3.3 percent, 1.6 percent, and 2.7 percent of the minimum average monthly flows for the period of record for the months of July, August, and September, respectively. On this basis, there would appear to be sufficient dilution in the Qin River during periods when wastewater discharges would reach the Qin and that significant levels of the pollutants of concern would not be expected in the water body. Water Use Considerations Groundwater withdrawals are likely to result in reduced flows in the Qin River as a result of bed infiltration. The possible impact may be as high as 2 m'l/s on a continuous basis. During periods of normal flow, this will not constitute a significant impact. However, during periods of low river flow, bed infiltration may be relatively significant. Table 3.1-12 shows a Weibull Type II1 probability distribution function for flows in the Qin River from 1970 through 1989'. The Weibull distribution shows that monthly average flow in the Qin River can be expected to be as low as 2 m3/s every 4 to 5 years. Flow in the river downstream has virtually stopped on three occasions in the last 15 years. Consequently, impacts to downstream irrigation uses may ensue if bed infiltration is as high as suggested. Water Reuse Issues The NWEPDI has indicated that industrial water from the cooling water system for bearings and air conditioning condensate will be recovered for reuse in the cooling tower circulation system, an appropriate reuse. Similarly, cooling tower blowdown, plant industrial wastewaters and treated sanitary effluent are proposed to be used for dust suppression in the coal pile and the ash disposal yard, water for the bottom ash hopper, ash wetting, and landscape irrigation water. These conservation measures could reduce water consumption and wastewater disposal volumes by a 'As noted in Section 2.1.3.1, the period of record for Qin River flow is from 1954 to 1989. However, river flow at the Wulongkou Hydrologic Station just upriver of the plant site was substantially curtailed around 1970. Consequently, flows since that time are more representative of actual conditions. 3-34 14435C O.106'95 Table 3.1-12. Weibull T pe III Probabjlirv Distributior Function Usirt. Minimum Flows by Month for Period 1970 - 1989 (e.g., lowest January, lowest February, etc.) Cumulative Frequency of River Flow Occurrence (m'ls) 0.0001 0.6 0.005 0.7 0.010 0.7 0.050 1.0 0.100 1.2 0.200 1.8 0.300 2.3 0.400 2.9 0.500 3.6 0.600 4.3 0.700 5.3 0.800 6.5 0.900 8.5 0.950 . 10.4 0.990 14.4 0.995 16.1 0.999 19.8 0.9999 24.9 Data Statistics Count 12.00 Average 4.34 Maximum 11.90 Minimum 0.76 Standard 3.07 Deviation Skewness 1.46 3-35 1A435CI31 36 04114195 significant amount at the proposed power plant. However, these conservation measures are not shown on the water balancefor the proposedfacilitv. Many of the non-coolingwater uses initiallydescribed for the proposed power plant may be reduced. For example,the maximumprojected domestic water use for the first phase of the project is estimatedto be 130 m'/h [824,000gallons per day (gpd)]. Since approximately500 employeeswill be onsite and in the workerscolony with their families (assuming5 individualsper family), this would implythat a water consumptionof over 325 gpd per capita (gpcd), far in excess of standardconsumption rates for the United Statesof 80 to 130 gpcd. Maximumdaily demand usually can be assumedto be 150 percentof the averageannual rate, or 120 to 195 gpcd, still far belowthe estimatedconsumption rate (Kawamura, 1991). Similarly, the use of additional drift eliminatorswould reduce water consumptionby approximately3.3 percent (130 m3/h) in the first stage and by a total of 390 m'/h for the final phase. 3.1.4 LAND RESOURCES Storage of coal will take place in the coal storage yard, located on the south side of the proposed power plant site (Figure 1.3-3). The coal pile will be equipped with a settling pond to handle runoff as well as coal transfer systemwashwater. Overflowfrom the settlingpond will be dischargedto the BaijianRiver followingcoagulation and precipitation. Standard engineeringpractice in China for liningof coal piles involvesthe laying and compaction of a loess (silt) liner, followed by a layer of coal waste byproductfor additionalstability. The permeabilityof the loess liner is on the order of 10' to 10 cm/s (NWEPDI, 1995), or a minimumof 3.15 m/y if water were to be present in the pile on a continuousbasis. However, since only 630 mm of rain falls in the region annually,this wouldrepresent the maximumamount of possible annual leachatefrom the coal pile, assumingthat proper managementof rainfall is occurring. Evaporativelosses will remove most of this water from the coal pile. Since impactsfrom coal pile leachatetypically are expectedto be suspendedsolids and pH, no significant impacts to groundwaterfrom this potentialwastewater source are expected. 3-36 14435C.13 t-3 (.1/14t95 Ash Handling and Disposal System Impacts generally associated with ash disposal include the potential for groundwater contamination from leachate or overflow. Since the proposed ash disposal vard will be constructed within the Qin River floodplain, the restriction of the river channel upstream during peak flows is a potential concern. 3.1.4.1 ImRacts to Water Resources The project will use a dry flyash disposal method. Other than wetting for dust control, water inputs to the ash disposal yard will be derived from precipitation. The power plant is located in a region of China in which evaporation is high (1,564.5 mnrnlyr)and precipitation low (629.8 mmlyr). Consequently, most of the time the ash will be in a relatively dry state. According to 1983-1992 rainfall data compiled from the Jiyuan Meteorologic Station, 12 km southwest of the power plant, the longest period of continuous rainy days [days with more than 0.1 millimeter per day (mm/d)] is 10 days, occurring from August 6 through 15, 1988, and with a total precipitation of 182.5 mm. Under normal conditions, the ash will have a 25 percent moisture content. The ash's maximum absorptive capacity is 57.6 percent (NWEPDI, 1994). If rainfall of 182.5 mm over 10 days occurs, it is estimated that slightly more than a 0.5-m-thick layer of ash would absorb the rainfall (without taking into account evaporative losses). Since the ash will be stacked up to the design height of 11 m, only the upper 0.5 m of the ash would become saturated under such adverse condition. Therefore, there will be little potential for overflow of the ash yard. In the extremely unlikely event that such an overflow would occur, it would be the result of very intensive rains which would be expected to result in sufficient dilution of any pollutants contained in the leachate/overfiow. In order to prevent impacts to groundwater from leachate, a liner will be used that will achieve 10V impermeability or less. If clay is used, a liner 30 centimeters (cm) thick will be placed on the ash disposal yard base. Tbe permeability coefficient of the clay is 3.1x105 centimeters per second (cm/s), and will be reduced to 1xl 0 to lx 10' cm/s after vibrating and ramping. If a polymer membrane is employed, permeability could be achieved as low as 10'- cm/s. Final selection of liner type will be based upon cost factors. 3-37 14:35C3 I -36 O414f95 These measures are intended to prevent impacts to groundwater resulting fTompotential leakage from the ash disposal vard. Nearby villages are to the north of Theash disposal yard. and are situated upgradient of the yard in terms of groundwater flow. Based on the groundwater flow direction, any leachate from the ash disposal yard would be expected to encounter the water table aquifer under the Qin River as well as the Qin River itself. Ash disposal yard contaimnent dikes will be constructed of locally available soil materials. Since soil in the area is highly permeable, it may be concluded that the dikes themselves will allow ready seepage of liquids from within the ash disposal yard. The impact of such seepage both to groundwater and the Qin River is difficult to quantify; however, extension of the liner to cover the interior face of the dikes will minimize this possibility. 3.1.4.2 Ash Disposal Yard Overflow Potential The proposed facility is located in an area of high evaporationand relativelylow rainfall. 3.1.4.3 Flood Potential There is some concern that the placementof the ash disposalyard within the floodplainof the Qin River may create upstreamflooding potential. This issue is addressedin Section 3.1.5. 3.1.4.4 Ash Reutilization Plan EPH has identifiedthat the developmentof a comprehensivereutilization of flyash and slag (bottomash) is necessaryto minimizeimpacts associated with the disposal of combustion byproducts. 7he power plant will utilize a dry handlingsystem for flyash and will manage flyash and bottom ash separatelyto preserve flexibilityin ash reuse and disposaloptions. The following three comprehensiveutilization approaches of ash and slag are under considerationby the local government: 1. Increase fabricated ash brick manufacture,estimated to consume 100,000 tons of flyash and 50,000 tons of slag per year, - 2. Expand an existingcement factory in nearbyJiyuan City, utilizingflyash as an aggregate material, estimatedto consume100,000 to 120,000tons annually, and 3. Soil improvementusing flyash as a soil amendment,potentially using up to 6,000,000 TPY. 3-38 14435C/3 1-39 041141t95 The use of flyash as a soi] amendment on such a potentially large scale is not recommended without benefit of prior study on a pilot basis. Several potential drawbacks may be associated with this practice, including soil alkalinization, leaching,or uptake of heavy metals, and hard setup of silty or clay soils. While data on the acid/basenature of soils in the area are not available,flyash should be used with great cautionon soils that are not acidic. Arid environmentssuch as those near the proposed site tend toward alkalinesoils. The applicationof such materials would be expectedto contribute to soil alkalinization.This process may exacerbatethe potential leachingof heavy metals or metals compoundsfrom the ash into the environmentin a relativelyuncontrolled form. Lastly, if clays or silts are present in the soil matrix in sufficientquantity, the mixture may hard set, thereby impedinggaseous and liquidtransfer processes in the soil and inhibitingagricultural use of the land. 3.1.5 NATURALHAZARDS 3.1-5.1 Flood Potential Flood levels in Qin River range from 136.9 to 138.1 m-msl in reaches nearest the plant site. The plant site, at over 180 m-msl, lies above the floodpronezone of the Qin River. The ash disposal yard is proposed to be placedon a river beach terrace within the floodplainof the Qin River. The constructionof the dikes for ash containmentwould displace about 2.93 million m' and 3.63 million m' of floodplainstorage for the 50- and 100-yearstorms, respectively, for the first stage of project constructionactivities. No hydrologic modelinghas been presented to determine if significantupstream flooding will result from this filling within the floodplain. Expansion of the ash disposalyard from 117 ha to 452 ha for subsequentstages of the project would displaceabout an additional6 millionm' and 7.2 million m' of floodplain storage for the respective designstorms of 50 and 100 years. The 100-yearflood flow of the Baijian River nearestthe proposed plant site is 1,430 m'/s, with a correspondingflood level of 179.3 m-msl, and is lower than the elevation of the plant site (181.1m-msl). Consequently,when flowing, this river wouldnot pose a floodrisk for the project site or the ash disposal yard. 3-39 14435Ct 140 04' 14f95 3.1.52 'arthhuake Risk The largest magnirude earthquake recorded within 150 km of the site was an earthquake measuring 6.0 M, which struck near Luoyang and Jiaozuo cities. The greatest effects from two large earthquakes in Hebei Province have measured MM Scale IV. The estimated potential seismic intensity associated with 6.0 M earthquakes ranges from VII to VIII on the MM Scale. According to the Henan Seismology Bureau, the Qinbei site is of seismic intensity VI on the Chinese scale, which is equivalent to MM VI. A description of MM felt effects is provided in Appendix E. Horizontal acceleration typically associated with earthquakes of this magnitude and intensity could range from 0.07 to 0.20 g. An intensity potential of MM VII or VIII would require that project structures be built to Unified Building Code (UBC) Zone 2 criteria or the equivalent. 3-40 - ;.3SCt;2 1 0I113f95 3.2 ECOLOGICAL EsXTROI\%TEN7 Potential impacts to natural communities, biodiversity. wedlandsand aquatic ecology from the development of thermal power projects include the following: 1. Removal of vegetation during construction with consequent loss of wildlife habitat; 2. Dredging and filling of wetlands during construction; 3. Adverse impacts to vegetation caused atmospheric and aquatic pollutants discharge. during operation; 4. Desiccation of wetlands caused by lowering of groundwater levels as a result of withdrawals for process water; and 5. Water quality impacts to aquatic resources. 3.2.1 VEGETATION REMOVAL AN'DLOSS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT As described in Section 2.2, the proposed constructionsite for the Qinbei Power Plant consistsof disturbed land that presently holdsonly a sparse cover of ruderal, weedy vegetationand which has long,been used for grazing or sporadic, rainfed agriculture. Levelingand clearingthe constructionsite will not result in the loss of any notableplant communities,and, therefore, is not expected to impact wildlife habitat in a significantway. The proposed ash disposal yard is located withina barren, sandy region that falls.outsidethe local irrigationperimeter and partially within the floodplainof the Qin River. The area is virtually without vegetation, and is not believedto containwildlife habitat of any significance. 3.2.2 IMPACTS TO BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITYAND ENDANGEREDSPECIES Because of the lack of any significantvegetative and wildliferesources includingendangered species, the clearing of the proposedpower plant site and ash disposalyard during construction area is not expected to cause any impactsto local or regionalbiodiversity and endangeredspecies. As mentioned in Section 2.2.3, the range of the rare. endemicplant Taihangiarupestris includes the rocky escarpmentsof the Taihang Mountainsto the north of the site. As further mentionedin Section 2.2.3, two protected areas, one of which was createdto conserverepresentative Taihang forest communities,are also to the north of the power plant site (Figure 1.3-2). The potential for adverse impactsto these areas from atmosphericemissions during power plant operationare described in Section 3.2.4. 3 41 14435CsM4: 0:' 13f95 3.2.3 IMPACTS TO WETLANDS As mentioned in Section 2.2.3, no wetlands arb tound within the p-oposed site of the Qinbei Power Plant, or within the proposed ash disposal vard. No wetland areas were observed within a radius of several km around the proposed power plant wellfield (Figure 1.1-1), althoughthe entire area was not examinedexhaustively. However, the land within a 5-km range downgradientof the wellfieldis used in its virrual entirety for irrigated agricultureor occupiedby villages, and the presence of significantwetlands is unlikely. 3.2.4 AIR QUALITY INIPACTS 3.2.4.1 ImRacts to Ve!etation As described in Section2.2. 1, native vegetationin the project area has been highly altered. The lowlandshave virtual no forest or native vegetationbesides grasses and shrubs, forest species include hardwoodtrees such as popular. elm. beech and bamboo. Numerousorchards including walnut exists. Principalagricultural crops includewinter wheat, corn, corn, carrots, spinach, and cabbave. The Taihang Mountainswere originallycovered by temperatebroadleaf forest, though only 27 percent of the area is now covered by forest, comprisedof poplar, oak, ash, elm, hackberry, and pistchio. Someevergreen species are also occur includingpine and an evergreensshrub, Plarydadusorientalis. In veneral, the effects of air pollutantson vegetationoccur primarilyfrom SO2,nitrogen dioxide (NO.), ozone (03), and PM. Effects from minor air contaminantssuch as fluoride, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, ethylene, ammonia,hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide(CO), and pesticides have been reported in the literature. The effects of air pollutantsare dependentboth on the concentrationof the contaminantand the duration of the exposure. The term injury, as opposed to damage, is commonlyused to describe all plant responsesto air contaminantsand will be used in the context of this analysis. Air contaminantsare thought to interact primarily with plant foliage, which is consideredto be the major pathwayof exposure. Injury to vegetationfrom exposure to various levels or air contaminantscan be termed acute, physiological,or chronic. Acute injury occurs as a result of a short-term exposureto a high contaminantconcentration and is typically manifestedby visible injury symptomsranging from 3-42 14435CM_3 04113t9S chlorosis (discoloration) to necrosis (dead areas). Pbysiological or latent injury occurs as the result of a long-term exposure to contaminant comnentrationsbelow that which results in acute injury symptoms, whereas chronic injurv results from repeated exposure to low concentrations over extended periods of time, often without an) visible symptoms, but with some effect on the overall growth and productivity of the plant. In this assessment, a very conservative analysis was used including using air quality modeling with constructed meteorological data as well as assuming 100 percent of the particular air pollutant in the ambient air interacted with the vegetation. Sulfur Dioxide SO",at elevated levels in the ambientair has long been known to cause injury to plants. Acute SO, injury usuallydevelops within a few hours or days of exposureand symptoms include marginal, flecked, and/or intercostalnecrotic areas which initiallyappear water-soakedand dullish green. This injury generallyoccurs to youngerleaves. Chronic injury usually is evident by signs of chlorosis, bronzing, prematuresenescence, reduced growth and possibletissue necrosis. Background levels of sulfur dioxide range from 2.5 to 25 Ag1m3 (Woltz and Howe, 1981). Studies that address air qualityeffects to specificvegetative species native to the project area do not exist, therefore, a review of the literaturewas made on air quality effects to similar species. For short-term acute exposure in the United States, plants are groupedinto three groups depending upon their sensitivityto foliar injury: sensitive, intermediateand tolerant species (Table 3.2-1). Tables 3.2-2 and 3.2-3 presentsthe reported responseto SO, of several other crop species and natural vegetationfound in semi-aridareas. Not includedin these groups are more primitiveplants such as lichens and mosses whichare the most sensitivespecies to SOa. SO2 levels as low as 200 to 400 Agumlfor 6 hours are reported to cause injury to such species (Hart et al. 1988). For chronic exposureconcentrations greater than 45 to 115 pg/rn are considered to cause vegetationeffects (USEPA, 1982). These and other reports show that broadleaf deciduous trees are less tolerant than evergreenspecies. Plants from more arid areas are more tolerant to SO, than plants from more temperateareas. A number of the plants in Tables 3.2-1 through 3.2-3 are similar to species or varietiesof plant found in the project area. The predicted maximumSO. concentrationsfor the lowlandareas in the vicinity of the proposed plant and the protected and unprotectedmountain areas (Table 3.2-4) are comparedto the 3-43 1443 SC Table3.2-1. SensitivityGroupings of VegetationBased on VisibleInjury at DifferentSO, Exposures' SO,Concentration Sensitivity Groupinig Peakb I-Uour 3-Hour Plants Sensitive 2,620 - 3,930 ig!mW 1,310- 2,620 jig/m' 790 - 1,570 pig/m' Ragweeds (1.0- 1.5ppm) (0.5 - 1.0 ppm) (0.3 - 0.6 ppm) Legumes Blackberry Southernpines Redand black oaks Whiteash Sumacs Intiermediate 3,930 - 5,240 pjg/m' 2,620 - 5,240 tg/r' 1,570- 2,100 pg/rn' Maples (1.5 - 2.0 ppm) (1.0 - 2.0 ppm) (0.6 - 0.8 ppnm) Locust Sweetgum Cherry Elnms 'tiliptree Many crol) aiitl grIdeI1SI)p iCS Resistant >5,240 pg/m3 >5,240 pg/m' >2,100 pg/ni' Whiteoaks (>2.0 ppm) (>2.0 plim) (>0.8 ppin) Potato Uplandcotton Corn Dogwood Basedon observationsover a 20-yearperiod of visibleinjury occurringon over 120species growing in thevicinities of coal-fire(d powerplants in thesoutheastern United States. i Maximum5-minute concentration. Source: USEPA,1982a. 14435C O:6t 2f95 Table 3.2-2. Effects of SO, or. Rep-estntative Crops Concentration Exposure Period Species Effect (Ugfm') 240 to 940 4 hrs/day: Glvcine max (sovbeans) Reduction in 18 times over season yield 660 4 hours/once Cabhane Reduction in growth Radish No effect 2,620 4 hours/once Cabbaoe Foliar injury Radish 1,050 to 6,550 6 hours/once Apples Foliar injury, growth effects at 6,550 Ag/ml Source: USEPA, 1982a. 3-45 14435C 03!1 1'95 Table 3.2-3. SO- Doses Reported to Affect Natural Vegetation (Page I of 2) SO, Concentration Species Ocglm') Time Period Effect Reference Oryzopsis 80, 170, 330, 6 weeks Dry weight Ferenbaugh, 1978. hymenoides 650, 1,300, and reduced above (desert grass in 2,610 330 New Mexico) 87 species in From 1,300 to 2 hr Most showed no Hill et al., 1974. southwestU.S. 26,000 foliar injury desert below 5,200; however, growth not tested. 5 perennialsin 5,200, 1,742, 16 weeks in 1977 5,200 reduced Thompson, Kats, and MojaveDesert, and 572 and 32 weeks in growth of Lennox, 1980. USA 1978 3 species. Lower concentrations stimulated growth. 5 annuals in 5,200, 1,742, 8 to 17 weeks Mortalityand Thompson, Kats, and MojaveDesert, and 572 growth reduction Lennox, 1980. USA at 5,200 and 1,742. Two species showed mortalityand growth reduction at 572, and three species did not. C, Amriplexsp. 260, 520, 1,300, 8 hr 1,300 and higher Winner and Mooney, and C. Atriplex 2,340 and 3,900 reduced photo- 1980. sp. from arid svnthesisin both habitat, species, but California affected C, species more than C, species. Cottonwood 650 80 hr Reduced height Jensen and (Popufus growth and leaf Dochinger, 1979. dehtoides) number. Green Ash 650 80 hr Reducedheight Jensen and (Fraxinus growth. Dochinger, 1979. pennsylvanicus) Sycamore 650 80 hr Reduced height Jensen and (Platanus growth. Dochinger, 1979. occidentalis) 3-46 14435C 03; 14t95 Table 3.2-3. SO. Doses Reported to Affect Naral Ve-e:aTion (Page 2 of 2) so, Concentration Species (/r/m') Time Period Effect Reference Riverbirch 850 30 hr Reduced growth Norby and (Betulavugra) and ieaf area. Kozlowski, 1983. Silver Maple 2,600 2 to 8 hr Reduced height Jensen and (Acer growth. Dochinger, 1979. saccharinur) Yellow Poplar 2,600 2 to 8 hr Reduced height Jensen and (Liriodendron growth. Dochinger, 1979. rulipifera) Tree of Heaven 260 1 week Reduced Marshall and Fumier, (Aianthw biomass. 1981. akissima) Black Locust 1,300 4 hr Reduced root Suwannapinunt and (robina mass. Kozlowski, 1980. pseudoacacia) Red Oak 234 5hr/day for Reduced Reich et al., 1985. (Quercus rubra) 29 days mycorrhizal infection. Source: KBN, 1988. 3-47 Table3.2-4. MnximumPredicted SO2 Ambient Concenirations (Ag/rM 3) at Major leceptors(B3ased on ConstructedMeteorological Data) Concentralionsror SctcctArcas' Averaging Ambient Lowcr Non-P'rotccied ProtcctedMountain Areas Case 'Iimic Background Valley Arcas Mountain Ares llaisongling 'la.ihnnsh;in DcsignCoal Annual (33) 1? (46) 161 (194) 8 (41) 8 (II) 2xfi(1MW 24-hlour (73) 102 (175) 1284 (1357) 61 (133) 65 (13) 3-llour - 230 - 2890 - 138 - 146f l-llour - 255 - 3211 - 153 - 162 D)eslgnCoal Annual (33) 38 (71) 482 (515) 23 (57) 24 (57) 6x0AX0MW 24-1lour (73) 306 (379) 3853 (3926) 184 (257) 194 (26A) 3-1 lour 699 8670 - 413 - 47- I-I Itir - 765 - 9%33 459 - 4 -N1 Note: 3-hour imiipctsused for effcvlsasscssment. I - hourimn;.cis used for compairisontol lt(t' oncesirnd.trd. "F, ' I'redictedconcentratioll (aggregaeconcentration). Aggregatcconcentration = predicted impactplus anmbientbackground. 1wj435C,.'49 04113195 reported SO: effects to vegetation. 1 zan be con.luded tha: no vegetation effects in the lowland areas surrounding the plant or in the two prote:ted mounmainpreserves from shon-term exposure to SO: are predicted for the 1.200 MW facility or the 3.600 MfWfacility. Modeling of SO2 in the mountain areas reveals a sharp difference in SO, concentrations depending upon the direction, elevation and distance from the plant. Very high short-term concentrations of SO, capable of causing acute effects to vegetation are predicted to occur 2 km north and particularly at an elevation range of 650 to 700 m for both Phase I and Phase III of the project. Above and below this elevation, SO. concentrations drop significantly. Preliminary observations indicate that the vegetation is very sparse in this impact area. Vegetation that occurs there will show acute injury possiblyresulting in death to vegetationin localizedareas at least between650 and 700 m. In contrast, the Baisonglingand Taihangshanprotected areas to the east and west are predictedto have SO, concentrationsthe same or lower than in the vicinity of the plant. No effects to vegetation in these protected areas are predicted. Nitrogen Dioxide A review of the literature indicatesareat variabilityin NO: dose-responserelationship in vegetation. Acute NO, injury symptomsare manifestas water-soakedlesions, which first appear on the upper surface, followedby rapid tissue collapse. Low-concentration,long-term exposures as frequently encounteredin pollutedatmospheres often do not inducethe lesions associatedwith acute exposures but may still result in some growth suppression. Citrus trees exposed to 470 pg/rm'of NO2 for 290 days showed injury (Thompsonet at., 1970). Sphagnumexposed for 18 months at an average concentrationof 11.7 pg/mr showedreduced growth (Press er a., 1986). The maximumground-level NO: concentration(Table 3.2-5) predictedto occur in the vicinity of the power plant and in the protectedmountain areas during the operationof the proposed project (both 1,200 and 3,600 MW facilities)are well below reported effects levels. However, predicted NO, concentrationsin the non-protectedmountain areas are above concentrationsreported to cause effects. 349 14435C OVI 3/95 3 Table 3.2-5. MaximumPrcdictcd N0 2 Anibient Concentrations(.ug/m ) at Major Rcceptors(Based on ConsiructedMtceorological Dal,,) Concentrationstor SelectAreas Averaging Lower Non-Protecced ProtectcedMountain Arca Casc Tinic Vallcy Area MountainArea Balsongling Tailiangshan DcslgnCoal Annual IS 194 9 10 CheckingCoal 24-llour 124 1556 74 79 2x60NUMW 3-Hour 278 3500 167 177 I-Ilour 309 3889 185 196 bcsign Coal Annual 46 583 28 29 CheckiingCoal 24- Hour 371 4667 222 235 6*x(tlN)MW 3.