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NOVEMBER 2014 1
West Yorkshire Police
Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Air Quality Assessment
Project No: 660469
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
ii
RSK GENERAL NOTES
Project No.: 660469-01 (00)
Title: Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield – Air Quality Assessment
Client: West Yorkshire Police
Date: 24 November 2014
Office: Hemel Hempstead
Status: Final
Author Dr Christina Higgins Technical reviewer Dr Srinivas Srimath
Signature
Signature
Date: 24 November 2014 Date: 24 November 2014
RSK Environment Ltd (RSK) has prepared this report for the sole use of the client, showing reasonable skill and care, for the intended purposes as stated in the agreement under which this work was completed. The report may not be relied upon by any other party without the express agreement of the client and RSK. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report.
Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by RSK for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party. The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based on the assumption that all relevant information has been supplied by those bodies from whom it was requested.
No part of this report may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of RSK and the party for whom it was prepared.
Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the work.
This work has been undertaken in accordance with the quality management system of RSK Group plc.
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
iii
Summary
RSK Environment Ltd (RSK) was commissioned to undertake an air quality assessment as part
of the planning process for a residential development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield.
The proposed development site is located within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The
estimated background air pollutant concentrations at the proposed development site are within
relevant air quality standards but air quality is considered to be a concern for the future residents.
RSK consulted the Environmental Services at Wakefield Metropolitan District Council (WMDC)
and agreed the scope and methodology of the air quality assessment.
No significant stationary combustion sources such as combined heat and power plants (CHP) or
biomass boilers are proposed. However, it is recommended that low NOx boilers for domestic
space and water heating be specified.
Construction phase impacts of the proposed development on local air quality may potentially
arise due to fugitive dust emissions during the period of construction. The risk of dust impacts
(without mitigation) was assessed according to a widely used method published by the Institute
of Air Quality Management and found to be ‘high risk’ to ‘low risk’. Mitigation measures
appropriate to the construction phase will be specified by a dust management plan (DMP) agreed
with WMDC), therefore significant residual effects are not anticipated.
The Transport Assessment, undertaken by Curtins, identifies that the maximum increase in
annual average daily traffic (AADT) as a result of the operation of the proposed development on
Westfield Road (south of site access) is less than 6%. No significant change in vehicle speed,
car parking spaces and the number of HGVs has been identified in the Transport Assessment.
Furthermore, a traffic impact analysis using criteria set out by WMDC was undertaken which
involved the estimation in the change of the local air quality. The anticipated annual average NO2
pollutant concentration at the proposed development location has been assessed using the road
traffic data, Emissions Factor Toolkit (EFT) in conjunction with the measured NO2 concentration
at a nearby roadside site. With the proposed development in place, the annual average NO2
concentration at the proposed development location was estimated to be 29µg/m3 which is below
the air quality objective. Furthermore, a travel plan has been proposed which will help to reduce
exposure of the residents to air pollutants. Therefore, the impact from traffic generated from the
proposed development is not considered to be significant and a detailed air quality assessment
involving dispersion modelling is not considered to be required.
An estimate of damage costs was also made based on emissions to air caused by the proposed
development using the methodology identified by WMDC. On the basis of this assessment, the
proposed development is unlikely to be adversely affected by, or have a significant impact on
local air quality, and therefore air quality is considered to be a low priority concern for the
proposed development.
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
iv
Abbreviations
AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic
AQAP Air Quality Action Plan
AQMA Air Quality Management Area
CHP Combined Heat and Power
CO Carbon Monoxide
DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DMP Dust Management Plan
EC European Commission
EDHD East Hampshire District Council
EP-UK Environmental Protection UK
EU European Union
GLA Greater London Authority
HDV Heavy Duty Vehicle
IAQM Institute of Air Quality Management
LAQM Local Air Quality Management
NAQS National Air Quality Strategy
NPPF National Planning Policy Framework
NO2 Nitrogen dioxide
NOx Oxides of nitrogen
O3 Ozone
PM2.5 Particulate matter of size fraction approximating to <2.5mm diameter
PM10 Particulate matter of size fraction approximating to <10mm diameter
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds
WMDC Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
v
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Proposed Development ............................................................................................................ 1
2 LEGISLATION AND POLICY CONTEXT ........................................................................................ 4
2.1 Key Legislation ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Planning Policy ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 National Planning Policy Framework............................................................................ 5
2.2.2 Environmental Protection UK Guidance – Development Control: Planning for Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Local Planning Policy ................................................................................................... 6
3 ASSESSMENT SCOPE ................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Overall Approach ...................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Construction Phase Assessment ............................................................................................. 7
3.3 Operation Phase Assessment .................................................................................................. 8
4 BASELINE AIR QUALITY CHARACTERISATION ......................................................................... 9
4.1 Emissions Sources and Key Air Pollutants .............................................................................. 9
4.2 Local Authority Review and Assessment of Air Quality ........................................................... 9
4.2.1 Wakefield Metropolitan District Council (WMDC) ......................................................... 9
4.3 Baseline Monitoring Data ......................................................................................................... 9
4.4 LAQM Background Data ........................................................................................................ 11
5 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Construction Dust Assessment .............................................................................................. 12
5.2 Operational Impact Assessment ............................................................................................ 12
6 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 13
6.1 Construction Phase ................................................................................................................ 13
6.1.1 Exhaust Emissions from Plant and Vehicles .............................................................. 13
6.1.2 Fugitive Dust Emissions ............................................................................................. 13
6.1.3 Potential Dust Emission Magnitude ............................................................................ 14
6.1.4 Sensitivity of the Area ................................................................................................. 15
6.1.5 Risk of Impacts ........................................................................................................... 18
6.2 Operational Phase .................................................................................................................. 19
6.2.1 Pollution Emissions Cost ............................................................................................ 22
7 MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................................................. 24
7.1 Construction Phase Mitigation ................................................................................................ 24
7.2 Operational Phase Mitigation ................................................................................................. 24
7.3 Residual Impacts: Significance .............................................................................................. 25
8 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................. 26
9 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A CONSTRUCTION DUST ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ....................................... 29
APPENDIX B EMISSION SOURCE APPORTIONMENT .................................................................... 35
APPENDIX C SITE-SPECIFIC MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................................ 37
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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TABLES
Table 2.1: Air Quality Objectives Relevant to the Proposed Development ............................................ 4
Table 4.1: 2013 Annual Average Measured Pollutant Concentrations: Wakefield Metropolitan District Council .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Table 4.2 2014 to 2016 Estimated Background Annual Average NOx, NO2 and PM10 Concentrations at Proposed Development Site ................................................................................................................. 11
Table 6.1: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Demolition Activities (Before mitigation) .......... 14
Table 6.2: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Earthworks Activities (Before mitigation) ......... 14
Table 6.3: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Construction Activities (Before mitigation) ....... 15
Table 6.4: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Trackout Activities (Before mitigation) ............. 15
Table 6.5: Summary of Dust Emission Magnitude of the Site (Before mitigation) ................................ 15
Table 6.6: Sensitivity of the area ........................................................................................................... 18
Table 6.7: Summary of the Dust Risk from Construction Activities ...................................................... 19
Table 6.8: Traffic Data and Predicted Percentage Increase between Future Development Operation Scenarios .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Table 6.9: Estimation of the Change to Local Air Quality ..................................................................... 20
Table 6.10: Significance of the Potential Operation Phase Impacts With Reference to the Criteria Identified by Environmental Protection UK ........................................................................................... 21
FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Proposed Development Site Location .................................................................................. 2
Figure 1.2: Proposed Development Layout ............................................................................................ 3
Figure 6.1: Construction and Trackout Activities Buffer Map ................................................................ 17
Figure 6.2: Traffic Assessment Road Links .......................................................................................... 19
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
RSK Environment Ltd (RSK) has been commissioned to undertake an assessment of
the potential air quality impacts associated with a proposed residential development at
Bishopgarth, Wakefield, to accompany the planning application. The proposed
development site is currently West Yorkshire Police’s Training and Development
Centre.
The proposed site has an area of approximately 3.6 hectares on land located to the
north of Westfield Road; the approximate grid reference for the centre of the site is
433054, 421702. Figure 1.1 shows the location including the red line boundary of the
site. The site is located in Bishopgarth, Wakefield, south of the M62 motorway. It is
bounded by residential properties to the west and east off Blenheim Road and College
Grove Road, sports fields to the north and Westfield Road to the south. The site falls
within Wakefield Metropolitan District Council’s (WMDC) jurisdiction.
