Rent A Port / Ha Long Bay ENG

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION OF

HA LONG BAY

PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY FIRST OVERVIEW & FIRST ESTIMATE OF REQUIRED BUDGETS

VOLUME 1 / MAIN REPORT WITH THANKS TO THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE WESTPAC ALLIANCE

In cooperation with

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION OF

HA LONG BAY

PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY FIRST OVERVIEW & FIRST ESTIMATE OF REQUIRED BUDGETS

VOLUME 1 / MAIN REPORT WITH THANKS TO THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE WESTPAC ALLIANCE

In cooperation with

Foreword This overview report summarizes the pre-feasibility study of the environmental restoration of the Ha Long Bay. The study was assigned to Rent-A-Port Energy by the Quang Ninh People’s Committee, and is funded by the Belgian Government and by the Belgian-American WestPac alliance for Education and Environment.

A synthesis is made of the literature on existing pollution sources in and around the bay.

Further unique mapping of the existing oil and debris floating pollution is executed based on a survey campaign. An assessment is made on the adequacy and comprehensiveness of identified mitigation measures for pollution sources in the “Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning”. Additional measures are proposed and assessed to restore good environmental conditions and touristic attractiveness of the bay. A first tentative budget estimate is finally set up for the recovery and recycling of polluting oils and debris.

Rent-A-Port would like to express its gratitude to the Belgian Government and to the WestPac alliance for Education and Environment for their moral and financial support, and to the Quang Ninh People’s Committee for their good cooperation and understanding during this first phase of the study.

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

Control sheet Report Title: Report Addressees: Report Author(s): Report RefNumber:

Environmental restauration of the Ha Long Bay - Pre-Feasibility Study – First Overview & First Estimate of Required Budgets Quang Ninh People’s Committee Pierre Bayart, Bruno Reul, Filip Augustijns RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA

Revisions Rev N° Rev1

Rev Date 22/12/2015

Page 3 of 30

Revision Description First issue

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Table of Contents Foreword................................................................................................................................................. 2 Control sheet........................................................................................................................................... 3 Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 4 0.

Executive summary ......................................................................................................................... 5

1.

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1.

Context of this report.............................................................................................................. 6

1.2.

Aim of this report .................................................................................................................... 6

1.3.

Structure of this report ........................................................................................................... 6

2.

Context and scope of the study ...................................................................................................... 7

3.

Pollution sources in Ha Long Bay and necessary mitigation measures .......................................... 9 3.1.

3.1.1.

Pollution sources onshore .............................................................................................. 9

3.1.2.

Pollution sources on the water ..................................................................................... 10

3.1.3.

Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 10

3.2.

5.

Pollution mitigation measures within the “Quang Ninh environment Master Planning” .... 11

3.2.1.

Water environment management ................................................................................ 11

3.2.2.

Solid Waste Management ............................................................................................. 12

3.3.

4.

Identification of the pollution sources in Ha Long Bay ........................................................... 9

Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 12

Definition and pre-feasibility assessment of necessary restoration measures ............................ 13 4.1.

Need for restoration measures ............................................................................................. 13

4.2.

Survey and mapping of the floating oil and debris to be collected ...................................... 14

4.2.1.

Scope and execution of the campaign .......................................................................... 15

4.2.2.

Results of the campaign ................................................................................................ 19

4.2.3.

Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 26

4.3.

Restoration measures: proposal ........................................................................................... 26

4.4.

Restoration measures: budget estimate and pre-feasibility ................................................ 28

Conclusions, recommendations and next steps ........................................................................... 30

Page 4 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

0. Executive summary The present overview report summarizes the pre-feasibility study of the environmental restoration project of the Ha Long Bay. Based on a literature study and on a first-of-its-kind survey campaign for mapping and analyzing the current pollution level of the Ha Long Bay, the study concludes that next to the foreseen measures in the “Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning”, aiming to achieve good environmental practices around the bay, it is necessary to take active restoration measures for addressing the depleted environmental quality and touristic attractiveness.

The study proposes to focus on both the floating oil and solid debris for the restoration measures.

Collection of this type of waste indeed constitutes “quick wins” as it will significantly improve the visual aspect on the bay, while requiring moderate budget. Floating waste creates a filter against the sun rays. Removing those waste will then speed up the degradation of organic matters in the water, which is the main water quality issue for the moment in the Bay. The proposed restoration is therefore complementary to the implementation of near 100% wastewater treatment foreseen in the Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning: it will help to avoid further degradation of the water quality during the implementation of the plan, and after implementation, it will speed up the process of recovering good environmental quality.

The proposed collection process includes two steps: 1. Marine activities: collection of the oil and floating debris with a multi-tasking, highly mobile and flexible multicat, equipped with the necessary waste and oil recovery systems.

2. On-shore activities: waste separation and treatment in an incinerator, possibly equipped with a heat recovery system to produce steam or electric power.

