Appendix I Air Quality

AECOM LLW Repository Ltd.
- Repository Development to Vault 11 I1
1 Introduction
This Appendix assesses the likely significant effects on air quality of the proposed development at the LLWR site as
detailed in Volume I of the ES. The associated figure is also included in Volume I of the ES.
In particular, the assessment identifies the likely significant effects associated with the proposed development including:
− dust generation during construction and capping works;

− emissions generated by plant and equipment during construction and capping works;
− increases in emissions above baseline from road traffic associated with construction and capping works; and
− increases in emissions above baseline from rail freight associated with construction and capping works.
The implications for air quality will also be discussed briefly in respect to other operational aspects of the proposed
development, including:
− disposal of waste in Vaults 9 to 11; and

− high stacking of containers in Vaults 8, 9 and all future vaults.
Only a brief discussion of the two aspects of the operational aspects of the proposed development listed above has been
presented because current activities at the LLWR already comprise the movement of HHISO containerised LLW by train,
low loader and forklift, delivery of cement and materials for the grouting facility and general site maintenance. The two
operational aspects are not anticipated to notably change this situation and as such significant operational air quality
effects are not expected from these two aspects of the proposed development.
The different phases of construction and capping are described further in Chapter 3 of Volume I of the ES The anticipated
construction and capping programme is also discussed in Chapter 3 of Volume I of the ES. The programme indicates that
that some phases of work will be undertaken up to the year 2051. Elements of air quality assessment will become
uncertain over these extended timescales. For example government approved factors for describing vehicle emissions
are available up to 2030 and factors for characterising changes in air quality over time are also only available up to 2030.
Consequentially, the assessment has predominantly focused on the earlier years of activities. This approach is
considered appropriate, as national ambient air quality is anticipated to improve over time and similar activities associated
with this proposed development are planned during the earlier and later stages of the programme. Therefore, the
assessment of air quality impacts on sensitive receptors around the site for the earliest years of activity should represent
the worst case for the same sensitive receptors in later years.
The specific years of construction and capping that have been assessed are listed in Section 4. The rationale for selecting
these years is also provided in Section 4.
Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

AECOM LLW Repository Ltd. - Repository Development to Vault 11 I3
2 Legislation
i
The principal air quality legislation within the United Kingdom is the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 [ ], which
came into force in June 2010 and brings together the Government’s requirements to transpose the separate EU Daughter
Directives into national legislation through a single consolidated statutory instrument.
ii
In addition, the Environment Act 1995 [ ] requires the Government to produce a national Air Quality Strategy (AQS)
containing standards, objectives and measures for improving ambient air quality and to keep the policies identified below
under review. It also requires that Local Authorities undertake a tiered appraisal of air quality within their borough to
establish compliance or non-compliance with the targets established in the AQS. Where the objectives are likely to be
exceeded, the Authority must designate an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and establish an Action Plan, which
outlines measures to achieve the objectives.
iii
The AQS for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland [ ] provides the over-arching strategic framework for air
quality management in the UK and contains national air quality standards and objectives established by the Government
to protect human health. These objectives apply to outdoor locations where people are regularly present and do not apply
to occupational, indoor, or in-vehicle exposure.
3
Table 2.1 Air Quality Strategy Objectives (µg/m )
Pollutant Objective Averaging Percentile To be met by and
period maintained after
Nitrogen dioxide 200 1 hour 99.8th 31 Dec 2005
(NO2) (18 exceedances/year)
40 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2005
Particulate matter 40 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2004

(PM10)
50 24 hour 90.4th 31 Dec 2004
(35 exceedances/year)
Particulate matter 25 Annual Mean 1 Jan 2015

(PM2.5)
th
Carbon monoxide 10,000 8-hour 100 31 Dec 2003
(CO)
Benzene 5 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2010
1,3 butadiene 2.25 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2003
Lead 0.25 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2008
Poly aromatic 0.25 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2010

hydrocarbons
-3
(PAH) (ngm )
Sulphur dioxide 266 15 minute 99.9th 31 Dec 2005
(SO2) (35 exceedances/year)
350 1 hour 99.7th 31 Dec 2004

