Lebanon Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment - UNEP

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LEBANONPOST-CONFLICT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTDismantling of the fuel storage tanks was ongoing at the time of assessment. The complete absence ofpersonal protective equipment for staff was a concernGroundwaterSamples were collected from two wells locatedup-gradient from the destroyed fuel tanks todetermine if hydrocarbon contamination hadmigrated into the aquifer underlying the site(15-20 m below ground surface). Although thesampling locations were situated uphill fromthe tank farm, fractures in the limestone andgroundwater extraction could potentially haveled to hydrocarbon contamination progressinginto the aquifer as part of the seawater intrusionphenomenon.Laboratory analysis did not detect hydrocarbonsin the samples taken. Nevertheless, givenhydrocarbon volatilization losses and the potentialfor oil compounds to reach and dissolve intogroundwater following rains, follow-up samplingshould be carried out over several months tomonitor potential hydrocarbon contamination.Nickel, selenium and zinc were detected above theenvironmental screening values, but significantlybelow intervention levels. Of greater concern wasthe faecal coliform contamination, which rangedfrom 260-700/100 ml. These elevated coliformlevels place site workers who use the water forwashing at a high risk of cross-contamination andaccidental ingestion of pathogens.Waste managementDuring the site inspection, work was ongoingto dismantle the metal tanks, which were beingcut into sections and transported off the site bytipper-trucks. The complete absence of health andsafety equipment for the individuals participatingin these activities is a matter of concern.It was anticipated that the site would be clearedof all metal recyclables, including railway tracks,wagons and engines, all of which were extensivelydamaged in the fire.Clearly, the most significant waste disposal issueon the site is that of the contaminated soil andmaterial, the exact extent of which could only bedetermined through a thorough site investigation.In addition, the large quantities of ash across thesurface of the site, particularly in the vicinity ofthe fuel tanks, should be considered as hazardouswaste, and should be removed, stored anddisposed of accordingly.AsbestosThe visual inspection of the tank farm and powerstation did not reveal any asbestos-containingmaterial. Rather, significant amounts of manmadeinsulating material, such as mineral wool,were used as thermal insulation for the pipework48 • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme •
INDUSTRIAL AND URBAN CONTAMINATIONtransporting the oil stored in the tanks. The tanksthat were still standing did not appear to have anyinsulating material.RecommendationsUrgent short-term measures(0 – 3 months)1. Undertake a thorough site investigation,using drilling-rigs and equipment such asexcavators and back-hoes for digging trenches,to determine the vertical and horizontal extentof the oil contamination.2. Until the clean-up of contaminated soil iscompleted, conduct follow-up sampling of thetwo wells around the spill site to determinewhether the water has been impacted by thepotential oil spill migration.3. Evaluate the stability of the concrete base of thetank farm to determine whether it is structurallysound. If it is not, it should be removed andreplaced with a new concrete base, prior to theconstruction of new tanks on the site.4. If the concrete platform is to be replaced,the underlying contaminated gravel and soilshould be excavated and replaced with cleansand and gravel, thus creating a stable base fora new concrete surface. A worst case estimateof the volume of contaminated material isapproximately 80,000 m3 (40,000 m² by2 m in depth).5. Collect all the ash from the surface of the site,and treat it as hazardous waste: the materialshould be placed inside resealable drums,appropriately labelled to warn of the potentialhazard, and – in the absence of suitabledisposal options – temporarily stored in asuitable and secure location until a disposaloption is identified.6. Soil with elevated concentrations of hydrocarbonsshould also be treated with the appropriatetechnology, including biological remediation.7. All individuals engaged in site clean-upactivities, such as the dismantling of theobsolete tanks, must be provided with, anduse, appropriate health and safety equipment,including boots, gloves, overalls, hard hats,and disposable masks/respirators.Medium-term recommendations(3 months – 1 year)1. When building a new concrete surface, orrestoring the existing one, concrete bundwalls should be installed to prevent leakage ofoil into the sea, should any future incidentsoccur.2. The source of the elevated PAH concentrationsaround the plant should be verified. To thisend, the analysis of soil from within a radiusof several kilometres should be carried out.The assessment should take into account boththe conflict-related power plant fire and powerplant emissions under normal operation.3. Monitor groundwater around the powerplant to detect potential oil seepage from thedestroyed tanks into the underlying aquifer.4. Monitor seawater and run-off.Long-term recommendations(1 year +)The spilt contents of damaged oil drums addsto the significant contamination of the site1. To protect public health and environmentalquality in the future, enhanced filtertechnologies for the plant’s exhaust fumesshould be employed.2. Continue monitoring programmes.• United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme • United Nations Environment Programme •49
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