-I lour 83.4 105U1 500 530 1-llour 927 11668 556 589 v,t 0 ::U35Cr3' -5 1 0:! 13!95 SO, - NO, Sy.neroism It has been demonstrated that NO: in ombnination,with certain con:entrations of SO: can result in synergistic plant responses (i.e., leaf injury is observed at concentrations below the injury thresholds for each of these air contaminants in isolation). A visible injury threshold may occur at 2-hour SO. and NO, exposures of 1.310 .gIm' and 940 sgIm', respectively (USEPA, 1982). Maximum predicted shon-term concentrations are below the range of concentrations where SO,_NO. synergistic effects have been reported to occur for the vicinity of the plant and in the protected mountain areas. Predicted concentrations are above the reported effect levels in the non-protected mountain areas. Carbon Monoxide Concentrationsof CO even in polluted atmospheresare not detrimentalto vegetation(USEPA, 1976). CO has not been found to producedetrimental effects on plants at concentrationsbelow 114,500 Fg/m' for exposuresfrom I to 3 weeks (USEPA, 1976). The predicted maximum concentrationsare well below levels reported to cause detrimentaleffects. Particulates By comparingpredicted concentrations(Table 3.2-6) with the few injury threshold values reported in the literature (Darley, 1966;Krause and Kaiser, 1977), no potentialeffects on vegetationin the lower valley or protected areas are predicted. becausethis concenration is below the values reported to adversely affect plants. Non-protectedareas may be affected. 3.2.4.2 Imoacts to Human Health The major human health effect of SO: is bronchoconstriction,reflected in increasedairway resistance and decreasedexpiratory flow rates. Chemicallyinduced bronchitis and tracheitis can also occur. Becauseof the high solubilityof SO. in aqueoussolutions, it is readily absorbed upon contact with moist surfaces of the nose and upper respiratorytract. AbsorbedSO, is rapidly transferred into the circulatory system from all regionsof the respiratorytract. Factors that can increase penetration and depositionof SO. in the respiratorytract includemouth and oronasal breathing, increased ventilationrates. and presenceof airborne particlesthat may act as carriers of SO.. As a consequence,exercising individuals are more sensitiveto SO. than resting individuals. Because of sensitive air passages. asthmaticsand atopic individualsare more 3-51 IIlt l,4s( Table3.2-6. Maximuml'redictd l'M Ambicnl Concentrations(lg/rn 3 ) nl Major Receptors(ilased on ConstructedMcteorological DIta) Concentralionsfor SelcciAreas Averaging Anibient Lower Case Non-Protccied lProtectedMuuonuint Atc: 'ITimc llackground Vallcy Area MountninArea Hlaisongling Tifihangshi;in tiesign Coal Annuil (216) 2 (218) CheckingCoal 24-olour 24 1 1 (404) I5 (419) 188 2x(i00JMW 3-lhour - 9 9 34 - 423 20 I-Ifour 373 21 470 22 24 D)esignCoal Annual (216) 6 (222) CheckingCoal 24-Hlouir 71 3 4 (404) 45 (449) 564 6xW91MW .1-llour - 101 27 28 - 12711 6f1 64 l-Ihour - l1Z 1411 67 71 3 I'redicied conccotralitin(aggrcg:nle concenlralion). * Aggregsuc concentration = lredicied impactplus ;mhibient hbckground. 14435Cr_-53 04/13f95 sensitive to SO: than healthy inJividiuals. In addition, it has been obsenred that a rapid 'step fiunction"increase in SO. exposure is more likely to result in a reflex bronchoconstriction than a gradual increase in SO, [USEPA, 1982a; World Health Organization (WHO), 19871. Human health standards are set to provide a mar-in of safety to protect human health and public welfare from significantadverse effects. The human health standardsare also set to protect sensitive ponions of the population.i.e., asthmaticsand atopics. Asthmaticsare individualswith recurrent episodesof coughing,wheezing, and breathlessnessresulting from reversibleairway obstructioncaused by constriction,bronchial wall swelling, and accumulatedsecretions (USEPA, 1982a). Individualswith non-asthmaticatopic disorders have allergies such as hayfever, etc. Such individualshave more sensitive air passages than healthy individuals. In healthypopulations, the range of sensitivitiesincludes mouth breathers who inhale and are exposedto larger doses of SO.. The effects also depend upon breathingrate and its relationship to dosage. Individualswho are exercisingshow greater sensitivitythan people who are resting because their higher ventilationrates increaseSO: exposureto the respiratory system. Children are considereda sensitive segment of the populationsince they are generallymore active outdoors and as a group contain a somewhathigher percentageof asthmaticsand atopics. A review of the health effects literatureshows that three levels of effects are used in determining human health effect criteria and in setting standards:no-observed-effect level (NOEL), lowest- observed-effectlevel (LOEL), and significanteffect level for peak human exposure (see Tables 3.2-7 through 3.2-9). Exposureto less than 655 Ag/mlSO, for up to 60 minutes is consideredthe NOEL for free-breathingindividuals. Exposuresto concentrationsof 1,965 Fg/m3 for the same period will cause significanteffects in asthmatics. Increase in morbidity in persons with bronchitisoccurs when SQ concentrationsexceed 500 gg/m' for 24 hours. Increasein morbidityas reflected in the number of hospital admissions ( is consideredto occur when SO, concentrationsrange from 300 to 500 Fg/ma for 24 hours (Federal-ProvincialAdvisory Committeeon Air Quality, 1987). An increase in mortality rates is consideredto occur when the 24-hour concentrationis greater than 1,000 gglm' (Federal-ProvincialAdvisory Committeeon Air Quality, 1987). Other studies 3-53 144.15c O0il1195 Table3.2-7. Summaryof USEPA Assessmentof Key ControlledHuman Exposure Studies SO2 Concentration(pg/m') for 5 - 60 Minites ObservedEffects Implications 655 No observedeffect in free-breatihingsubjects Significanteffects unlikely (NOEL). 1,310 Fuinctionalchanges, symptoms in oronasal Lowestlevel of significantresponse for free (facemask)breathing, asthmatics with moderate breathing exercisebut not in asthmatics(chamber) with light exercise(LOEL). 1,965 rFunctionalchanges in free-breathingnormal Comparableoronasal exposures in astumatics(ir healthiysubjects, moderate to heavyexercise. No atopicscould result in significantelfects healtheffects. Functionalchanges, symptoms in free-breathing Significanteffects in mild asthmaticswilli (chamber)asthmatics, moderate exercise. moderateexercise. 43' 2,620 Functionalchanges, possible symptoms in resting Strongsuggestion that at this leveleven light asthinatics,oral (faceinaskor mouthipiece) exercisefor "'moutih"brealhiiig atilmltics would ' exposure. . tesultin comparableor moremarked chainges Source:,-,dapted from USEPA,1982a. 14435C 03111 95 Table 3.2-8. Su=marv of HumaanH3a!:h SO- Dose-Resnonse Rtila:ionshios SOQDose (ucgm') 1kr Peak 1-Hour 3-Hour 24-Hour HealthivIndividuals NOEL healthy resting 655' individuals NOEL bronchoconstriction 13,100 LOEL exercisingindividuals 2,620-7,860 Tastelodor perception 780-2,600' SensitiveIndividuals LOEL asthmaticresting 655' individuals LOEL exercisingindividuals 655a 1,048-1,572' NOEL moderatelyexercising 654-1,308h individuals Significant effects to asthmatics 1965' exercising Morbidityaggravated in 500-600' exercising btonchitics Hospitalization increases 300-1,000 b- WHO Gnidelines WHO LOEL 1,000' WHO SO, guidelines 500' 350' 125 (125 smoke; 120 TSP)' EPA, 1982b. ' EPA 1986. ( ' Federal Provincial Advisory Committeeon Air Quality, 1987. ' WHO, 1987. 3-55 14435C 03113195 Table 3.2-9. Summary of Human Hea!Lh LOC- To Shor.-Ter- Exposure of SOC and Particulates' Black Total Suspended SO, Smoke' Particulates Exposure (pg/m 3) (pg/rm') (TSP)2 (pg/rn') Effects 24-Hour (mean) 500 500 - Excess mortality 250 250 - Increased acute respiratory morbidity(adults) - - 180 Effects in lung function (children) * No direct comparisonscan be made betweenvalues for particulatematter, since both the health indicatorsand the measurementmethods differ. While numericallyTSP values are generally greater than those of black smoke, there is no consistentrelationship between them, the ratio of one to the other varying widely from time to time and place to place, depending on the nature of the sources. Source: WHO, 1987. 3-56 suggest that mortalitv car. increase an *'nn.:ntra:ions as louk as 500 gA'. but no threshold ha- been defined (USEPA, 1982b). Mortalityhas been observedin combinationsof SQ and PM and smoke (Table 3.2-9). This relationshipcannot clearly establish a threshold etfect. Becauseof the uncertaintyin the exposure conditionsand the synergisticrelationship of SO, and PM, WHO (1987) recommendsa protection factor of 2 be placed on the morbidityand mortalitydata to accountfor this uncertainty. As a result, WHO recommendsa protectionlevel from the combinedeffects of SO, and PM of 125 ;Lg/m3 for 24 hours for both SO. and PM (Table3.2-10). Based on the conservativemodeling, no effects to human health are predicated in the lower valley or the protectedmountain areas from SO. (Table3.2-4) emitted from the 1,200 MW facility. At the 3,600 MW designedfacility, no significanthuman health problems from SO, are predicted for the lower valley and protected mountainareas. If there are inhabitantsin the non-protected mountainarea, significanthuman health effects will likely occur. This is an area that is assumed to be uninhabited. Combinedpredicted PM concentrations(Table 3.2-6) and SO, concentrationsare not expected to cause human health effects in the lower valley or protectedareas. 'Effectsto human, if they occur in non-protectedmountain areas, are high enough to cause human health effects. 3.2.4.3 Impacts To Wildlife Air pollutioneffects from fossil fuel energy facilitiesto wildlifehave includedmortality and injury to animals exposedto high levels of emissionsto subacute physiologicaland behavioral changes from lower exposures (Newman.1979). Exposurecan be from the inhalation, ingestion, or adsorption of pollutants. Secondary USEPA standardshave been set to protect public welfare, but physiologicaland behavioral effects have been observedat and belowthese standards. The primary effects at subacute levels include: 1. Respiratorystress involvingalteration in respiratory physiology, 2. Reductionin the immuneresponse of animals, and 3. Decreased abundanceof vertebrate and invenebrate animals. 3-57 14435c 03/1 1/95 Table3.2-10. WHO GuidelineValues for CombinedShort-Term Exposure to SO, andPM (pglm3) ReflectanceAssessment: GravimetricAssessment: AveragingTime SO2 BlackSmoke^" Total SuspendedParticulaites (ISP)- 24 hours 125 125 120O No directcomparisons can lie madebetween values for particulatematter, since both tile lealtihindicators and thle measurement methods(liffer. While nimericallyTSP values are generallygreater than those of blacksmoke, tlere is no consistentrelatiolnship betweenthiem, ile ratioof oneto the otlier varyingwidely from timeto time andplace to place,depeniding on(l te natureof ilhc sources. I Nominaljig/ml unils, assessedby reflectance.Application of the blacksmoke value is recommendetdonly in areaswlhere coal smooke from domesticfires is the dominantcomponenit of tiheparticulates. It doesnot necessarilyapply wliere diesel smoke is an ilpoitant contributor. TSP: measureientby 1high1-volutimesampler, witliout anysize selection. d Valuesto be regardedas tentativeat this stage,being based on a singlestudy (involving SO, exposure also). Source: Adaptedfrom WHO, 1987. J 1S a~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 0!11 3195 Studieshave established an apparen: ceneti- va7iabili:v in the sensitivitv of animals to low levels of SO-. Insects including pollinators have be-enshown to be sensitive to SO. Fliht activity in bees is reduced by SO. At Colstrip, Montana.in the United States, simulatedfield studies using low levels of SO, have demonstratedecological effects at concentrationsbelow the standard, includingreduced trappingsand movementsof small mammalsand invertebrateconsumers in a grasslandecosystem. Insect pest infestationin trees is sometimesintluenced by SO-. Wentzel and Ohnesorge(1961, Forstarchiv32:177-186) report insectpest infestationof spruce forests in Germanyby sawflies. This infestationwas correlated with SO. and other emissions. The reported values fall within the 3-hour and 24-hour annual standards. Besidesthe populationincrease in responseto SO, and other emissions(either direct or indirecteffects), a significantreduction in parasitism by natural biological controllingagents was observedin the areas of high SO: emissions. Insectivorousbirds are sensitiveto SO, emissionsand show a reduced nesting in areas with increasingSO 2 emissions (Newman, 1985). Sufficientstudies are not availableto draw the same conclusionson the sensitivityof animals to SO.as to humans, but similar factors affectingsensitivity such as ventilationrate and respiratory conditionapply. Some animalsare more sensitivethan humans. The most sensitive animal species is the guinea pig with a reported SO, LOELfor respiratory effects of 420 Lglemfor I hour (USEPA, 1982b). Mortalityhas been observedin rats at very high Sa concentrations, e.g., daily SO, exposuresof >262,000 ug/ml (USEPA, 1982b). Fog conditionsand the presence of SO, produce the formationof sulfuric acid mist (HSOj. Animalsare more sensitive to H-SO than SO.. Guinea pigs show effects as low as 100 ;.gI/m3H-SO, at 1-hourexposures. Rabbitsare reported to be affected by H.SO, at levels ranging from 100 to 300 AgCi' for 1 hour. Donkeys showed effects to H1SO,at concentrationsof 100 to 1000 pg/m' (WHO, 1987). A review of the literature of historic episodic conditionsin the United States (e.g., Donora, Pennsylvania)and in Europe (e.g., Londonand the Meuse Valley of Belgium)reveals that domestic animals showed the first symptomsto peak SO, exposures. This response may be due to higher exposure, i.e., living outdoors, and/or higher sensitivity. 3-59 14:35C.52-60 WI31395 No impac:s to wildlife habitar in the lowlani areas or the two protected mountain areas are predicted since no effects to vegetation from SO_are predicted. In lozalized areas on Taihang Mountain, wildlife habitat if it exists will be adversely affected. In regard to direct effects to wildlife, the same conclusion for predicted etfects to humans apply to wildlife. No effects or no significant effects are predicted for the lower valley and protected mountain areas. Any wildlife in the non-protected mountain area will be affected. It is likeiv that any wildlife living in this area will move away or avoid the area. The BaisonglingReserve was createdfor protectionof the macaquemonkeys (Rhesus macaques). The predictedair quality concentrationsare belowthe levels known to effect humansand other animals. No effects to macaquemonkeys are predicted. Trace Metals Trace metalssuch as arsenic, cadmium,mercury and others when found in high concentrationsin the atmospherecan be a threat to human healthand the environment. Primary exposure comes from ingestionof vegetationand/or water with high trace metals level. Contaminationof vegetationoccurs throughdeposition on the leaf surfacesor uptake by plants from the soils. Tables 3.2-11 and 3.2-12 presentthe predictedambient concentrations (uglmr) and predicted depositionvalues (g/mr) for importanttrace metalsemitted from the facility. Becauseof the lack of informationon the bulk density of soils in the vicinity of the facility and in the protected and unprotectedareas, calculationsof soil concentrationswere not possible. The followingis a brief discussionof the various exposurelevels that have been reported for trace metals emitted from this facility. Arsenic Naturallyoccurring levels of As in plants range from 0.01 to 5.0 pg/g (EPA, 1989). A concentrationof 5 to 20 ug/g in plants is consideredexcessive (Goughet al., 1979). No observable effects to vegetationare reported at soil concentrationsless than 25 mg totl Askg soil or less than 3.9 ugim' in air (Eisler, 1998). 3-60 1443SC 03.30.ss, Table3 3-11. Malamum Predicted Trace Metal Concentrations for a Proposed 2x600 MvwPo.wer Plant Burninr DesignCoal withESP Controls Concentration (Ugjm3 ) for VariousAreas Pollutant Emission Rate Averaging Lower Non- Protected Protected Mountains (lblhr) a Time Valleys Mountains Baisongling Taihanshan Arsenic (As) 0.166 Annual 3.OE-04 3.SE-03 lSE-04 1.9E-04 24-Hour 2.4E-03 3.0E-02 1AE-03 15E-03 1-Hour 6.OE-03 7.5E-02 3.6E-03 3.SE-03 Cadmium (Cd) 0.0043 Annual 7.7E-06 9.7E-05 4.6E-06 4.9E-06 24-Hour 6.2E-05 7.8E-04 3.7E-05 3.9E-05 1-Hour 15E-04 1.9E-03 9.3E-05 9.8E-05 Chromium (Cr) 1.409 Annual 25E-03 3.2E-02 15E-03 1.6E-03 24-Hour 2.OE-02 2.5E-01 1.2E-02 13E-02 1-Hour 5.1E-02 6AE-01 3.OE-02 3.2E-02 Cobolt (Co) 0537 Annual 9.6E-04 1.2E-02 5.8E-04 6.1E-04 24-Hour 7.7E-03 9.7E-02 4.6E-03 4.9E-03 1-Hour l.9E-02 2AE-01 1.2E-02 1.2E-02 Mercury (Hg) 0.096 Annual 1.7E-04 2.2E-03 1.OE-04 1.E-04 24-Hour 1AE-03 1.7E-02 8.3E-04 8.8E-04 1-Hour 3AE-03 43E-02 2.1E-03 2.2E-03 Nickel (Ni) 0.854 Annual 1.5E-03 1.9E-02. 9.2E-04 9.7E-04 24-Hour 12E-02 15E-01 7AE-03 7.8E-03 1-Hour 3.1E-02 3.9E-01 1.8E-02 1.9E-02 Vanadium (V) 23.69 Annual 4.3E-02 5AE-01 2.6E-02 2.7E-02 24-Hour 3AE-01 4.3E+00 2.OE-01 2:2E-01 1-Hour S.5E-01 1.1E+01 5.1E-01 SAE-01 Note: Maximum predicted trace metal concentrationswould be proportionally higher (by a factor of 3) for the 6x600MW power plant. ' Assumes 90 percent emission control for aDcompounds due to ESP, except for Hg and V. Hg control assumed as 30 percent. V control not known, assumed uncontrolled. 3-61 13.335C Table 3.2-12. Maarnum Predicted Trace Metal Depositions for a Proposed 2x600 MW Power Plant Burning Desicn Coal uith ESP Controls 3 Concentration (gr,m ) for Various Areas Pollutant Emission Rate Averaging Lower Non-Protected Protected Mounmains (lb/hr) a Time Vallevs Mountains Baisongling Taihanshan AJsenic (As) 0.166 Annual 5.OE-06 7.SE-04 3.3E-05 5.4E-05 24-Hour 6.3E-07 9.7E-05 4.2E-06 6.7E-06 1-Hour 25E-07 3.9E-05 1.7E-06 2.7E-06 Cadmium (Cd) 0.0043 Annual 1.3E-07 2.0E-05 8.7E-07 1.4E-06 24-Hour 1.6E-08 2.5E-06 1.1E-07 1.7E-07 1-Hour 6.5E-09 l.OE-06 43E-08 6.9E-08 Chromium (Cr) IA09 Annual 4.E-05 6.6E-03 2.SE-04 45E-04 24-Hour 53E-06 8.3E-04 3.6E-05 5.7E-05 1-Hour 2.1E-06 3.3E-04 IAE-05 2.3E-05 Cobolt (Co) 0.537 Annual 1.6E-05 2.5E-03 1.1E-04 1.7E-04 24-Hour 2.0E-06 3.1E-04 L4E-05 2 2M-05 1-Hour 8.1E-07 13E-04 5AE-06 8.7E-06 Mercury (HZ) 0.096 Annual 2.9E-06 4.SE-04 19E-05 3.1E-05 24-Hour 3.6E-07 5.6E-05 2.4E-06 3.9E-06 1-Hour l5E-07 2.2E-05 9.7E-07 1.5E-06 Nickel (Ni) 0.854 Annual 2.6E-05 4.0E-03. 1.7E-04 2.8E-04 24-Hour 3.2E-06 5.0E-04 2.2E-05 3AE-05 1-Hour 1.3E-06 2.0E-04 8.6E-06 1AE-05 Vanadium (V) 23.69 Annual 7.2E-04 1.1E-01 4.8E-03 7.6E-03 24-Hour 9.OE-05 IAE-02 6.0E-04 9.6E-04 1-Hour 3.6E-05 5.6E-03 2AE-04 3.8E-04 Note: Maximumpredicced tracemetal depositionswould be proportionally higher (bya factor of 3) for the 6x600MW power plant. Assumes 90 percent emission control for all compoundsdue to ESP, except for Hg and V. Hg control assumed as 30 percent. V control not known, assumed uncontrolled. 3-62 14435Cr!-63 G:2X3t95 Cadm ium Cadmium is a relatively rare element that resides in narure at levels of 0.15 to 0.2 Fgl. Generally, 3 to 5 Ag/Lgretards the growth of plants (Gough er al., 1979). Health protection has been recommended for ambient air concentrations of 0.03 ug/nm'`average case' (Eisler, 1985). Chromium A soil concentration of 1,370 to 2,740 tg/l chromium was reported to cause chlorosis in citrus (Gough etia., 1979), but liquid cultures that contained 150 uglg were toxic to citrus seedlings. Cohalt Plant concentrations as high as 2,000 to 10.000 Mg-/ cobalt have been detected in leaves of persimmonand ash, respectively(Gough et al., 1979). Cobalt was reported to cause chlorosis and stunting in a variety of plants at levels from 6 to 142 ygfg in soils (Aller er al., 1990). Mercury Althoughmercury compoundsare toxic to bacteria and fungi, higher plants are relativelyresistant to mercury poisoning. Tea plants growing above mercury-richdeposits contained as much as 3.5 jLglg without showing signs of toxicity. Apparentlyhealthy-spanish moss plants collectedhad a mercury content of 0.5 ;gIg (Gougher al., 1979). From the few studies availableon the effects of mercury on plants, it seems as if mercury is not concentratedto a great extent (Gough ertal., 1979). Nickel The general range of excessive or toxic amountsof nickel in most plant species varies from 10 to 100 ppm (Kabata-Pendiasand Pendias, 1984). The annual amount of 3.39x105 iLg/gpredicted for the proposed unit to be absorbedby vegetation is 3.4xlIO7 to 3.4x I0 times the values at which growth retardation was observed. Vanaditm Plants absorb and accumulatevanadium differentially. with concentrationsin various plants ranging from 20 to 700 jLg/g(Gough et al.. 1979). However, phytotoxicresponses were observed in some plants grown in soils at a concentrationof 140 ±g/g(Aller et al., 1990). 3-63 1-435C.t-j:6 W113f9S 3.2.4.4 Impactr to BiodivercitN :nd Endnn2tired Speciec No significan; impacts to biodiversimv and listed endangered and threatened species are predicted. As discussed above no effects to vegetation and wildlife are predicted except in the narrow zone of the Taihang Mountains at least between 650 and 700 m. Unique plant and/or wildlife resources in this area have not been surveyed. Because of the lack of information floral and faunal surveys are recommended to confirm conditions (see Section 5.0, Recommended Mitigation and Monitoring). Predicted SO. concentrations in the two preserves are below the threshold effect level for plants and animals. Only one rare plant, Taihangia rupestris (taihangua), is reported to occur in the region. This species is reported to occur in small scattered stands in two localities in the southern portion of the Taihang Mountain on the Henan side. It is reported to grow in sparse woods on cliffs at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,300 m. If this plant occurs in the area of predicted maximum impacts it should be found above the predicted elevation where Sa concentrations cause adverse vegetation effects. 3-64 14435C.'33.65 04! 495 3.3 SOCIAL AN'D CU-LTURAL IMNPACTS 3.3.1 CHANGES TO LAND USE No formal land use classification system is currently implemented within Henan Province; therefore, the allocationof the site for power developmentdoes not violate local or provincial land use or zoning procedures. The site is not used for agriculturalproduction or regularlyfor any other activity;therefore, impactsassociated with utilizingthe site for power developmentare not consideredto be adverselysignificant. As noted previously,during public meetingsat whichvillagers were briefed on developmentof the power plant and associatedimpacts, villagers viewedthe change in land use as positive and anticipatethe stationto have a positive impacton their quality of life. 3.3.2 RESETILEMENT Since the site designatedfor the power plant and associatedfacilities is not currently inhabited, no resettlementwill result from the project. 3.3.3 DEMOGRAPHIC/EMPLOYMENT/ECONOMICIMIPACTS During construction,population at the workers colonyimmediately surrounding the site will increase to 5,000 workers. During construction,technically skilled workers will be brought in from other EPH facilities, while laborers will be hired locally. During operation,workers at the facility will come from Jiyuan City and the surroundingvillages and will not inhabit the site on a permanentbasis. Local villagesalready possess an infrastructureto accommodateincreased demand of induced or secondarydevelopment. Moreover,PRC laws and regulationsregarding land ownership and inhibitionmake the likelihoodof significantinduced developmentand hence significant spontaneousdevelopment unlikely. The constructionof the Henan Qinbei Power Project is expectedto have a positive impact on local populationsthrough increasedemployment during construction,increased economic activity associatedwith an increase in support servicesto the facility and its workers, and improved electricity access for the surroundingvillages. 3-65 1443J5CI33- 04 14195 3.3.4 TRANSPORTATION I.NIPACTS Impacts from transportation of construction materials bv rail to the site will occur on a temporary basis during project construction. During operation, coal will be transponed by rail to the site daily at a rate of 3,000/tons per train and 12,000 TPD. This will increase rail transportation to the site an additional eight trips each day. The rail line is considered sufficient to satisfy the increasedtraffic, and with relativelylight traffic (four stops at Qinbei stationper day), increased impactsassociated with fuel transportationis estimatedto be minimal. As discussed in the project description,roads to the site will be constructedthat will improve site accessibleby vehiculartraffic as well as improveaccess to the surroundingvillages. A dedicated road will be constructedfor transponing ash and bottomash to the ash disposal facility. The road will pass throughopen farmlandno closer than 100 m from the nearest villages. Twenty-tontrucks will be used for the coal ash transport in order to lower the ultimate number of vehicle trips and reduce the ash disposalimpact. Assuminga 12-hourday, Phase I would require 13 round trips per hour and Phase m would require 39 round trips per hour. Mitigationfor the actual trips will includelimiting the trucks to daytimehours where feasible. The road will be paved and maintainedto provide for safe traffic operatingconditions. The ash will be transported in a moist conditionor covered to limit dust. The 100 m distancefrom the nearest village is consideredadequate to assure pedestriansafety since the road is a limitedaccess facility. The road will be sited so that it does not conflictwith the local agriculturalland use patterns. Finally, designatedareas for crossing will be establishedto providefor greater safety to both pedestrian and farm equipment traffic. 3.3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES As noted previously, a letter of confirmationfrom the Jiyuan City CulturalBureau is includedin AppendixB indicatingthat the projectsite is not consideredprotected since no resources of cultural or archaeologicalsignificance are known to exist in the project vicinity. Nevertheless, preventionof impactsassociated with accidentalfinds duringconstruction is included in the mitigationsection of the EA. 3-66 14435C.'z3367 0.'14/95 3.3.6 INDIGENOUSPEOPLES No adverse impacts to indigenous or tribal populations will occur as a result of the facilitv since none currentlyexist in the project area. As noted previously,the villagessurrounding the power plant vicinity are inhabitedexclusively by famniliesfrom the predominantethnic group of Han who have inhabitedthe area for generations. 