1.2 Proposed Development
The proposals comprise the development of approximately 150 dwellings on land which
is currently occupied by a police training school in Bishopgarth, Wakefield. The
indicative masterplan is presented in Figure 1.2.
This report presents the findings of an assessment of existing/baseline air quality
conditions, potential air quality impacts during the construction phase of the proposed
development and predicted impacts on local air quality resulting from traffic emissions
generated by the development once it is fully operational.
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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Figure 1.1: Proposed Development Site Location
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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Figure 1.2: Proposed Development Layout
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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2 LEGISLATION AND POLICY CONTEXT
2.1 Key Legislation
UK air quality policy is published under the umbrella of the Environment Act 1995, Part
IV and specifically Section 80, the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS). The latest Air
Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – Working Together
for Clean Air, published in July 2007 sets air quality standards and objectives for ten
key air pollutants to be achieved between 2003 and 2020.
The EU Air Quality Framework Directive (1996) established a framework under which
the EU could set limit or target values for specified pollutants. The directive identified
several pollutants for which limit or target values have been, or will be set in subsequent
‘daughter directives’. The framework and daughter directives were consolidated by
Directive 2008/50/EC on Ambient Air Quality And Cleaner Air for Europe, which retains
the existing air quality standards and introduces new objectives for fine particulates
(PM2.5).
The air quality standards in the United Kingdom are derived from European
Commission (EC) directives and are adopted into English law via the Air Quality
(England) Regulations 2000 and Air Quality (England) Amendment Regulations 2002.
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003 and subsequent amendments implement
the EU Air Quality Framework Directive into English Law. Directive 2008/50/EC was
translated into UK law in 2010 via the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010. The
relevant1 objectives for England and Wales are summarised below in Table 2.1.
These objectives are to be used in the review and assessment of air quality by local
authorities under Section 82 of the Environment Act (1995). If exceedances are
measured or predicted through the review and assessment process, the local authority
must declare an air quality management area (AQMA) under Section 83 of the act, and
produce an air quality action plan to outline how air quality is to be improved to meet the
objectives under Section 84 of the act.
Table 2.1: Air Quality Objectives Relevant to the Proposed Development
Substance Averaging period Exceedances allowed per year
Ground level concentration
limit (µµµµg/m3)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 1 calendar year - 40
1 hour 18 200
Fine particles (PM10) 1 calendar year - 40
24 hours 35 50
1 Relevance, in this case, is defined by the scope of the assessment, which was agreed to be limited to NO2 and
PM10.
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2.2 Planning Policy
The land use planning system is a key means of improving air quality, particularly in the
long term, through the control of the strategic location and design of new development.
Any air quality concern that relates to land use and its development can, depending on
the details of the proposed development, be a material consideration in the
determination of planning applications.
2.2.1 National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012,
superseding previous Planning Policy Statements. The National Planning Policy
Framework was intended to simplify the planning system and includes a presumption in
favour of sustainable development.
Section 11 of the NPPF deals with Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment,
and states that the intention is that the planning system should prevent ‘development
from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected
by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability’ and goes
on to state that ‘new development [should be] appropriate for its location’ and ‘the
effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, the natural environment or
general amenity, and the potential sensitivity of the area or proposed development to
adverse effects from pollution, should be taken into account.’
With specific regard to air quality, the NPPF states that:
‘Planning policies should sustain compliance with and contribute towards EU limit
values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of
Air Quality Management Areas and the cumulative impacts on air quality from
individual sites in local areas. Planning decisions should ensure that any new
development in Air Quality Management Areas is consistent with the local air
quality action plan’.
2.2.2 Environmental Protection UK Guidance – Development Control: Planning for Air Quality
Environmental Protection UK’s guidance note ‘Development Control: Planning for Air
Quality (Update 2010)’ responds to the need for closer integration between air quality
and development control. It provides a framework for air quality considerations within
local development control processes, promoting a consistent approach to the treatment
of air quality issues within development control decisions.
The guidance includes a method for assessing the significance of impacts of
development proposals in terms of air quality and how to make recommendations
relevant to the development control process. The guidance note is widely accepted as
an appropriate reference method for this purpose.
West Yorkshire Police
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Report No. 660469-01(00)
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2.2.3 Local Planning Policy
Wakefield’s Core Strategy sets out development strategy and policies and was adopted
in April 2009. The proposed development falls just inside the city centre catchment area
and therefore the Central Wakefield Area Action Plan guidance is applicable. The
Central Wakefield Area Action Plan develops the overall strategy set out in the Core
Strategy Local Development Framework into more detailed policies relating to central
Wakefield and was adopted in June 2009.
The Core Strategy identifies the following objectives:
‘Air quality is a concern in parts of the district, particularly in the M1 corridor and
in city/town centres, mostly caused by traffic. A number of Air Quality
Management Areas have been designated where pollution levels may exceed
guidelines set by the government. City/town centres and urban areas are the
places where the LDF spatial development strategy concentrates most new
development, so that without action air quality in these areas might deteriorate.
The Council’s Environmental Health Service is preparing an Action Plan to
address pollution levels in Air Quality Management Areas. Nevertheless, it is
important that new development throughout the district does not worsen air
quality. Promoting the use of public transport, walking and cycling as alternatives
to the car, will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.’
‘Planning obligations may be used to secure improvements to the public realm
and within Air Quality Management Areas.’
Furthermore, the Central Wakefield Area Action Plan states with respect to AQMAs:
‘In these and other sensitive locations, development proposals will need to
include appropriate mitigation measures to offset the effects of noise, air and light
pollution on surrounding amenities and direct sensitive uses away from worst
affected areas. Air quality, noise and light impact assessments will be required for
significant development within central Wakefield.’
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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3 ASSESSMENT SCOPE
3.1 Overall Approach
An air quality assessment has been undertaken, and the approach taken for assessing
the potential air quality impacts of the proposed development may be summarised as
follows:
• Correspondence with the local authority;
• Baseline characterisation of local air quality;
• Qualitative impact assessment of the construction phase of the development;
• An assessment of air quality impacts during the operational phase of the proposed development using the guidance published by WMDC, and that on development control by Environmental Protection UK; and
• Recommendation of mitigation measures, where appropriate, to ensure any adverse effects on air quality are minimised.
3.2 Construction Phase Assessment
The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) has published a guidance document on
the assessment of construction phase impacts.
In order to assess the potential impacts, construction activities are divided into four
types:
• demolition;
• earthworks;
• construction; and
• trackout.
The first step in the assessment is to determine whether there is a need for a detailed
assessment. An assessment is said to be required where there are human and/or
ecological receptors within certain distances of the site. This is further identified in
Appendix A.
Construction of the proposed development may lead to the release of fugitive dust.
There are human receptors within 350m of the boundary of the site and within 50m of
the trackout route; therefore, construction dust may have the potential to cause
annoyance in the local area. A qualitative construction impact assessment has been
conducted to identify the potential risk of dust impacts and the level of mitigation
required to reduce these impacts.
This assessment report considers the potential impact from demolition, earthworks,
construction and trackout activities.
West Yorkshire Police
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Report No. 660469-01(00)
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3.3 Operation Phase Assessment
EP-UK’s guidance note ‘Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (Update 2010)’
suggests that a need for detailed assessment of road traffic emissions is likely to be
triggered by proposals that will give rise to a significant change in either traffic volumes,
typically a change in annual average daily traffic (AADT) or peak traffic flows of ±5% or
±10%, depending on local circumstances (a change of ±5% will be appropriate for traffic
flows within an AQMA), or in vehicle speed (typically of ±10 kph), or both, usually on a
road with more than 10,000 AADT (5,000 if considered ‘narrow and congested’).
Also, a traffic impact analysis using criteria set out by WMDC was undertaken. This
analysis involved the estimation in the change of the local air quality. It is not
considered likely that the proposed development will generate traffic which would be
considered significant on this basis. Therefore, a detailed assessment of increased road
traffic emissions using dispersion modelling was not carried out; however, an estimate
of likely NO2 concentrations was made using the road traffic data, Emissions Factors
Toolkit, and the measured NO2 concentrations at a roadside site near the proposed
development.
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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4 BASELINE AIR QUALITY CHARACTERISATION
Existing or baseline air quality refers to the concentrations of relevant substances that
are already present in ambient air. These substances are emitted by various sources,
including road traffic, industrial, domestic, agricultural and natural sources. Baseline air
quality data employed in this study have been obtained from continuous and diffusion
tube monitoring stations maintained by WMDC and from the LAQM Support website
operated by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
4.1 Emissions Sources and Key Air Pollutants
Transport-related emissions are one of the main sources of air pollution in urban areas.
