Environmental observatory

    The permanent environmental observatory (Osservatorio Ambientale Permanente) was set up on CityLife’s initiative and in agreement with the City of Milan, the Lombardy Region, ARPA Lombardia (Regional Environmental Protection Agency) and ASL (Health Board).


    The activities of the observatory

    • Evaluation and forecasting of the acoustic and environmental impact of the initial phases of work (mainly the demolition of existing pavilions) and the identification of techniques and procedures to limit such impact
    • Monitoring of noise and air quality prior to the beginning of work in order to have a parameter against which to compare the data measures during subsequent phases.
    • Regular environmental monitoring during work in order to keep a constant record to control compliance with the prescriptions regarding air quality, noise levels and other environmental factors.
    • Meetings. The Osservatorio Permanente Ambientale will meet regularly to ensure that those involved in the environmental issues related to the development can continuously share and discuss processes and methods.


    Monitoring

    • Measurement before start of construction in order to measure the noise level and quality of air in the area surrounding CityLife and establish reference parameters for the following measurement during work (February 2007). On this basis, together with the start of construction, the  City of Milam Council issued the maximum admissible acoustic impact level from the construction site.
    • Measurement of noise level during work (October 2007, December 2007, January 2008, December 2008, June 2009, November 2009, May 2010)
    • Measurement of air quality during demolition work in Largo Africa (March 2008), the demolition by implosion of Pavilion 20 (May 2008) and excavation work (June 2009, November 2009, May 2010)
    • Measurement of dust level (October 2008 – September 2009)
    • Measurement of potential vibration level in nearby buildings (July 2008). Measurements were made, while there was no work going on at the site, in a number of buildings in Via Senofonte, Via Plutarco, Largo Africa, Via Spinola, Via Vegezio and Via Brin, for a total of 10 significant sites. Afterwards a series of measurements will be made during specific works on site to verify whether there will be any differences from the initial readings. Checks were also made on neighbouring buildings, with specific analyses of buildings in Via Spinola and Via Senofonte. Around 120 inspections were made to record the technical and structural condition of the buildings prior to the start of specific works on the site.


    Further monitoring will be conducted as work proceeds in order to ensure that acoustic/environmental levels are kept under control.