3.3.7 OCCUPATIONALHEALTH AND SAFETY 3.3.7.1 Power Plant Safetv and Health Background Efficiencyand safety in electricalpower plants can be greatly increasedby careful planning of the design, locationand layout of the facility. Numerousinjuries, illnesses,fires and possible explosionscan be preventedif appropriatemeasures are taken in the early stages of design. Factors typically consideredare nature of processesinvolved, design of the primary structures, and the type of system equipmentto be used. The generation of electricalpower involvesthe burningof coal, which produces steam. Tbe steam is then used to drive turbines to produce electricity. Althoughprocess hazards involved in the production of the electricityexist, numeroussupport functions subject workers to hazards which result in the majorityof industrialaccidents. Occupational Safety and Health Issues The safety and health issues found in a coal-firedpower plants are grouped into two categories. These categoriesare process related and those incidentalto the generationof electricity. Process Hazards The principle hazards of boiler furnaces and their associatedfuel supplies,pipes, ducts, and fans are fires and explosions. Variations in the size distributionof raw coal may cause erratic or uncontrolledfeeding of coal into pulverizers. Coal may containdebris such as metal, wood, or rock which may cause coal feeding interruptionsor become a source of ignition. Since coal can form an explosive mixture whenairborne, an explosivemixture will likelydevelop if a momentaryflameout occurs. 3-67 14435C?33-6g 04/ 14 '#95 Pulverizers themselves are potential sources for fires and explosions. Fires may oczur from spontaneous combustion or the feeding of burning coal directly into the pulverizer. Airborne coal dust will explode if the mixture exceeds 12.7 grams per cubic meter (g/m'). A special hazard is the presence of methanegas that may be releasedfrom recently pulverizedcoal and may accumulatein confinedspaces. Hydrogen will be used as a cooling agent for the Qinbeiturbines. Hydrogenis extremely explosive. lnstallationand maintenanceof safety devicesto prevent overpressurizationof boiler tubing is criticalfor the protectionof employeesand equipment. Electrical power generationand transmissionposes a hazard to workers. High voltage may be encounteredat the turbine generators,transmission substations and associatedwiring. Incidental Safety and Health Hazards Hazards incidentalto the process but occurringas a result of process operationsinclude; 1. Exposureto boiler feedwaterchemical, 2. Heat stress, 3. Exposure to hot steam lines and equipment,and 4. Handling and disposalof ash. Additionalsafety and health hazards to be consideredas part of the operationof an electrical power plant includethe following; 1. Working surfaces (such as floors, platforms,ladders, stairs, etc.), 2. Emergencyexit placementand maintenance, 3. High noise exposure, 4. Chemical exposure (includingincidental use materials for maintenance,etc.), 5. Handling of flammableand combustiblematerials, 6. Exposures to hazards of working in confinedspaces (boilers,vessels, sewers, etc.), 7. Control of hazardousenergy (accidentalstartup of systemsand equipment), 8. Fire preventionand protection, 9. Materialshandling and storage, 3-68 14435C/33-69 04/14'95 10. Machine and equipment mechanical guarding, 11. Biohazards,and 12. Ergonomicdesign and operationof workstations. 33.7.2 Regulatorv Framework In the case of Henan's power generationsector, occupationalsafety and health standardsare promulgatedby the EPH to assure worker protection. Occupationalhealth and safety is covered by both provincialand national law in the PRC. The developmentof specific standards is a sectoral obligation. These standardsare described in the Safety Manual for the Operationof Electric Power Plants in the Henan Province and are grouped in the following classifications. 1. Airbornedust and toxic particulatesprotection, 2. Protectionagainst poisons, 3. Protectionagainst occupationalillnesses, and 4. Protectionagainst radioisotopes. The majority of the availablestandards are directedtowards female workers in the workplace. The standardspublished by PRC are focusedprimarily on the identificationand control of hazards which can cause occupationalillness. Of particularnote is the special emphasison the female workforce. 3.3.7.3 Adeguacv of Proiect Response The EPH Safety Manual developedfor the project is facility design intensive. Typical hazards expected to be encountered,such as fire, dust and poison exposures,moving parts, and radiation are referenced, although not in detail. Althoughreview of an English-languageversion by KBN was not possible, it appears that the Safety Manual is deficient with referenceto safe work pracTicesand procedures which are necessary to implementpolicies and assure safe operationand maintenanceof the facility. The NWEPD1EA documentpresents a series of occupationalhazard descriptionsand commitsthe Qinbei project to adherenceto the sector work safety policy recommendations. Specificreference is made to the following: 3-69 14435C.'33-70 04/14195 1. Fire prevention, inciudin, the incorporation of fire access lanes, alarms, and reduction of flammable gas into the project design. 2. Prevention of poisoning, dust inhalation, and chemical injurv, including the incorporation of measures to ventilate adequately, and install chemical leak alarms. 3. Prevention of electric shock by following the Electric Technical Design Code for Machineryduring installation. 4. Preventionof mechanicalinjury by shieldingmoving parts, especiallyrotating machineryand conveyorbelts, by assuring adequatelighting, and implementing hardhat rules for workers in hazardous areas. 5. Preventionof thermal stress by providingair-conditioning, space heating or adequate ventilationin buildings. 6. Preventionof noise injuriesby followingnoise limit standardsfor specificequipment, providinginsulating covers for noisy machinerysuch as steam turbines, cushers, providing mufflerson high-volumeair exhausts,and equippingthe doors and walls of work areas with sound-insulatingmaterial. Noise limits for new sources accordingto the EPH guidelinesrange from 85 dBA for an 8-hour exposure, to 94 dBA for a 1-hourexposure. 7. Preventing microwaveradiation by observingthe EPH Worker Safety standards, which call for microwaveexposure not to exceed a daily aggregatedose of 400 microwavesper square centimeter(mw/cm 2), or an average hourly exposure of 50 mw/cm'. 8. Providingsafety educationclassroom facilities, as well as clinics staffed with medical personnel. 3.3.7.4 Recommendations The following items are needed to improvethe facility safety and health reliability. 1. Developmentand implementationof site specificsafe work practices, 2. Developmentand implementationof a worksiteanalysis system, and 3. Implementationof site specificsafety and health training program. 3-70 14435C/4 1 04107195 4.0 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 4.1 MANAGENMENTALTERNATIVES As described in Section 1.3.1, the present installedcapacity of the Henan Power Grid is 5,492 MW, comprisedof one hydro- and eleventhermo-electric plants. Predictedpower load in Henan province is expectedto reach 15,600 MW within 10 years, a figure nearly three times greater than can be served by current installedcapacity. Withoutan aggressivecampaign of construction, energy shortfalls and load-sheddingwill occur in Henanwithin the next several years. The "no- project alternative"could worsen this expectedshortage and result in significantsocial and economicimpacts. Henan is connectedto the CentralChina Power grid via a double-circuit220 kV transmission system. Additionalthermal power productionis planned within the Central China Power grid that could be transferred to Henan province on a limitedbasis. However the consumptionof power throughout China has increasedsteadily at a rate of approximately20 percent per annum since the late 1950s, and will only accelerateover the next decade. Transfer from other provinceswould fall far short of meeting Henan's projectedneeds. Energy conservationwould produce benefits. EPH has an active energy conservationplan that entails adaptationof new, higher efficiencytransmission technologies, improved managementof distribution,and adaptationof more energy-efficientheavy equipmentin the industrialsector. It is estimatedthat the program will produce a net savings of 77.74x105 MW/h over the next 7 years, or equivalentto output of a 127 MW power plant operating at 100 percent capacity over the same period. Though significant,the savings does not obviatethe need for new power plant construction. EPH does not consider postponingthe retirementof older units to be feasiblesince power plants scheduledfor decommissioningbetween 1996 and 1999are over 30 years old, and their rehabilitationis not deemed cost effective. There are only 21 small units with aggregate capacity of 307 MW slated for retirement in Henan Province. Rehabilitationof these units would not offset the requirementfor constructionof significantnew capacity to meet growth in demand. 4-1 1443SC/4-- 03129/95 4.2 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS Accordingto NWEPDI (1994), two sites were evaluatedduring the 1993 feasibilityassessment. One site is the current proposed locationat Qinbei, and the second alternative is the Niezhang plant site situated approximately7 km to the northeastof Qinbei (see Figure 1.3-2) KBN conductedair dispersionmodeling using the Niezhang site alternative. Modeling results indicatedthat the mountainslopes between 400 and 700 m altitude that lie 1.5 to 1.8 km to the northeast of the Niezhangsite, and which are entirelywithin the BaisonglingProtected Area, would be exposed to SO2 values at least four times higher than if the plant were located at the Qinbei site. Predicted values for receptor locationswithin the Reserve range from 33 to 250 Ag/M2 So. concentrationsfor the 2x600 MW size (annual and 24-hour values, respectively). Annual and 24-hour values within the protected area for the 6x600 MW size range from 94 to 2 754 gg/m SO2. As described in Section 3.2.4, concentrationvalues in the ranges predicted for both phases of the power plant's developmentnot only exceed PRC Grade I air quality standards (i.e., for protecting ecologicallyvaluable areas), but chronic exposure may cause damage to vegetation within the protected area. In contrast, no damageto either the Baisonglingor Taihangshanprotected areas is predictedfor the Qinbei site. The NWEPDI (1994) documentfurther states that the Qinbeisite requires the constructionof a shorter rail spur than Niezhang, that a slightlylonger transmissionline route would be needed, and that local sociologicalimpacts would be higher since there are fewer options for housing constructionor plant workers near the latter town. Finally, NWEPDIasserts that all other constructionconsiderations are equivalentbetween the two sites. 4.3 WATER SUPPLY AND PRETREATMENT Given the source water quality for the power plant, it may be possible to increasethe design cycles of concentrationof the cooling system from 4 to 5. Cyclingthe concentrationsup to 5 times would keep the recirculatingwater qualitywithin limitationsfor sulfate, calcium, silica, and magnesiumwithout the need for significantadjustments to cooling water chemistry. The increase in cycles would have three likely effects: a decrease by approximately4 percent in groundwater withdrawals, a decrease in the overall volume of wastewater discharge by a similar rate (approximately 144 m31h), and an increasein total dissolvedsolids in the final wastewater of about 150 mg/L. 4-2 14435C/4-3 03129195 Additionally, pretreatment of cooling tower circulation water for removal of calcium, silica. sulfate, and magnesium could allow further cvcling of the cooling tower circulation water, although the feasibility of this would also be dependent on other circulating water quality parameters and may require significant water chemistry adjustments. AlternativeWater Sources Potential water source alternativeswhich may be comparedto the proposed source are groundwaterand the Qin River. The WulongkouAquifer is the most viable groundwatersource in proximityto the power plant. No other aquifer of similar capacityand quality exists in reasonableproximity for considerationas an alternativewater source. The Qin River is the only surface water body in the region with sufficientflow or volume to potentiallysupply the project with water. For 11 individualmonths in the previous 20 years, flow in the Qin has been insufficientto supply project needs, not consideringother existinguses of the river's water such as irrigation. Thus, for dependableuse of surface water, a storage reservoir or dam would be necessaryto ensure continuityof plant water supply. River water quality is good as regards dissolvedsolids, althoughhigh suspendedsediment concentration during the river's flood periods would necessitatean additional filtrationpretreatment step. Aside from cost implications,the likely adverseenvironmental impacts resulting from the construction of a reservoir large enough to ensure both plant water supply and avoidanceof downstreamuser impactsrender this option infeasible. 4.4 WASTEWATER DISCHARGE Dischargeto Qin River The only conventionaldischarge option open to the Qinbei facility at its proposed site is to route wastewater directly to the Qin River. The advantagesof such a system are that wastewaterswill be discharged downgradientof the proposedfacility's welLfield,will greatlyreduce adverse impactsto groundwater, and will result in potentiallybetter dilution. Potential adverse impacts may result to irrigation use downstreamin the river at low-flowconditions, as well as the cost implicationsof constructinga pipelinefrom the power plant to the river, a distance varying from about 2.3 to 4.5 km dependingon the final outfall location. 4-3 14435C144 03129195 One possibilityto minimize impactsmay be to combinethis alternativewith the existing wastewaterdisposal design. The primary disposal mode would be discharge to the Qin River. During periods of low flow in the Qin (below2 m3/s as reported at the Wulongkougauging station), wastewaterwould be diverted to the Baijian River. This configurationwould avoid the potential to significantlyaffect irrigationuses of the Qin River downstream,and would diminish the overall volume of wastewaterdischarge to groundwatervia the Baijian riverbed. Based on probabilitydistribution analyses of Qin River flow from 1970-1989,diversion to the Baijian likely would occur for several days annually, with up to a month of diversion occurring every 4 to 5 years. Although35 years of flow data was availablefor the Qin River, only the last 20 years were used since it is evidentfrom the data that an obstructionwas placed on the river around 1970. At present, the use of a minimumQin River flow of 2 m3/s is somewhat arbitrary. However, assuminga worst-caseaverage wastewaterdischarge quality of about 2,000 mg/L TDS, flow of 0.2 m3/s, and a river quality of 500 mg/L would result in a worst-casemixed water quality in the river of about 700 mglL, still well below the irrigation water quality standard of 1,000 mg/L. Adoptionof this alternative must be assessed in terms of the final results of groundwatermodeling efforts discussed in the previous section. Zero-Discharge of Wastewater For inland power plants with limitedaccess both to cooling water and large sinks for potential wastewaterdischarge, the use of zero-liquiddischarge technologymay be considered. However, the utilizationof such systems is costly, and is necessaryonly if no other discharge options are available. Zero-liquid discharge systemsconcentrate dissolved solids in wastewater such that a solid waste product is obtained (brine salts and clarifier sludges). Both pretreatmentand post- treatment processes are used; since good quality water results from relatively expensive treatment programs, maximum reuse of water is a necessarygoal. All water in the system is either evaporated in cooling systems or via steam losses, or is bound in solid wastes shipped to disposal facilities. Zero-liquid discharge technologyis not commonlyused outside western industrialized nations, primarily due to its relative newness and, more importantly,costs. Capital costs for such systems are typically twice the cost of conventionalsystems; significantenergy penaltiesalso apply during plant operation for final processingof briny waste to solid state. 4-4 14435C;4-5 03!29195 4.5 ALTERNATIVE COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY 4.5.1 ALTERNATIVE SO, EMISSION CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES FOR UTILITY BOILERS Flue Gas Desulfurization Sulfur compounds are produced in boilers firing fossil fuels by the combustion process in which complete oxidation of the fuel-bound sulfur occurs, forming primarily SO2, with smaller quantities of sulfur trioxide (SO3 ). The amount of SO, emissions is directly proportional to the sulfur and sulfate content in the fuel. Reducing SO2 emissions by boiler modification is not feasible because combustion processes do not affect SO2 emissions. Generally, complete oxidation of sulfur in fuel is readily achieved before complete combustion of carbon, the most abundant element in fossil fuel. For pulverized-coal-fired utility boilers, SO, emission reduction is typically accomplished by treating the post-combustion flue gas with a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process. Standard FGD processes for pulverized-coal-fired boilers are back-end equipment of either the wet or dry type; these are often referred to as wet and dry scrubbing, respectively. Since the early 1970s, FGD has been used extensively in the United States to control SO, emissions from coal-fired power plants. Currently in the United States, there are 148 units, with a capacity of 68,957 MW, that have operating FGD systems. Accumulated experience with FGD systems is about 1,800 years; experience with individual unit ranges from 3 to 24 years. These systems use a wide range of coals with sulfur contents ranging from 0.3 percent to over 5 percent. Design SO. removal efficiencies range from 25 to 99 percent, with an average of about 84 percent. Associated design SO2 emission rates average 0.56 lb/MMBtu. The majority of FGD experience is with wet systems. More recently, dry scrubber systems, which have both environmental and economic advantages, have been installed. Currently, there about 20 units (about 7,300 MW) with operating spray dry type FGD systems. The following discussion of each potential FGD type includes a description of the technology and the potential SO, emissions reduction level. Wet Scrubbing Systems Wet scrubbing is a gaseous and liquid phase reaction process in which the SQ gas is transferred to the scrubbing liquid under saturated conditions. The wet scrubbing process usually involves a 4-5 14435C/4-6 03129195 liquid wastestreamand slurry as by-products. Therefore,a wastewatertreatment and disposal system is generally associatedwith a wet scrubbingsystem. Wet scrubbing systemsinclude three differenttypes which are classifiedby the reagents used in the scrubbingprocess. The type of reagent influencesthe scrubber design, the quantity and type of wastes produced, and the type of disposal systemrequired. Either sodium-based,calcium- based, or dual-alkali-basedchemicals are used; these systemsare referred to as sodium-based, wet lime/limestonescrubbers, or dual-alkali. Packed towers are used for the sodium-basedscrubbing system, whereas spray towers are commonlyused for the lime/limestonescrubbing system. The sodium scrubbingsystems use either a sodiumhydroxide (NaOH) or a sodium carbonate (Na,C03) wet scrubbingsolution to absorb SO. from the flue gas. Because of the high reactivity of the sodium alkali sorbent comparedto the lime or limestonesorbents, these systems are characterizedby a low liquid-to-gasratio. The SO, gas reacts with the hydroxide or carbonateto form sulfite (e.g., Na,S03) initially, then sulfate (Na,SOJ)with further oxidation. Both sodium sulfite and sulfate are highly soluble;therefore, the final scrubber effluent is a mixture of sodium alkaline salt liquor that requires special disposal. Althoughthese sodium-basedsystems are capable of achievinggreater than 90 percent SO, reduction, they have not been used commercially on large utility boilers and therefore are consideredunproven. The wet scrubbing system that is most widely used for a large-scale SO: removal such as the proposed project is the calcium-basedwet FGD system. It is estimatedthat approximately 82 percent of the coal-firedcapacity in the UnitedStates is equipped with this FGD technology. Depending on whether lime or limestoneis used, the SO, reacts with the hydrates or carbonatesto form calcium sulfite (i.e., CaSO3-*h H,O) initially,then sulfate (i.e., CaSO,*2H,O)with further oxidation. The calcium sulfite or sulfate slurry is insoluble,therefore requiring settling ponds, separation equipment, and a wastewatertreatment facility in order to properly handle the solid by- product disposal. The most frequently utilized wet FGD technologyis the wet limestonesystem. The preferred version of the technology is the spray tower. In this system, a slurry of atomized limestone is sprayed into a tall, vertical absorber tower through a series of nozzles. The flue gas enters 4-6 1443SC/4-7 03?29f95 usually at the bottomof the tower, passes verticallyup throughthe spray droplets, and exits the vessel at the top. The slurry is recirculatedthrough the absorber system. This recirculationincreases the scrubbing utilizationof the carbonate reagent. The scrubbingreaction produces calciumsulfite as the by- product. Many systems oxidizethe sulfite into calciumsulfate, which is easier to dewater. A bleedstreamis taken off from the recycledslurry stream to avoid buildup inside the spray tower. By-productsand unreactedreagents in the bleedstreamare dewateredusing a variety of equipment includingthickeners, centrifuges, and vacuum filters. Dewateringcan reduce the water contentin the filtered by-productto as low as 10 to 15 percentby weight. Often, however, the typical dewateredby-product is 40 to 50 percent by weight. Several wet scrubbingsystems utilize lime rather than limestoneas the alkali reagent. Quick lime (calcium oxide) is slaked with water to form hydrated lime (calciumhydroxide). The slurry of calcium hydroxideand water is then sprayed into the spray tower. This alternativeof using lime instead of limestoneis less attractiveeconomically because the cost of either quick lime or hydrated lime is much higher than the cost of limestonepebbles. While a limestonesystem requires more initial capital costs for auxiliary equipment(i.e., limestonepulverizer, conveyor and slaker system, etc.), the lower operatingcost of the reagent providesa substantialannual savings. Tis is especiallybeneficial for a facility using medium-and high-sulfurcoals, where considerablymore reagent chemicalsare needed. In conventionalwet limestoneFGD systems,several additiveshave been used to enhanceSO, removal efficiencies. The majorityof additiveshave been used to bring the performanceof the FGD system up to the original performancerequirements. Both organic and inorganicadditives. The organic additives includevarious mixtures of organic acids that includeglutaric acid and succinic acid. Magnesium,added as magnesium-limehas been successfullyused to enhance performance. With the advancementof wet FGD designs, efficienciesof 95 percent can be achieved by refinementsin design includingcritical elements of absorbers, materials and control systems. Additivescan still play a role but their use is primarily focusedon emergencycondition operation, corrosion inhibition,scaling and by-producthandling. 4-7 1443SC14-S 03r29J95 Technically,wet scrubbingprocesses are capableof reducing SOnemissions with a removal efficiency of 70 to 95 percent using the wet limellimestone scrubber system. Theoretically, a higher efficiencymay be achievableby adding adipic acid to the scrubbingliquid because the reactions between the lime and limestonewith SO, are more favorableat lower Ph levels. The process control for the wet FGD technologyhas not advancedprecisely enough to confidently state that performanceat one location can be duplicatedat another. Margins of allowancesmust be appliedto the best performancesachieved at other plants. Dry Scrubbinif In a dry FGD process, the flue gas enteringthe scrubber contactsan atomized slurry of either wet lime or wet sodium carbonate (Na,CO3 ) sorbent. The exact mechanismsfor the absorptionof gaseous SO2 and the formationof alkaline salts are complex. Overall, the SO, gas reacts with lime or sodium sorbent to form initiallyeither calcium sulfite (CaSO,-'hH.O) or sodium sulfite (Na,SO3). Upon further oxidationor SO. absorptionenhanced by the drying process, the sulfite salts transform into calcium sulfate (CaSO4.2H.O) or sodiumsulfate solids. A typical dry scrubber will use lime as the reagent because it is more readily availablethan sodium carbonate and the sodium based reactionsproduce a soluble by-productthat requires special handling. Lime slurry is injected into the dry scrubber chamberthrough either rotary atomizers or pressurizedfluid nozzles. Rotary atomizersuse centrifugalenergy to atomize the slurry. The slurry is fed to the center of a rapidly rotating disk or wheel where it flows outward to the edge of the disk. The slurry is atomizedas it leaves the surface of the rapidly rotating disk. Fluid nozzles use kinetic energy to atomize the slurry. High-velocityair or steam is injected into a slurry stream, breaking the slurry into droplets, which are ejected at near sonic velocities into the spray drying chamber. Slurry droplets of comparablesize can be obtained with both fluid nozzles and rotary atomizers, minimizingdifferences in performancedue to atomizer type. The nozzle location relative to the flow, however, can be different dependingon the particular design. The moisture in the lime slurry evaporatesand cools the flue gas, and the wet lime absorbs SO, in the flue gas and reacts to form pseudo liquid-solidphase salts that are then dried into insoluble crystals by the thermal effect of the flue gas. The dry scrubber chamber is designed to provide sufficientcontact and residencetime to completethis reaction process. The prolonged residence 4-8 14435C14-9 03129195 time in the chamber is typically designed for 10 to 15 seconds. Sufficient contact between the flue gas and the slurry solutionis maintainedin the absorber vessel, allowingthe absorbing reactionsand the drying process to be completed. The particulateexiting the dry scrubber containsfly ash, dried calcium salts and dried unreacted lime. The moisture contentof the dried calciumsalt leavingthe absorber is about 2 to 3 percent, eventuallydecreasing to about I percent downstream. The simultaneousevaporation and reaction in the spray drying process increasesthe moistureand particulate contentof the flue gas and reduces the flue gas temperature. In the dry scrubber, the amount of water used is optimizedto produce an exit stream with "dry" particulatesand gases with no liquiddischarge from the scrubber. The flue gas temperature exiting the dry scrubber is typically 18 to 30°F above adiabaticsaturation. The "dry" reaction products and coal fly ash are both removed from the flue gas by a particulatecollection device located downstreamof the scrubber. This differs from the wet scrubber system, wherein the slurry leavingthat system must be dewateredat great cost and the gas is cooled to adiabatic saturationtemperature. Moreover,in the wet process, the particulatecontrol devise is located upstream of the scrubber. Key design and operating parametersthat can significantlyaffect dry scrubber performanceare reagent-to-sulfurstoichiometric ratio, slurry droplet size, inlet water content, residencetime, and scrubber outlet temperature. An excessamount of lime above the theoreticalrequirement is generally fed to the dry scrubberto compensatefor mass transfer limitationsand incomplete mixing. Droplet size affects scrubberperformance. Smallerdroplet size increasesthe surface area for reaction between lime and acid gases and increasesthe rate of water evaporation. A longer residencetime results in higher chemicalreactivities, and the reagent-SO2 reaction occurs more readily when the lime is wet. The scrubber outlet temperatureis controlledby the amount of water in the slurry. Typically, effective utilizationof lime and effectivesulfur dioxide removal occur at temperaturesclose to adiabaticsaturation, but the flue gas temperaturemust be kept high enough to ensure that the slurry and reaction productsare adequatelydried prior to the particulate collectionprocess. 