Dust Assessment
Dust Assessments are frequently required by planners, developers or operators as a result of national and/or local policy and legislation. DustScanAQ has expert consultants who use their experience to advise clients on how to navigate these policy areas within the sphere of planning and permitting and can produce a very wide range of dust assessments.
Mineral Dust Assessments
Considering the pivotal role mineral products play in construction, transportation, and infrastructure, it’s no surprise that the UK boasts more than 2,300 active mineral sites and plants, churning out over 1 million tonnes of mineral products daily.
These essential mineral deposits are not evenly distributed across the nation, often concentrated in specific regions. This disparity can lead to land use conflicts, especially when these valuable resources are situated near dust-sensitive areas like residential neighbourhoods or ecologically important sites. As part of the planning process, dust assessments are frequently used to determine the potential for impacts, and to support developers in minimising their environmental footprint.
The experts at DustScanAQ bring a wealth of experience in conducting mineral dust assessments for hard rock and sand and gravel sites, both nationally and internationally. While there’s no universally accepted approach, our assessments adhere to the latest guidelines from the Institute of Air Quality Management.
One of the key aspects of our approach is effective collaboration with local planning and permitting bodies. We understand that navigating the regulatory landscape can be a complex task. Therefore, we work closely with these authorities to ensure that our assessments align with their requirements. By doing so, we facilitate a smoother approval process and assist our clients in achieving compliance with environmental regulations.
Methodology
Traditionally, visible dust deposition has been associated with mineral sites. However, the public’s awareness has been growing regarding the air quality risks associated with these sites, with a particular focus on PM10, PM2.5, and the emerging concern of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). In response to this shifting perspective, we have expanded our dispersion modelling capabilities to encompass air quality impacts arising from mineral site operations. We believe this approach will set the new standard for assessing mineral dust impacts, and DustScanAQ actively contributes to the development of this methodology.
Additionally, we acknowledge that dust can emanate from various other types of sites and activities. Hence, we consistently adopt a tailored approach to evaluate potential impacts. This involves aligning our strategy with the relevant planning or permitting authorities and crafting a methodology that suits the specific nature and scope of the project.
John Bruce
(PhD, BSc, MIAQM, MIEnvSc)
Principal Consultant
Discuss your requirements with our Principal Consultant
If you would like to discuss any of your Dust Assessment needs with our Principal Consultant we can organise an initial call to understand your exact requirements.
Please call us on +44 (0)1608 810110 or email John using the email button below.
Case Studies
Dust Characterisation Case Study using Optical Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Detailed analysis of dust samples from a heat exchange unit in Derry/Londonderry
Construction Dust Risk Assessment Case Study
Assessment of construction emissions for a mixed use development in London
The business was formed in 2004
We are employee owned
Over 145,000 samples analysed