The principal pollutants relevant to this assessment are considered to be NO2 and
PM10, generally regarded as the two most significant air pollutants released by vehicular
combustion processes, or subsequently generated by vehicle emissions in the
atmosphere through chemical reactions. These pollutants are generally considered to
have the greatest potential to result in human health impacts, and are the substances of
most concern in terms of existing levels in the area, as discussed below.
4.2 Local Authority Review and Assessment of Air Quality
As directed by the Environment Act 1995, local authorities are required to review and
assess air quality with respect to the standards and objectives for the pollutants
specified in the Government’s National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS, 2007). Local
authorities are required to undertake an Updating and Screening Assessment (USA) of
their area every three years. If the USA identifies areas where air quality objectives are
likely to be exceeded, then a detailed assessment of those areas is required.
Where objectives are not predicted to be met, local authorities must declare an AQMA
and prepare an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), which outlines measures aimed at
improving air quality within the designated AQMA.
4.2.1 Wakefield Metropolitan District Council (WMDC)
WMDC has a number of Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) in the borough. It is
understood that the proposed Bishopgarth development site is within the Wakefield City
AQMA, which was declared in 2006 for exceedances of the annual mean nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) air quality objective for human health. An air quality assessment is being
prepared to support the planning application for the proposed development.
4.3 Baseline Monitoring Data
According to WMDC’s Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) report, Air Quality
Progress Report 2014, there are six automatic monitoring sites in the district, three
combined NO2 and particulate matter (PM10), two NO2 and one ozone monitoring
West Yorkshire Police
Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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stations. The monitoring stations within 3 km of the proposed development site are
presented in Table 4.1.
NO2 was additionally monitored using 52 diffusion tubes by WMDC during 2013 at a
mixture of kerbside, roadside and urban background sites. There are 17 diffusion tubes
within 3 km from the proposed development. The diffusion tube located at Gissing
House, Wentworth Terrace provides a good reference of the NO2 background level for
the proposed development. This diffusion tube is located 0.4km from the proposed
development and is 2m from the nearest kerb.
Annual average NO2 and PM10 concentrations as measured in 2013 at all automatic
and NO2 at all nearby diffusion tube sites are presented in Table 4.1.
Measured NO2 concentrations were above the relevant air quality objective at five of the
monitoring sites within 3 km from the proposed site; all of these sites are within an
AQMA. PM10 concentrations were below the annual average at the automatic
monitoring site.
Table 4.1: 2013 Annual Average Measured Pollutant Concentrations: Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
Site Name Site Type Approx. distance from proposed
development (km)
2013
Annual Average NO2
(µg/m3)
Annual Average PM10
(µg/m3)
Newton Bar Automatic Roadside
0.3 31 -
Park Street Automatic
Urban Background
1.5 31 21
Diffusion tubes
1 Arlington Street
Background 0.3 34 -
61 Leeds Rd Roadside 0.4 46 -
Gissing House Roadside 0.4 32 -
99 Northgate Background 0.4 63 -
139 Leeds Rd Background 0.5 32 -
11 Pinderfields Rd
Background 0.6 32 -
St. Christopher’s Walk
Background 0.7 33 -
King Street Kerbside 0.8 53 -
Bull Ring Background 0.9 34 -
182 Stanley Rd Background 0.9 39 -
11 Turton Street Roadside 1.2 34 -
5 Thornhill Background 1.4 35 -
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Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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Site Name Site Type Approx. distance from proposed
development (km)
2013
Annual Average NO2
(µg/m3)
Annual Average PM10
(µg/m3)
Street
44 Denby Dale Rd
Background 1.7 35 -
185 Dewsbury Rd
Background 2.1 38 -
128 Doncaster Rd
Roadside 2.4 40 -
190 Agbrigg Rd Background 3.0 36 -
259A Doncaster Rd
Background 3.0 47 -
Air Quality Objective 40
Note: NO2 concentrations incorporate a local bias adjustment factor rather than regional factor because
it represents local conditions more closely. Exceedances of the NO2 objective are shown in bold.
4.4 LAQM Background Data
In addition to the local monitoring data, estimated background air quality data available
from the LAQM website operated by Defra, may also be used to establish likely
background air quality conditions at the proposed development site.
The LAQM website provides estimated annual average background concentrations of
NOx, NO2 and PM10 on a 1km2 grid basis. Table 4.2 identifies estimated annual average
background NOx, NO2 and PM10 concentrations at the proposed development site for
years from 2014 to 2016. No exceedance of NO2 and PM10 air quality objectives is
predicted.
Table 4.2: 2014 to 2016 Estimated Background Annual Average NOx, NO2 and PM10 Concentrations at Proposed Development Site
Assessment Year
Estimated Annual Average Pollutant Concentrations Derived from the Defra LAQM Support Website
Annual Average NOX
(µg/m3)
Annual Average NO2
(µg/m3)
Annual Average PM10 (µg/m
3)
2013 30.6 21.1 16.6
2014 29.7 20.7 16.7
2015 28.7 20.1 16.0
2016 29.2 19.5 15.9
Air Quality Objective
30^ 40 40
Note: Presented concentrations for 1 km2 grid centred on 432500, 421500; approximate centre of
development site is 433054, 421702; ^air quality objective designated for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems only.
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Air Quality Assessment for Proposed Development at Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Report No. 660469-01(00)
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5 METHODOLOGY
5.1 Construction Dust Assessment
The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) has published a guidance document on
the assessment of construction phase impacts.
In order to assess the potential impacts, construction activities are divided into four
types:
• demolition;
• earthworks;
• construction; and
• trackout.
For each activity, the risk of dust arising to cause annoyance and/or health or ecological
impacts is determined using three risk categories: low, medium and high risk. The risk
category is different for each of the four activities and depends on the sensitivity of the
area. Three separate dust impacts are considered:
• annoyance to dust soiling;
• the risk of health effects due to an increase in exposure to PM10; and
• harm to ecological receptors.
The assessment is used to define the appropriate level of mitigation required and the
measures to reduce the identified potential impact and determine the significance of the
predicted level of impact to air quality. Appendix A sets out the construction dust
assessment methodology. This contains information on potential dust emission
magnitude for the four construction activities; this takes account of the scale and nature
of the works, which determines the potential dust emission magnitude, and the
sensitivity of the area. The risks of impact are defined based on this information and site
specific mitigation measures that should be adopted to alleviate this risk.
The Magic Map application available online was used to identify statutory ecological
receptors near the proposed development site area.
5.2 Operational Impact Assessment
The updated 2010 Environmental Protection UK (EP-UK) guidance provides an
approach for assessing the significance of air quality impacts associated with a
development. This approach has been used to qualitatively asses the operational
impacts associated with the development.
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Report No. 660469-01(00)
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6 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
6.1 Construction Phase
Atmospheric emissions from construction activities will depend on a combination of the
potential for emissions (the type of activity and prevailing conditions) and the
effectiveness of control measures. In general terms, there are two sources of emissions
that will need to be controlled to minimise the potential for adverse environmental
effects:
• exhaust emissions from site plant, equipment and vehicles; and
• fugitive dust emissions from site activities.
6.1.1 Exhaust Emissions from Plant and Vehicles
The operation of vehicles and equipment powered by internal combustion engines
results in the emission of exhaust gases containing the pollutants NOx, PM10, volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO). The quantities emitted depend
on factors such as engine type, service history, pattern of usage and fuel composition.
The operation of site equipment, vehicles and machinery will result in emissions to
atmosphere of exhaust gases, but such emissions are unlikely to be significant,
particularly in comparison to levels of similar emission components from vehicle
movements on the local road network surrounding the development site.
Construction traffic will comprise haulage/construction vehicles and vehicles used for
workers’ trips to and from the site.
6.1.2 Fugitive Dust Emissions
Fugitive dust emissions arising from construction activities are likely to be variable in
nature and will depend upon the type and extent of the activity, soil type and moisture,
road surface conditions and weather conditions. Periods of dry weather combined with
higher than average wind speeds have the potential to generate more dust.
Construction activities that are considered to be the most significant potential sources of
fugitive dust emissions are:
• demolition of existing buildings and the size reduction and handling of materials;
• earth moving, due to the handling, storage and disposal of soil and subsoil materials;
• construction aggregate usage, due to the transport, unloading, storage and use of dry and dusty materials (such as cement and sand);
• movement of heavy site vehicles on dry or untreated haul routes; and
• movement of vehicles over surfaces where muddy materials have been transferred off-site (for example, on to public highways).