125 24 hour 99.2nd 31 Dec 2004


The air quality objectives applicable to Local Air Quality Management are set out in the Air Quality Standards Regulations
2010 [i]. Current assessment criteria applicable to the protection of human health and Local Air Quality Management
based on the recent AQS and the 2010 Regulations are presented in Table 2.1. Concentrations are expressed in mass
pollutant (micrograms) per cubic metre of air (µg/m3), unless otherwise stated.
In addition, a number of objectives have been developed for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems; these are
shown in Table 2.2 below.
Table 2.2 Air Quality Strategy Objectives – Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems
Pollutant Objective Averaging period Percentile To be met by
3
Oxides of 30 µg/m Annual Mean 31 Dec 2000
Nitrogen (NOx)
3
Sulphur dioxide 20 µg/m Annual Mean 31 Dec 2000
(SO2)
3
Ozone 18 mg/m 5 year average of summer 1 1 Jan 2010
hour values
The above legislation relates to concentrations of pollutants in ambient air with respect to the protection of human health
or vegetation. There are no legislative standards or agreed guidelines for dust nuisance in the UK, for example due to
dust deposition. Most issues of dust nuisance are covered through Statutory Nuisance legislation defined in the
iv
Environmental Protection Act, Part III, 1990, Section 79, Parts (d) and (e) which covers dust [ ]:
‘d) Any dust, smell or effluvia arising on industrial, trade, or business premises and being prejudicial to health or a
nuisance;
e) Any accumulation or deposit which is prejudicial to health or a nuisance.’
In the absence of legislative standards for deposited dust there are however a number of non-statutory guidelines that are
available when measuring the effect of dust deposition. For example the Environment Agency (EA) has set a custom and
2 v
practice limit of 200 mg/m /day [ ], which is the threshold above which the EA considers there is the potential for justifiable
nuisance complaints.

3 Planning Policy Context
3.1 National Planning Policy Framework

Air quality is considered in national planning policy. This sub-section identifies the key national policy guidance from these
different policy areas.
vi
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012 [ ]. Paragraph 109 of the NPPF states
that: “The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: preventing both new
and existing 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…”
Annex 2 of the NPPF defines ‘Pollution’ as: “Anything that affects the quality of land, air, water or soils, which might lead to
an adverse impact on human health, the natural environment or general amenity. Pollution can arise from a range of
emissions, including smoke, fumes, gases, dust, steam, odour, noise and light”.
The effect of the proposed development on the achievement of such policies and plans are matters that may be a material
consideration by planning authorities, when making decisions for individual planning applications. Paragraph 124 of 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.”
The different roles of a planning authority and a pollution control authority is addressed by the NPPF in paragraph 122:“...
local planning authorities should focus on whether the development itself is an acceptable use of the land, and the impact
of the use, rather than the control of processes or emissions themselves where these are subject to approval under
pollution control regimes. Local planning authorities should assume that these regimes will operate effectively. Equally,
where a planning decision has been made on a particular development, the planning issues should not be revisited
through the permitting regimes operated by pollution control authorities.”
3.2 Planning Practice Guidance

vii
The Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) [ ], provides a summary of the air quality issues set out in the National Planning
Policy Framework and goes on to note that the assessment should include the following information:
− the existing air quality in the study area (existing baseline);

− the future air quality without the development in place (future baseline); and
− the future air quality with the development in place (with mitigation).
The guidance then advises that the application should proceed to decision with appropriate planning conditions or
planning obligation, if the development proposed (including mitigation) would not lead to an unacceptable risk from air
pollution, prevent sustained compliance with EU limit values or fail to comply with the requirements of the Habitats
Regulations.
The PPG (Paragraph: 023 Reference ID: 27-023-20140306) includes a specific 4 step assessment approach for dust
emissions. This step by step approach is described in Section 4 Assessment Methodology of this appendix.
3.3 Regional Planning Policy

viii
The Cumbria Minerals and Waste Development Framework [ ] includes: “Objective 8. That the overall quality of
Cumbria's environment will be protected and, where practicable, enhanced by high standards of design and operation in
new developments and high standards of restoration once developments have been completed.” Within the plan objective
8 is implemented through two policies: Core Strategy Policy 3 Community Benefits and Core Strategy Policy 4
Environmental Assets.

3.4 Local Planning Policy

ix
The Copeland Core Strategy and Development Management Plan (DPD) [ ] includes strategic development principles
including: C Protect, enhance and restore the Borough’s valued assets and in particular ‘vi) Ensure development
minimises air, ground and water pollution’.
The DPD also includes Policy DM5 – Nuclear Sector Development at Sellafield and the LLWR at Drigg to work in
partnership with the sites operators to minimise any adverse effects.
No supplementary air quality planning guidance has been identified for Copeland Borough Council.