The estimated total budget for the marine activity and treatment on land is approximately USD 36 million (CAPEX) and the operational cost per annum is approximately USD 9 million (OPEX per year).

Based on a pre-feasibility study, the project is judged: 

Technically feasible: a wide range of oil and waste recovery devices was developed ensuring that the appropriate equipment will be available. Based on a first estimate, a first phase of restoration of the bay could be achieved in 4-5 years, and a second one after 4-5 additional years. As those durations correspond to the implementation of the “Quang Ninh Environment Master Planning”, the proposed restoration measures will play their full role of complementarity with this Master Planning.



Financially feasible: This kind of project and equipment are obviously suitable for ODA financing.

The next phase of the study (feasibility study), to be due by the beginning of March 2016 will aim to 

Further define methods and equipment;



Make a detailed cost estimate of the proposed measures;



Whereby, possibly, later a coordination to obtain the necessary funding could be added.

Page 5 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

1. Introduction 1.1. Context of this report This report is the overview report of the pre-feasibility study for the environmental restoration of the Ha Long Bay. Rent-A-Port was assigned this feasibility study by the Quang Ninh People’s Committee in autumn 2015.

Rent-A-Port subcontracted parts of the assignment to CMB (Contruction Consultation jsc for Maritime Building), and in particular the execution of a survey campaign and sample collection campaign aiming to map the pollution level on Ha Long Bay. CMB took also in charge the redaction of the Vietnamese version of present report.

1.2. Aim of this report As a first step of the feasibility study, this overview report aims to 

Compile existing literature to identify and map the pollution sources causing the depletion of the environmental quality on Ha Long Bay.



Evaluate whether the measures planned within the “Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning” are sufficient to mitigate the pollution sources up to an acceptable level.



Define the need and feasibility of measures for actively restoring the good environmental conditions and touristic attractiveness of the bay; including the setup of a preliminary budget estimate for those measures.

In the second step of the feasibility due to be completed by March 2016, the proposed concept for will be further developed and its feasibility will be assessed in detail.

1.3. Structure of this report This report is divided in two deliverables: 



The present main report, subdivided in the following chapters o

Chapter 1 gives an introduction of the assets, threats and challenges for Ha Long Bay and sketches the scope of the study.

o

Chapter 2 gives a summary of the in the literature identified sources of pollution of Ha Long Bay, and assesses whether additional pollution mitigation measures above the ones planned in the “Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning” are necessary to achieve good environmental practices.

o

Chapter 3 maps the current level of pollution of the bays – partly based on literature, partly on a first-of-its-kind survey campaign –, and gives a definition and a prefeasibility assessment of the necessary restoration measures to enable sufficiently quick recovery of good environmental and touristic attractive conditions.

The annex report, gathering all detailed information on the survey and sample collection and testing campaign.

Page 6 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

2. Context and scope of the study Covering an area of 43,400 ha and including over 1600 islands and islets, of which most are uninhabited, Ha Long Bay UNESCO world heritage site forms a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars sculpted by nature and emerging from the water. The exceptional scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.

Ha Long bay is also one of the main assets for the economic development of the Quang Ninh Province and the whole (North) Vietnam: 

Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s main tourist attraction. The number of visitors and the related tourism industry is literally booming since inscription on UNESCO world’s natural heritage in 1994, however also creates a challenge in terms of waste and waste water collection & treatment.



The area is the foremost coal production centre in Vietnam. The open mining process requires strong measures in terms of mitigation of air, ground water and surface water pollution from these mining activities.



The area is one of the main maritime and inland water transportation cluster of North Vietnam and hosts several related industrial zones, requiring adequate impact mitigation measures and calamity preparedness procedures.

So far, the efforts of local authorities to empower environmental standards conciliating economic development with nature conservation did not fully succeed and the ecologic situation slowly but steadily depletes. Tourists are massively sharing bad experiences related to the water quality on social networks, and the site could even fail to meet the requirements as UNESCO world heritage site.

Conscious that the sustainability of keeping Ha Long Bay’s acting as an economic lung for Vietnam goes hand in hand with its environmental sustainability, the provincial authorities of Quang Ninh have launched a large scale study to define an “Environmental Improvement Project in Quang Ninh Province” and “Project for Environmental Protection in Ha Long Bay”. This Project aims to comprehensively tackle the pollution issue in Ha Long Bay in particular, and Quang Ninh Province in General.

The feasibility and masterplan study for this project was carried out in the period 2009-2013 by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and led to the identification of 91 projects aiming to: 

Constraint the liquid, solid and gaseous pollution sources;



Upgrade the management and monitoring standards for the water environment, air quality, and solid waste to comply with international requirements;



Preserve the Biodiversity;



Develop Climate Change preparedness.

Those measures may consist of infrastructure projects (water treatment plants for instance), organisational measures, implementation of monitoring systems, adoption of new legal framework.

From those 91 measures, 32 were identified as priority projects. These should be completed between 2018 and 2020, with an objective of limiting the pollution source.