Fugitive dust arising from construction and demolition activities is mainly of a particle
size greater than the PM10 fraction (that which can potentially impact upon human
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health), however it is noted that demolition and construction activities may contribute to
local PM10 concentrations. Appropriate dust control measures can be highly effective for
controlling emissions from potentially dust generating activities identified above, and
adverse effects can be greatly reduced or eliminated.
See Appendix A for further explanation of the tendency of dust to remain airborne.
6.1.3 Potential Dust Emission Magnitude
With reference to the IAQM guidance criteria outlined in Appendix A, the dust emissions
magnitude for demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout activities are
summarised in Tables 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. Risk categories for the four construction
activities are summarised in Table 6.5.
Worst-case assumptions have been made, where information is not currently available,
for a conservative assessment.
Table 6.1: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Demolition Activities (Before mitigation)
Demolition Criteria Dust Emissions Class
Evaluation of the Effects
Total volume of buildings to be demolished
Medium 20,000-50,000m3
On-site crushing and screening
Large On-site crushing and screening
Height of demolition activities above ground
Medium 10-20m above ground
Dust potential of demolition materials
Large Potentially dusty construction materials (concrete and brick)
Overall Rating Large Conservative rating
Table 6.2: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Earthworks Activities (Before mitigation)
Earthworks Criteria Dust Emissions Class
Evaluation of the Effects
Total site area Large >10,000m2
Soil type Large Sandy/gravelly clay – potentially dusty
Earth moving vehicles at any one time
Large Unknown
Height of bunds Small N/A
Total material moved Large Unknown
Work times Large Unknown
Overall Rating Large Conservative rating
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Table 6.3: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Construction Activities (Before mitigation)
Construction Criteria Dust Emissions Class
Evaluation of the Effects
Total building volume Small <25,000m3
On-site concrete batching or sandblasting proposed
Large Unknown
Dust potential of construction materials
Medium Potentially dusty construction materials
Overall Rating Large Conservative rating
Table 6.4: Summary of Dust Emissions Magnitude of Trackout Activities (Before mitigation)
Trackout Criteria Dust Emissions Class
Evaluation of the Effects
Number of HDV>3.5t per day Large Conservative rating
Surface type of the site Large Conservative rating
Length of unpaved road Large Conservative rating
Overall Rating Large Conservative rating
Table 6.5: Summary of Dust Emission Magnitude of the Site (Before mitigation)
Construction Activities Dust Emissions Class
Demolition Large
Earthworks Large
Construction Large
Trackout Large
6.1.4 Sensitivity of the Area
As per the IAQM Guidance, the sensitivity of the area takes into account a number of
factors, including:
• The specific sensitivities of receptors in the area;
• The proximity and number of those receptors;
• In the case of PM10, the local background concentration; and
• Site specific factors, such as whether there are natural shelters, such as trees,
to reduce the risk of wind-blown dust.
Consideration is given to human and ecological receptors from the impact of the
construction site boundary and the trackout route proposed. Where necessary, for
example, the trackout route is not yet known, a conservative view on the likely route has
been taken.
Figure 6.1 shows a map indicating the construction and trackout buffers for identifying
the sensitivity of the area. There are no ecological sites within 350m of the proposed
site boundary; there is one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Alverthorpe and
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Wrenthorpe Meadows, located around 1km from the proposed development site
boundary.
Table 6.6 presents the determined sensitivity of the area with the factors itemised which
have helped to define this.
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Figure 6.1: Construction and Trackout Activities Buffer Map
Construction Activities Trackout Activities
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Construction activities are relevant up to 350m from the proposed development site
boundary whereas trackout activities are only considered relevant up to 50m from the
edge of the road, as per the guidance. Only 20m and 50m buffers have been included
for trackout for this reason.
Table 6.6: Sensitivity of the area
Potential Impact
Sensitivity of the surrounding area
Demolition Earthworks Construction Trackout
Dust soiling
Receptor sensitivity
High High High High
Number of receptors
10-100 10-100 10-100 >100
Distance from the source
<20m <20m <20m <20m
Sensitivity of the area
High High High High
Human health
Receptor sensitivity
High High High High
Annual mean PM10
concentration <24µg/m
3 <24µg/m
3 <24µg/m
3 <24µg/m
3
Number of receptors
10-100 10-100 10-100 >100
Distance from the source
<20m <20m <20m <20m
Sensitivity of the area
Low Low Low Medium
Ecological
Receptor sensitivity
Medium Medium Medium Medium
Distance from the source
SSSI approx 1km away
SSSI approx 1 km away
SSSI approx 1km away
SSSI approx 1km away
Sensitivity of the area
Low Low Low Low
6.1.5 Risk of Impacts
The dust emission magnitude is combines with the sensitivity of the area to determine
the risk of impacts of construction activities before mitigation; these are evaluated
based on risk categories of each activity in Appendix A.
The risk of dust impacts from construction activities is identified in
Table 6.7. Site specific mitigation measures to reduce construction phase impacts are
defined based on this assessment in Section 7.
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Table 6.7: Summary of the Dust Risk from Construction Activities
Potential Impact Dust Risk Impact
Demolition Earthworks Construction Trackout
Dust soiling High risk High risk High risk High risk
Human health Medium risk Low risk Low risk Medium risk
Ecological Medium risk Low risk Low risk Low risk
6.2 Operational Phase
Some emissions to air due to domestic combustion (such as space heating and
cooking) are likely, however modern heating systems are efficient and low polluting and
these emissions are not considered likely to have a significant impact on local air
quality.
Figure 6.2 displays the road links used in the traffic assessment.
Table 6.8 presents the predicted traffic for the base year and future years with and
without the development in place, on roads predicted to experience the most impact
from the development. The maximum increase in AADT as a result of the operation of
the proposed development on Westfield Road (south of the site) is less than 6%.
Figure 6.2: Traffic Assessment Road Links
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Table 6.8: Traffic Data and Predicted Percentage Increase between Future
Development Operation Scenarios
Road Link 2014 Base Year
Traffic Flows
2019 'Without Development' Traffic Flows
2019 'With Development' Traffic Flows
% increase
1.A 20742 22600 22838 +1.05
1.B 3474 3778 3998 +5.82
1.C 19714 21480 21463 -0.08
1.D 855 933 933 0.00
2.A 6132 6684 6529 -2.32
2.B 173 188 188 0.00
2.C 3972 4321 4289 -0.74
2.D 3649 3982 4016 +0.85
The background pollutant concentrations, based on the baseline review undertaken in
Section 4, are predicted to be below the relevant air quality objectives with NO2 having
an estimated annual average background concentration of 20.7µg/m3, taken from the
Defra LAQM estimated background maps. Therefore, air quality is considered to be at
an acceptable level for residential use.
Calculations to estimate the likely change in pollutant concentration at the proposed
development site were performed and are presented in Table 6.9. Using the diffusion
tube measured concentration at 61 Leeds Road roadsite site (350m from the proposed
development site) of 46µg/m3, the estimated NO2 concentration at the proposed
development site is 27.9µg/m3 or less using Defra’s ‘Drop-off of NO2 concentration with
distance’ tool. The estimated concentration of 27.9µg/m3 is based on a drop-off
distance of 50m (maximum distance input to the tool). However, the actual drop-off
distance is 350m. Therefore, it is considered to be a conservation estimate. The UK-Air
NO2 estimated background concentration (shown in Table 4.2) is 21.1µg/m3 and
therefore, local source NO2 contribution is estimated to be 6.8µg/m3.
Table 6.9: Estimation of the Change to Local Air Quality
Road Link 2014 Base Year
NOx (µg/m3)
2019 'Without Development' NOx (µg/m
3)
2019 'With Development' NOx (µg/m
3)
Anticipated 2019 NO2 (µg/m
3)
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1.A 6.8 7.28 7.31 28.4
1.B 6.8 7.34 7.77 28.9
1.C 6.8 7.20 7.24 28.3
1.D 6.8 7.37 7.37 28.5
2.A 6.8 7.41 7.24 28.3
2.B 6.8 7.21 7.21 28.3
2.C 6.8 7.34 7.29 28.4
2.D 6.8 7.36 7.42 28.5
The maximum anticipated 2019 total NO2 pollutant concentration at the proposed
development site is 28.9µg/m3. This is below the air quality objective of 40µg/m3.