4-9 14435C/4-10 03/29!95 The dry scrubber is located upstream of the particulatecontrol device, which is either an electrostaticprecipitator (ESP) or a fabric filter (baghouse)system. The baghouseis generally preferred over the ESP because it provides additionalSO 2 and acid gas removal. When a baghouseis used, a layer of porous filter cake is formed on the surface of the filter bags. This filter cake contains unspent reagent which provides a site for additionalflue gas desulfurization since all flue gases also pass through the filter bags. Based on BACT determinationspreviously issued, the dry scrubber FGD system can achieve 70 to 93 percent SO2 removal for coal-firedboilers, with the majority of pulverized-coalboilers designed for 93 percent removal. Higher removal efficienciesof greater than 90 percent can be achieved by maintainingan optimal ratio of reagent and SO, gas and using a fabric filter for particulate removal. Discussionswith dry scrubber FGD vendors indicate that a 93 percent control efficiency is an optimal design for a dry lime scrubber FGD system in conjunctionwith a baghousefor medium to high sulfur coal applications(i.e., up to 2.8 percent sulfur). The current SO, emission rate for design coal for the Qinbei Power Plant configurationof 2x600 MW is 1.518 lb/MMBtu,or 85.2 TPD SO., which is well below the World Bank guideline of 500 TPD for unpollutedareas (i.e., s50 ,g/m3 SO. ambient concentration). At the 3,600 MW (6x600) configuration,the SO, emissionsfrom the plant (255.6 TPD) are still below the applicable World Bank guidelinefor the area. Tlerefore, the need to control SO, using FGD technologyis not warranted. 4.5.2 ALTERNATIVE NOx CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES Emissions of NO. are produced by the high temperaturereactions of molecular nitrogen and oxygen in the combustionair and by fuel bound nitrogen with oxygen. The former is referred to as thermal NO, while the latter is referred to as fuel bound NO.. The relative amount of each depends upon the combustionconditions and the amount of nitrogen in the fuel. Formation of thermal NO, depends upon the combustiontemperature and becomes rapid above 1,400°C (2550'F). The equations developedby Zeldovich are recognizedas the reactions that form thermal NO1: N,+ O -- > NO + N N +°2---> NO+O N +OH ---> NO + H 4-10 14435C/4- 1 03r29195 The important parameters in thermal NO, formation are combustion temperatures, gas residence time, and stoichiometric ratio of fuel and air. Fuel bound NO., although usually small compared to thermal NO,, is more rapidly formed by the nitrogen in the fuel which reacts with combustion air. Another mechanism for NO, formation is the reaction of molecular nitrogen with free hydrogen radicals. This mechanism is known as "prompt NO." and occurs within the combustion zone with the followingmajor reactions: N, + CH-> HCN + N N + 2-.-> NO + H The contributionof prompt NO, to overall NO, levels is relativelysmall. The primary way to reduce NO, emissionsis through either control of the combustionprocess or by NO, removal through catalyticor non-catalyticreactions. 4.5.2.1 Combustion Control Technologies Description of Source (Pulverized-Coal-FiredBoiler) Pulverized coal has been burned successfullyfor many years in large boilers using wall- and corner-firedburning equipment. Pulverized-coal-firedboiler technologysimply aimed at mixing the coal and combustionair quickly to ensure ignitionstability and rapid burnout, as well as ensuring maximumthermal efficiency. This generallycreated high flame temperatures in the boiler and the formationof thermal NO,. The boiler configuration,size, burners, and operating practices affected NO, emissions. Conventionalpulverized-coal boilers generallyuse more than one pulverizer in their basic design. Each pulverizergrinds the coal pellets into small-sized particles which are then mixed with incomingcombustion air and fed to a single burner or a system of multipleburners. The arrangementof these burners inside the boilers results in three basic design configurationsof commerciallyavailable pulverized-coal boilers: wall firing, corner firing, and down firing. The use of a panicular designwill vary dependingupon the type and quality of coal. The wall firing design is used by several burner/boilermanufacturers including Foster Wheeler, Babcock & Wilcox, and Riley Stoker. This design configurationuses an array of swirl-stabilized burners arranged as either front-wall (on a single wall) firing or opposed-wallfiring. The corner (or tangential)firing design is used mainlyby ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB)-Combustion Engineering. Tangentialfiring burners are arranged in vertical distributionin the corners of the 4-11 14435C/- 12 03/29/95 furnace. At each vertical level, the burners are directed to form a rotating fireball inside the furnace. The down firing design is used by both Foster Wheeler (arch-fired units) and Riley Stoker (Turbo furnace). In this design configuration,burners are arranged on the venturi throat and fired vertically down (arch-firing)or at an angle (Turbo furnace) into the furnace. Circular burners typically are used in all early wall firing boilers. The circular burner was designed to achieve maximumflame stability and carbon burnout in a minimum combustion volume. Such a design conceptwas aimed at reducing the boiler cost which is directly proportionalto the size of the boiler; however, the NO, emission level is relatively high due to elevated flame temperatures. The high flame temperaturesare produced from the swirling flame containingat least 20 percent excess air. Non-swirlingburners are used in corner-firedand down-fireddesigns. These designs produce lower NO, emission levels primarily due to the flame stability enhancedby impingementof the adjacent hot flame, a substoichiometricJ-shaped flame, and a fuel-rich combustionzone, respectively. Regardless of the design configurations,burner/boiler manufacturershave found that NO,, emission levels are directly related to the total heat release per unit surface area in the furnace. These boilers were designedwith high heat release per surface area that produced high NO, emissions. Developmentof CombustionControls In the early 1970s, NO. emissionreductions focusedon combustioncontrols. Such boilers accounted for a large portion of the total NO, emissionsfrom all major stationary sources. Burner/boiler manufacturershave developedtechniques capable of achievinga factor of three to four times reduction in NO,,emissions compared to pre-NSPSdesigns. Initially, the primary design objectivefor the boiler manufacturerswas to lower heat release rate per unit area (HRRIUA) and thus lower NO. emissions. Both Foster Wheeler and Babcock & Wilcox have successfullyapplied this conceptinto their boiler designs. For example, current boiler designs limited HRR/UA to below 1.75 million British thermal units per hour per square foot (MMBtufhr/ftr)compared to a 2.0 MIMBtu/hr/ft-for an early typical boiler design. By reducing 0.25 MMBtufhr/ft2 , an NO, reductionof between 10 and 30 percent could be achieved. Lower HRR/UA was also accomplishedby operationalmodifications, such as low excess air, biased firing, and burners-out-of-service. 4-12 1443SC14- 13 O0329f95 Further development of low NO, burners in combination with boiler designs further reduced the NO, emission levels from pulverized-coal boilers. Some design concepts have been based on an EPA-sponsored research program performed on a Riley Stoker's distributed mixing burner (DMB). In this burner, combustion is staged to include two burner zones; a primary burner zone with a stoichiometry of 70 percent of theoretical air, and a secondary burner zone with a stoichiometry of 120 percent of theoretical air. In addition to the combustion air staging process, the DMB design includes a pulverized coal fuel injector along the flame axis, and a secondary air swirl controllerto promote an internalrecirculation zone inside the flame. 4.5.2.2 Post-Combustion Technologies NO, emissionscan be reduced by promotingthe reactions of NO. in the flue gas with specific reducing agents (i.e., ammoniaor urea). These post-combustiontreatments of flue gas have been adopted by European and Japanese utilitiesin responseto NO, control regulationsstricter than those in the United States. For the proposed pulverized-coalboiler, the selective reduction of NO. methods includethe non-catalyticand catalyticprocesses. The SNCR process reduces NO, emissionsthrough a reactionof ammoniaor urea at high temperatures (> 1,500 F). For the reaction to take place in utility boilers, ammonia or urea is injected directly into the boiler, usually in the superheatedsection. No catalyst is.required for the NO, reduction reaction to occur. Commerciallyavailable SNCR processes are either the NOYOUTprocess or the Thermal DeNO,. The SCR process reduces NO, emissionsthrough a reactionbetween ammoniaand NO1 that occurs on the surface of a catalystlocated in a 600 to 750°F temperaturerange portion of the boiler. This temperaturerange is achieved betweenthe economizerand air preheater sections of the boiler. Overseas experiencesof SCR on coal-firedboilers includethe high-dust, low-dust, and post-SO, removal applications. There are several SCR vendors in the United States; however, most applicationshave been focusedprimarily on gas turbines. In view of coal-fired application,SCR has numerousapplications in Japan and European countries, whereas SNCR's experienceon coal-firedboilers is limitedto cyclone boilers in Germany. Betweenthe two technologies.SCR offers potentiallyhigher NO, reduction at a higher cost than SNCR. There are uncertaintiesfor applyingeither SNCR or SCR on pulverized-coal- 4-13 14435C/4-14 03/29f95 fired boilers using domestic coals. There is a general lack of operating experience when firing domestic coals, which are distinct from either Japanese or European fuels. Selective Catalytic Reduction-The NO, abatement technology for stationary combustion sources that is currently receiving considerableattention is the SCR process using ammonia injection. The selective reaction of ammonia with NO in the presence of a catalyst and excess oxygen was discovered by Engelhard Corporationin 1957. However, the SCR NO, reductiontechnology was developed in Japan and used there on a commercialbasis for the first time. In an SCR process, either anhydrous or aqueousammonia is injected into the flue gas upstream of catalysts. The catalysts are arranged in modules set up into single or multiple stages. For pulverized-coal-fired boilers, the catalyst bed can be arranged into either a high-dustor low-dust system or a post-flue gas desulfurizationsystem. The selective reductionreactions occur at temperatures between 600 and 900°F on the surface of the SCR catalyststo produce molecular nitrogen gas and water. SCR catalystsconsist of two types: base metal oxides and zeolite. In an SCR system using a base metal oxides catalyst, either vanadiumor titaniumis embeddedinto a ceramic matrix structure; the zeolite catalystsare ceramic molecularsieves extruded into modulesof honeycomb shape. All-ceramiczeolite catalystsare durable and less susceptibleto catalyst masking or poisoningthan the base metal/ceramiccatalyst systems. Catalystsexhibit advantagesand disadvantagesin terms of exhaust gas temperatures,ammonia/NO, ratio, and exhaust gas oxygen concentrationsfor optimumcontrol. A commondisadvantage for all catalyst systemsis the narrow window of temperaturebetween 600 and 900'F within which the NO, reductionprocess takes place. Operating outside this temperaturerange results in catastrophicharm to the catalyst system. Chemical poisoning occurs at lower temperatureconditions, while thermal degradation occurs at higher temperaturesplus NO, can be produced at higher temperatures. Reactivitycan only be restored through catalystreplacement. SCR is theoretically capable of achieving80 percent NO. reductionfrom a 0.5 lb/MMBtulevel and can achieve an emission level of 0.17 lb/MMBtuwhen NO, levels from the boiler are at about 0.3 lb/MMBtu. SCR is potentiallyapplicable to reduce NO. emissionsfrom the proposed pulverized-coal-firedboiler. 4-14 14435C14-15 03!29195 Based on the estimated NOx emission rate for pulverized-coal-fired boilers of 21.7 pounds per ton (lb/ton) of coal burned, using USEPA Publication AP-42, the NO, emissions rate would exceed the World Bank emission guideline of 300 ng/Joule by 83.3 percent. The predicted ground level NO, concentrations support the use of NO. controls. The use of "low NO," burners in the boilers would achieve World Bank emission guidelines as determined by USEPA [New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) Part 60 Subpart Da]. 4.6 ASH DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES Ash Handling Systems Ash handling may be handled in either dry (pneumatic)or wet (hydraulic)management systems. The proposed project will utilize dry handlingfor flyash and wet handlingfor bottom ash. Alternatively,flyash may be handled with a wet system. Wet flyash managementis advantageous in that it is less expensiveon a capital cost basis. However, the system creates additional waste liquid streams which require disposaland renders reuse of the ash byproductdifficult. On this basis, dry managementof flyash has been adopted by the Qinbeipower plant. Ash Disposal Sites NWEPDI consideredtwo ash disposal locationssufficiently close to the proposed power plant site. One location is the proposed site 4 km southof the power plant site on the left bank of the Qin River. An alternativelocation in a valley to the northwest of the power plant was also considered. Ash disposal at the site would require the constructionof a darn for retention of ash. Since it is located upgradientof both potablewater wells and the proposedpower plant water source, some long-termimpacts to downstreamwater quality of the Qin River and the Wulongkou Aquifer from either ash water leachateor pond overfloware possible. The 100-yearflood flow for the alternative site is 607 m3/s. Even in the event that a liner is constructed for the pond bottom and sides, flood and overflowcontrol and diversion would be expectedto be costly, estimatedto be 70 million RMB more than the proposed ash disposalsite. Ash Yard Impermeabilization Greater impermeabilitythan the I07 cm/sec providedby clay may be achievedby the use of artificial barriers such as plastic liners, which achievepermeabilities as low as 10-12cm/sec. 4-15 14435C14- 16 04107195 As described in 3.1.4.1, the NW-AEPDIhas conducted dynamic absorption tests of ash material to assess the potential for leachate penetration to near-ground depths in the ash pile, and consequent risk to groundwater. This study concluded that high evaporation, low rainfall, and ash absorptive capacity will interact to prevent saturation of the ash pile to a greater depth than 60 cm, even when the greatest rainy episodes of the past 9-year period are considered. Since the ash design depth is 11 m, the risk of groundwater exposure to rain-induced leachate is low, and does not justify the use of more expensive, barriers with higher permeability. 4-16 14435C15-I 04113195 5.0 RECOMMENDED MIITIGATION AN1DNION-ITORING 5.1 AIR IMPACTS To summarizethe impactspredicted in Section3.0, modelinganalysis indicatesthat at the 2x600 MW size, SO, concentrationswould exceedthe PRC First and Second Grade air quality standards within a restrictedarea. This area is found within the unpopulated,mountainous elevations to the north of the power plant site, generallybetween 600 and 800 m elevation (AppendixD, Figures D-2 and D-3). At receptor locationsin the populatedfarmlands to the south of the site, predictedSO. concentrationsgenerally do nor exceed PRC or World Bank standardsat the 2x600 MW size. At the 6x600 MW size, modelinganalysis indicatesthat SO. concentrationsexceed PRC Second Grade standardsover some lowlandareas within 2.0 km southwest of the plantsite including Hexii village for the PRC once standard and Long Tong Mao, Dragon King Basin, and Baijan Temple for the 24-hour standard (Figures D-4 and D-5). The areal extent of exceedancein the mountainousarea is proportionatelygreater than at the 2x600 MW size. The PRC First Grade air quality standardsare exceededthroughout the two nearby protectedareas in the Taihang Mountains. Acute vegetationdamage is predictedover a limitedarea at both 2x600 and 6x600 MW, from 650 to 750 m elevation approximately2 km north of the site. Althoughlittle damage is expectedto vegetation or wildlife at the 2x600 or 6x600 MW sizes outsidethis area, there is an identified potential for pollutant concentrationsin excess of both World Bank and PRC standards, particularlyat the 6x600 MW size. For this reason. as well as the reliance on constructed meteorologicaldatabases at this stage, certain mitigationmeasures are recommended. These include collectionof comprehensivemeteorological data, monitoringof ambient SO., and conductingfloral surveys of the affectedarea. 5.1.1 COLLECTION OF SITE-SPECIFIC DATA ON MIETEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS The Qinbei Power Plant will install, operate, and maintaina stand-alone,comprehensive meteorologicalmonitoring station onsite prior to the startup of constructionof the 2x600 MW facility, to generate site-specific,continuous meteorological data. This monitoringstation will include a 10-mtower to collect wind speed, wind direction, temperatureat 2 and 10 m, and solar 5-1 14435C/5-2 G:/113/95 radiation. Also includedwith this equipmentis a solid-statedata acquisitionsvstem to record and store the meteorologicalmonitoring data generatedby the sensors using mass storage modules. The data can then be downloadedfrom the mass storage module by a number of methods, includingdirect transfer of the data at the site, by telephoneline if the system is configuredfor telecommunicationsusing a modem, or by radio frequencytransmission back to a central computer center. This meteorologicalsystem configurationwill provide onsite meteorologicaldata as well as atmosphericstability. Both the meteorologicaldata and the atmosphericstability informationare required as inputs to computer-generatedair pollutantdispersion models. The installationand operation of a doppler acousticsounder (SODAR)is encouragedin order to determine local mixing heights in the vicinity of the power plant. Again, these data are also extremely important when determiningpollutant impacts using the computergenerated air pollutantdispersion models. This meteorologicalmonitoring effort should begin immediatelyat the Qinbei Power Plant site. Based on site-specificmeteorological data, the air qualityrisk assessmentfor human health and the environmentneeds to be reevaluated. 5.1.2 MONITORING OF SO2 WITHIN PREDICTED AREA OF HIGH SO2NOX CONCENTRATIONS In addition to the meteorologicalmonitoring, it is imperativethat ambientair monitoringfor SO., TSP, and NO, be conductedat the area of highest predicted concentrationimpacts. The ambient air quality data should be collected for a period sufficientto characterizethe local air quality due to the power plant. These data will be utilizedas well in the air pollutantdispersion modeling analysis. Both the meteorologicaland ambient air quality data will assist in validating the air quality impacts of the 2x600 configurationand provide a better data set for estimatingthe air quality impacts of the 6x600 MW buildout. 5.1.3 FLORAL SURVEY Given the stated distributionof the endemic rare plant Taihangiarupesrris between 1,000 and 1,300 m elevations, it is unlikely that this species will be found within the zone of maximum impacts, which is predicted to lie between 650 and 700 m. In lig-htof the species' very rare status, however, a plant survey should be conductedwithin the predicted areas of highest impact prior to the initiation of operations at Qinhei. The survey should be conductedby a qualified 5-2 14435C/S-3 04/13/95 botanist familiar with the plant's appearance, sin.e the species is described as "difficult to recognize by non-experts." If the species is found within the maximum impact area, mitigation measures should be implemented that would include relocation of individual plants. 5.2 IMPACTS TO WATER RESOURCES Withdrawals from the Wulongkou Aguirer Preparers of this EA were not able to validate proposed groundwater withdrawal rates. While a large amount of data evidently have been obtained characterizing the subsurface in the region, it is not sufficientlyclear from aquifer pump tests and modelingconducted to date that the aquifer can sustain a long-termwithdrawal of this magnituderequired for operationof the 6x600 MW facility. Modelingefforts to date were performed for the relativelyshort withdrawalperiods of 30 and 150 days. The aquifer performancetest was performed for a period of approximately 3 weeks. The Qin River, while identifiedas the primary source of recharge to groundwater, may have limited ability to rechargedeeper water-bearinglayers due to the presenceof relatively impermeablelayers betweenphreatic water and deeper, confinedlayers from which water may, in part, be withdrawn. Also, as noted in the followingsection. if water is expectedto come primarily from the phreatic portion of the aquiifer.which can he assumedto be readily recharged from the Qin, possibleadverse impactsrelated to upgradientgroundwater disposal must also be taken into account. Additionally,modeling of the aquifer withdrawalsperformed to date do not completelyagree with pump test data obtained. For relativelysimilar periods, the groundwatermodeling shows drawdownat the withdrawalpoint and a point 4.000 m distantas being approximately12 m and 3 m, respectively,while aquifer pump tests showeda water table drop of 7 m and 0.2 m over the same interval for a greater withdrawalrate. While either drawdownlevel would not necessarily engender adverse impacts, it raises questionsabout the long-termfeasibility of the Wulongkou Aquifer as a cooling water source for the power plant that are not answeredwith information presently at hand. To better characterizethese risks before initializingfull buildoutto 6x600 MW, a modelingeffort using a three-dimensionalgroundwater tlow will be conductedutilizing a model such as the 14435CI5-4 0113195 MODFLOW program developed by the U.S. Geological Surv:e (USGS), or a suitable equivalent. The modeling should be conducted prior to the installation of production wells and will incorporate recharge from rainfall and the Qin River as well as address any effects the multi- layered nature of the subsurface may have on the percolation and lateral movement of groundwater in and around the proposed water source. The modeling effort will assess the 2x600 MW case in addition to the maximum case for 6x600 MW. On a long-term basis, average water consumption levels for the proposed facility will be employed to incorporate withdrawals. The results of the modeling will help to determine the long-term sustainable yield of the aquifer while taking into account aquifer system inputtsand outputs. Optimally, the model could account for real-time inputs for certain parameters such as river flow, precipitation, and withdrawals. Wastewater Discharge to Groundwater Additionalconsideration will be given to the possible adverse impact of the proposed wastewater discharge on the water qualityof both phreatic and confinedgroundwater. Existing information shows that the Qin River serves as an influentstream, i.e., it recharges the phreatic aquifer it passes through and groundwaterflow appears to flow away from the river. Long-termpumping of the aquifer near the river has the potential to reverse this gradientof groundwater flow and introducepollutants to the wellfield which originate in the proposed wastewaterdischarge of the facility. The use of a two- or three-dimensionalgroundwater transport model, such as FLOWPATH, MOC, or MT'T3D, to assess the potential migrationof contaminantsdischarged to the subsurface will identify the significanceof the impact. The modeling will address potential impacts over an operational time-frame of at least 4 years. The undertaking of such a modeling effort should help to clarify the extent of potential adverse impacts to nearby groundwater users and the potential for "recirculation"of the discharge to proposed water supply wells. The envisaged mitigation for a significantadverse impact to groundwaterwould be to reroute the industrial wastewater streams and cooling tower blowdownso that wastewater is directed primarily to the Qin River. During periods of low flow in the Qin (for example, flows less than 2 m3/s), in which adverse impactsto downstreamirrigation users might occur, discharge to the Baijian River as originally proposed may occur. 