Environmental Monitoring

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TICKING ALL THE SAFETY BOXES

A dynamic tool kit for measuring the actual changes taking place in the environment, in all the implementation phases of the project, and triggering the "signals" for activating corrective actions, in the face of environmental responses that fail to meet the predictions set forth in the EIA report.

Drawing on its direct experience in complex infrastructure projects, Italferr has developed a specific tool kit for environmentally monitoring construction sites, through a complex investigation process based on the observation and measurement over time of specific chemico-physical and biological parameters of the environment and how it changes.

These activities constitute an effective tool for controlling the environmental matrices potentially impacted by the construction, adaptation and upgrading works, besides providing valuable support in the resolution of potential disputes arising before, during and after completion of the works.

The monitoring process consists of measurements and surveys regarding all the main environmental components (atmosphere, noise, vibrations, electromagnetic fields, water, soil, vegetation, fauna and the social environment), with the aim of identifying possible signs of change and enabling the timely restoration of ordinary environmental conditions.

The survey results flow into a geo-referenced database that allows all stakeholders, private and/or institutional, to be informed in real time.

Italferr carries out field surveys aimed at characterising convoy emissions and the pre-existing acoustic climate as well as acoustic testing of mitigation works. It performs detailed simulations in the different scenarios following the realisation of the railway structure (before and after mitigation) according to the most accurate basic data available and carries out the design of mitigation interventions in all the design phases.

As regards vibrations produced by rail transit, Italferr adopts methodologies for the proper assessment of the disturbance to people in the living environment and for a prediction of structural damage on buildings. Vibration monitoring extends to the rail, road and industrial sectors, including assessments of impact on the outdoor as well as the indoor environment.

Measurement of the main parameters related to air pollution, particulate matter and gaseous pollutants using fixed or mobile control units and laboratories for the different sources of impact (in terms of diffuse, ducted and fugitive emissions), in relation to construction activities, to road transport infrastructure, to industrial systems and to work environments.

Analysis of surface water and groundwater (expeditious field parameters and analytical determinations) as well as marine water monitoring.

Control of agro-productive quality and fertility of soils as well as characterisation and landfill admissibility of wastes.

Monitoring social perception (desk research, social media monitoring, key stakeholder interviews, focus groups) and media (press, radio, television, social media and the web).

Monitoring of phytocoenosis mosaics, of populations of highly diagnostic wildlife species, and of vegetative vigour status of plant species that have been planted.

Measurement of Electro-Magnetic Fields - EMFs near power lines and electrical substations.