A breakdown of the baseline emission sources is provided in Appendix B for the
pollutants NOx, PM2.5, PM10 and CO2. For both the 2014 base year and 2019 ‘with
development’ scenario, the highest proportion of each pollutant was attributed to light
duty vehicles (LDV).
Table 6.10 reproduces the guidance published by Environmental Protection UK (EP-
UK) used to determine when a quantitative air quality assessment is likely to be
required, and evaluates the proposed development in relation to each criterion.
Table 6.10: Significance of the Potential Operation Phase Impacts With Reference to the Criteria Identified by Environmental Protection UK
Environmental Protection UK Criteria for Identifying Whether an Air Quality
Assessment is Necessary
Evaluation of the Potential Operational Impacts of Proposed Re-development Site
Is a Detailed Air Quality
Assessment Required as per the EP UK Criteria?
Proposals that will give rise to a significant change in either traffic volumes, typically a
change in annual average daily traffic (AADT) or peak traffic flows of greater than ±5% or ±10%, depending on local circumstances (a change of ±5% will be appropriate for traffic flows within an AQMA), or in vehicle speed (typically of more than ±10 kph), or both, usually on a road with more than 10,000 AADT (5,000 if ‘narrow and
congested’);
The highest increase of AADT is 5.8% from Westfield Road (south of the site access, low AADT) after the development being proposed. There will be no change in speed of the roads under assessment (Traffic flows related to the proposed development are presented in
Table 6.8).
No
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Environmental Protection UK Criteria for Identifying Whether an Air Quality
Assessment is Necessary
Evaluation of the Potential Operational Impacts of Proposed Re-development Site
Is a Detailed Air Quality
Assessment Required as per the EP UK Criteria?
Proposals that would significantly alter the traffic composition on local roads, for instance, increase the number of HDVs by say 200 movements or more per day, due to the development of a bus station or an HGV park (professional judgement will be required, taking account of the total vehicle
flow as well as the change);
No significant increase in HDVs according to the transport assessment.
No
Proposals that include significant new car parking, which may be taken to be more than 100 spaces outside an AQMA or 50 spaces inside an AQMA. Account should also be taken of car park
turnover, i.e. the difference between short-term and long-term parking, which will affect the traffic flows into and out of the car park. This should also include proposals for new coach or lorry parks. These criteria are designed to trigger the requirement for the assessment of traffic on the local roads. It may also be appropriate to assess the emissions from within the car park itself;
No significant increase in car parking. No
Developments which may significantly affect nitrogen deposition to sensitive habitats;
No significant nitrogen deposition to sensitive habitats is anticipated.
No
Introduction of new exposure close to existing sources of air pollutants, including road traffic, industrial operations, agricultural operations etc;
The proposed development is within an AQMA. However, the background air quality at the proposed development site is below the air quality objective and therefore existing air quality is not considered to be a concern.
No
Consideration should be given to the impacts of centralised boilers or CHP plant burning other fuels (e.g. gas or oil) within or close to an AQMA. Proposals that include biomass boilers or biomass-fuelled CHP plant (there is no
established criterion for the size of plant that might require assessment. Reference should be made to Environmental Protection UK’s guidance
on biomass);
No significant stationary combustion sources are proposed.
No
Proposals that could give rise to potentially significant impacts during construction for nearby sensitive locations, e.g. residential areas, areas with parked cars and commercial operations that
may be sensitive to dust;
Due to small-scale nature of the proposed development, significant residual effects from construction/demolition operations are
anticipated when recommended mitigation measures are implemented through a Dust
Management Plan (DMP).
No
Large, long-term construction sites that would generate large HGV flows (>200 movements per
day) over a period of a year or more.
Limited earthworks and construction, therefore unlikely to generate in significant increase HDV
traffic. No
Proposals that will generate or increase traffic congestion, where ‘congestion’ manifests itself as an increase in periods with stop start driving;
No increase in congestion is anticipated. No
On the basis of the anticipated 2019 NO2 pollutant concentration and the EP-UK
criteria, it is considered that the operational phase of the proposed development is
unlikely to result in a significant impact on current air quality; therefore further
assessment should not be required.
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6.2.1 Pollution Emissions Cost
The pollution emissions cost calculation is used to identify the environmental damage
costs associated with the proposed development and as a guide to determine the
amount (value) of mitigation that is to be spent on measures to mitigate the
environmental impacts. The calculation utilises the current Emissions Factor Toolkit
(EFT v6.0.1) to determine the transport related emissions from the proposed
development and follows guidance set out in the West Yorkshire Air Quality and
Emissions Technical Planning Guidance document.
EFT Input:
• Year 2019
• Urban (not London)
• 238 Traffic Flow (maximum change in traffic flows with proposed development)
• 5% HGV
• Speed 48kph
• 24 hours
• Link length 10km
EFT output:
273.28kg/annum (NOx) and 31.98kg/annum (PM10)
= 0.273 tonnes/annum (NOx) and 0.032 tonnes/annum (PM10)
X £955/tonnes (NOx) + £48,517/tonnes (PM10)
= £260.72 + £1,552.54
= £1,813.26 x 5 years
Total = £9,066
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7 MITIGATION MEASURES
7.1 Construction Phase Mitigation
The dust emitting activities outlined in section 6.1 can be effectively controlled by
appropriate dust control measures and any adverse affects can be greatly reduced or
eliminated.
Prior to commencement of demolition/construction activities, it is anticipated that an
agreement on the scope of an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the
construction phase will be reached with the local authority to ensure that the potential
for adverse environmental effects on local receptors is minimised. The AQMP should
include inter alia, measures for controlling dust and general pollution from site
construction operations, and include details of any monitoring scheme, if appropriate.
Controls should be applied throughout the construction period to ensure that emissions
are mitigated.
The dust risk categories identified have been used to define appropriate, site-specific
mitigation methods. More detailed, site-specific mitigation measures are contained in
Appendix C. There are no ‘negligible’ risks assigned to any activities, however a
selection of mitigation measures are usually recommended as good practice.
The traffic effects of the proposed development during the construction phase will be
limited to a relatively short period and will be along traffic routes employed by
haulage/construction vehicles and workers. Any effects on air quality will be temporary
i.e. during the construction and demolition period only and can be suitably controlled by
the employment of mitigation measures appropriate to the development project
7.2 Operational Phase Mitigation
No significant stationary combustion sources such as combined heat and power plants
(CHP) or biomass boilers are proposed. However, it is recommended that low-NOx
boilers for domestic space and water heating be specified.
Various mitigation measures relating to transport are suggested:
• Reducing the need to travel;
• Reducing polluting motorised vehicle use, such as car sharing;
• Supporting improved public transport;
• Promoting walking and cycling;
• Promoting sustainable travel plans; and
• Encouragement of home working.
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Furthermore, the transport assessment provided by Curtins includes features that can
assist in deterring the pick-up/drop-off associated with Queen Elizabeth Grammar
School. Further details are provided in the Interim Travel Plan, prepared by Curtins,
which will be submitted with the planning application.
7.3 Residual Impacts: Significance
With the proposed construction activity mitigation measures as described in Section 7.1
in place, the significance of the residual impacts is considered to be ‘not significant’.
During the occupational phase, mitigation to minimise further exposure of the future
residents to air pollution is proposed, therefore significant residual effects are not
anticipated.
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8 CONCLUSIONS
An air quality assessment for the proposed development of Bishopgarth Police Training
Centre, Wakefield has been undertaken with reference to existing air quality in the area
and relevant air quality legislation, policy and guidance.
The proposed development is within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The
estimated background air pollutant concentrations at the proposed development site are
within relevant air quality standards but air quality is a concern for the future residents.
Construction phase impacts of the proposed development on local air quality are likely
to be from dust emissions during the construction activities. An AQMP incorporating
best practice measures outlined in the best practice guidance developed by the GLA
and London Councils will be adopted as appropriate during the construction works at
the site.
The Transport Assessment, undertaken by Curtins, identifies that the maximum
increase in annual average daily traffic (AADT) as a result of the operation of the
proposed development on Westfield Road (south of site access) is less than 6%. No
significant change in vehicle speed, car parking spaces and the number of HGVs has
been identified in the Transport Assessment. Furthermore, a traffic impact analysis
using criteria set out by WMDC was undertaken which involved the estimation in the
change of the local air quality. The anticipated annual average NO2 pollutant
concentration at the proposed development location has been assessed using the road
traffic data, Emissions Factor Toolkit (EFT) in conjunction with the measured NO2
concentration at a nearby roadside site. With the proposed development in place, the
annual average NO2 concentration at the proposed development location was
estimated to be 29µg/m3 which is below the air quality objective. The proposed Interim
Travel Plan will be helpful to limit the exposure to air pollutants. Therefore, the impact
from traffic generated from the proposed development is not considered to be
significant and a detailed air quality involving dispersion modelling is not considered to
be required.