5-4 14435C/5-5 04113195 Seepage from Ach Disposal Yard and Coa;lStorage Pile Use of a liner at the ash disposal yard that achieves a permeability of l0' cm/s or greater will prevent the infiltration of leachate from this area. Th,e final selection of clay or plastic liner types will be made on the basis of cost considerations. A loess liner will retard the introduction of leachate from the coal pile. The installation of groundwater monitoring wells around the perimeter of both areas is required to monitor groundwater quality. Separate wells will be installed to allow sampling of groundwater within the first two water-bearing zones beneath each site. Groundwater will be sampled for heavy metals, pH, sulfate, chloride, and TDS. Groundwater monitoring well locations on each side of the storage facilities will be constructed (a minimum of four per storage yard). Prior to plant operational startup, background monitoring will take place on a quarterly basis for one year. Subsequent to operation, monitoring of all wells will take place on a monthly basis for an initial period of one year. If water quality in all samples remains below drinking water standards for this period, the sampling frequency may he reduced from monthly to quarterly. Both facilities must be constructed to prevent all offisiterunon. This technique will minimize the amount of water which would have the possibility of reaching groundwater. Additional Water Conservation Nlleasures Water conservation measures have been identified at the proposed facility which will serve to reduce overall consumption. However, in light of potential water-related limitations at the proposed plant site (particularly at the 6x600 MlWcapacity), firm commitments on implementation of these reuse practices will be made by EPH. In addition, implementation of further conservation measures outlined in the following paragraphs will be considered. Cooling tower blowdown has been proposed for reuse as a bottom ash conveyance media. Other reuse of cooling tower blowdown will be implemented as well. Such uses would include cooling of pump glands as appropriate and plant washwater. Reuse of boiler blowdown and treated sanitary effluent in the cooling tower would also contribute to water savings at the plant. In addition, several other water conservation measures will be implemented at the facility. The use of additional drift eliminators, for example, to minimize drift losses is appropriate for the 5-5 14435C1S-6 0.113195 facility. At relatively low cost, drift losses can be reduced to at least 0.01 percent. USEPA's EIS-Power Plant Cooling Systemsdocument (1973) indicatesthat then-state-of-the-artdesign can be used to obtain drift losses of 0.005 percent of the circulatingflow rate for mechanicaldraft units and 0.002 percent fbr natural draft towers. In no case shouldthe drift loss exceed 0.01 percent for modern, well-designedtowers. Elgawharyand Wan (undated)note that drift and windage losses of less than 0.008 percent of circulatingflow are typical. Reductionof the drift losses from 0.1 to 0.01 percent at the facility would reduce water consumptionby approximately 3.3 percent (130 n31h) in the first stage and by a total of 390 m3fh for the final phase. This change will also allow for slightly better cooling efficiencyof the cooling tower units. The implementationof a comprehensiveand continuousauditing system of water consumption practices at the facility will be consideredto reduce water consumptionand diminish potential impactsrelated to water use. Trained personnel from the environmentalmanagement cell should engage in monthly and annual inspectionsof water use and conservationpractices with the aim of reducing consumptionand reusing water to the greatest extent feasible. 5.2.1 ASH DISPOSAL YARD The use of a clay liner of 0.3 m thickness has been proposed for the base of the ash disposal yard. In order to ensure that the initial permeabilityremains low, testing of the liner in place is proposed as mitigationto ascertain prior to operationthat the liner will have a permeabilityof Ix10-' cm/s. This is the standardpermeability value used as an indicator that leachate from an impoundmentor soiid waste disposal facility will be sufficientlyretarded by an in-place liner. Constructionof the dikes of the proposed ash disposalyard will be using local materials, i.e., sand. Since the permeabilityof the sandy soil in the area can be up to 150 meters per day (mid) (1.7x10 ' cmis), the placementof the clay liner, or a suitable alternative, should extend up the interior slopes of the disposal yard dikes to prevent horizontalseepage from the yard through the dikes. Flood Indticement hv Ash Disposal V:ard Placement of the disposal yard within the floodplainof the Qin River is likely to result in upstream flooding. A study of the potentiallyinundated areas will be undertakento identify if the flooded areas are of significance. If significant indueec flooding would result from the placement 5-6 14435CI5-7 04/13195 of the ash disposal yard, a decision will be undertaken as to the viability of developing sufficient compensatory storage upstream or to relocate the ash disposal yard from the floodplain. Ash Reutilization and Management The proposed reutilizationplan will be developedin greater detail. The potential reuse of over 95 percent of identifiedash reuse potential as a soil amendmentdoes not appear to be feasible. Tangible efforts to increasethe use of flyash for brick manufactureand in concrete production will also be undertaken. These measures will includethe identificationof specific targets for reutilization,initially 20 percent, to be increasedover the life of the project and as generation capacity increases. Natural Ha7ards Earthquakes The Instituteof Seismologyhas indicatedthat earthquakesof 7.5M have occurred in the Taihang Piedmontfault Zone. As discussedin Section 3.1.5.2, impacts associatedwith earthquakesat the site range from MM Scale IV (resultingfrom more distant earthquakes)to 6.OM (MM Scale VII and VIII) resulting from earthquakesoccurring closer to the site. The HEPSDI has rated seismic intensityon the Chinesescale, equivalentto MM, as VI for the Qinbei site. Accordingly,structures associatedwith the project will be built in accordancewith UBC Zone 3 criteria or the equivalent. Since high sand fractions in the soil and high water table conditions increasethe potential for liquefactionand damagepotential resulting from earthquakeactivity, testing of soils will be undertaken(if not alreadycompleted) to assess the potential for liquefactionat the buildingsite. Flooding A hydrologic study of the potential upstream floodingeffects on the Qin River for design storms will be undertaken. The purpose of the study will be to -clarifythat floodingwhich may be induced by the constructionof the ash disposalyard in the tloodplain will not cause significant economic damage. If significant impactsare identifiedwith such flooding, compensatorystorage must be provided. 5-7 14435C/5-8 04 13195 MONITORING Power facilitiesare required by the Ministryof Environmentto implementmonitoring programs as an integral part of environmentalprotection. For plant wastewaterstreams, monitoringis proposed at the power plant wastewateroutlet and main general outlet water quality and quantity monitoringand analysis system. Monitoringresults will be transmitted to the facility's central computersystem for data processing,review, and archiving. Table 5.3-1 provides details on the proposed wastewatermonitoring program. Monitorina at the proposed Baijian River outfall location have been added to this program. 5.3 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY ANT)HEALTH As described in Section 3.3.7.2, EPH has a worker health and safety policy that appears to cover many health-relatedissues associatedwith thermal power production. The NWEPDI document addresses each of the areas of concern identifiedin the policy manual, as well as most general concerns associatedwith worker safety in power plants, as described in Section 3.3.7.3.. Before initiationof operations at Qinbei. the EPH will further improve safety and health reliability by I. Developmentand implementationof a worksiteanalysis system, 2. Developmentand implementationof site-specificsafe work practices, and 3. Implementationof a site-specificsafety and health trainingprogram. 5.4 SOCIAL ANIDCULTURAL INTPACTS No impacts to cultural or archaeologicalresources are anticipatedas a result of the project. If artifacts of cultural or historical significanceare uncovered during construction,work will be temporarily suspended and the Jiyuan City Cultural Bureau contacted. EPH recognizesthe importance of communityinvolvement and support to the success of the Henan Qinbei Power Project, and are committedto continueto work with local villagers and their representativesto mitigate any legitimateconcerns throughout the project. Moreover, local labor will be used to the greatest extent possible during both constructionand operation of the facility. 5-8 04!14/95 Table 5.3-1. Wastewater Monitoring Program, Qinbei Power Plant Monitoring Parameters Instrumentation Monitoring Location Frequency pH pH meter Main outfall Monthly pH pH meter Coal pile runoff When present pH pH meter Ash yard overflow When present Suspended Solids Turbidity meter Main outfall Monthly Suspended Solids Turbidity meter Sanitary effluent Monthly Suspended Solids Turbidity meter Coal pile runoff When present Suspended solids Turbidity meter Ash yard overflow When present COD COD analyzer Treatment workshop Monthly COD COD analyzer Main outfall Monthly COD COD analyzer Coal pile runoff When present Heavy Metals Auto-absorption Groundwaterat ash yard Quarterly Heavy Metals Auto-absorption Groundwaterat Baijian Quarterly River outfall Heavy Metals Auto-absorption Ash yard overflow When present Heavy Metals Auto-absorption Sanitary effluent Quarterly BOD5 BOD analyzer Sanitary effluent Monthly Oil Hydrometer Main outfall Monthly Oil Hydrometer Coal pile runoff When present Oil Hydrometer Oily waste system Twice monthly Fluoride Spectrophotometer Groundwater at ash yard Quarterly Fluoride Spectrophotometer Groundwaterat Baijian Quarterly River outfall Fluoride Spectrophotometer Ash yard overflow When present Note: Heavy metals includeHg, Pb, Cr, Cr 6 , As, Cd, and Se. Analysis methods: pH: GB 6920-86;SS: GB 11901-89;COD: PS-7-85; BOD5: GB7488-87;F: GB7488-87;Heavy metals: GB7475-87;Oil: PS-9-85 5-9 14435C/5- 10 0:/13/95 Access roads constructed for the fazility will be designed to accommodate both vehicular and bicycle traffic. Security at the facility will be maintained by constructing a security wall around the facility and through security personnel assigned on a 24-hour basis. 5-10 IG~~~~~~~I r -. |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E -'S tE -- SEW= - =T =-= T =L | f A,. gl fi | I 14435C0IES- 1 07128/95 EXECUJTIVESUMMARY Electric Power of Henan (EPH) is proposing the construction of a 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will provide bulk transfer of electricity from the Qinbei Power Plant to the Henan Provincial Power Grid. The transmission line is part of the Qinbei Power Plant project, which contemplates the construction of six 600 megawatt (MW) coal-fired units located at Wulongkou township, Jiyuan City, northwestern Henan province. The EPH has proposed World Bank financing for Phase I of the Qinbei Power Plant project, which is comprised of two 600 MW units and the 500 kV transmission line. In accordance with the Thermal Power Plant Project Preparatory Stage Environmental Protection Regulation (MOE, 1989), the EPH, with the assistance of the Northwest Electric Power Design Institute (NWEPDI), prepared an environmental assessment of the 500 kV transmission line project (NWEPDI, 1994b), submitting the document to both the MOEP and World Bank in 1994. In accordance with Operational Directive (OD) 4:01 guidelines for screening projects according to their risk of adverse impact, the World Bank has classified the Associated Transmission Line Project as Category A, which necessitates the preparation of a environmental assessment. In collaboration with the EPH and the NWEPDI, a team of scientists from KBN Engineering and Applied Sciences, Inc. (KBN) visited portions of the proposed transmission line corridor during February of 1995. All data, observations and information not collected by KBN during this field trip and that relates to the line's construction and operation was provided to the team by EPH and NWEPDI. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The EPH is part of the Central China Power Grid, which relies principally on a double-circuit 220 kV transmission system. The transmission of power at 500 kV is now in development, with only two lines currently in service at this voltage. The Qinbei site is not proximate to any existing 220 or 500 kV system, and requires the proposed transmission line for bulk transfer of production from the plant to the Henan grid. The proposed system will have two 500 kV lines in the Phase I portion of the Qinbei Power Plant's development. The proposed route as described extends westward from the Qinbei plant, ES-I 14435C/ll/ES-2 03114195 paralleling the Taihang Mountain range to the north for a distance of approximately 78 kilometers (kin). The line will connect to the proposed Yubei substation, which will be constructed on the southern side of Shiziying,Huojia County, XinziongCity. From the Yubei substation, the proposed route continues south to the Yellow River, at which point the line will utilize existing transmissionline towers to cross the river, for an total approximatelength of 46 km. The proposed route then continues south for approximately41 km before connectingto the existing Xiaoliu substation, for a total length of 165 km. The Xioliu sub-station is located approximately 10 km southwestof the city of Zhengzhou. The line will be supportedby a total of 408 steel towers of the guyed V type, 38 meter (m) total height and 28 m width (Figure 1). The existingtowers at the YellowRiver crossing are 114 m total height. Two substationswill be utilized by the transmissionline. The constructionof the new 500 kV Yubei station is planned to accommodatethe proposedtransmission line, and the Xioliu substation near Zhengzhouat the terminus of the route that is already in service. The proposed transmissionline route traverses the Loess Plateau of the North China Plain, parallelingthe Taihang mountainsto the North and Yellow River to the south. This area is heavily utilized for agriculture, interspersewith numeroussmall farming villages. The only major waterbody crossing identifiedduring the field mission or from 1:100,000scale maps is the Yellow River. POTENTIAL IMPACTS The adverse environmentalimpacts of electrictransmission lines generally arise from the constructionof access roads, removal of vegetation, and the constructionof tower footings and substations. During operation, adverse impactsmay arise-from suppression of vegetation in the corridor, collision of birds with the lines, interferencewith transportation,maintenance of substations, and electromagneticfield (EMF) effects on human health. No plant communities,wetland areas or other natural biotic features will be affected by transmission line constructionor operation, since the route traverses areas that have long been cleared for agriculture. Tbe line traverses no known migratorybird flyways. ES-2 1995-24.OiCbe, EA bIma: 24.60 1150 11.50 5.00 3.00 2.00 6.00 I I ~~4.0011.510 8.00 I6.00 14.00 14.00 33.00 7 77 /\xxo/'\\ A,\ V /\\x/ /\ % s 7- K'///\//'''// A'/"/\ 18.97 18.97 Note: Dimensions are in meters. Figure 1 P :QN E O E Proposed Transmission Line Tower PLANT POJ E R Henan,China ES-3 14435CfIIIES-4 03/14/95 The only major waterbody crossing is the Yellow River, where existing towers will be used to support the new 500 kV line. Numerous other channels are identified that represent drainages from the Taihang mountains to the north, but few if any are believed to contain year-round flow due to the arid climate of the region. The transmissionline route includes the Yellow River tourist area, which is visited by 800,000to 1 million tourists per year. Since existing towers will be used in this area, no additional impact to aesthetic value of this area will occur as a result of the new 500 kV line. No other cultural resources have been identifiedalong the proposed route. As best as can be determined,the proposed route passes within 100 m of 92 villages along its 165 kIn length, each with residential, commercial,agriculture, and institutionalfacilities, includinga primary school and health clinic. Twenty identifiable road corridors and two railroads are crossed along the line's pathway, not includingsmall, unpavedroads within farm fields. The primary impact of the Qinbei transmissionline constructionconsists of the occupationof 80 in of agricultural land for each of the tower footings. Since local landholdingsaverage 700 nr2 each, such loss would be significantto affected individuals. Noise originates from transmissionlines due to corona effect, and from substationsdue to cooling pump operation. NWEPDI states that transmissionline noise will not surpass 60 dBA at a distance of 15 m out from a ground point directly beneaththe conductingline. Likewise, substation noise are predicted not to exceed52 dBA at the perimeter fence under worst-case conditions. Both noise levels are within World Bank criteria of 70 dBA. The exposure of the village populationsto EMF is a potential adverse impact of the transmission line project, though research has not yet proven a conclusivelink between EMF and health effects. ES-4 14435CVIES-5 03/14195 RECOMMIENDED MITIGATIONS The following mitigations are recommended to minimize adverse impacts of the construction and operation of the 500 kV transmission line. * Tower placement will be made so as to minimize impacts to farm fields. Where occupation of agricultural land is unavoidable, landholders will be indemnified occupation of agricultural land by tower footings. * The 100 m corridor will be utilized to place the transmission line as far as possible from population centers, with special regard for clinics and schools. * The transmission line will span all road corridors, and the point of maximum line slack will be of sufficient height not to interfere with road traffic. ALTERNATIVES Optionsconsidered included no action, alternativeroutes, and alternativevoltages. The no-actionalternative is not feasible, since no other means of bulk power transfer exists near the proposed Qinbeipower plant site. Relocationof the plant site to avoid the necessity of transmissionline constructionwould obligatethe selectionof a new site much nearer to large, urban populationcenters, and further from the coalfield rail link. These negativeimpacts outweighany benefit derived from the eliminationof the 500 kV line. The alternateroute passes through a 45 km stretch of the Taihang Mountains. Althoughsuch routing would reduce the number of villagesalong the corridor by eight, constructionwould be more expensive and would increase human accessibilityto the relativelyuninhabited, fragile areas of the mountainsthat containthe few remainingfragments of natural plant communitiesin Henan province. Since mitigationmeasures are identifiedfor the villagesalong the proposed route, the advantagesoffered by the alternate are outweighedby the increasedcost and potential for environmentalimpact. Lowering voltages to 220 kV would reduce EMF along the transmissionline corridor. However this would also reduce the final designsize of the QinbeiPower plant, which would in turn exacerbate energy shortagesin Henanprovince over the next decade. Since the transmission line corridor allows flexibilitywith regards to proximityto residentialareas, the advantageof lowered voltage does not justify the negative effect of limitingthe Qinbei Power Plant design size. ES-5 I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I 14435C/1/- I 03/14/95 1.0 INTRODUCTION AINDBACKGROUND This report addresses potentialenvironmental impacts arising from the constructionof the 500 kilovolt (kV) transmissionline associatedwith the Qinbei Power Plant Project. As described in the precedingPart 1, Electric Power of Henan (EPH) has received approval from the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP)for the constructionof a 6x600 megawatt(MW), coal-firedpower plant in WulongkouTownship, Jiyuan City in northwesternHenan province. The EPH is proposingWorld Bank financingfor the first phase of project, which consistsof 2x600 MW units and the subject 500 kV transmissionline. The World Bank is tentativelyproposing an April 1995 appraisaldate for the loan project, and a 1996 constructionstartup. This documentis the second of two parts, and contains the summaryassessments of potential environmentalimpacts arising from the constructionof the 500 kV transmissionline. The report is divided into chapters that present the following: 1. Key backgroundinformation, 2. Descriptionsof the affectedenvironment, 3. Characterizationof potential impactsarising from constructionand operation, 4. Recommendedactions to mitigate environmentalimpacts, and 5. A review of alternativesfor the proposedproject. 1.1 JUSTIFICATION As described in Part 1, Henan province presently has an installedcapacity of 5,492 MW, comprised of 11 thermoelectricplants and one hydroelectricfacility. Economicgrowth anticipatedby the Henan ProvincialEconomic Development Planning Bureau justifies the prediction that electric load will surpass 15,600 MW within one decade, which could result in serious energy shortages in the absenceof an aggressiveexpansion plan. The EPH is part of the Central China Power Grid, which relies principally on a double-circuit 220 kV transmissionsystem. The transmissionof power at 500 kV is now in development,with only two lines currently in service at this voltage. The Qinbei site is not proximateto any existing220 or 500 kV system, and requires the proposedtransmission line for bulk transfer of productionfrom the plant to the Henangrid. l-l 14435C1II/1-2 03/14/95 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE ENVIRONNMENTALASSESSIEN!`T (EA) MIISSION 1.2.1 PRC LEGAL AND REGULATORYFRANIEW'ORK As described in Part 1, China has developedcomprehensive legal frameworkfor environmental protection that dates from the 1989 EnvironmentalProtection Law of the PRC. Environmental ProtectionAgencies (EPAs) exist at the national, provincialand, for cities of sufficient size, municipal levels. The followingPRC regulationscomprise the basis for EPH environmental assessment(EA) of the 500 kV transmissionline: 1. NationalEPA No. GG 003 (86), which providesguidelines for establishingthe scope, contents, submittal and approval of EA reports. 2. NationalEPA No. GG 002, which providestechnical guidelinesfor each phase of project development,including siting, design, requirement for countermeasuresand cost-benefitanalysis, and ongoing monitoring. 3. National EPA No. G 117 (1988), which provides supplementaryguidelines for the managementof environmentalissues arising from constructionprojects. 4. NationalEPA No. GJ 324 (1993), which provides guidelinesspecifically for projects seeking internationalfunding. 1.2.2 WORLD BANK TREATMENTOF ELECTRICTRANSMISSION LINES The World Bank views electric transmissionlines as projects with a wide range of environmental risk, depending on locationand project size. As described in the Sourcebookseries (1990), impacts are principally associatedwith the creation and maintenanceof corridors, constructionof the towers, and risk from electromagneticfields (EMF). Small-capacitylines of short length that do not pass through sensitive areas may not require a comprehensiveEA, though larger capacity, longer lines will. For these reasons, transmissionlines are ranked as a Category B project, meaningthat environmentalassessment may not be required, and that the depth of analysis called for in individualterms of reference can vary accordingto anticipatedimpacts. Given the high voltage, relativelylong length, and proximityto human populations,the World Bank has requested that the 500 kV transmissionline be treated accordingto the OD 4:01 guidelines for environmentalassessment. 1-2 14435Cn/1-3 03/14/95 1.2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BY KBN AND NWEPDI The design of thermal power plants and associatedfacilities in Henan Province is the responsibilityof the Northwest ElectricPower Design Institute (NWEPDI),a public organization that provides technicalassistance services to several additionalprovinces as well. On behalf of EPH, NWEPDI prepared an EA of the 500 kV transmissionline in 1994, which was submittedto the World Bank in Novemberof that year. OngoingWorld Bank concern regarding potentialenvironmental issues related to the Qinbei Power Plant led to the involvementof KBN Engineeringand Applied Sciences,Inc. (KBN)in January of 1995. Through KBN collaborationwith EPH and NWEPDI, World Bank seeks assurance that issues of special concernto the World Bank are addressed in the EA for the Qinbei Plant. KBN has undertakena similar collaborativerole with regards to final EA preparationfor the 500 kV transmissionline. 1.3 PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING AND CHARACTERISTICS The proposed system will have two 500 kV lines in the first phase of the Qinbei Power Plant's development,which consistsof two 600 MW units. The preferred route as described by NWEPDI (1994) extends westwardfrom the Qinbeiplant, parallelingthe Taihang mountainrange to the north for a distance of approximately78 kilometers(km). The line will connect to the proposed Yubei substation, which will be locatedon the southern side of Shiziying,Huojia County, Xinziong City (Photograph8). From the Yubeisubstation, the proposed route continues south to the Yellow River, at which point the line will utilize existingtransmission line towers to cross the river, for an total approximatelength of 46 km. The proposed route then continues south for approximately41 km before connectingto the existingXiaoliu substation(Figure 1-1). The Xioliu sub-station is located approximately10 km southwestof the city of Zhengzhou. The line will be supported by a total of 408 steel towers of the guyed V type, 38 meter (m) total height and 28 m width (Figure 1-2). Accordingto NWEPDI (1994), the support base for each of these towers will occupy approximately80 square meters (m2 ), and the design distance between the attachmentpoints for the guy cables is 37.94 m. The three existingtowers at the Yellow River crossing are 114 m total height, which is above the stated flood height (NWEPDI, 1994b) of 98.03 m for 100 year events (Figure 1-3 and Photograph7). 1-3 p 0 Majoi V.,;. 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FACTOflY~~t.t~-V 0 1 2 3 4~ XI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SaeI ionlr *~USAIO J17 : :: -q ~~ l!iirJ ,Mi"M..r ~ ~ . ~~~~-'~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .~M EP: QIBEZhOWE rl. ~ ' ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ,~~ij'j~~-'s~~./ T PLANTPROJECTso ean hn tVi~~ 4>7 ~. 1995-2AA-O,,e EA or,a 0228-95 24.60 11.50 11.50 I 50 13.00 2.00 6.00 4.00 11.50 8.00 6.00 iA, I I1 F 14.00 14.00 33.00 1 18.97 1 18.97 Note: Dimensions are in meters. Figure1-2 EPH: QINBEI POWER Proposed TransmissionLine Tower PLANT PROJECT Henan, China 1-9 46.0 5-0~~~~~~ 07 04 14.0~~~~ 14-iL ~~~~~~~ f ~~~ote:Dimensions are inmeters. 1-10~~~~ 20.0| 1 e |Transmission Line Towers at the Yellow River Crossing | EPH:- QINBEI POWER | tlenan, China __10 14435C/11/-1l 03114f95 According to NWEPDI (1994) the Yellow River crossing spans a distance of 3,300 m. The concrete base for the three towers is poured to a depth of 75 m, of which the upper 25 m is designatedas the river's scouringdepth. Two substationswill be utilized by the transmissionline. The constructionof the 500 kV Yubei station is planned to accommodatethe proposedtransmission line, and the Xioliu substationat the terminus of the route that is already in service. 1-11 14435C l-f2 I 03r19/95 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRON-NENT 2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Topographyof the proposed route is relativelyflat, rangingfrom 150 to 180 m north of the YellowRiver. The route north of the YellowRiver passes over land that is heavilydeveloped for agriculture, interspersedwith drainagechannels from the Taihang range. The uppermost geologicalstratum along the route is alluvial sedimentsdeposited during the QuaternaryPeriod, overlying a conglomeratelayer of the Tertiary Period. Tertiary conglomeratesare underlainby a series of the OrdovicianPeriod containingMajiagou limestone. The route south of the river traverses a hilly area that is not utilized heavilyfor agriculture, and which ranges in elevation from 120 to 250 m. 2.2 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 2.2.1 EXISTING COMMUNITIES The first leg of the proposed transmissionline traverses a region bound to the north by the Taihang Mountains,and to the south by the YellowRiver, an area that is consideredpart of the Loess Plain of the North China Plain. The Loess Plain in generalhas been continuouslyand densely inhabitedfor millennia,and holds few intact natural communitiesof significance. Present estimatesare that 93 percent of Henan's originalforest cover has been removed, with most remaining fragments located in the Taihang Mountainsand other rugged areas (Mackinnon, 1992). Virtuallyall land south of the Taihang Mountainsin Jiyuan county has been converted from the original dry, temperate, lowlanddeciduous scrub to cropland. No stands of either natural forest fragments or plantation timber were observedalong the transmissionline corridor during the site visit, although the entire route was not surveyed. 2.2.2 WETLANDS As described in Part I, the watercoursesof Henan provinceobserved by the KBN team are channelized,diked and highly modifieddue to millenniaof modificationfor agriculturaland flood 2-1 14435C/121n-2 03/13/95 control purposes. No stream corridor or identifiablewetland communitieswere observed during the field visits, or identifiedby local scientists'. 2.2.3 ENDANGERED SPECIES AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY As detailed in Part 1, Henan Province is home to approximately4,000 species, includingthree Grade I and 16 Grade II endangeredorganisms. The only animal species of the Grade I category whose range includes Henan is the Chinese Leopard (Pantherapardus), which is probably extinct throughoutthe province. The only other speciesstrictly identifiedwith the project area is the rare plant species Taihangiarupestris, which inhabitsrocky mountainprecipices at elevations from 1,000 to 1,300 m. 2.3 SOCIAL. CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONALENVIRONNMENT 2.3.1 PRESENT LAND USE ALONG THE CORRIDOR Land use along the length of the 500 kV corridor is predominantlyagricultural. Most farms average 700 m2 per farm. In additionto the agriculturalnature of the area, industrial land uses are transversed by the corridor. The corridor passesthrough a number of villages with industries such as a cement factory and brick factory. In addition, a water observatory,control stationand irrigation station are in proximityof the corridor. There are a number of villageswithin the proximity of the corridor (see Section 2.3.3, PopulationCenters). These villages are comprised of additional land uses such as residential, commercial,institutional, and service. Recreationalland use is also within the proposed corridor. The Yellow River tourist area located on the banks of the river is transversed by the proposed line, however, the new line will utilize existing tower structures that are currentlyat the tourist area and cross the Yellow River. Traffic on the roads along the portion of the transmissionline route was steady to light. The land identified for the proposed Xiao Lui substationis currentlyused for agriculture production of crops. It is located near the village of Xiao Lui. There are commercialestablishments such as shops, food vendors, and gas stations near the substationsite. Personal Communication. Dr. Yuccui Liu. Professor, Henan AgriculturalUniversity, Director, Eco-EnvironmentalResearch Branch, Henan AgriculturalUniversity. tel. 011-86-371- 394-3365. 2-2 1443SC/1If2-3 03/14195 2.3.2 CULTURAL RESOURCES The major identifiedcultural resource in the vicinityof the transmissionline corridor is associated with the YellowRiver tourist area. The tourist area runs approximately2 km along the south bank of the Yellow River. The tourist area has recreationalactivities such as horsebackriding, swimming,boating, amusementrides, and other associatedrecreational facilities. The tourist area has approximately800,000 to 1 million visitors per year. The tourist area has been in existence since 1971. Additionalmajor cultural resources in the area have not been identified. The associated impacts on cultural resourcesare discussed in Section3.0 and the project will mitigate for any additional cultural resources identifiedduring the constructionof the project. 2.3.3 POPULATIONCENTERS KBN consideredpopulation centers 'crossed" if the 1 millimeter(mm) wide line drawn on the NWEPDI route map touched a labeled, urban center. This would translateto a corridor of 100 m width. The southernportion of the transmissioncorridor is located approximately15 to 17 km south- southwestfrom the urban center of the municipalityof Zhengzhou. The Xioliu substation is located approximately10 km south of the Zhengzhou'surban center. From the substationto the Yellow River crossing, 32 populationcenters are in the proximity of the transmission line corridor, as follows: Wang Jia Gou Xiaotitong Yandui Caowa Beiloutie Liuhu Tong Mei Jei Miao Gou Konghe Zhouxin Village Zhaigou Guo Village Lang Jun Miao Fengshang Miao Wang Xanjia Village Shi Miao Gang Village Xi Cheng Village Dong Cheng Village 2-3 14435C/II2n4 03113!95 Cheng Village Shuiniu Zhang Shezhai Dashign Hei Li Village Xiao Li Village Qian Dong Village Lia Village Zhao Village Hu Village Wang Jia Wan Xiarendian The following 20 villages are included in the transmission line section that is located North of the Yellow River crossing to the Yu Bei substation: Lin Cang Liqidang Lei Village Fan Village Liu Village Xiao Liu Village Yang Village Bao Village Cai Village Xiao Village Song Village Yang Village Wang Liau Miaixiaduan Xinhan Jang Village Gao Miao Xianyanyi Li Village Anxi The proposed route extends from the Yu Bei substation west and terminates at the Qinbei Electric Power Plant, and has 40 villages in the immediate area of the corridor and are listed as follows: Shiziyin Commune Zhonge Commune Forest Farm Dawei Village Xiao Xiaoyin Wangdieng Commune Doughuang Village Xihuang Zhanh yan Lin Beiwei Village Beihuo Village Da Li Village Beiguan Village Shuini Dage Xiaoma Village Feng Village Sujiazuo Commune Sijiazhai Che jia zuo Chenpu Cang Beizhuvin 2 -4 14435C/l- -5 03/13195 Taizi Village XiaoTuen Houshili Cui Village Guangshug Yuhuangmiao Maxiang Liubabyi Village Huangpu Diongxiang Xin Village Xixiang Village Nanzuo Wang Village Xizhi Lir Si Village Renzhai Xibianzhai Each population center or village is somewhat self sufficient with residential, commercial, agriculture, and institutional facilities. A primary school and health clinic is within most villages. The villages are predominantly agriculturally based. 2-5 0 $ I 14435C\JI\3-1 03/ 3195 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION' Transmissionlines are primarily overlandsystems and can be constructedto span or cross wetlands, streams, rivers, and nearshore areas of lakes or other sensitiveareas with minimal adverse environmentalimpact. Electrictransmission lines do have the potential, however, to affect natural and socioculturalresources in both their constructionand operationalphases. The clearing of vegetationfrom transmissionline corridors and the constructionof access roads, tower pads, and substationsare the primary sources of construction-relatedimpacts. Construction of towers and access roads may also require additionalclearing as well as grading. Placementof towers in wetlandsand other aquatic systemsmay require dredging and filling, with consequent degradationof those ecosystems. Operationand maintenanceof lines may involve either chemical or mechanicalcontrol of corridor vegetationin heavilywooded areas. Dependingon their location, transmissionlines can also impacthumans by affectingsocial, economicand cultural life. 3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3.1.1 WATERBODY TRANSMISSIONLINE CROSSINGS Dependingon the location of the transmissionline, activitiessuch as tower pad and access road constructionin and near streams, rivers, and lakes can result in water quality impacts from sedimentationand runoff. In addition, the flood storage function of these systemsmay be altered by changes in surface water drainagepatterns due to the constructionof transmissionline facilities. Based on KBN's examinationof 1:100.000 scale maps, as well as field visits, the Yellow River appears to be the only significantwater body crossed by the proposed 500 kV line. Therefore, no dredging or filling will be required in the river or in any other water body or wetland. The transmissionline is sited in a region that has a semi-aridmid-latitude climate, and receives from 600 mm of rain per year. Figures from 1990 indicatethat China as a country irrigates 47,837 million hectares of land a year. Therefore, in this region, agriculturallands are sustained 3-1 14.35C\11'.3-2 031 14t95 by irrigation, and it is a given that channelized manmade water features will transverse the proposed corridor. There also appears to be both natural and manmade tributaries and drainage features flowing south from the Taihang MountainRange that cross over the corridor, although the precise location and names of these channels, or any water features other than the Yellow River, cannot be readily determinedfrom the existingmaps. 3.1.2 WASTE DISCHARGE FROM SUBSTATIONS In normal operation, substationsdo not produce waste streams. The NWEPDIhas identifiedno waste generationother than water associatedwith accidentalspills during changes of transformer oil. The documentfurther states that a runoff system will be designedfor collection and treatment of oily water from these spills, prior to discharge. It should be noted that transformersthat containoils with polychlorinatedbiphenyl (PCB) compoundswill not be used. 3.2 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 3.2.1 VEGETATION REMOVAL AND LOSS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT Clearing of corridors and the constructionof access roads may resultin the loss of vegetation and wildlife habitat along the corridor. Transmissionlines may further result in habitat fragmentation of natural areas such as wildiandsand parks by dividingintact areas into smaller units. These impacts can be significantfor transmissionlines cuttingthrough otherwiseundisturbed natural areas. In natural areas, the creation of corridors can lead to invasionby exotic plants, which may outcompete native vegetation. However, powerline corridors that pass through natural areas, when properly managed, can be beneficialto wildlife. Cleared areas can provide feeding and nesting sites for birds and mammals. Because of the contact betweenthese cleared line corridors and existing vegetation it can increase habitat diversity. Powerlinesand structures can serve as nesting sites and perches for many birds, especially raptors. 3-2 14435C\11\3-3 03/13t95 In the case of the Qinbei500 kV transmissionline. it would appear that the proposed corridor crosses rural agriculturallands and villages where minimalnative undisturbedvegetative communitiesexists. Where natural vegetativecommunities remain undisturbed, such as, areas with steep slopes in the vicinityof the QinbeiElectric Power Plant and the southernbank of the Yellow River, if mitigationis required, appropriatemeasures will be taken. The second transmissionline option, which transversesportions of the Taihang MountainRange, would risk causingimpacts a greater amount of undisturbednatural vegetative communities, since agriculturalactivities on steeper slopes is somewhatlimited and most natural forest fragmentsthat remain in Henan are found in these areas. Therefore, the first proposed transmissioncorridor route would appear to have less impactsto vegetation. 3.2.2 IMPACTS TO WETLANDS As described in Section 2.2.2, no wetlandswere observedduring the KBN field visit, or identifiedby Chinese scientistsalong the transmissionline route. The only significantcrossing of a water body occurs at the YellowRiver. Howeverthe new 500 kV line will utilize existing towers for this crossing, such that no incrementalimpacts will result in the vicinity of the Yellow River. 3.2.3 IMPACTS TO BIODIVERSITY, WILDLIFE AND ENDANGEREDSPECIES Collisions of birds, especiallywading birds and waterfowl, can occur with transmissionlines. This is especiallysignificant for transmissionlines crossing wetlandand water bodies used by birds or along known migratoryroutes. It is not known if the Yellow River constitutesa major flyway for any migratorywildfowl. ln any event, the structure for the major water body crossing at the YellowRiver already exists, and additional impactsto birds will be incrementaland of small magnitude. Transmissionline impacts to wildlife would be greater in areas where vegetativecommunities have been undisturbed,for example, in the foothillsof the mountains,and the steeper slopes along the bank of the YellowRiver. The areas that are predominantlyagricultural and occupied by villages, additional impactsto biodiversity,wildlife and endangeredspecies would not be anticipated. 3-3 14435C\UI%34 03/14/95 3.3 HUMAN HEALTH. SOCIAL, ANrDCULTURAL INMPACTS 3.3.1 PROXIMITY TO SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, ANTDRESIDENTIAL AREAS Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) Electric power transmissionlines create EMFs. Typical EMFs at I m above the ground under a 500 kV transmissionline are 7.0 kilovolts/meter(kV/m) electrical field and 86.7 milligause(mG) mean magnetic field. The strengthsof both electric and magnetic fields decrease significantly with increasingdistance (e.g., 2 m) from the transmissionlines. Studies conductedin the U.S. have shown that at 20 m, the electrical field of 500 kV transmissionlines decreases to 3.0 kV/m and the mean magneticfield drops to 29.4 mG. At 30 m, the electrical field is 1.0 kVlm and the magnetic field is 12.6 mG. At 91 m, the electrical field is 0.1 kV/m and the magneticfield is 1.4 mG. In the United States, six states have set electricalfield standards (Table 3-1). Two of these states have set magneticstandards (New York and Florida). These magneticfield standards are basically the maximumfields that existing lines in those states produced under maximumload- carrying conditionsand have been set to ensure that future powerlinesdo not exceed current EMF levels. The 500 kV transmissionlines associatedwith the Qinbeipower plant have been sited to avoid villages as much as possible. Accordingto the proposed transmissionline design regulation, the high-voltageslines or conductorswill be 12 m above the ground and no residents will be within 20 m of either side of the line. The predicted EMF conditionsunder the line are 5 kV/m for electrical fields. At 30 m, the predictedEMF conditionsunder the line are 3 kV/m for electrical fields. Informationwas not availablefor magnetic fields. Potential human health effects (e.g., cancer)have been attributedto high voltage transmission lines (230 kV or greater), however, considerabledebate exists concerningthe significanceof these reported health effects. The followingis a discussionof the importanthuman health issues and key studies as summarizedby the U.S. NationalInstitute of EnvironmentalHealth Sciences (NIEHS) and US Departmentof Energy (DOE) (1995). To date, 14 studies have analyzeda possible associationbetween proximityto powerlines and various types of childhoodcanceT. Of these, eight have reported positive associationsbetween proximity to powerlines and some form(s) of cancer. Four of the 14 studies showed a statistically significant associationwith leukemia (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). 3-4 14435C/Il 03111/95 Table 3-1. Transmission Line EMF Standards and Guidelines in the United States Electric Field Magnetic Field State On ROW Edge of ROW On ROW Edge of ROW Florida 8 kV/tm' 2 kV/m - 150 mG2 (max. load) 10 kV/mb 200 mGb (max. load) 250 mGc (max. load) Minnesota 8 kV/m - - - Montana 7 kV/md I kV/m - New Jersey - 3 kV/ml New York 11.8 kV/m 1.6 kV/M - 200 mG (max. load) I I kV/m' 7 kV/ml Oregon 9 kV/m Note: ROW = right-of-way. 'For lines of 69 to 230 kV. b For 500-kV lines. For 500-kV lines on certain existing ROW G Maximum for highway crossings. Maximum for private road crossings. Source: U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and U.S. Department of Energy, 1995. 3-5 14435C\JI\3-6 03113195 The first study to report an association between powerlines and cancer was conducted in 1979 in Denver by Wertheimer and Leeper. They found that children who had died from cancer were two to three times more likely to have lived within 40 m (131 ft) of a high-current powerline than were the other children studied. Exposure to magnetic fields was identified as a possible factor in this finding. Magnetic fields were not measured in the homes. Instead, the researchers devised a substitute method to estimate the magnetic fields produced by the powerlines. The estimate was based on the size and number of powerline wires and the distance between the powerlines and the home (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). A second Denver study in 1988, and a 1991 study in Los Angeles, also found significant associations between living near high-current powerlines and childhood cancer incidence. The L.A. study found an association with leukemia but did not look at all cancers. The 1988 Denver study found an associationwith all cancer incidence. When leukemiawas analyzed separately, the risk was elevated but not statisticallysignificant. In neither of these two studies were the associations found to be statistically significant when magnetic fields were measured in the home and used in the analysis. Studies in Sweden (1992) and Mexico (1993) have found increased leukemia incidencefor children living near transmissionlines. A 1993 Danish study, like the 1988 Denver study, found an associationfor incidenceof all childhoodcancers but not specificallyleukemia. A Finnish study found an associationwith central nervous system tumors in boys. Eight studies have examinedrisk of cancer for adults living near powerlines. Of these, two found significantassociations with cancer (NIEHSAND DOE. 1995). Although often characterizedthis way, these diverse studies cannot simply be "added up" to determine weight of evidence or to reach a conclusionabout health effects because many types of studies are included in these lists. Also, many studies that reported no statisticallysignificant elevations in risk did not report elevated risks (above 1.00). The risks in some cases may not be reported as "significant"because of small sample sizes. For studies included as significant, some found only one or a few significantrisks out of several that had been calculated. When many risks are calculated, some can be "significant"due to chance. It is worth noting that studies which report positive associationstend to receive more publicity than to studies which find no association (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). 3-.: 14435C\II\3-7 03/13t95 In late 1992, researchers in Swedenreported resultsof a studyof cancer in people living near high-voltagetransmission lines. The Swedishstudy generated a great deal of interest among scientists,the public, and the news media. Relativerisk for leukemiaincreased in Swedish children who lived within 50 m (164 ft) of a transmissionline. The risk was found also to increase progressivelyas the calculatedaverage annual 50-Hz magneticfieids increased in strength. However, the risk calculationswere based on very small numbersof cases (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). The Swedishresearchers concludedthat their studyprovides additionalevidence for a possible link between magneticfields and childhoodleukemia. However, scientistshave expressed differing opinionsabout this study. Somescientists believe the study is importantbecause it is based on magneticfield levels presumedto have existed around the time the cancers were diagnosed. Others are skepticalbecause of the small numbers of cancer cases and becauseno cancer associationwas seen with present-daymagnetic field levels measured in the home (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). There are about 70 new cases of childhoodleukemia per year in Sweden. The NationalElectrical Safety Board of Sweden estimatesthat if, as this study suggests, living near overhead transmission lines increasesa child's risk of developingleukemia, then approximatelytwo childrenper year in Sweden would develop leukemiaas result of livingnear such powerlines(NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). Informationon adult cancer incidencewas also collectedand analyzedin the Swedishstudy. Researchers reported in 1994 that adults with the highest cumulativeexposure (over 15 years) to powerline EMFs were twice as likely to developacute or chronic myeloid leukemiaas were less exposed adults. Althoughthe total numberof cases was small, which made the results of borderline statisticalsignificance, the study providessome evidencefor an associationbetween exposure to magneticfields from powerlinesand acute and chronic myeloidleukemia in adults (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). Concerns have been raised about seeminglyhigh numbersof cancers in some neighborhoodsand schools close to electric power facilities. In recent years, three U.S. state health departments have studied apparent cancer clusters near electric power facilities. A Connecticutstudy involved 3-7 14435C\I1\3.8 04114195 five cases of brain and central nervoussvstem cancers in people living near an electrical substation. The local rates for these types of cancer were found to be no different from statewide rates. Examinationof cancer rates at various distancesfrom the substation also failed to show evidence of clustering. In North Carolina,several cases of brain cancer were identified in part of a county that includedan electric power generatingplant. An investigationshowed that brain cancer rates in the county, however, were actually lower than statewiderates. Among staff at an elementaryschool near transmissionlines in California, 13 cancers of various types were identified. Althoughthis was twice the expectedrate, the state investigatorsconcluded that the cancers could have occurred by chancealone (NIEHS AND DOE, 1995). Finally, several studies have reported increasedcancer risks for jobs involvingwork around electrical equipment. To date, it is not clear whether these risks are caused by EMFs or by other factors. A report publishedin 1982 by Dr. Samuel Milhamwas one of the first to suggest that electrical workers have a higher risk of leukemia than do workers in other occupations. The Milham study was based on death certificatesfrom Washingtonstate and includedworkers in 10 occupationsassumed to have elevated exposureto EMFs. A subsequentstudy by Milham, published in 1990, reported elevated levels of leukemia and lymphomaamong workers in aluminumsmelters, which use very large amountsof electrical power (NIEHSAND DOE, 1995). About 50 studies have now reported statisticallysignificant increased risks for several types of cancer in occupationalgroups presumedto have elevated exposureto EMFs. Relative risk levels in these studies are mostly less than 2, and the possibleinfluence of other factors such as chemicalshas not been ruled out. At least 30 other studies did not find any significant cancer risks in electrical workers. Most of the earlier occupationalstudies did not includeactual measurementsof EMF exposureon the job. Instead, they used "electrical"job titles as indicators of assumed elevated exposure to EMFs. Recent studies, however, includedextensive EMF exposure assessments. In summary, there is no strong evidencepresented to date that EMF from electrical transmission lines causes significantadverse human health effects. However, research is continuingand it cannot be unequivocallyconcluded that no risk occurs. Becauseof the significanceof the problem, reasonable caution in siting transmissionslines should be taken to avoid construction over homes, schools, and hospitals (see Section 5.0). 