4 Assessment Methodology
This Section identifies the study pollutants associated with the different potential emission sources associated with the
proposed development. The Section also identifies the sensitive receptors that could potentially be affected by the
emission sources, and describes the significance criteria used to determine the significance of effects on these receptors.
The Section also describes the assessment methodology utilised for each potential emission source. Key study guidance
is also outlined at the commencement of the assessment methodology section.
4.1 Study Guidance

The following guidance has been utilised in the assessment of air quality issues for the proposed development:
− Building Research Establishment (BRE). (2000). Effects of a Construction Site on Local PM10 levels [x].
− Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) (2014) Planning Practice Guidance: Minerals [xi].
− Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (2009) Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance
LAQM.TG(09) [xii].
− Environment Agency (2011) Horizontal Guidance H1- Annex F Air Emissions [xiii].
− Highways Agency (2007) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Volume 11 Environmental Assessment,
Section 3 Environmental Assessment Techniques, Part 1, HA207/07, Air Quality [xiv].
− Institute of Air Quality and Management (IAQM) (2014), Guidance on the Assessment of Dust from Demolition and
Construction [xv].
− Environmental Protection UK and Institute of Air Quality and Management (IAQM) (2015) Land-use Planning and
Development Control: Planning for Air Quality [xvi].
4.2 Study Scenarios

The construction and capping works are anticipated to proceed from 2016 and to be finalised in 2015. The following
phases are described in Chapter 3 of the ES:
− Phase 1 – site preparation (2016 to 2020), including northern and eastern perimeter landform and profile filling of
northern part of trenches;
− Phase 2 – cap Vault 8 and construct Vaults 9A and 10 (2019 to 2023);
− Phase 3 – cap Vault 9 and construct Vault 11 (2023 to 2030);
− Phase 4 – cap Vault 10 (2030 to 2032); and
− Phase 5 – cap Vault 11 (2045 to 2051).
Phases 1 and 2 include all the types of activities which will occur during the full construction programme including: site
preparation works, earthworks, stockpiling and construction works. The on-site contractor’s compound will also be in use
during these phases. These phases are therefore representative of the types of effects anticipated around the site.
Additionally, these works are in close proximity to surrounding sensitive receptors and will occur in the earliest years of the
works before the further improvements in background air quality which are anticipated to occur over the duration of the
development. As such Phases 1 and 2 are considered to represent the worst case for dust effects around the site and
these phases have been the focus of the dust assessment.
Later years of construction, with larger areas of re-profiled trenches and vaults and also potentially larger stockpiles, have
not been assessed as additional phases. This is because areas of re-profiled trenches and vaults will be progressively
vegetated and similarly any large long term stockpiles will be vegetated or stabilised. Therefore, it has not been
considered necessary to assess, larger potential source areas of dust, particularly when these sources have been
considered in earlier years with higher likely baseline pollutant concentrations.
A scheme of works to covering the final decommissioning, removal and demolition of the PCM retrieval facilities and
magazines is also due to be undertaken between 2018 and 2019. These works do not form part of the works which this

Environmental Statement supports. However, these works are considered as part of the cumulative assessment for this
proposed development.
4.3 Potential Pollutants

The following paragraphs identify the relevant study species from the identified potential sources of pollutants including
vehicle emissions from road vehicles and off-road plant, construction dust emissions, rail emissions and operational
activities at the proposed development. The main study pollutants identified for the main emission sources in the
construction and operational phases are also identified in Table 4.1. There are no point source emissions associated with
the proposed development.
Table 4.1 Potential Pollutant Matrix

Activity PM10 PM2.5 NO2 SO2 Dust
Construction
Traffic
  
Plant Equipment
  
Rail Freight
   
Works (e.g.
 
earthmoving)
Operation
Traffic
  
Plant Equipment
  
Rail Freight
   
The key pollutants of concern with respect to construction activities are suspended dust (e.g. PM10 and in particular the
coarser size fractions above PM2.5) and accumulated dust (soiling/deposition). This is due to the movement of on-site
plant equipment, movement of materials on-site and stockpiling of materials on-site.
Emissions of dust are considered to be the key pollutant of concern for the types of activity involved in the proposed
development. For example the other study pollutants identified in Table 4.1 are not identified in the DCLG Planning
Practice Guidance: Minerals [vii]. However, for completeness the other study pollutants are considered as described in
the following paragraphs and sub-sections.
Traffic and plant vehicle exhaust emissions (e.g. from petrol and diesel combustion) comprise a complex mixture of
organic and inorganic substances. Of these emissions, assessment criteria for the protection of human health exist for the
following pollutants:
− fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5);

− nitrogen dioxide (NO2);
− sulphur dioxide (SO2);
− carbon monoxide (CO);
− benzene;
− 1,3-butadiene;
− lead; and
− Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
These pollutants are currently regulated because of their known or suspected deleterious effects upon human health, and
because historically, relatively high concentrations have been recorded within and downwind of urban centres.