An estimate of damage costs was also made based on emissions to air caused by the
proposed development using the methodology identified by WMDC.
On the basis of this assessment, the proposed development is unlikely to be adversely
affected by, or have a significant impact on local air quality, and therefore air quality is
considered to be a low priority concern for the proposed development.
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9 REFERENCES
City of Wakefield District Council, 2014. Air Quality Progress Report 2014.
Communities and Local Government, 2012. National Planning Policy Framework, London:
Crown.
Curtins, 2014. Bishopgarth, Wakefield Interim Travel Plan Draft.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2003. Part IV of the Environment Act 1995:
Local Air Quality Management: Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(03), London: Crown.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2007. The Air Quality Strategy for England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Volume 1), London: The Stationary Office.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2007. The Air Quality Strategy for England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Volume 2), London: The Stationary Office.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2009. Part IV of the Environment Act 1995:
Local Air Quality Management: Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(09), London: Crown.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2014. LAQM Support [online] Available at:
http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/ [Accessed 24 November 2014].
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2014. MAGIC Map [online] Available at:
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/ [Accessed 24 November 2014].
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2014. Nitrogen Dioxide fall off with distance
[online] Available at: http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/tools-monitoring-data/no2-falloff.html [Accessed 24
November 2014].
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2014. UK-AIR Air Information Resource.
[online] Available at: http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk [Accessed 24 November 2014].
Environmental Protection UK, 2010. Development Control: Planning For Air Quality (2010
Update), Brighton: Environmental Protection UK.
Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 2004. Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution
Control, [online[ Available at:
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http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/planningpolicystatement23.p
df [Accessed 24 November 2014].
Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 2005. Minerals Policy Statement 2: Controlling and Mitigating the
Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England, London: Crown.
Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 2010. Environmental Protection: The Air Quality Standards
Regulations 2010, [online] Available at:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1001/pdfs/uksi_20101001_en.pdf. [Accessed 24
November 2014].
Institute of Air Quality Management, 2014. Guidance of the Assessment of dust from demolition
and construction [pdf] Available at: http://iaqm.co.uk/text/guidance/construction-dust-2014.pdf
[Accessed 24 November 2014].
London Councils and the Greater London Authority, 2006. The Control of Dust And Emissions
From Construction And Demolition – Best Practice Guidance, London: Greater London Authority.
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, 2009. Local Development Framework Central Wakefield
Area Action Plan [pdf] Available at: http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/Documents/planning/planning-
policy/local-plan/central-wakefield-area-action-plan/central-wakefield-area-action-plan.pdf
[Accessed 24 November 2014].
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, 2009. Local Development Framework Central Wakefield
Core Strategy [pdf] Available at: http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/Documents/planning/planning-
policy/local-plan/core-strategy/core-strategy.pdf [Accessed 24 November 2014].
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. West Yorkshire Air Quality and Emissions Technical Planning Guidance [pdf] Available at: http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/Documents/bins-environment/environmental-health/pollution/air-quality-and-planning-technical-guidance-plan.pdf [Accessed 24 November 2014].
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APPENDIX A: CONSTRUCTION DUST ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
This appendix contains the construction dust assessment methodology used in the assessment.
To assess the potential impacts, construction activities are divided into demolition, earthworks,
construction and trackout. The descriptors included in this section are based upon the IAQM
guidance. The assessment follows the steps recommended in the guidance.
Step 1 and Step 2 methods from the IAQM guidance are described in this Appendix to assign
dust risk categories for each of the construction activities.
The tendency of dust to remain airborne is determined by the particle size and weather
conditions. Eventually, particles will drop from suspension as a deposit. The previous Local Air
Quality Management Technical Guidance document (LAQM.TG(03))2 identifies that PM10
concentrations fall-off rapidly with distance from source. Figure A1 shows the fall-off in PM10
concentration from source for a typical wind speed of 6m/s. At 100m from source, the PM10
concentration is predicted to be less than 20% of that at the point of generation.
Figure A1: Typical Fall-off in PM10 Concentration with Distance from Source
2 LAQM TG (03). The Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance Note published by the Department for
Food and Rural Affairs in 2003. This guidance note is revised in 2009 and is available as LAQM TG(09).
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Step 1: Screen the requirement for assessment
The first step is to screen out the requirement for a construction dust assessment, this is usually
a somewhat conservative level of screening. An assessment is usually required where there is:
• a ‘human receptor’ within:
o 350m of the boundary of the site; or
o 50m of the route used by construction vehicles on the public highway, up to 500m from the site entrance(s).
• an ‘ecological receptor’:
o 50m of the boundary of the site; or
o 50m of the route(s) used by construction vehicles on the public highway, up to 500m from the site entrance(s).
Step 2A: Defining the Potential Dust Emission Magnitude
Demolition
The dust emission magnitude category for demolition is varied for each site in terms of timing,
building type, duration and scale. Examples of the potential dust emission classes are provided
in the guidance as follows:
• Large: Total building volume >50,000m3, potentially dusty construction material, on-
site crushing and screening, demolition activities >20m above ground level;
• Medium: Total building volume 20,000m3 – 50,000m
3, potentially dusty construction
material, demolition activities 10m – 20m above ground level; and,
• Small: Total building volume <20,000m3, construction material with low potential for
dust release, demolition activities <10m above ground, demolition during wetter months.
Earthworks
The dust emission magnitude category for earthworks is varied for each site in terms of timing,
geology, topography and duration. Examples of the potential dust emission classes are provided
in the guidance as follows:
• Large: Total site area >10,000m2, potentially dusty soil type (e.g. clay), >10 heavy
earth moving vehicles active at any one time, formation of bunds >8m in height, total material moved >100,000 tonnes;
• Medium: Total site area 2,500 – 10,000m2, moderately dusty soil type (e.g. silt), 5 –
10 heavy earth moving vehicles active at any one time, formation of bunds 4 – 8m in height, total material moved 20,000 – 100,000 tonnes; and,
• Small: Total site area < 2,500m2, soil type with large grain size (e.g. sand), <5
heavy earth moving vehicles active at any one time, formation of bunds <4m in height, total material moved <10,000 tonnes, earthworks during wetter months.
Construction
The dust emission magnitude category for construction is varied for each site in terms of timing,
building type, duration, and scale. Examples of the potential dust emissions classes are provided
in the guidance as follows:
• Large: Total building volume >100,000m3, piling, on site concrete batching;
• Medium: Total building volume 25,000 – 100,000m3, potentially dusty construction
material (e.g. concrete), piling, on site concrete batching; and,
• Small: Total building volume <25,000m3, construction material with low potential for
dust release (e.g. metal cladding or timber).
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Trackout
Factors which determine the dust emission magnitude class of trackout activities are vehicle size,
vehicle speed, vehicle number, geology and duration. Examples of the potential dust emissions
classes are provided in the guidance as follows:
• Large: >100 HDV (3.5t) trips in any one day, potentially dusty surface material (e.g. high clay content), unpaved road length >100m;
• Medium: 25 – 100 HDV (>3.5t) trips in any one day, moderately dusty surface material (e.g. high clay content), unpaved road length 50 – 100m; and,
• Small: <25 HDV (<3.5t) trips in any one day, surface material with low potential for dust release, unpaved road length <50m.
Step 2B: Defining the Sensitivity of the Area
The sensitivity of the area is defined for dust soiling, human health and ecosystems. The
sensitivity of the area takes into account the following factors:
• The specific sensitivities of receptors in the area;
• The proximity and number of those receptors;
• In the case of PM10, the local background concentration; and,
• Site-specific factors, such as whether here are natural shelters such as trees, to reduce
the risk of wind-blown dust.
Table A1 has been used to define the sensitivity of different types of receptors to dust soiling,
health effects and ecological effects.
Table A1: Sensitivity of the Area Surrounding the Site
Sensitivity of Area
Dust Soiling Human Receptors Ecological Receptors
High
• Users can reasonably expect an enjoyment of a high level of amenity.
• The appearance, aesthetics or value of their property would be diminished by soiling.
• The people or property would reasonably be expected to be present continuously, or at least regularly for extended periods, as part of the normal pattern of use of the land.