Page 7 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Although the priority measures of the “Environmental Improvement Project In Quang Ninh Province” will tackle the sources of pollution in Ha Long Bay, no measures are presently included in the masterplan for the restoration of the bay itself.

For suspended and dissolved pollution, it can be expected that the situation will improve on the short term thanks to natural biodegradation and diffusion process. For floating oleaginous and solid waste however, degradation times are much longer, and their impact on the natural but also visual quality of the environment will keep lasting for an unacceptably long period without specific restoration measures.

Based on this context, the present study focusses on two main aspects: 1. Evaluate the comprehensive character of the Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning to define whether the identified measures and funding will be sufficient to reach good environmental practices, coping with international standards 2. Elaborate method and define appropriate equipment for the collection of the floating (oleaginous and solid) waste on the bay and its treatment according to international standards.

Both approaches are complementary and interactive: the active clean-up of the floating waste during implementation of priority projects will enable direct improvement of the visual situation, thus preventing further degradation of the tourist attractiveness of the Bay. Furthermore, after implementation of the Environment Improvement Project, the active clean-up of floating waste will allow speed up of environmental restoration of the overall water and bottom environmental quality.

Page 8 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

3. Pollution sources in Ha Long Bay and necessary mitigation measures 3.1. Identification of the pollution sources in Ha Long Bay In the “Environmental Planning of Ha Long Bay to 2020, vision to 2030” carried out by DONRE together with Nippon Koei Co. Ltd, a description is given of the sources of pollution in the Ha Long Bay and their intensity.

In present section, a synthesis is given of the several sources of liquid and solid pollution both onshore and on the water.

3.1.1. Pollution sources onshore 

Domestic and touristic activities

The total population of the areas around Ha Long Bay amounts approximately 600’000 people. To this local population one should add the increasing number of visiting tourists on the Bay (1.8 million in 2007, 3.1 million in 2012).

Tourist accommodations are supposed to implement water treatment and waste management by themselves.

Five wastewater treatment plants exists in the area surrounding the Ha Long Bay, with a treatment capacity of 15100 m³/day. This is largely insufficient for treating the estimated daily 68250m³ of waste water, produced by the resident population only.

Next to this huge pressure on water quality, the solid waste management system is not yet adequate.

Only from the residents, the daily waste production is estimated to be 600t/day. Large parts of this waste are disposed off along the roads. The part that is collected is not sorted before collection which makes any treatment, valorisation and disposal system cost inefficient. Furthermore, there is lack of capacity of landfill.

In more remote and rural areas, already 74% of the population has access to latrines but grey water is almost never treated before being dispersed in the environment. 

Mining activities

Large amounts of untreated, or insufficiently treated, water from the coal mining industry are discharged directly into rivers flowing to Ha Long Bay. Defective waste management systems have led to accumulation of “temporary” dumps that do not meet international standards. 

Other industrial and commercial activities

Two industrial zones are in operation in the surroundings of the Bay: Cai Lan and Viet Hung. Cai Lan is equipped with centralized wastewater treatment plant with sufficient capacity. For Viet Hung, an appropriate station is under construction.

Four industrial clusters are present around the bay: Ha Kanh, Kim Sen, Ha An (Shipyards) and Yen Giang (Seafood). No appropriate wastewater treatment is implemented for those zones, estimated to generate 3750m³ of wastewater per day.

Page 9 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

3.1.2. Pollution sources on the water 

Housing and touristic activities

Cruises on the bay is one of the main tourist attraction in the area. More than 500 tourist boats were reported to be active in 2012, from which one third enable to spend the night on the bay. Due to existing regulations, almost all boats are equipped with bilge water, wastewater and waste separation and collection systems. But those systems often do not have the appropriate capacity and it was reported that these systems are not used regularly.

There are also Fishing and aquaculture communities living on the water (raft houses) without any form of waste and wastewater management system. This represents about 6000 people on 1500 boats.

Plans for the relocation of the fishing activities have been announced. 

Other Commercial activities

Cai Lan port is one of the major regional node for maritime and inland water transportation. Maritime traffic, certainly while tankers constitute a significant part of the fleet like in in Cai Lan, induces the risk of oil spills due to improper bilge water collection and or illegal degassing for cleaning the tanks.

3.1.3. Conclusion From the above it can be concluded that serious improvement in terms of waste management is required for all types of activities on the bay in order to protect its environmental character and reach durable international standard-proofed good practice.

Based on the existing human activities around the bay and the current waste management it can be expected that the situation for the Bay is deteriorating due to: 

High levels of organic matter concentration in the water of the bay, requiring high oxygen demand due to defaulting domestic waste water treatment.



Presence of floating debris on the bay, due to defaulting waste collection system.



Tracks of oil spills due to inappropriate bilge water collection system from tourist boats and possible illegal degassing from commercial maritime transport (tankers).



Local bottom and water pollution in the vicinity of the mining activities specific to these kind of activities (clogging of the sea bed by fine coal dust and heavy metals concentration in the water).

