Assessment of the Environmental Pollutants of Demolition Sites for Developing Real-Time Monitoring Indexes: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

The demolition project is associated with unavoidable environmental pollutants such as noise and dust emissions. These environmental pollutants undermine not only human health and the living environment but also cause conflicts with the neighborhood. Further, existing research indicates that no model or methodology has been developed to assess the pollutants on demolition sites. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a framework to monitor the real-time emission of noise and dust at demolition sites. Based on the literature study, the independent and influential factors affecting noise and dust emissions were identified. Subsequently, the real-time emission values were measured using real-time sensor data at the demolition project. The correlation and decision tree analysis revealed the independent factors’ interrelationship with noise and dust. Lastly, the results were validated with the existing policies and regulations on emissions. The results show that daily and hourly noise and dust emission values were significantly higher than the permissible limits. The outcomes reveal the key impact factors of environmental pollutants and draw stakeholders’ attention to managing the environmental pollutant emissions at the demolition site and reducing the ambient pollution levels that can impact the residents near demolition sites. It also helps the governing authorities in reforming the laws and regulations to control emissions. The demolition sector has recently seen a remarkable growth due to significant rise in redevelopment projects due to global urbanization trends. However, concerning to the safety, health of human and wellbeing, the demolition is considered as most hazardous work. Unlike construction projects, the demolition project also significantly affects the surrounding localities in terms of social, economic and environmental terms. However, these negative environmental impacts of demolition projects have not been studied adequately in the existing literature. The study revealed the most influencing factors affecting the emissions of environmental pollutants (EP) in demolition projects and proposes them as real-time monitoring indices. The proposed indices can assist stakeholders to have a clear picture and understanding of the various EP and their associated effects. The finding of the study can further assist in revising the existing policies and regulatory standards for effective management and control over EP. The findings also assist to ensure a safe workplace for the workers under the Chapter XII of BOCW Act, 1996 as well as maintaining a convenient environment for the surrounding localities under the GEMCDWM 2017.