Environmental MonitoringThe Esperance Port undertakes an extensive range of environmental monitoring on a regular basis. Monitoring data is interrogated to identify trends and implement proactive environmental management. Monitoring data is assessed through comparison to applicable guidelines. The EsPA sets trigger limits which are lower than applicable guidelines such that a corrective action is triggered prior to a non-compliance. The EsPA undertakes the following environmental monitoring:
DustExtensive dust monitoring is conducted with a range of equipment (dust deposition, HVAS (High Volume Air Sampler) and TEOM (Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance)) and at various frequencies (monthly, weekly and real-time) to assess an array of parameters (total dust, PM10 and lead, nickel, iron and sulphur). Dust deposition monitoring has been conducted as required by the EsPA Environmental Licence since November 2004. High Volume sampling commenced in August 2007 and TEOM sampling commenced in May 2007. Dust monitoring locations are shown in the photos below. 
Location of dust deposition gauges and monitored rainwater tanks. Dust deposition, or nuisance dust, is measured in mg/m²/month. Each month samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis of dust metals and sulphur. There are no applicable standards for dust deposition. Measurements can only be compared against historical data. High Volume Samplers are operated for 24 hour periods with air drawn through a filter paper at a measured rate. The filter paper can be analysed for dust, metals and sulphur. The national ambient air quality standard for lead (designed to be protective of human health) is 0.5΅g/m3 for an annual averaging period, with no exceedances allowed. TEOM is a real time measurement of PM10 (fine dust fraction) measured using a micro balance. There is no analysis of metal or sulhur with TEOM monitoring. The national ambient air quality standard for PM10 (designed to be protective of human health) is 50΅g/m3 for a 24-hour period, and may not be exceeded more than five days per year. Real time results can be access via clicking on a TEOM location in the map above. 
Deposition Gauge 
High Volume Sampler 
TEOM The following report with Appendices shows the historical dust monitoring data and the proposed Air Quality Monitoring Plan.
The review of historic data has set the standard and format for ongoing air quality reports. Annual Reports
Monthly Dust Reports
Nickel Shiploading Dust Reports
Exceedance Reports
Monitoring DataNoiseOffsite environmental noise levels are monitored annually
SedimentMarine sediment monitoring is conducted on an annual basis. Following detection of high lead and nickel levels in sediments near a discharge pipe in early 2007 a sampling and analysis plan was developed to determine the spatial pattern of contamination in sediments around the suspected contamination sources (Stage 1 Report). A subsequent study is underway to determine bioavailability of metals, which will then lead to site management recommendations.
WeatherWeather data is interrogated with environmental monitoring data in order to interpret results eg was wind blowing from the port towards environmental monitoring equipment at the time of sampling? The wind direction varies greatly between seasons and in particular between summer and winter. Summer is dominated by south-easterly winds and winter is dominated by north-westerly winds. 
Winter Wind rose 
Summer Wind rose Other Environmental ReportsLead Sampling CleanUp and Validation Reports |