Page 10 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

3.2. Pollution mitigation measures within the “Quang Ninh environment Master Planning” In the Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning, 91 measures were identified to reach good environmental practises, subdivided in 7 main themes: 1. Water Environment Management (21 measures) 2. Air Quality Management (5 measures) 3. Solid Waste Management (16 measures) 4. Forest Management (17 measures) 5. Biodiversity (12 measures) 6. Climate Change (15 measures) 7. Environment monitoring (5 measures) For each of these measures, a budget was estimated and possible funding sources were identified.

Most relevant themes for this study and the focus on Ha Long Bay are themes 1 and 3.

For those two themes, a synthesis is made in the sections below of the proposed method and concrete measures and funding.

3.2.1. Water environment management 21 measures were proposed in this theme mainly consisting of: 

Implementing a plan for reaching a near 100% treatment level in urban environment for every city, town and district environments, spread over 4 phases o

Phase 1: 2013-2020 (priority project): part of Ha Long City to be covered within a JICA Yen Loan (1 measure, estimated budget of USD 95m)

o

Phase 2: 2014-2022 (priority project). Coverage of the remainder of Ha Long City, of Mong Cai, Cam Pha, and Uong Bi City, and of Van Don District (5 measures, Estimated total budget of USD 524m essentially to be funded with not yet identified ODA Loan)

o

Phase 3: 2016-2027. Coverage of Quang Yen Town and Dong Trieu District (2 measures, Estimated total budget of USD69m, essentially to be funded with not yet identified ODA Loan)

o

Phase 4: 2018-2030. Coverage of the 7 remaining districts of the province (7 measures, Estimated total budget of USD214m, essentially to be funded based on local private initiatives)



Study for planning rural waste water treatment in the province (priority project, USD1m, funded by foreign direct investment)



Preparing guidelines for achieving Industrial wastewater to match international standards (USS 0.5m, funded by foreign direct investment)

Page 11 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1



Implementation of a wastewater treatment system for the coal mining industry (priority project, 10.3, to be funded by Vinacomin)



Projects for planning to reduce leaks in the water supply system and studies to implement wastewater treatment system from livestock and aquaculture (3 measures, study budget of USD2.3USDm to be funded by private initiatives and/or the Quang Ninh Province)

3.2.2. Solid Waste Management The solid waste management is following a similar scheme as the domestic water treatment plan, the Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning aims to reach a 100% waste collection and treatment this in several phases by 2019 (14 measures, Estimated Budget: USD47.7m including the studies).

Furthermore, the plan intends the implementation of good waste management practices in industrial areas, as well as in the mining sector, including treatment of existing waste dumps.

3.3. Conclusions Combined with existing laws and regulation (and providing sufficient control and penalties for law offenders), the Environmental Master Planning is considered as a comprehensive response to the challenges of combining economic activity and environmental conservation of the Ha Long Bay. Lots of companies offer domestic and industrial wastewater and waste management services and internationally accepted standards prevail. Finding necessary funding sources for those projects (ODA, FDI, local private and/or initiatives) is not seen as a major challenge.

Specific attention should be given on waste and wastewater treatment related to the mining process.

This requires very specific techniques and equipment, and furthermore major effort is necessary to sanitize polluted areas around the existing disposal sites but also along the water bodies impacted by the unappropriated wastewater treatment, and at their outlet in the bay. Any initiative on that side should be taken in good coordination with Vinacomin, but it is advised to first make a thorough assessment of the situation, to define of possible treatment and restoration options, and to study their technical-economic feasibility.

The focus of our Pre- Feasibility Study report is now only oriented towards solving the pollution that is already present in the bay.

Page 12 of 30

22/12/2015

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

4. Definition and pre-feasibility assessment of necessary restoration measures 4.1. Need for restoration measures As was described above, once the Environmental Master Planning for Ha Long Bay will have been implemented, and provided sufficient incentives and control of the compliance with existing environmental legislation, it is expected that good environmental practice could be achieved in the zones influencing Ha Long Bay within 5 to 7 years.

However, inappropriate waste and wastewater management of last decades have already been impacting negatively the environment of the Ha Long Bay. Such is confirmed when looking at recent measurement of several indicators recorded by the existing monitoring system on Ha Long Bay. The table below indicates the rates of achievement of Vietnamese environment norms between 2009 and 2012.

Table 4-1 : Achievement Rate of Surface Water Standards from 2009 to 2012 Parameter

COD

BOD5

TSS

As

Cd

Pb

Hg

Coliform

Oil

Achievement rate

57%

34%

56%

100%

92%

100%

95%

100%

50%

(64/112)

(38/112)

(63/112)

(23/23)

(23/25)

(28/28)

(19/20)

(102/102)

(52/104)

It can be concluded that: 

Impact of untreated waste water is very important and widespread, with high rates of unachievement of norms for oxygen demand (COD/BOD), indicative of excess of organic matter in the water.



