Air Quality Impact Assessment, Cairo International Airport, Terminal 3 Baseline Studies

Abstract

A preliminary air quality impact evaluation has been performed for the new Cairo International Airport. The investigations have been based on measurements of meteorology and air quality as well as modelling of emissions and air pollution concentrations. Air quality data collected indicated that the air quality in the air port area is fair. The main problem is suspended particulate matter originating from traffic, open air burning and natural wind blown dust. Ozone concentrations may also during specific periods in the summer season exceed the limit values given in Law no. 4 of Egypt. Calculations of emissions and concentrations of NOX, CO, PM10 and HC (VOC) around the airport have been performed for 2002/03 and for future developments. The results indicated that the contribution from the airport on a local and regional scale is small. Near to the roads and in the maximum impact areas of the emissions fromairport activities the additional contribution could reach up to 25 % of the existing concentration levels. The NO2 (NOX) concentrations were closest to the air quality guidelines, while CO concentrations in some cases near the terminal building could reach levels exceeding the limit values.