Assessment of fugitive PM10 emissions from a stone quarry

Project details

Funding body: Rhonnda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

Dates: 2011-2013

Project summary

AQMRC have been assisting Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council with their statutory duties to undertake a detailed and further assessment of fugitive PM₁₀ emissions from a stone quarry which is in close proximity to residential properties in South Wales. The local authority is required to assess the potential health impact of the quarry on the local residents by measuring PM₁₀ concentrations against national health-based objectives using EU reference method continuous analysers. Speciation of the samples is required to identify the source of any monitored PM₁₀.

AQMRC's role within the project was to undertake an initial screening assessment to identify significant sources and determine ‘worst case’ locations for monitoring; initiate a 12-month gravimetric monitoring survey at worst case and background locations representative of relevant exposure; undertake dispersion modelling to identify the extent of any area of exceedances; advise on the bulk capture and analysis of samples to determine composition and source apportionment; and produce draft and final reports; and attend strategy meetings.

The project management has also involved coordination of the Council’s monitoring regime, working with monitoring suppliers to advise on monitor selection and installation, and appointment of gravimetric and speciation analysts.

Please email Dr Jo Barnes at jo.barnes@uwe.ac.uk for more details.