3-8 14435C\110-9 03/14/95 Noise Noise can emanate from transmissionlines and from associatedsubstations. Dependingon the loudness and proximityto urban centers and/or residentialareas, loudness of the noise can effectivelydisrupt communicationsand people living in the immediatevicinity of the line and/or substation. Natural conditionscan at times enhancethe noise caused from the lines. This is discussed in the followingparagraphs. Audiblenoise of high voltage lines is mainly producedby corona effect and will appear under seriously contaminatedair and bad weather conditionssuch as high relative humidity, or heavy wind and rain. In additionto natural weather conditions,large amounts of dust particles on the line can create audiblenoise. Substationnoise sources are the result of equipmentoperation and circulatingcooling water. Equipmentin the substationthat createsaudible noise is circulatingwater pump, cooling air fans, main transformer cooling fans, and main transformer oil circulation. Noise originatesfrom transmissionlines due to corona effect, and from substationsdue to cooling pump operation. NWEPDIstates that transmissionline noise will not surpass 60 dBA at a distance of 15 m out from a ground point directly beneaththe conductingline: Likewise, substationnoise are predicted not to exceed52 dBA at the perimeter fence under worst case conditions. Both noise levels are within World Bank criteria of 70 dBA. 3.3.2 TRANSPORTATION CROSSINGS Typically transmissionlines do not interfere with roads and highways. However proper design and placementof towers and lines must be consideredso as not to interfere with highways and road safety design. Line crossingswill be designedso that at the point of maximumline slack will not interfere with vehicle clearancelevels nor with intersectionsight triangle. Basedon the 1:100,000scale map, it appears that the transmissionline transverses approximately 20 major road corridors. In additionto crossing roadways,the transmission line crosses two railroads. During constructionand operationphases, proper transmissiondesign will be used to 3-9 14435C\1Th3-10 03114195 prevent impacts to roads and railroads. The timing of construction due to the possible obstruction of major road corridors will be addressed. 3.3.3 PROXIMITY TO AIRPORTS A major land use constraint for siting transmission lines is their proximity to airports. Towers and transmission lines can disrupt aircraft flight paths in or near airports and intersect the flight paths of low-flyingairplanes used in agriculture. There appears to be two airports in the vicinity of the transmissionline. The first airport is located in the northeast portion of Zhengzhou. At the closet point to the transmissionline corridor, the airport appears to be approximately13 km from the line. Therefore, the transmissionline shouldnot impact the aircraft flight patterns at this airport. The second airport is the Jiyuan airport located about 14 km southwestof the Qinbei Electric Power Plant, again far from any low-altitudeglide slope used by aircraft on approachto this facility. No aviation-related impacts are anticipatedas a result of the Qinbei 500 kV transmissionline. 3.3.4 EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE The siting of transmissionlines does not have significantimpacts to most agricultural uses. The most direct impacts to agriculturalareas are limitedto placementsof towers, pads and substations. Agriculturalactivities, such as row crops and grazing can continueto occur within the transmission corridors. However, small subsistenceagricultural plots may be adversely affected by the placementof a tower and pad. Small plots will be avoided and/or mitigated via indemnificationpaid to land owners. 3.3.5 IMPACTS TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES In areas of the Yellow River Valley where human occupationhas existed for thousands of years, the potential for the existence of archaeologicaland culturaj resources is great. Constructionof the line and substation and the foundationsof towers may impact these resources, and the placementof towers, pads and substationson knownarchaeological, historical sites should be avoided. Religiousand culturally significantsites should be avoided and spanned where possible. All cultural and religious sites will be identifiedand avoided prior to any constructionactivities. In the event that archaeologicalfinds are made during construction,work will be halted immediatelyand the Jiyuan County (Cultural ResourcesBureau) will be contacted. 3-10 14435CUIJ\3-11 03114195 3.3.6 AESTHETIC IMPACTS Dependingupon the location, transmissionlines can obstruct and/or distractfrom aesthetic viewshedssuch as scenic vistas and cultural sites. 3.3.7 IMPACTS FROM IMPORTED LABOR During constructionespecially, project workers and job seekers may move into the area, temporarilyor permanently. Constructioncamps may be developedin or near existingvillages placing burdens on village resources(i.e., food, water, utilities). Constructioncamps that are erected in remote areas may have insufficientor poorly maintainedsanitary facilitiesor sanitary waste may be dischargeduntreated into the region's water bodies. 3-11 I 14435C%II\4-1I 03/14f95 4.0 ANALYSISOF ALTERNATIVES 4.1 NO ACTION No bulk power transfer system exists near the QinbeiPower Plant site. Not constructingthe proposed500 kV transmissionline would force reconsiderationof the power plant site to a position nearer the existingHenan Power Grid transmissionlines, which is generally nearer to populationcenters and existingpollution sources, and further from the coal field transportation routes. The "no-action"alternative would worsen the electrical shortage by causing delays in power plant construction,and possiblyworsen pollutionimpacts by aggregatingthe new pollution with existingsources in areas of greater populationdensity. 4.2 ALTERNATIVETRANSMISSION LINE ROUTES Changingthe terminus of the proposedrouting is not an option, since the line must arrive at the Xioliu substationsouthwest of Zhengzhouin order to connectwith the Henan Power Grid. The route from the proposed Yubei substationalso has limitedsiting alternatives,since the line must arrive at the existingYellow River crossing point. An alternativeTouting has been proposed for the initial leg of the transmissionline, which connectsthe proposed Yubei substationwith the power plant (Figure 1-1). The alternateroute has 32 villagesalong the transmissionroute that begins at the Yu Bei substationand transversesa portion of the TaihangShan MountainRange and terminates at the Qinbei Electric Power Plant. The followinglist identifiesthe villages: Kai you Huang Yunyang Guanyanmiao Fangshan Xizhangmuo Xie Village Fangou Bei Liampu Liu dui yu Yangjuan Zhouyao DongzhangVillage Shi bei yei Ximaocha Dong jiaokou Chuanzhang Village Hou wang gou Shangma Village Majei Village Xi Luo Village Yi Village Maozhai 4-1 14435C\11\4-: 04114195 Liangma DongpanqiaoZhongshuiqiao Changqiao Dougshuizhai Guansi Fumachang Sun Village ShiziyinCommune Brick Factory Shiziyin Huang domg ti As mentioned in Section 2.3.3, there are 92 populationcenters that are apparently within 100 m of the proposed route, while the alternativeroute has only 84 villages within the same distance of the route. The alternate route does not traverse agriculturalareas, as does the proposed routing. Though the impactsto agricultureand EMF-relatedhealth risks appear to be less with the alternate route, this corridor traverses 45 km of mountainousterrain, where constructioncosts would be an estimated800,000 RMB per km higher than on the proposed route. Of greater significance,the Taihang mountainshold the last fragments of representativeHenan ecosystems, includingthree Category C protected areas. The BaisonglingProtected area is diagonally traversed by the alternative route, which then continuesthrough similar fragile terrain for an additional 30 to 35 km. Constructionimpacts, and the long-termresults of buildingroads that allow greater public access, present a significantrisk to.the continuedsurvival of natural ecosystemsin the northeasternTaihang MountainRange. 4.3 ALTERNATIVE VOLTAGES Alternative, lower voltages would lessen exposureto EMF and the associatedhealth risks. However, a 220 kV line would not be able to transfer power from the Qinbei Power Plant in the quantities that will be produced at the full, 6x600 MW size. This would obligate the construction of another transmissionline before Phase III of Qinbei is complete, which would carry a proportionaterisk for environmentalimpact. Alternatively,.Qinbei could be limited to its Phase I size of 2x600 MW, which would contributeto serious power shortages in Henan province within the next 10 years. 4-2 14435C\11\5- 1 03/14195 5.0 MIITIGATION PLAN A mitigationplan will be developedin order to summarizethe measuresthat will be taken to either monitoror ameliorateknown or potential impacts. 5.1 REOUTRED MITIGATIONS 5.1.1 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING THROUGH POPULATION CENTERS When siting a line through populationcenters, mitigationmeasures need to be considered. The proposed transmissionline corridor appearsto be routed in the vicinity of 92 villages or populationcenters, when a 100 m corridor is consideredrepresented on the 1:100,000scale routing map. The secondtransmission line option, which extends north through the Taihang MountainRange, is routed through 84 villages. The corridor shouldbe sited to completelyavoid the villageswhere possible. If avoidingthe entire villageis not possible,the line should avoid areas where the highest densityresidential developments,schools and clinics exist. Activities directly under the transmissionline corridor should be limitedto agriculturaland transportation, such that residentialand institutionaluses are avoided. Alternativetower design and placement shouldbe implementedto reduce corridor width requirementsand minimizeimpacts to the populationcenters. Adjustingthe length of the span or height could result in avoiding site- specific tower pad impacts. If villages are adversely affected by constructionor proximity,compensation, housing adjustment, and land adjustmentswill be undertaken. If resettlementis needed, a resettlementplan will be developedand implementedin accordancewith World Bank standards. 5.1.2 TRANSPORTATIONCROSSINGS As judged from the routing map, the transmissionline transverses20 major road corridors. In addition to crossing roadways, the transmissionline also crosses two railroads. Smaller roads were not visibleon the map. During constructionand operation phases, proper transmissiondesign must be used to prevent safety hazard impactsto roads and railroads. The timing of constructiondue to the possible obstruction of major road corridors will be identifiedand constructionscheduled during non-peak hours. 5-1 14435CUI\S-2 03/14/95 5.1.3 OCCUPATIONAL AND AGRICULTURAL LAN'DS The siting of a transmissionlines does not cause significantimpacts to most agricultural practices. However, land adjustmentsand compensationshould be given to the landownerswhere towers, pads and substationsdisrupt the use of the agricultural lands. Agriculturalactivities, such as row crops and grazing, can continueto occur within the corridor. 5.1.4 AESTHETIC IMPACTS Aesthetic impactswill be consideredwhen siting a transmissionline. ROW should be selected in order to avoid viewsheds. If that is not possible, mitigationmeasures like constructingvisual buffers and painting towers to camouflagecan be implemented. Aestheticimpacts at the Yellow River Tourist Area are not expectedto occur becausethe transmissionline will utilize existing towers. 5.1.5 WATER CROSSINGS As described in Section 3.1. 1, the need to cross significant water bodies cannot be determined from the 1:100,000routing map, althoughthe existenceof such crossings is unlikely. In the event that rivers or streams will be intersectedby the transmissionline path, the line will most likely span these features and avoid constructionof tower footings within the drainage channel. The Yellow River crossing is not anticipatedto have negative impactsbecause the line is utilizing existing transmissiontowers. 5.2 MONITORING The monitoring requirementsfor transmissionlines will be dependenton the type of environmentalresources involved and the degree to which they are affected. Monitoring constructionactivities will be conductedto assure that negative land use and/or ecological impacts are avoided and proper mitigationmeasures are employed. Monitoringof these impactswill be short-term (e.g., weeks) and occur along the line as it is constructed. Monitoringwill be conducted at crossings of major water bodies or wetlands, near wildlandsand cultural properties. The actual monitoringwill be based on visual inspectionsof the materials being used, the constructionpractices, and mitigationmeasures. Monitoringof ROW maintenanceactivities will also be undertakento assure proper vegetationcontrol methods, to prevent invasion of exotic species, and to support decisions which take advantageof possible benefits to wildlife. 5-2 14435C\I1\5-3 03/14195 5.3 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Several occupational health and safety and industrial hazard considerations are associated with transmission lines. Placement of low-slung lines or lines near human activity (e.g., highways, buildings) increases the risk for electrocutions. 5-3 i i 14435CIPREF 03/14195 REFERENCES (Page I of 2) AmericanNational Standard Institute(ANSI). 1978. AmericanNational Standard Methodfor the Calculationof the Absorptionof Sound by the Atmosphere. ANSI S1.26-1978. Committeeof Patriotic Health Campaignof China. 1989 HydrogeologicalAtlas of China. China CartographicPublishing House, Bejing,PRC. Darley, E.F. 1966. Studies on the Effect of Cement-KilnDust on Vegetation. Journal of Air PollutionControl Association,16:145-150. Electric Power of Henan (EPH). 1995. Letter from Xu Xinglong, EPH to M. Hardin, re: Questionsof EIA in your letter. Henan, PRC. Federal-ProvincialAdvisory Committee on Air Quality. 1987. Reviewof NationalAmbient Air Quality Objectivesfor SulphurDioxide (Desirableand AcceptableLevels). Hart, R., P.G. Webb, R.H. Biggs, and K.M. Portier. 1988. The Use of Lichen Fumigation Studiesto Evaluate the Effects of New EmissionSources on Class I Areas. J. Air Poll. Cont. Assoc. 38:144-147. Krause, G.H.M. and Kaiser, H. 1977. Plant Responseto Heavy Metal and Sulfur Dioxide. EnvironmentalPollution, 12:63-71. Liu-Kuo, F. 1992. China Plant Red Data Book: Rare and EndangeredSpecies. SciencePress, Beijing/NY. MacKinnon,J. 1992. A Reviewof Biodiversityand ConservationStatus of China. WWF Gland/HongKong. (Draft). New York State Departmentof Public Service (NYDPS). 1986. NOISECALC Computer Program. Albany, NY. NWEPDI. 1994b. QinbeiPower Plant Project Associated500 kV TransmissionLine Project EnvironmentalImpact Statements. 20 pp. Scott, Derek. 1989. A Directory of Asian Wetlands. WWFIIUCN/ICBP. Gland, Switzerland. Thompson, C.R., Hensel, E.G., Kats, G., and Taylor, O.C. 1970. Effects of Continuous Exposure of Naval Oranges to NitrogenDioxide. AtmosphericErosion, 4:349-355. Turner, D.B. 1964. A Diffusion Model for an Urban Area. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 3:83-91. U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA). 1974. Informationon Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. Office of Noise Abatementand Control, Arlington,VA. U.S. EnvironrmentalProtection Agency (EPA). 1976. DiagnosingVegetation Injury Caused by Air Pollution. Developedfor EPA by AppliedScience Associates, Inc., EPA Contract No. 68-02-1344. REF-I 14435C/REF 03114/95 REFERENCES (Page 2 of 2) U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA). 1982a. Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter and Sulfur Oxides. WashingtonDC. U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA). 1982b. Review of the National Ambient Air QualityStandards for Sulfur Oxides: Assessmentof Scientificand Technical Information. Office of Air QualityPlanning and Standards,Research Triangle Park, NC. EPA-450/5-82-007. U.S. NationalInstitute of EnviromnentalHealth Sciencesand U.S. Departmentof Energy (NIEHSand DOE). 1995. Woltz, S.S. and T.K. Howe. 1981. Effects of Coal Burning Emissionson Florida Agriculture. In: The Impact of Increased Coal Use in Florida. InterdisciplinaryCenter for Aeronomy and (other) AtmosphericSciences. Universityof Florida, Gainesville,Florida. World Bank. 1990. The EnvironmentalAssessment Sourcebook. Washington,DC. World Health Organization(WHO). 1987. Air Quality Guidelinesfor Europe-.'WHO Regional Publications,European Series No. 23. Copenhagen. Yong, C., K. Tsoi, C. Beibe, G. Zhenhuan, Z. Qijia, and C. Zhangli. 1988. The Great Tangshan Earthquakeof 1976-An Anatomyof Disaster. State SeismologicalBureau, People's Republicof China. PergamonPress. REF-2 -J~~~~~~~~~~~~~- -M X-- L~~~~~- - 9- g = _L 5|- - -- _ e~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5 u-w~~~~- . -i~- i .- ---- . kB ~ =-5-5 =- t I t I APPENDIX A CONTACTS AND INTERVIEWS II CONTACTS ANTDINTERVIEWS DURING THE KBN FIELD MISSION I~~~~~~~~~~ 14435C/LOC 03/13195 LIST OF CONTACTS (Page I OF 2) Electric Power of Henan Wu Hua Bin AssistantGeneral Manager Yang Kai Di EngineeringDirector, SeniorEngineer Wang Zhen Duo ReceptionChief Li Jugen Director, President, SeniorEngineer Xu Jun Accountant Wang Xin Kuan Division Chief, Senior Engineer Zhao Li Foreign Affairs Office, Project Coordinator Ma Li Liang General Engineer, SeniorEngineer Jia Xi Economist Wang Lian Xi Prepare DepartmentDirector, Senior Engineer Xu Xinglong Vice Chief, Engineer Sun Zhikuan Engineer Mi Zhen Zhong Vice-Director,Senior Engineer Northwest Electric Power Design Institute Zheng Dingrong ProfessoriateSenior Engineer Deng Qigui Former Deputy Director, ProfessoriateSenior Engineer Ruan Shaoming DepartmentDirector, Senior Engineer Zhou Shengfa Project Engineer, Senior Engineer (Professorship) Xu Shujiao DeputyDirector, ProfessoriateSenior Engineer Zhang Xingwu Project Engineer Ou Yangfang Senior Engineer Lang Yemao Senior Engineer, Hydrologist 1443SCILOC 03/14t95 LIST OF CONTACTS (Page 2 OF 2) Jivuan City Government Geng Jian Guo Mayor Gao Wen Huan Secretary of Jiyuan Municipal Party Committee Nongovernmental Or2anizations Daniel A. Viederman World Wide Fund For Nature China Programme Director Dr. Yucui Liu Henan Agriculture University Professor, Director of Eco-environmental, Research Branch Henan Ecology Institute President Henan Environmental Science Institute Vice President Chinese Ecology Association Board Member Forest Ecology Association, Forestry Society of China Board Member Agro-Ecology Speciality Council, Chinese Ecology Association Member Lian Yu Yellow River Water Resources Protection Institute of MWR and NEPA Vice-Director, Senior Engineer CONTACTS AND INTERVIEWS DURING NWEPDI EA PREPARATION MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING A 1443SC/APPA 03113 95 APPENDIX A IEETING IINUTES ON PUBLIC HEARING Date: March 8, 1993 Place: WulongkouTownship, Jiyuan City, governmentmeeting room Meeting Chairman: Tian Guoqiang(Head of WulongkouTownship) Recorder: Ougang Fang Participants: Xu LinPao, Power Plant PreparatoryDepartment, (Vice DepartmentHead) Yang Kaidi (Group leader) Jia Xugao, Jiyuan City EPA (Director) Wang Jnxiu (Group leader) Ruan Shaoming,Lang Yemao, Ouyang Fang, Ma Jijun (NWEPDI) Local people: 20 persons; see attached table. Meeting Minutes Jian Guoguing: Introducedthe main contents of the meeting: As the Qinbei Power Plant will start constructionsoon, the NWEPDIand the Power Plant PreparatoryDepartment will present the aspects of design and constructionof the power plant to solicit commentsfrom the public. Mr. Xu Linpao: On behalf of the Power Plant PreparatoryDepartment, he presents the preparatory work of the project, such as the locationof plant site and the developingsituation of the project. The State Planning Commissionhad approvedthe constructionof the first stage of the project proposal in December 1992, and the governmentsof various levels have concerned themselveswith the constructionof the project. At the same time, the support of the local people is of great importance. Ruan Shaoming: On behalf of NWEPDI, he presents a brief descriptionof the power plant, main technologyprocess, the air, water, ash, slag, and noise emissionsof the power plant during operation and their environmentalimpacts, and the mitigationmeasures for these impacts. Accordingto the relevant PRC environmentalquality standards, the EA results demonstratethat the emission and discharge of pollutantsfrom the power plant after treatment can meet the standard requirements. 1 14435C/APPA 03! 14t95 Mr. He Delai: The constructionof Qinbei Power Plant will improvethe local economic development. We will actively support the constructionof the power plant. Mr He Zongdong: We are very pleased to hear that the power plant will start constructionsoon. I will firmly educate my studentsand let them spread propagandaamong masses about the importanceand benefits of the constructionof the power plant to our generationand our later generations. Mr He Zong Lian: The constructionof Qinbei Power Plant will expedite developmentof the economy, increasethe incomeof farmers, and improvethe living standard of people. Mr Men Fanlun: The constructionof the Qinbei Power Plant will benefitthe country and the people. We expect it will be constructedas soon as possible and to make contributionas'early as possible. Mr. Guo Weifeng: Electric power is very importantfor the developmentof industrialand agriculture production. It is expectedthat the power plant will start constructionas early as possible Ms. Wang Junxiu: The plant site is located in a rural area with low environmentalbackground and provides a good conditionfor constructinga large power plant. It's expected that the environmentalmitigation devices shall be constructedand put into commissionwith the power plant main equipmentsimultaneously. Mr. Jia Xuguo: The constructionof Qinbei Power Plant is a large job of the Jiyuan City. I have visited a large power plant. There are advancedmitigation devices, which will have no adverse impact on the environment. We hope that the environmentalmanagement work shall be enhanced after the power plant is put into operation. Others: They all express their support to the constructionof the power plant unanimously. 14435C/APPA 03/13195 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS PUBLIC IEETING FORUM ON COiNSTRUCTION OF QINBEI POWER PLANT Name / Age / Occupation Gao Chuanzhi, 55, Chairpersonof Jiyuan MunicipalCPPCC Tian Guoqiang,30, TownshipLeader He Delai, 44, VillageLeader He Zongdong, 36, Teacher Guo Quankuan,32, Farmer Zhao Hefu, 56, Worker Guo Touqun, 45, Farmer Guo Xingzhen,52, Farmer Guo Minsheng, 36, Worker Guo Zonglian, 61, Farmer Meng Fanlun, 44, Cadre Guo Weifeng, 44, Farmer Guo Xingtu, 52, Farmer Guo Jinxiang, 30, Farmer Hou Lifu, 65, Farmer He Zongfang, 55, Farmer He Weiping, 33, Worker He Xiaoding,42, Cadre He Zongxuan, 72, Farmer He Toutou, 40, Farmer I APPENDIX B TRANSLATED PERMITS I 14435C/DOCS 03/13195 HENAN PROVINCIAL ENVIRONTMENTALPROTECTION CERTIFICATION REGARDING AIR AND WATER STANDARDS Document Issued by Henan Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau No. Yu Huan Jian (1992) 110 Commentson EnvironmentalProtection Standard to be Implementedin the Qinbei Power Plant EIA State Environmental Protection Bureau: Based on the opinions solicited from the Jiaozhou Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, the environmentalprotection standards to be implementedin the Qinbei Power Plant Project are as follows: 1. For ambient air qualityassessment, both the Class II standard specifiedin the Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB 3095-82)and MaximumAllowed Concentrations of Pollutantsfor Crop Protectionare to be implemented. 2. For surface water environmentalquality assessment, the Class III standard of EnvirommentalQuality Standardfor Surface Water (GB 3838-88) is to be implemented. 3. For undergroundwater quality assessment,Sanitary Standardfor Drinking Water (GB 5749-85) is to be implemented. 4. For environmentalnoise assessment,the mixed area Category II standard specifiedin Noise Standard in Urban Area Environment(GB 3996-82) is to be implemented. The pollutantsemission standardsare as follows: 1. For wastewaterdischarge, the class I standard for newly built, retrofit and extension projects specified in IntegratedWastewater Discharge Standard (GB 8978-88) is to be implemented. 2. For atmosphericpollutant emission assessment,Atmospheric Pollutants Emission Standard for Coal-Fired Power Plant (GB 13223-91)is to be implemented. 3. For assessmentof noise in the plant area, CategoryII standard specifiedin Noise Standard Within Boundariesof the Plant and Enterprise is to be implemented. Henan ProvincialEnvironmental Protection Bureau Bureau (seal) December 17, 1992 Send a duplicate copy to: The Safety and EnvironmentalProtection Department of MOE, Central China Electricity Administration,Henan ProvincialPlanning and Economic Commission,Jiaozuo MunicipalEnvironmental Protection Bureau and NorthwestElectric Power Design Institute. I : m - co -SWcn ~t !I0 U,rE I3 *co co C-rLl co .i LO co'co . ,r%I 111 71 1CmmO ct : X .i. -( o '4 mo,It to E, co till'S {ip~~L~ .tv,- coXm:S .|*- 1]~ ~ U S !IOD tO.1% R !§'0 uIr FR Cw~4u COCyL [}|- > $ $ i~~ %44- irX g tlC., II 'iPi Wlb rffi 0 Wt !t t H : ft < @ Ww" W lEi C ~~~~~~~~~~ilCI f1so c fi +W H W@ Li r-r *.UI.14 11g&W - , __nj~~~~~~~~~~~~~f E* K S1: WW ILLE $ $' X W f 11tf W St 1tN un'Z .L.> 4$ 1t M !,6 1~ ~~- K1 dB K I' - , la A 2I1 ...... H 14435CtDOCS 03tl3/95 HENAN PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION BUREAU COMMENTS OlN' THE PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMIEN'T DocumentIssued by Henan ProvincialEnvironmental Protection Bureau No. Yo Huan Jian (1992) 08 A Reply to EnvironmentalProtection Issues in the Qinbei Power StationProject, Phase I Qinbei Power Plant ConstructionPreparatory Organization: We have receivedyour documentNo. Qin Dian Chou (1992) 01 and the proposal of the Qinbei Power Plant Project, Phase I. After consideration,our commentsare as follows: 1. We agree in principle with the proposedplant site. The conclusionof preliminary EPA states: the plant site is locatedat an open terrain on the southern foot of TaihangshanMountain and there is no large- or medium-scaleindustry plant or enterprisearound it. The site has a good conditionfor flue gas dust dispersion. The ash disposalyard and the slag disposalyard can basically meet the requirementsof the plant. In view of the above-mentionedfacts, our bureau approves the constructionof the Qinbei Power Plant, Phase 1. 2. Close attention should be paid to the EIA work. An outline of the EIA shall be prepared by a chartered institutewith first-class certificationof EIA and submittedto the State EnvironmentalProtection Bureau for approval. 3. Ash comprehensiveutilization should be planned and put into effect in synchronism with the project, Phase 1. Henan ProvincialEnvironmental Protection Bureau (seal) January 21, 1992 Submit a duplicateto: State Planning Commission,Ministry of Energy, State Environmental Protection Bureau. Send a duplicate to: Henan ProvincialPlanning and Economic Commission, Henan Provincial Electricity Bureau, Jiaozhuo MunicipalEnvironmental Protection Bureau, Jiyuan Municipal EnvironmentalProtection Bureau. 3~ \ -.-----.--- 'N _._j _ -1- kA1I dI nir.II' C..t1 U - (1''111 1,It A, '11 k L.'