Total suspended solids acceptable rates are also regularly exceeded, which could both be caused by defaulting wastewater treatment (suspended organic matters) and waste management (floating solid debris).



Rate of heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) does not seem to be critical. However, specific investigations near the zones impacted by unappropriated management of waste and wastewater from mining activities could lead to a more severe diagnose.



Finally, excess in oil concentration was recorded for half of the measurements leading to the conclusion of defaulting measures to prevent oil spills.

These measurements are corroborated by an exploding amount of negative comments on the tourist booking sites, such as Tripadvisor website complaining about: 

Bad smell (high content of organic matter)



Visible oil pollution



Visible floating garbage.

Page 13 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Figure 4-1 : Example of reported oil (left) and debris (right) pollution of Ha Long Bay on trip advisor.

This stresses the need for implementing of quick restoration measures in order: 

To constraint the further depletion of the environmental quality and touristic attractiveness of the Bay during the implementation of the Environmental Master Planning.



To obtain quick recovery of good environmental quality and touristic attractiveness.

The proposed method for those restoration measures is to focus on the floating pollution: oil and floating debris, and such for following reasons: 

Actively collecting oil and solid waste is the only solution to quickly improve the situation, as they have very long degradation times. Furthermore, oil and floating debris can be collected by simple and not too expensive methods and equipment, however having a major positive impact on the visual aspects. This creates an opportunity of “quick wins”.



Organic pollutants on the other hand, cannot realistically be collected since it is a diffuse pollution. The only way to tackle this kind is pollution is to act at the source, which is one of the main part of the priority actions of the master plan.



Cleaning the water surface will also enable to remove a filter to the sun rays, while those are strongly helping in the degradation of organic pollutants. Combining measures to reduce the organic pollutions sources with the collection of floating oil and debris will help to quickly improve the water quality in terms of organic pollution.

4.2. Survey and mapping of the floating oil and debris to be collected In order to be able to define the appropriate collection system, a first-of-its-kind survey campaign was prepared as a partnership between local consultant CMB and Rent-A-Port with following objectives: 

 

To estimate the quantities of the oil and floating solid waste present on the bay and give an indication on the distribution pattern and on the locations where most acute pollution is observed. This information is crucial for defining the appropriate and most productive possible collection system.

To estimate the thickness of the waste and oil layers. This information is crucial for being able to select the appropriate waste collection/skimming system; To define the nature of the waste and oil to be collected in order to enable proper design of the necessary treatment system for the waste collected on the water.

Page 14 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

In the next section, some details are first given about the scope and execution of the measurement campaign, then the results are presented.

For more details about the execution and results of the campaign, reference is made to the second report of present study.

4.2.1. Scope and execution of the campaign The figure below presents the observed oil and grease concentrations by the monitoring system in Ha Long Bay. It can be seen that the problem is widespread over the whole Bay, with higher concentrations between Ha Long and Cat Ba, and in the surroundings of Cam Pha. In a first approximation, one can assume that the same pattern prevails for floating debris.

Figure 4-2: oil concentrations measured by existing environmental monitoring system on Ha Long Bay

The retained representative area is indicated on picture below and is 9km wide and 14km high (+/125 km²)

Page 15 of 30

22/12/2015

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

Figure 4-3: representative survey area

The survey campaign took place from 15/11/2015 to 21/11/2015 an included following activities 

Qualitative scores for waste concentration

The representative survey area was divided in cells of 250 m x 250m. This means in total 2000 cells (see figure below).

Figure 4-4: Subdivision of the representative survey area into 250 m x 250 m qualitative rating cells

Page 16 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

During the survey, the survey team sailed along North-South transects passing through the centre point of each cell and assigned a qualitative rating to each cell depending on the visible pollution level of both oil and solid debris. The rating was done on the basis of 3 different scores (see illustrative pictures below): a. b. c. (z.

Nil or very little oil/solid waste observed; Moderate oil/solid waste concentration; Sizable oil/solid waste concentration; Cell not accessible – because dry land).

Figure 4-5: illustration of what was considered as moderate (above) and acute (below) pollution level for solid waste



Collection of photographic material to illustrate the qualitative scores

For 75 cells a picture was taken with a flycam (camera mounted on a drone) to record the level of pollution. Additionally, many pictures were taken with a regular camera. 

Sample collection and testing for illustration of qualitative scores

24 samples of oil pollution were collected, and 19 of solid waste, with methods enabling to correlate the collected mass with the intercepted surface, interpreted as kg/m². This was done: 

Using a fishing net (with a known surface of opening), to carefully collect a quantity of solid waste corresponding to a surface of water exactly corresponding to the surface of the opening;

Page 17 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with



Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Using sampling boxes (with a known surface of vertical cross section) to carefully collect a quantity of oil corresponding to a surface of water exactly corresponding to the surface of the vertical cross section of the sampling box.