• Examples include dwellings, museums and other culturally important collections, medium and long term car parks and car showrooms.
• Locations where members of the public are exposed over a time period relevant to the air quality objective for PM10 (in the case of the 24-hour objectives, a relevant location would be one where individuals may be exposed for eight hours or more in a day)
• Examples include residential properties, hospitals, schools and residential care homes should also be considered as having equal sensitivity to residential areas for the purposes of this assessment.
• Locations with an international or national designation and
the designated features may be affected by dust soiling.
• Locations where there is a community of a particularly dust sensitive species such as vascular species included in the Red Data List For Great Britain.
• Examples include a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated for acid heathlands or a local site designated for lichens adjacent to the demolition of a large site containing concrete (alkali) buildings.
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Sensitivity of Area
Dust Soiling Human Receptors Ecological Receptors
Medium
• Users would expect to enjoy a reasonable level of amenity, but would not reasonably expect to enjoy the same level of amenity as in their home.
• The appearance, aesthetics or value of their property could be diminished by soiling.
• The people or property wouldn’t reasonably be expected to be present here continuously or regularly for extended periods as part of the normal pattern of use of the land.
• Examples include parks and places of work.
• Locations where the people exposed are workers and exposure is over a time period relevant to the air quality objective for PM10 (in the case of the 24-hour objectives, a relevant location would be one where individuals may be exposed for eight hours or more in a day).
• Examples include office and shop workers, but will generally not include workers occupationally exposed to PM10, as protection is covered by Health and Safety at Work legislation.
• Locations where there is a particularly important plant species, where its dust sensitivity is uncertain or unknown.
• Locations with a national designation where the features may be affected by dust deposition.
• Example is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with dust sensitive features.
Low
• The enjoyment of amenity would not reasonably be expected.
• Property would not reasonably be expected to be diminished in appearance, aesthetics or value by soiling.
• There is transient exposure, where the people or property would reasonably be expected to be present only for limited periods of time as part of the normal pattern of use of the land.
• Examples include playing fields, farmland (unless commercially-sensitive horticultural), footpaths, short term car parks and roads.
• Locations where human exposure is transient.
• Indicative examples include public footpaths, playing fields, parks and shopping streets.
• Locations with a local designation where the features may be affected by dust deposition.
• Example is a local Nature Reserve with dust sensitive features.
Based on the sensitivities assigned of the different types of receptors surrounding the site and
numbers of receptors within certain distances of the site, a sensitivity classification for the area
can be defined for each. Tables A2 to A4 indicate the method used to determine the sensitivity of
the area for dust soiling, human health and ecological impacts, respectively.
For trackout, as per the guidance, it is only considered necessary to consider trackout impacts up
to 50m from the edge of the road.
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Table A2: Sensitivity of the area to dust soiling effects on people and property
Receptor Sensitivity
Number of Receptors
Distances from the Source (m)
<20 <50 <100 <350
High >100 High High Medium Low
10-100 High Medium Low Low
1-10 Medium Low Low Low
Medium >1 Medium Low Low Low
Low >1 Low Low Low Low
Table A3: Sensitivity of the area to Human Health Impacts
Receptor Sensitivity
Annual Mean PM10
Conc.
Number of Receptors
Distances from the Source (m)
<20 <50 <100 <200 <350
High >100 High High High Medium Low
>32µg/m3 10-100 High High Medium Low Low
1-10 High Medium Low Low Low
28-32
µg/m3
>100 High High Medium Low Low
10-100 High Medium Low Low Low
1-10 High Medium Low Low Low
24-28
µg/m3
>100 High Medium Low Low Low
10-100 High Medium Low Low Low
1-10 Medium Low Low Low Low
<24 µg/m3 >100 Medium Low Low Low Low
10-100 Low Low Low Low Low
1-10 Low Low Low Low Low
Medium - >10 High Medium Low Low Low
- 1-10 Medium Low Low Low Low
Low - >1 Low Low Low Low Low
Table A4: Sensitivity of the area to Ecological Impacts
Receptor Sensitivity Distances from the Source (m)
<20 <50
High High Medium
Medium Medium Low
Low Low Low
Step 2C: Defining the Risk of Impacts
The final step is to use both the dust emission magnitude classification with the sensitivity of the
area, to determine a potential risk of impacts for each construction activity, before the application
of mitigation. Tables A5 to A7 indicate the method used to assign the level of risk for each
construction activity.
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Table A5: Risk of Dust Impacts from Demolition
Sensitivity of Area Dust Emission Magnitude
Large Medium Small
High High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk
Medium High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk
Low Medium Risk Low Risk Negligible
Table A6: Risk of Dust Impacts from Earthworks/Construction
Sensitivity of Area Dust Emission Magnitude
Large Medium Small
High High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk
Medium Medium Risk Medium Risk Low Risk
Low Low Risk Low Risk Negligible
Table A7: Risk of Dust Impacts from Trackout
Sensitivity of Area Dust Emission Magnitude
Large Medium Small
High High Risk Medium Risk Medium Risk
Medium Medium Risk Low Risk Negligible
Low Low Risk Low Risk Negligible
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APPENDIX B: EMISSION SOURCE APPORTIONMENT
Table B1: Base year 2014 pollutant apportionment
Location Pollutant Petrol
Cars %
Diesel Cars/Taxis
% LDV % HGV %
Bus & Coaches
%
Motorcycles %
1.A NOx 5.1 23.0 40.1 21.4 10.3 0.2
1.A PM2.5 15.9 19.9 45.7 12.6 5.6 0.4
1.A PM10 17.7 18.7 46.1 12.0 5.1 0.4
1.A CO2 21.8 15.6 45.6 11.8 4.8 0.4
1.B NOx 6.8 30.9 53.8 5.6 2.7 0.3
1.B PM2.5 18.6 23.3 53.5 2.9 1.3 0.5
1.B PM10 20.6 21.7 53.5 2.7 1.2 0.4
1.B CO2 25.2 18.0 52.6 2.7 1.1 0.4
1.C NOx 4.9 22.3 38.9 22.8 10.9 0.2
1.C PM2.5 15.6 19.5 44.9 13.6 6.0 0.4
1.C PM10 17.4 18.4 45.3 13.0 5.6 0.4
1.C CO2 21.5 15.3 44.9 12.8 5.2 0.4
1.D NOx 6.0 27.1 47.2 13.2 6.3 0.2
1.D PM2.5 17.4 21.8 50.0 7.2 3.2 0.5
1.D PM10 19.3 20.4 50.2 6.8 2.9 0.4
1.D CO2 23.7 16.9 49.5 6.7 2.7 0.4
2.A NOx 7.2 32.6 56.8 2.1 1.0 0.3
2.A PM2.5 19.1 23.9 55.0 1.1 0.5 0.5
2.A PM10 21.1 22.2 54.8 1.0 0.4 0.4
2.A CO2 25.8 18.4 53.9 1.0 0.4 0.5
2.B NOx 4.3 19.5 34.0 28.4 13.6 0.2
2.B PM2.5 14.4 18.0 41.4 17.9 7.9 0.4
2.B PM10 16.2 17.0 42.0 17.1 7.3 0.3
2.B CO2 19.9 14.3 41.7 16.9 6.9 0.4
2.C NOx 6.7 30.4 52.9 6.5 3.1 0.2
2.C PM2.5 18.5 23.1 53.1 3.4 1.5 0.5
2.C PM10 20.4 21.5 53.1 3.2 1.4 0.4
2.C CO2 25.0 17.9 52.3 3.1 1.3 0.4
2.D NOx 7.2 32.6 56.8 2.1 1.0 0.3
2.D PM2.5 19.1 23.9 55.0 1.1 0.5 0.5
2.D PM10 21.1 22.2 54.8 1.0 0.4 0.4
2.D CO2 25.8 18.4 53.9 1.0 0.4 0.5
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Table B2: 2019 ‘with development’ pollutant apportionment
Location Pollutant Petrol
Cars %
Diesel Cars/Taxis
% LDV % HGV %
Bus & Coaches
%
Motorcycles %
1.A NOx 5.2 23.6 41.1 20.2 9.7 0.2
1.A PM2.5 16.1 20.2 46.3 11.8 5.2 0.4
1.A PM10 18.0 18.9 46.7 11.2 4.8 0.4
1.A CO2 22.1 15.8 46.2 11.0 4.5 0.4
1.B NOx 6.9 31.1 54.2 5.1 2.5 0.3
1.B PM2.5 18.7 23.4 53.7 2.6 1.2 0.5
1.B PM10 20.6 21.8 53.6 2.5 1.1 0.4
1.B CO2 25.3 18.1 52.8 2.4 1.0 0.4
1.C NOx 5.0 22.9 39.8 21.7 10.4 0.2
1.C PM2.5 15.8 19.8 45.5 12.8 5.7 0.4
1.C PM10 17.7 18.6 45.9 12.2 5.2 0.4
1.C CO2 21.7 15.5 45.5 12.0 4.9 0.4
1.D NOx 6.0 27.3 47.5 12.8 6.1 0.2
1.D PM2.5 17.4 21.8 50.2 7.0 3.1 0.5
1.D PM10 19.4 20.4 50.4 6.6 2.8 0.4
1.D CO2 23.8 17.0 49.7 6.5 2.6 0.4
2.A NOx 7.2 32.6 56.8 2.1 1.0 0.3
2.A PM2.5 19.1 23.9 55.0 1.1 0.5 0.5
2.A PM10 21.1 22.2 54.8 1.0 0.4 0.4
2.A CO2 25.8 18.4 53.9 1.0 0.4 0.5
2.B NOx 4.4 20.1 35.0 27.3 13.1 0.2
2.B PM2.5 14.6 18.3 42.2 17.0 7.5 0.4
2.B PM10 16.4 17.3 42.7 16.2 7.0 0.3
2.B CO2 20.3 14.5 42.4 16.0 6.5 0.4
2.C NOx 6.8 30.7 53.4 6.1 2.9 0.2
2.C PM2.5 18.5 23.2 53.3 3.1 1.4 0.5
2.C PM10 20.5 21.6 53.3 2.9 1.3 0.4
2.C CO2 25.1 17.9 52.5 2.9 1.2 0.4
2.D NOx 7.2 32.9 57.2 1.6 0.8 0.3
2.D PM2.5 19.2 24.0 55.2 0.8 0.4 0.5
2.D PM10 21.2 22.3 55.0 0.8 0.3 0.4
2.D CO2 25.9 18.5 54.1 0.7 0.3 0.5
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APPENDIX C: SITE-SPECIFIC MITIGATION MEASURES
Site-specific mitigation measures are divided into general measures, applicable to all sites and
measures specific to demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout. Depending on the level
of risk assigned to each site, different mitigation is assigned. The method of assigning mitigation
measures as detailed in the IAQM guidance has been used.