.t ! I co . | | I o S1 111[II'o 1 I|I|;r- :12. > X 1X1 L 1lld11E uS4Q * [t}1 }L I4 ,m 1 iXII1H J. 0 ll/ 1 A;LI 11}W ~~l~l UL -Jl j E IDII-. XJ1 T_l 1: lB' 15\~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ L t,~{4H iY,< . I-KL. :1i ,VHUt'S ,s -K li!V 1tlj fl- - * :03liI AN1-fi nr. 411 -Ihi ll IAs C1R I§qla . ER[111iPe-IA S~~I _41 - l 4 APf X$WlE HaS16gIt1 E I( !g te,l13g;X1I W !,1 tt. 'i ffi,>1,1;l, tl!KWXt§-T V L OWt, L R,-(t, ,l q 14435CID)oCS 03/13195 STATE PLANNING COMMIISSION ALUHORIZATION TO CONDUCT THE QINBEI FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT DocumentIssued by the State PlanningCommission Urgent No. Ji Neng Yuan (1992) 2437 Ministry of Energy: We have received your documentNo. Neng Yuan Ji (1992) 621, and hereby give a reply as follows: In order to meet the requirementsof economicdevelopment in the Henan Province and Central China, and to alleviate the power shortage of the Central China Grid, we approve conductinga feasibility studyfor the Qinbei Power Plant. The total planning capacity of the plant is consideredas 3,600 MW and 2x600 MW coal-firedunits are to be installedin Phase I. The power plant shall supply electricityto Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi, four provinces, and connect to the Central China Grid at a voltage of 500 kV. After Phase I of the project is completed,the plant shall have an annual coal consumptionof 3.2 million tons. The coal is arranged for the time being, from local mines in South Shanxi Province and transported through Huoyue Railway. The connectionof the plant siding with the national railway and other transportationissues shall be settled in conjunctionwith the Ministryof Railways in the next stage. Since the Huoyue Railway is the main line through which the coal produced in the Shanxi Province is transportedto South China, to avoid too much occupationof its freight capacity, optimizationshould be considered for alternativesof coal sources and transportationroutes during the feasibilitystudy. The funds for the project Phase I shall be raised from six parties, i.e., State Energy Resource InvestmentCorporation, Henan Province, Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province, and the Central China Electricity Administration. The investmentratio of each party shall be determinedin the next stage. The total investmentof Phase I is 2.9 billion RMB, which is estimated on the price level in 1991, including0.5 billion RMB for its substationproject. Issues about how to strive for foreign funds shall be discussed in the next stage. Please conduct a feasibility study in accordancewith the gist of the documentand submit the report to us, along with a proposal for the 500 kV transmissionand substationproject for the power plant. State PlanningCommission of PRC (seal) December 10, 1992 Keywords: Henan, electricity, project, rely. Send a duplicate to: Ministryof Machineryand Electric Equipment,Ministry of Goods and Materials, People's ConstructionBank of China, State Energy ResourceInvestment Corporation, InternationalEngineering ConsultingFirm of China, Henan ProvincialPlanning Commission, Jiangxi ProvincialPlanning Commission,Hubei ProvincialPlanning Commission, and Shanxi Provincial Planning Commission. 5 S1El1 SlP 'A 1-1 11l51N 1, fh't II ''L ,it' xot},!1',ff 11- I Fcr 1) \'J 0111! 69 i 50ttiillS1t1A} (IIst flli 3ZsII lt- n ,l -,4 -" wltj ,) t: ° 9$ r~~~~~~~~~~l L1 1-l , 5t'- -1,II) ,,: 11>$irl- o1 r,ll h 11;i iS rAII c-v r "I & ,t ;f o F f: 9~~~~In 4 1 L 1 -nF, , - :i: if. TI4) ~11. 91 , t i I A.F ,S,I M1 ni1 i 1 P|1l yj,ii 10''~ i 'I 1, I I 1S APL r °-; {9^a1 ,>~~~~~7*S 5; A1tLt'Bf 01b$ "11ud ul. X111- t, {--T1111 rsiW ?sil111 3F'lt§. W/5 1-l 11.19S.1 '- 1A A,,l r,11 ;1 @ .l i, J'Jr :l *i! -jli n-gu' -V. * /2=-i 2f I -MLfle~t ±, I :A,P - _ ,. - _ . ,, . , - .T I . . _._,~~~~~~~~~~ES.,=F? ~~q y .,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. _.t _ 3_ * . 4 l . ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~~ j* * 5g^o i i1 gg t 14435C/DOCS 03/13/95 CERTIFICATION THAT THE POWER PLANT SITE IS FREE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR CULTURAL RESOURCES, (FROM JIYUAN MUNICIPAL CULTURAL BUREAU) DocumentIssued by Jiyuan MunicipalCultural Bureau No. Ji Wen Zhi (1991) 8 Henan ProvincialPlanning & EconomicCommission and the Henan ProvincialElectricity Bureau: The Qinbei Power Plant planned by the Ministryof Energy is located in the northeast of Wulongkuotown under the jurisdiction of Jiyuan City. Accordingto the informationwe have so far, there is no important cultural relic at or under the plant site. Our bureau approves the constructionof the Qinbei Power Plant but, before commencementof the project, necessary regulationsshall be implementedin accordancewith the Cultural Relic ProtectionLaw of PRC. Jiyuan MunicipalCultural Bureau (seal) December 19, 1991 8 fl~~~I~~~$ 1.1- I~~~~LLi .~~~~~~~~~~~~~- .W ,I :2 h'- -1! iiil All, El4fl -I-- . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~m .. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i.- m H..14d coj iD|DI *~I2 -Uls - I'E -iK . .8 tr! V AV -1X; u 81 1Ze ,i I11 ! , .1'. :@ I.. '1G1{#. ILII~~~~~~~~ 17':-r -I-'- ~~0: 1< X i1 1 14435C/DOCS 03/13,95 JIYUAN MUNICIPAL LAND ADMIINISTRATION APPROVAL OF THE ASH DISPOSAL SITE Document Issuedby the Jiyuan MunicipalLand Administration No. Ji Tu Jian Zhi (1992) 41 Approvalof Land Requisitionfor the Ash DisposalYard for the Qinbei Power Plant Qinbei Power Plant ConstructionPreparatory Organization: We hereby approve a land requisitionfor the ash disposal yard for the Qinbei Power Plant with a total planning capacityof 6x600MW. We also approve the two followingsites which can be taken as alternativesfor comparisonand selectionin the next stage. We will reserve the two sites in our urban constructionplanning. 1. Wet ash disposalyard for hydraulicconveyance system. This site is located at Caogougully (includingLongwanglao Reservoir), while downstreamof the gully may be used for disposalof slag. It takes an area of about 90 ha. 2. Dry ash disposalyard. This site is located on the riverbank of the Qin River, south of Liucum Village and Huancum Village. It takes an area of about 4 km2. liyuan MunicipalLand Administration (seal) July 1992 10 XMI, - e 4- -- r I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I: - : - 7~~~~~~~~~ A~~~~~~~~~~~ilE . , , . _ .. . - , ._ 4(i )4 -a_ .~~~ .(.) . , - ... 1. -...... ,2, ¢. .J-.- -x-. - -. - . s'- -RE -aSt-> - 1443SC/DOCS 03/13195 LA.NDACQUISITION APPROV'ALFRONI JIYUAN MUNICIPAL LAND ADNIINISTRATION DocumentIssued by Jiyuan MunicipalLand Administration No. Ji Tu Jian Zhi (1992) 42 Approval of Land Requisitionfor the Qinbei Power Plant Qinbei Power Plant ConstructionPreparatory Organization: Accordingto the site investigationin the feasibilitystudy stage of the Qinbei Power Plant, there are two alternativesfor the plant site: one is the Wulongkousite, and the other is the Luzhai site, both being within the area under the jurisdictionof Wulongkoutown of Jiyuan City. 1. The Wulongkouplant site has the Jiaozhi Railway and the Qinbei River as its southern boundary, BeilongmiaoVillage and XingchunVillage as its northern boundary and the Baijian River as its western boundary,giving an availablearea of 3.7 km2. Consideringthe constructionscale of the 6x600 MW power plant, we approve a land requisitionof 120 ha and promise to give active assistancefor land requisitionby stage. The Luzhai plant site is located in the north of the Luzhai Villageand south of the Jiaozhi Railway. Consideringthe same constructionscale as above, we approve a land requisitionof 125 ha and promise to give active assistancefor land requisitionby stages. 2. We approve a land requisitionof 14.5 ha for the living area of the plant. The exact location shall be decidedthrough consultationby consideringthe convenienceof the plant production and daily life of staff and workers, in conjunctionwith Urban ConstructionPlanning of Jiyuan City. 3. We approve a land requisitionfor the railway siding and access road outside the plant site in accordance with relevant design. 4. We also approve a land rental of 43 ha during construction,of which 28 ha shall be used for constructionand located in the directionof the extensionend and 15 ha shall be used for living quarters for the constructionworkers. 5. Within the areas for requisitionand rental mentionedabove, no building/structurewill be allowed to be newly constructed. Jiyuan MunicipalLand Administration (seal) July 1992 12 -s ~ ~ ~ ~ r- - - r'F.:. rD m = 1;: <~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 192) 0 42:, **_ .=,dJ ,.,. _>c * ,4 L.;L%lLz EeIL. _ j ~ ~~~~LL'-c, F2t r i¢S sn,116 F FEre E 4 3x~~~Jl~i-E3 . --'it! E F 6e 1x 6 , -TL - rP It rFr Fx =",, 21 Ott4t . .a- ..'7 . 5iZ11 P,~t=- t1 J0% I 4- .~~~~~-r 1 ~~~~- i.,-r 2;5~7-1 ff * th %,efF,.,B 0r I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-. LIt^t 1 it>3,1'ks!ttZ.$IoFx .'0-4i55- Il ,trTj t 3~~~~~~~~~~~~1 n.~~~~~~~~' lkt-,L e~/," S IM5Fc: g >'~~~50 -I-I Jg F.>BtIzt;" t;4P-3; i ] i5s 13 -wOrS a G 125A5m1t (gt) W Zg~~~~~~~~~~~~L t t -X~~~~~ g8'J #Emt§ . - ~~~~~~~~~~13J E3 E1.S D;;, J--- . ;'.~J~AI: !u;1~.is I '¢rii ni*'Pe^ 4k,.;1,...... 4* I ...... -: Ey , I00. +vsf,if*;I ii ...... iIl L^^,,,::..zl;{ 18;g.t:l*I.'1l ..... -;._.,L'.,^lo_, { ___~96.Nj, (s vAp . 1 ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Z I ~~~~~~~1y ,, . .'"w j7 1i,! ; L!)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' .1 ' ,' {'tE1l{ {f. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~li'''.l ; : X~~-c ! i:X:: S ... :...... -1 I 14435C1DOCS 03113/95 AUTHORIZATION OF THE NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INSTITUTE TO CONDUCTTHE QINBEI EA A Letter of Commission NorthwestElectric Power Design Institute: Accordingto the followingdocuments: * Instruction request on project proposalof Henan Qinbei Power Plant, Phase I [No. Neng Yuan Ji (1992) 621] submittedto the State Planning Commissionby the Ministry of Energy. * Reply to the EnvironmentalProtection Issues of the Qinbei Project, Phase I [No. Yu Huan Jian (1992) 08] issued by the Henan ProvincialEnvironmental Protection Bureau. -- Notice of supplementarysurvey and design plan for a thermal power plant to be carried out in 1992 [No. Dian Gui Ji (1992) 26] issued by the Electric Power Planning Administration. We hereby entrust your instituteto do the EIA of the Qinbei Power Plant. Henan Qinbei Power Plant Construction Preparatory Organization (seal) July 19, 1992 15 :-t - I - n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a- 1 2 4 -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~rA -~ E4L' ,:Z1 .iE, - -I~~~~~~~- i* 3 .t>i -2t 4~~~nv1t;ttF l--|(19 > ;>sJ;5i'8 i-- |-E S -,.6Bx2'; '5JE -i' si' 1F ,(192)0816 ----1 -l E Z S tXU.PE J,t,t 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 14435C/DOCS 03/13195 ASSOCIATED FACILITIES (II. TRANSMISSION LINE) "CERTIFICATION THAT THE TRANSMIISSION LIN`E DOES NOT PASS THROUGH NATURAL RESERVES OR PROTECTED AREAS". Document Issued by the Henan Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau Certificate Henan Provincial Electric Power Corporation: After investigation, it is hereby certified that there are no natural reserves along the transmission line to be constructed from the Qinbei Power Plant to the Xiaoliuzhuang substation in Zhengzhou City. Henan Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau (seal) November 15, 1994 17 /- / 4> i ----- . _. ig0>;74\\tXr n*1>m\0 ' ~~. . ~ - - -nn1 T .0.~~---T i - 2- :~~I i 14435CIDOCS 03113195 HENAN PROVINCIAL TOURISM BUREAU COMMEN'TS ON THE TRANSNIISSION LINE ROUTING Document Issued by the Henan Provincial Administration of Travel and Tourism Henan Provincial Electric Power Corporation: Upon due examination of relevant material, it is certified that the 500 kV transmission line to be constructed from Qinbei Power Plant to the Xiaoliuzhuan substation in Zhengzhou City only passes the Yellow River Tourist Area, and other scenic spots are far from the transmissionline. The project will not impair the sightseeing. Henan Provincial Administration of Travel and Tourism (seal) November 16, 1994 19 oz G75 't"!00 < Sr: AgR??;,1 >; ~ ~ ~ :5! o ,/(;/ i '"t I j -) 1s':)WE W;fiS\ ib1). C C ~ 4 £9 r t:X(&/ L Z L cowfi (-. Wty2 { ?Vst-X -Fig J;4 IJL;A f .t w\s7 U t 5 7? J @Dr-2tX oaas g<,W>-I- \e 14435CIDOCS 03/13/95 HENAN PROVINCIAL CULTURAL RELIC ADNIINISTRATION CERTIFICATION OF THE TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE DocumentIssued by the Henan Cultural Relic Administration Henan ProvincialElectric Power Corporation: Upon due examinationof relevant material, it is primarily certified that along the transmission line to be constructedfrom the QinbeiPower Plant to the Xiaolizhuangsubstation, there are Jiayingguanancient architectures(500 m away from the transmissionline), Xiaomatunruins (800 m) and the Baimasiruins. After the survey and locationof the transmissionline are completed, we will arrange to make a further investigationof other cultural relic spots. Henan ProvincialCultural Relic Administration (seal) November 16, 1994 21 I". - 4sisl 1, {\t *I, 4s|\t L/ zz4J . A,,, .,.. a02 n ' | e< ,>W A1 , >f t9,5, -C B SoQ.'ts \)9 4,\I j ,- i 1 )' 1443SCIDOCS 03113/95 STATEMEN'T REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF CULTURAL RESOURCES IN THE QINBEI POWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION SITE Document Issued by Jiyuan City Culture Bureau No. Ji-Cu 25 (1994) Reply about the existingsituation of cultural relics in the Qinbei Power Plant ConstructionArea Qinbei Power Plant ConstructionPreparatory Department: The situationof cultural relics in the Qinbei Power Plant constructionarea required by you had been investigatedby our staff responsiblefor the preservationof city cultural relics on November5, 1994. It is confirmedthat the area in the scope east of Baijian River, north of Qinbei Railway Station, south of BailongTemple Village, is not a cultural relics protective area. Constructionwork may proceed on it. Jiyuan MunicipalCultural Bureau (seal) November31, 1994 23 E,I 94 -1L 8 '59 DK2- 5e i r , i IE'MLe t2E ALtE j M ;$wJ,55Jer.-t.tAl~ ~ ~ 2 24~~~~~~~~ APPENDIX C AREA PHOTOGRAPHS Taihang Mountain Slopesto the NE of the Project Site ProposedQinbeiPower Plant Site Facingthe Taihang Mounitainisto the North Area Pholograplis l 1ltl: t )INIII I l'OWI It NIAP) I O1J1t011(1 non, ( Iii, i , We' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Qin River Floodplain, at the Boundary Between the 3 Proposed Ash Disposal Area and Wellfield (facing cast) Qin River Channel, Bordering the ProposedAsh DisposalYard and Wellfield Area Photographs FF11: QlNf5Fl POWER PIIAN I l'1)JFC I 1 H/1.l,(Iim. _ ~~~~~~-_ _ _-~~ - 0 !~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' -- *1~ ~ ~ _ i ' a __I_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ l995-i3C3ruru d Transmission Line Towers at the Yellow River Crossing 7 IF~~~~~~~~~ __s~~~ I \ / Proposed Transmission Line Substation Site 8 AreaPhotographs EPH: QINBEI POWE PLANT PROJECT Henan, China APPENDIX D GRAPHICS OF AIR POLLUTION EXCEEDANCES I 6 HEKOUI~~~~~~~ 5NGISNI LIN 7IIA07~~flEsrl (250 I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5 256) so~~~~~~~~~~~4)' Locationte Air Modelng ofComplexAnalysisEPH: Terain Receptos Used in QINBEI POWER Lthe Airof ModelingCompfexAnalysisPLANT Terrain Receptors Used in PROJECT Henan,Cthina Figure D-2 ' / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Areasof PredictedExceedance of 502 Standard for a 2 x 600 MW Facility X~~~((\i ~~~~' ~~~ 2 ~~~~ ~Burning DesignCoal I J.~~~~~~~~~~o~ < ? CO'' A;, S l , :F65|22i ff ;t , \ , ft 0 X . 'sf,, C ; :0 I '] ! - 9 - ' 3-J v ; x -< °-w' -~~~ .-.. -- -- -. , . ;1 - ; - i/1- -r i < 24-Houirand Once- 1 I.. ji;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~______PRC Grade 11 VW ; g t; i l/3World 1 , Bank,gv t 124.4oti-r EPH: QINBEI POWER PLANT PROJECT Henan, Cthina t~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~e . *itr llFrB~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ra lxcrecl of Prlice nceo ' ' . f , . ,' ' '} 1' 4 '''' ' ' ') ' , , ! ; jit : |~~~~~~50A nnuals t SO i(ad fora x 60 | 0 0 4: 0 i; ' , t X - ' r '-. .: ! ' 0 ! , 1 11 aciit Buiingesgn oa l~~~~~~~~~~~~W -Ag!dE . &; * ( X 01~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 .... '-'':--' .- '.a.h.1..... { ...... .' ! t . . .,. { . . . . . f E H: QI N B I PO W E V_ l PLANTPRO}ECT~~~~~~~~~~~~ -01Hea, hn |-e~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Fgr - ^: D-4f: X,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 ;-t AreaofPrdce ExedneoC ':1 t !ir* / ! || '' DPIROl,\]- - ' l PLANT C` ~~~~~~I ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' M01,. . * ( 1, Figure' -r -~~~~~ y~~~~~~~2J I>l~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Areags of PredictedExceedance of 24-Hour S02Standardfor a6 x 600 V ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~MW FacilityBurning Design Coal _,., -- ; Vt17 1 ¶YK1 1 =~- ~~~ / ~l/ z / I IU"UN *1~~~~~~4 _:,,ijk I~~~~~~~I Al' I G1ll * AIlVi .. .,,m//' -'.S ' ~ > ' X ' VI7, - SI ~~ ~ ~ '' vA- I ,A: i\ 1EH:QNBIPOE I HU~IILCUN hi' iPTi PRCGrade 11 HAt IGUIN .~3.- rIlliONA k -,O ------World Bank PLANT PROJECT I II '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'7 ~~~~~~~~~~~Henan,. Chiina I A APPENDIX E LAND AND WATER RESOURCES SUPPORTING INFORNATION . -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ INTEGRATED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE STANDARDS I II 14435C 033 11!95 Table E-1. Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard: Category I - Long-Term Toxicitv UDC628.39 628.54: GB8978-88; GBJ 54-73 Parameter Maximum Allowable Discharge Concentration (mg/L) Total mercury 0.05' Mercury decane Not Detected Total Cd 0.1 Total Cr 1.5 Cr" 6 0.5 Total As 0.5 Total Pb 1.0 1.0 0.00003 2 Class I for most important resources (potable). 14435C 03/31/95 Table E-2. Intearated Wastewater Discharge Standard: Category 2 - Long-Term Toxicity Less Than Category I (mg/L) UDC628.39: 628.54: GB8978-88: GBJ 54-73 Grade I' Grade 2b New New Extension Extension Parameter Renovation Existing Renovation Existing Grade 3 pH 6-9 6-9 6-9 6-9' 6-9 Color 50 80 80 100 - Suspended Solids 70 100 200 250d 400 BOD5 30 60 60 80 300' COD 100 150 150 200 500' Oil 10 15 10 20 30 Grease 20 30 20 40 100 Phenol 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 2.0 Cyanide 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 Sulfide 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 NH,-N 15 25 25 40 - Fluoride 10 15 10 15 20 - - 20' 30f - Phosphate 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.0 Benzaldehyde 1.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 - Benzene amide 1.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 5.0 Nitric Benzene 2.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 2.0 LAS 5.0 10 10 15 2.0 Copper 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 5.0 Zinc 2.0 2.0 . 4.0 5.0 5.0 Manganese 2.0 5.0 2.0' 5.0' 5.0 ' Potable. b Industrial. c Grade I for most important resources (potable). d Grade 2 for generally protected resources (industry). Grade 3 for discharging into town drainage and discharging into secondary wastewatertreatment system. MODIFIED MERCALLI SCALE OF 1931 4. I ~ ~ S.-t Nfasonr% A. B. C, D. T o avoid ambiguitv of lancuage. the qualiz\ of m3- sonry, brick or otherwise, is specified by the followine lttering (Which his no connection with the convetntional Class A. B, C construction). Masonr.v A. Good workmanship, mortar, and dcsirrn; r:inforced. espe- cially laterally, and bound tog-thcr by usin, ste-l, concrete, etc.; desiened tO rcsist lateral forces. Masoirrr B. Good workmanship and mortar; reinforced, but not de- signed in detail to resist lateral forces. ,fasonry C. Ordinary workmanship and mortar; no extreme weaknesses like failing to tie in at corners, but neither reinforced nor designed against horizontal forces. Masonry D. Weak materials, such as adobe; poor mortar; low standards of workmanship; weak horizontally. Mlodified Mercalli Intensity Scale of 1931 (Abridged aiid rewritten-) 1. Not felL Marginal and long-period effects of large cartbquakes (Lor details see text). .,. 11. Felt by persons at rest, on upper floors, or favorably placed. ;11. Felt indoors. Hanging ob ects swing., Vibration like passing of light trucks. Duratio estimate .iXay not be rebogzaized as an cartbquakec. IV. Hanging obic ts swing. Vibration like passing of heavy trucks; or sensation of a jolt li.e a heavy ba'striking the walls. Standing motor cars rock- Windd.s, dishes; doors rittle.. Glasses clink. Crockery clashes. In the upper range of lV wooden walls and framc creak. V. Felt outdoors; direction .estimated. Sleepers wakened. Liquids disturbed, .so6e6icsMed.,mall' 7aso lb`objicts displaced or upseL Doors swing, close, open. Shutters, pictuiresrnove Penduxlum clocks stop, start, change rate. V]. Felt by all. Many frightened and run outdoors. Persons walk unsteadily. Windows, dishes, glassware broken. Knickknacks, books. etc.. off shelves. Pictures off walls. Furniture moved or overturned. Weak plaster and ma- sonry D cracked. Small bells ring (church. scbool). Trees, bushes shaken (visibly, or beard to rustle-CFR). Vii. Difficult to stand. Noticed by drivers of motor cars. Hanging objects quiver. Furniture broken. Damage to masonry D, including cracks. Weak-chimneys broken at roof line. Fall of plaster. loose bricks, stones, tiius. cornices (also unbraced 'parapets and architectural ornaments-CFR). Some cracks in masonry C. Waves on ponds; water turbid with mud. Small slides and caving in along sand or gravel banks. Large bells ring. Concrete irrigation ditches damaged. Vfl/. Steerinc of motor cars afkaeci. Da.^ntn co masonry C: m:irti;: collapse. Some damace to masonry B: nonc to masonr% A. Fall of SLUCco tnd some masonry walls. Twisting,, fall of cnimneys, factorv stacks. monuments, towers, elevated tanks. Frame houses moved on foundations if not bolted do,wrn: loose pancl %alls thrown out. Dec:ayed Diline broker' ofi. Branchcs broken from trees. Changes in flow o. temp-rature of sprin^s and wells. Cracks in wet ground and on steep sloots. IX. General panic. Nlasonry D destroved: masonrn C hcavily damaged. some- ttmes with complete collapse: masonry B seriously damaged. (General dam- agc to foundations--CFR.) Frame structures. if not boltcd, shifted off foundations. Frames racked. Serious damace to rcservoirs. Underground pipes brokScn. Conspicuous cracks in ground. In alluvjated areas sand and mud ejected. earthquake fountains. sand MrUMtrs. X. Most masonry and framc structures destroved with their foundations. * Some %%efl-built%ooden structures and hr:dgcs destro%ed. Serious damage to dams. dikes. cmbankimcnts. Largc landslides. \Vatcr thrown on banks of canals. rivers. lakcs. etc. Sand and mud shifted horizontally on beaches and flat land. Rtils bent slightly. XI. Rails bcnt grcatly. Underground pipclincs cmipletel\ out of scrvicc. Xli. Damage nearly total. Largc rock masses displaced. Linme. of sight and level distorted. Obiccts thrown into the air. Ttlt aunisor takcs full rcsrP-i%ibdity for th., er,inn. .,mch. hc htc,c-Cx Lt-lornis &UClyto the ortein;il intcntion Fic requcsts tha:. should it be neccss,;r\ to srpcify it 1p liCt;tv ih rcference bM ''Mis-tsficd ercalli Sc:lc. 195t 'crsion. w,tino,: .m,chtng I EARTHQUAKE MEASUREMENTS AND EFFECTS I 4 14435C 03! 13;95 Earthquak-e Measurements and Effects (Page I of 3) Horizontal Estimated Ground UBC Intensity Magnitude Acceleration Zoning Human Reactions and Damages (Modified Mercalli (Richter (Assumed (Uniform Scale Scale) Approximate Building (Effects in Term of (abridged) Acceleration) Code Life and Property) 1931] 1982) I Felt only by few in especially 2.0 favorable circumstances. II Felt onlv by few at rest, especially on upper floors. Delicately suspended objects may swing. III 3.0 Felt quite noticeably indoors, especially on upper floors. Many do not recognize as earthquake. Standing Zone 0 cars may rock slightly. Vibrations seem like a truck passing. Duration may be estimated. IV 0.0069 g Daytime felt indoors by many and outside by few. At night some awakened. Dishes, windows, doors disturbed. Walls creak. Standing cars rock considerably. Sensation like a 4.0 heavy truck striking building. V 0.0150 g Felt by nearly all, many awakened. Some dishes, windows, etc. broken. Some cracked plaster. Unstable Zone l objects overtumed. Trees, poles, disturbed. Pendulum clocks may stop. VI 0.0322 g Felt by all. Many frightened and run outside. Some movement of heavy fumiture. Few cases of fallen plaster 5.0 and dama-ed chimney, but slight. 14435C 03'13r95 Earthquake NMeasurementsand Effects (Page 2 of 3) Horizontal Estimated Ground UBC Intensity Magnitude Acceleration Zonino Human Reactions and Damages L [Modified Mercalli (Richter (Assumed (Uniform Scale Scale) Approximate Building (Effects in Term of (abridged) Acceleration) Code Life and Property) 19311 1982) VII 0.0694 g All run outdoors. Negligible damage in well-designed and well-constructed buildings. Slight to moderate in norrnal buildings, considerable in badly built structures, some broken chimneys. Shock noticed by drivers. Zone 2 6.0 VIII 0.1498 g Slight damage to a seismically designed structures; considerable in ordinary and partial collapse; great damage in poorly built. Panel walls thrown from framed structures. Fall of chimneys, columns, walls. Heavy furniture overturned. Disturbs drivers. Small quantities of sand and mud ejected. IX 0.3221 g Zone 3 Considerable damage to specially desie-ned structures. Well designed frame structures out of plumb. Partial collapse of substantial buildings. Buildines shifted off foundations. 7.0 Ground conspicuously cracked. Underground pipes broken. X 0.694 g Some well-built wooden structures destroyed. Most masonry and frame structures destroyed with foundations. Rails bent. Landslides considerable from river banks. Sand and mud shifted. Water slopped over banks. Zone 4 14435C 03/13'95 Earthquak-e Measurements and Effects (Page 3 of 3) Horizontal Estimated Ground UBC Intensity Magnitude Acceleration Zoning Human Reactions and Damages [Modified Mercalli (Richter (Assumed (Uniform Scale Scale) Approximate Building (Effects in Term of (abridged) Acceleration) Code Life and Property) 1931] 1982) XI 1,498 g Few, if any, structures standing. Bridges down. Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipe lines completely out of service. Rails greatly bent. Earth slumps and landslips on soft ground. 8.0 XII 3.221 g Damage total. Waves seen on ground surface. Objects thrown upwards into the air. River beds displaced. Numerous and extensive landslides. Note: The acceleration figures are an indication rather than accurate measurement. The acceleration roughly'doubles for each class in the MM scale. Uniform Building Code (UBC) Zone 4 is associated with landslides in the vicinity of major faults.