26 March 2023
Project: Napleton Lane, Kempsey
Discipline: Acoustic Air
About the project:
M-EC was commissioned to conduct an Air Quality Assessment for a proposed residential development located east of the A38 in Kempsey. The objective of the assessment was twofold: first, to determine if the development's traffic would lead to significant increases in air pollution levels at existing receptors, and second, to evaluate the air quality at the site itself and assess potential exposure for future receptors.
To accomplish this, M-EC's experienced team utilised ADMS-Roads, an air quality modelling tool. The modelling exercise aimed to identify any exceedances of the annual mean air quality objective levels for key pollutants, namely NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations, and assess the need for mitigation measures.
The assessment results indicated that there would be no exceedances of the annual mean air quality objective levels for NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations at the proposed residential site. Consequently, no specific mitigation measures were deemed necessary for future receptors.
Additionally, to assess the impact on existing receptors, the modelling exercise compared traffic flows with and without the development. The findings indicated that the concentrations of NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 would remain below the annual mean air quality objective levels regardless of the presence of development traffic.
The study concluded that the impact of the development traffic would be negligible, resulting in a maximum increase of only 2 µg/m3. In parallel to the Air Quality Assessment, M-EC conducted a Construction Dust Risk Assessment, which revealed a high risk of dust on the existing receptors. Consequently, the assessment advised implementing on-site mitigation measures to address this risk. Despite the absence of exceedances of objective levels and the negligible impact of the development traffic, M-EC recommended several sustainable travel measures to offset any potential incremental effects. These measures included the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in accordance with Approved Document E, the use of low NOx heating and boilers, the implementation of a monitored Travel Plan with initiatives to support public transport infrastructure and promote its usage, as well as measures to enhance cycling and walking infrastructure.
In conclusion, M-EC's comprehensive Air Quality Assessment demonstrated that the proposed residential development would not result in any significant air pollution increases at existing receptors and would meet the air quality objectives. However, the assessment advised implementing mitigation measures for the high risk of dust during the construction phase. The recommended sustainable travel measures aimed to further enhance the development's environmental performance and promote sustainable transportation options.
If you would like to learn more about our Acoustic Air services, you can view our web page or contact the team directly by clicking here.
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