For those mitigation measures that are general, the highest risk has been applied. In this case,
the ‘high risk’ site mitigation measures have been applied, as determined by the dust risk
assessment in Section 6. There are two categories of mitigation measure – ‘highly
recommended’ and ‘desirable’, which are indicated according to the dust risk level identified in
Table 6.7. Desirable measures are presented in italics.
Communications
• Develop and implement a stakeholder communications plan that includes community
engagement before work commences on site.
• Display the name and contact details of people accountable for air quality and dust
issues on the site boundary. This may be the environment manager/engineer or the site
manager.
• Display the head or regional office contact information.
Dust Management
• Develop and implement a Dust Management Plan (DMP), which may include measures
to control other emissions, approved by the Local Authority. The level of detail will
depend on the risk, and should include as a minimum the highly recommended
measures. The desirable measures should be included as appropriate for the site. In
London additional measures may be required to ensure compliance with the Mayor of
London’s guidance. The DMP may include monitoring of dust deposition, dust flux, real-
time PM10 continuous monitoring and/ or visual inspections.
Site Management
• Record all dust and air quality complaints, identify cause(s), take appropriate measures
to reduce emissions in a timely manner, and record the measures taken.
• Make the complaints log available to the local authority when asked.
• Record any exceptional incidents that cause dust and/or air emissions, either on- or off-
site and the action taken to resolve the situation in the log book.
• Hold regular liaison meetings with other high risk construction sites within 500m of the
site boundary, to ensure plans are co-ordinated and dust and particulate matter
emissions are minimised. It is important to understand the interactions of the off-site
transport/deliveries which might be using the same strategic road network routes.
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Monitoring
• Undertake daily on-site and off-site inspection, where receptors (including roads) are
nearby, to monitor dust, record inspection results, and make the log available to the local
authority when asked. This should include regular dust soiling checks of surfaces such as
street furniture, cars and window sills within 100m of site boundary, with cleaning to be
provided if necessary
• Carry out regular site inspections to monitor compliance with the dust management plan,
record inspection results, and make an inspection log available to the local authority
when asked.
• Increase the frequency of site inspections by the person accountable for air quality and
dust issues on site when activities with a high potential to produce dust are being carried
out and during prolonged dry or windy conditions.
• Agree dust deposition, dust flux, or real-time PM10 continuous monitoring locations with
the local authority. Where possible commence baseline monitoring at least three months
before work commences on site or, if it a large site, before work on a phase commences.
Preparing and maintaining the site
• Plan site layout so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from
receptors, as far as is possible.
• Erect solid screens or barriers around dusty activities or the site boundary that are at
least as high as any stockpiles on site.
• Fully enclose site or specific operations where there is a high potential for dust
production and the site is active for an extensive period.
• Avoid site runoff of water or mud.
• Keep site fencing, barriers and scaffolding clean using wet methods.
• Remove materials that have a potential to produce dust from site as soon as possible,
unless being re-used on site. If they are being re-used on-site cover as described below.
• Cover, seed or fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping.
Operating Vehicles/Machinery and Sustainable Travel
• Ensure all on-road vehicles comply with the requirements of the London Low Emission
Zone and the London NRMM standards, where applicable.
• Ensure all vehicles switch off engines when stationary - no idling vehicles.
• Avoid the use of diesel or petrol powered generators and use mains electricity or battery
powered equipment where practicable.
• Impose and signpost a maximum-speed-limit of 15 mph on surfaced and 10 mph on
unsurfaced haul roads and work areas.
• Produce a construction logistics plan to manage the sustainable delivery of goods and
materials.
Operations
• Only use cutting, grinding or sawing equipment fitted or in conjunction with suitable dust
suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction, e.g. suitable local
exhaust ventilation systems.
• Ensure an adequate water supply on the site for effective dust/particulate matter
suppression/mitigation, using non-potable water where possible and appropriate.
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• Use enclosed chutes and conveyors and covered skips.
• Minimise drop heights from conveyors, loading shovels, hoppers and other loading or
handling equipment and use fine water sprays on such equipment wherever appropriate.
• Ensure equipment is readily available on site to clean any dry spillages, and clean up
spillages as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning methods.
Waste Management
• No bonfires or burning of waste material.
Specific to Demolition
• Soft-strip inside buildings before demolition
• Ensure effective water suppression is used during demolition operations
• Avoid explosive blasting, using appropriate manual or mechanical alternatives
• Bag and removed any biological debris or damp down such material before demolition.
Specific to Earthworks
• Re-vegetate earthworks and exposed areas/soil stockpiles to stabilise surfaces as soon
as practicable.
• Use Hessian, mulches or trackifiers where it is not possible to re-vegetate to cover with
topsoil, as soon as practicable.
• Only remove the cover in small areas during work and not all at once.
Specific to Construction
• Avoid scabbling (roughening of concrete surfaces) if possible.
• Ensure sand and other aggregates are stored in bunded areas and are not allowed to dry
out, unless this is required for a particular process, in which case ensure that appropriate
additional control measures are in place.
• Ensure bulk cement and other fine powder materials are delivered in enclosed tankers
and stored in silos with suitable emission control systems to prevent escape of material
and overfilling during delivery.
• For smaller supplies of fine power materials ensure bags are sealed after use and stored
appropriately to prevent dust.
Specific to Trackout
• Use water-assisted dust sweeper(s) on the access and local roads, to remove, as
necessary, any material tracked out of the site. This may require the sweeper being
continuously in use.
• Avoid any dry sweeping of large areas.
• Ensure vehicles entering and leaving sites are covered to prevent escape of materials
during transport.
• Inspect on-site haul routes for integrity and instigate necessary repairs to the surface as
soon as reasonably practicable.
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• Record all inspections of haul routes and any subsequent action in a site log book.
• Install hard surfaced haul route, which are regularly damped down with fixed or mobile
sprinkler systems, or mobile water bowsers and regularly cleaned.
• Implement a wheel washing system (with rumble grids to dislodge accumulated dust and
mud prior to leaving the site where reasonably practicable).
• Ensure there is an adequate area of hard surfaced road between the wheel wash facility
and the site exit, wherever site size and layout permits.
• Access gates to be located at least 10m from receptors where possible.