Figure 4-6 : Fishing net used for solid waste collection and sampling boxes used for waste collection

The list of the parameters tested in the laboratory on the solid waste and oil (mixed with water) are listed in table below.

Table 4-2 : List of parameters tested during the campaign

I. Contaminated water Samples 1 Total weight (water + oil) 2 Weight Oil 3 The Density API of oil 4 The composition of the oil (% inorganic components / organic) 5 Power of oil (calculated low calorific value) 6 COD 7 BOD5 8 TSS 9 As 10 Cd 11 Pb 12 Hg 13 Coliform II. Samples solid waste 1 Dry weight 2 Specific weight 3 Composition (% wood, organic waste, plastic waste ... in sample) 4 Power (calculated low calorific value)

Unit

g mg o API % kcal/kg mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l MPN/100ml g kg/m3 % kcal/kg

For the oil samples, parameters allow to analyse the quantity of oil and its surface distribution (in kg/m² of water) and to define the nature (density, composition, calorific value) of the oil for being able to “track” the sources and define appropriate treatment. Other parameters (oxygen demand, Suspended particles, Heavy Metals and coliform) are also measured.

For solid waste sample, the parameters mainly allow to define the surface distribution (kg/m²) and interesting characteristics for defining appropriate treatment (Density, Composition, calorific value).

Page 18 of 30

22/12/2015

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

4.2.2. Results of the campaign 4.2.2.1. Oil waste 

Visual observations

Figure 4-7 : Results of the visual observation for the oil waste

Page 19 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

The figure above presents the results of the visual observations on the Bay and attributions of qualitative scores depending on the visible level of oil pollution.

On the 1273 cells that could be accessed: 

1205 cells (94.7%) received a score of “nil or very little oil pollution”;



61 cells (4.8%) received the score of “visible but moderate oil pollution” (yellow crosses on the figure above);



7 cells (0.5%) received the score of “sizable oil pollution” (red crosses on the figure above).

The figures below illustrate the corresponding levels of pollutions: 

“Moderate pollution” corresponds to large plumes of oil at the surface, clearly visible from the flycam, but not easily visible from the survey boat;



“Sizable pollution” corresponds to the same type of plume as for moderate pollution but with additional white foam on the surface.

Figure 4-8 : Example of situation corresponding to visible but moderate pollution

Page 20 of 30

22/12/2015

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

Figure 4-9 ; Example of situation corresponding to sizable pollution



Laboratory testing

The graph below gives the result of the measured oil quantity per unit of surface in the collected samples.

Figure 4-10 : Measured surface oil concentrations

From these measurements, we can conclude that: o

Areas without significant oil pollution still show surface concentrations, but below 2 mg/m²

o

Moderate oil pollution corresponds to the range 4-8 mg/m²

o

Sizable oil spills show concentrations of around 18 mg/m²

Page 21 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

From the analysed parameters on the samples, one can further state following aspects:



o

A very steady API density index was measured, with an average of 37.8 (for results ranging from 35.3 to 40). These API densities indicates that the oil can be classified as light.

o

With respect to the nature of oil, the collected samples showed a mix of mineral oil (13.5 % average, with fraction ranging from 9.3% to 22.2%) and (mainly) organic oil (average 86.5%).

o

Measured Lower Heating Value ranged between 8000 and 10000 kcal/kg, with an average measured value of 9000 kcal/kg, close to typical values for diesel.

Conclusions

Following aspects need to be taken into account when designing the oil collection and treatment methods and equipment: o

The oil pollution is very diffuse and distributed in spots over the whole Ha Long Bay. Within those spots, the oil concentration per surface unit can range between 4 and 18 mg/m². In the rest of the bay, the oil concentration per surface unit is lower than 2 mg/m². This will constitute an important challenge for elaborating a productive (kg oil/day) collection system.

o

The oil is very light, and therefore concentrated at the surface of the water which should facilitate the collection.

o

The oil has a very high energy content, comparable to fuels, which will facilitate its valorisation after collection.

4.2.2.2. Solid waste 

Visual observations

The visual inspection revealed very limited problems of floating solid debris. On the 1273 accessible cells that could be accessed, only 20 (1.5%) received a score of moderate pollution, and 2 (0.2%) of sizable pollution. The pictures below show the situation corresponding to the rating of pollution level.

Page 22 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Figure 4-11 : Example of situation corresponding to visible but moderate pollution

Figure 4-12 : Example of situation corresponding to sizable pollution

Almost all the cells characterized by “moderate” or “sizable “ pollution were situated close to the Bến Tàu DL-Cruise terminal, with two or three spots located at some creeks of the Hon Bom Me Island. 

Laboratory testing

The graph below shows the observed solid waste concentration per unit of water surface.

Page 23 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Solid Debris Concentration 700 600

g/m²

500 400 300 200 100 0

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 R13 R14 R15 R16 R17 R18 R19

Sample name Figure 4-13 : Measured solid waste surface concentration

For 4 samples, the waste concentration reached values above 600g/m². 2 more samples showed a waste concentration of 300g/m². For the 13 remaining samples, the concentration showed values between 50 and 150g/m².

The figure below shows the mass distribution of the collected waste between wood (40% of the total collected waste), organic waste (20%), plastic and others -metal e.g-(20%). The result show a very high heterogeneity.

Figure 4-14 : Nature of the collected solid waste

The figure below shows the results of the analysed specific energy on the sample. For almost all the samples the value was higher than 6000 kcal/kg. Two values were much lower (2500 kcal/kg), but corresponds to the two samples with the highest fraction of non-organic and non-plastic waste.

Page 24 of 30

22/12/2015

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

Figure 4-15 : Specific energy of the collected waste



Conclusions

Following aspects need to be taken into account when designing the solid waste collection and treatment: o

The solid debris waste distribution is even more diffuse as the one of oil, which will represent a huge challenge when elaborating a collection system, if it is to be collected separately than water.

o

The collected waste has a high energy content, which could enable very efficient treatment and valorisation.

4.2.2.3. Other measured parameters The opportunity was taken, when testing the oil and water samples, to measure a set of general parameters of the water quality. The results were as follows: 

Oxygen demand: all samples revealed a value exceeding the Vietnamese norms (average value of 4.3 mg/l, with peaks up to 7.4 mg/l);



Total suspended solids: all samples revealed a value exceeding the Vietnamese norms (average value of 109 mg/l, with peaks up to 240mg/l);



Heavy metals: on the 4 measured parameters and the 24 taken samples, only one light excess in Arsenic was noted on one sample;



Coliform: all samples well within the Vietnamese norm

Those results stresses both the need for quick remedy to the pollution sources and in particular the waste treatment system to prevent further increase of oxygen demand.

Page 25 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

4.2.3. Conclusions The survey campaign led to a first-of-its kind mapping of the floating oil and debris waste problem on the Ha Long Bay, stressing both the necessity and the challenge of elaborating restoration measures enabling collection of those floating waste and oil.

4.3. Restoration measures: proposal The restoration measures to be elaborated in the next phase of the study will only focus on collecting and treating the floating waste (oil and floating debris) of the Bay. These measures will provide “quick wins” to the visual attractiveness of the Ha Long Bay, and also accelerate the more structural improvement of the water quality together with the developing waste and wastewater management measures.

The literature study and the measurement campaign learnt that following challenges need to be taken into account for the conception of the restoration measures: 

The area to cover is very extended (+/- 400km²) and the garbage to collect is very diffuse, and not equally distributed but concentrated in spots. This will be a challenge for conceiving a collection system capable of reaching a certain productivity.



The solid waste is even more diffuse than the oil and is located on the same places as the oil waste. This will make an even bigger challenge to collect that specific waste. If a separated collection is designed for solid waste, that system will have a very low productivity. If both oil and solid waste are collected together, this will probably lead to the collection of high rates of water/and or to difficulties to separate oil and water for further treatment.



The Bay is characterized with shallow water conditions

On the other hand the gentle flow velocity (<0.5m/s) and wave height (<1m) on the Bay will have a positive effect, as well as the high energy content of the waste.

The exact definition of the collection and treatment system will depend on a detailed analysis and expert opinion on the data collected during the survey campaign. However, at this stage, following principles are proposed: 

The collection system will rely on a multicat performing multi-tasking activities necessary for the waste collection on the Bay. This is the most appropriate equipment considering the extent of the area to restore and the “spotted” distribution of the waste. The multicat will indeed be able to quickly sail between the waste spots and back to the unloading point and can sail in shallow waters.

Page 26 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

Figure 4-16 : example of a multicat



The multicat will be able to be equipped with several sets of screening and skimming arms for collecting solid waste and the oil. Further investigation is required to: o

Define whether both should be collected separately or together (depending on the treatment, and on the capacity of the collection and separation systems to deal with mixed oil and solid waste).

o

Select the most appropriate equipment (see examples on figure below)

Figure 4-17 : example of possible equipment to be mounted on the multicat for waste collection



Aim should be to collect the garbage in containers on the multicat. Once full, those can be exchanged with empty ones on land/on a floating platform for further separation/processing.

Page 27 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with



Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

For the treatment of the waste it is proposed to use the incineration (with possible heat recovery or electricity production). This is seen as a very efficient way of valorising the waste considering its excellent energy properties. Most of the incinerators are “auto-therm” (meaning that no additional fuel is required) as soon as the garbage has a higher LHV than 4000 kcal/kg. On the collected samples, a LHV of more than 6000kcal/kg was noted, and this can be further enriched with the collected oil.

Based on the above considerations the process could consist in following steps: 1. Off-shore a. Collection of oil and floating waste together; b. Just after collection, screening of the biggest parts of solid waste (>0,5cm) through screens; c. Separation of the water from the remaining oil and smaller debris faction, water being rejected to the Bay. 2. On shore a. Further separation of oil, solid waste and water in heated decantation tanks (heat coming from incineration process). b. Incineration of the solid waste enriched with oil, with possible heat recuperation.

4.4. Restoration measures: budget estimate and pre-feasibility The project mainly consists in three items: 





The off-shore waste collection o

Equipment: multicat and appropriate arms.

o

Investment cost: appx. USD 15 million.

o

Operation costs: appx. USD 4.5 million per year

Laydown area and storage after unloading : o

Equipment: loaders and waste “landing” and temporary storage equipment

o

Investment cost: appx. USD 6 million.

o

Operational cost: appx. USD 1 million per year

The on-shore step waste separation and treatment o

Equipment: separation tanks, rotary kiln (possibly steam turbine and power generator).

o

Investment costs: appx USD 15 million.

o

Operation costs: appx. USD 3.5 million per year

Page 28 of 30

22/12/2015

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA – Rev1

in coop. with

Table 4-3 : Summary of the preliminary budget estimate for the restoration measures

Item

CAPEX [Million USD]

OPEX [Million USD/year]

Marine collection Waste Laydown & Storage On land treatment TOTAL

15 6 15 36

4.5 1 3.5 9

The pre-feasibility of the proposed measures can be assessed as such 

Technical feasibility: the technical feasibility will be guaranteed by selecting the appropriate waste collection system. This kind of oil recovery systems is widely developed for application in ports as a calamity response to oil spills and is mainly developed in Scandinavian countries.

This ensures that enough industrial know-how is available.



Financial feasibility. Budgets are consequent (USD 36m appx. for investment and USD 9m per year for operation), but are only a small fraction of the estimated budgets for the pollution mitigation from the Environmental Master Planning (almost 1 billion USD, only for the wastewater treatment). Furthermore, this type of project and equipment could involve a large share of ODA in the financing. In addition heat recovery, if implemented, may generate some income to compensate the costs.



Feasibility of the delays. It is at this stage estimated that a multicat could perform waste collection activities at a speed of 2km/h. With the assumption that every “producing” hour would cost 2 “lost” hours of travel/preparation, it is estimated that an area of about 75km² can be covered every year. Assuming that the all area of 300-400 km² should be at least covered twice, this means that the total restoration campaign could last for about 10 years.

As this fits with the overall duration of implementation of the Environmental Master Planning, this means that both projects may improve the situation significantly.

Page 29 of 30

22/12/2015

in coop. with

Report RAP/R/2D002/15/085/PBA– Rev1

5. Conclusions, recommendations and next steps The present overview report summarizes the pre-feasibility study of the environmental restoration project of the Ha Long Bay. Based on a literature study and on a first-of-its-kind survey campaign for mapping and analyzing the current pollution level of the Ha Long Bay, the study concludes that next to the foreseen measures in the “Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning”, aiming to achieve good environmental practices around the bay, it is necessary to take active restoration measures for addressing the depleted environmental quality and touristic attractiveness.

The study proposes to focus on both the floating oil and solid debris for the restoration measures.

Collection of this type of waste indeed constitutes “quick wins” as it will significantly improve the visual aspect on the bay, while requiring moderate budget. Floating waste creates a filter against the sun rays. Removing those waste will then speed up the degradation of organic matters in the water, which is the main water quality issue for the moment in the Bay. The proposed restoration is therefore complementary to the implementation of near 100% wastewater treatment foreseen in the Quang Ninh Environmental Master Planning: it will help to avoid further degradation of the water quality during the implementation of the plan, and after implementation, it will speed up the process of recovering good environmental quality.

The proposed collection process includes two steps: 3. Marine activities: collection of the oil and floating debris with a multi-tasking, highly mobile and flexible multicat, equipped with the necessary waste and oil recovery systems.

4. On-shore activities: waste separation and treatment in an incinerator, possibly equipped with a heat recovery system to produce steam or electric power.

The estimated total budget for the marine activity and treatment on land is approximately USD 36 million (CAPEX) and the operational cost per annum is approximately USD 9 million (OPEX per year).

Based on a pre-feasibility study, the project is judged: 

Technically feasible: a wide range of oil and waste recovery devices was developed ensuring that the appropriate equipment will be available. Based on a first estimate, a first phase of restoration of the bay could be achieved in 4-5 years, and a second one after 4-5 additional years. As those durations correspond to the implementation of the “Quang Ninh Environment Master Planning”, the proposed restoration measures will play their full role of complementarity with this Master Planning.



Financially feasible: This kind of project and equipment are obviously suitable for ODA financing.

The next phase of the study (feasibility study), to be due by the beginning of March 2016 will aim to 

Further define methods and equipment;



Make a detailed cost estimate of the proposed measures;



Whereby, possibly, later a coordination to obtain the necessary funding could be added.

Page 30 of 30

22/12/2015

Jordaenskaai 25 b6 2000 Antwerp, Belgium +32 3 203 47 90 DEC. 2015

info@rentaport.be www.rentaport.be