Within this assessment of vehicular emissions, only fine particulate matter and NO2 emissions have been considered.
Lead is not included as it is no longer added to petrol fuels and emissions from vehicles are, therefore, not considered
significant nationally. SO2 emissions from vehicles are also considered to be insignificant since the introduction of low
sulphur diesel and the negligible sulphur content of petrol fuels. The only AQMAs to have been designated within the UK
as a result of exceedances of CO, benzene, PAH or 1,3-butadiene objectives was for benzene which was designated by
Plymouth City Council at an urban location, predominantly due to emissions from a petrol station, therefore, no
quantitative assessment of these pollutants is considered necessary.
In accordance with Defra LAQM.TG(09) [xii] SO2 and NO2 are considered to be the key pollutants of concern with respect
to railway emissions. The potential for emissions from rail movements to and from the site will therefore be considered
with respect to SO2 and NO2.
4.4 Health Effects

The study pollutants described in the preceding paragraphs have been selected based on the potential of the species to
adversely affect human health or adversely affect vegetation and sensitive ecosystems. The known health effects of some
of the key identified study species are briefly discussed below:
− Particulate matter – Health based assessment criteria focus on the fine ‘PM10’ and ‘PM2.5’, size fractions. PM10 and
PM2.5 are defined as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns
respectively. Emissions of particulates from construction activities and combustion processes are likely to contain a
range of particulate sizes, including many larger than 10 microns in diameter. However for the purposes of a worst-
case assessment and to enable comparison with national air quality objectives, all airborne particulate emissions have
been assumed to constitute PM10. Although the health effects of fine particulate matter are currently the subject of
much research, the possible association between exposure to increased levels and respiratory and cardiovascular
illness, and mortality has previously been acknowledged. Recent reviews by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
and the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) have suggested exposure to PM2.5 gives a
stronger association with adverse health than the larger particulate fractions.
− Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) – Formed as a by-product of high temperature combustion by the
oxidation of nitrogen in the air and the fuel. NOx on emission primarily consists of nitric oxide (NO), which is oxidised in
the atmosphere to produce NO2, as well as small quantities of NO2 produced directly during combustion. For
combustion sources, NOx emissions are typically in the NO:NO2 ratio of 9:1. NO2 is the component of NOx that is
principally associated with health impacts, including effects on lung function and airway responsiveness, and potential
increase in reactivity to natural allergens (Ref. 9.3).
− Sulphur dioxide (SO2): Formed during the combustion process due to the oxidation of sulphur present in the fuel. The
sulphur content of natural gas is typically 0.001%, compared to the sulphur content of coal of typically 1% or higher.
SO2 can cause constriction of the airways of the lung, particularly in people suffering from asthma and chronic lung
disease.
4.5 Sensitive Receptors

A number of sensitive receptors have been identified within the vicinity of the proposed development and these are
detailed in Table 4.2 and shown on Figure 11.1.
xvii
Guidance concerning receptor sensitivity (based on Ireland, 1992) [ ] indicates that receptors are considered to have
varying sensitivities to dust nuisance ranging between: high, medium and low for example:
− receptors considered to be high sensitivity include: hospitals and clinics, retirement homes, hi-tech industries, painting
and furnishing and food processing;
− receptors of medium sensitivity include: schools, residential areas, food retailers, glasshouses and nurseries,
horticultural land and offices; and
− low sensitivity receptors include: farms, light and heavy industry and outdoor storage areas.
There are no high sensitivity receptors around the site, but there are adjacent medium sensitivity receptors and low
sensitivity receptors (e.g. R5). The assessment has predominantly focused upon these nearby receptors and upon one
designated ecology site (i.e. R7). Therefore the assessment is protective of all other low sensitivity receptors (e.g.
farmland) or medium sensitivity sites located further from the site.

Table 4.2 Identified Sensitive Receptors

Receptor Receptor Reason for Selection Emission Type Grid Reference Distance
Number Name to work
X Y areas
(m)*
R1 Summer View Residential receptor close Plant emissions 305065 499940 50

to the north of the site and and dust
the trenches generation.
R2 The Stubble Residential receptor close Plant emissions 305611 499481 60
R3 Drigg Moorside Residential receptor close Plant emissions 305615 499844 250
R4 Sandy Acre Closest residential Plant emissions 305524 498742 280
receptor to the south of and dust
the site generation.
R5 Coal Yard Commercial Receptor to Plant emissions 304828 499839 15
the west of the site and dust
generation.
R6 Meadowbridge Closest residential Plant emissions. 306286 499061 280
receptor to contractor
compound
R7 Drigg Coast Designated SSSI and Plant emissions 304881 499499 0
SAC to the south and west and dust
of the site generation.
Notes: * - includes distances from on-site haul routes and areas of work e.g. construction and earthworks. For residential receptors
distances to closest façade.
4.6 Assessment of Dust Emissions Generated During Construction Works

This assessment is based upon the framework of minerals advice for dust in the PPG (Paragraph: 023 Reference ID: 27-
023-20140306) which includes the following overall approach:
− identify residential properties and other sensitive uses within 1 km and whether PM10 concentrations are likely to
exceed air quality objectives in the area;
− if there are residential properties and sensitive land uses within 1km and there is a risk of PM10 objectives being
exceeded then an assessment of impacts and the likely effectiveness of mitigation is required to determine whether or
not impact is significant;
− alternately if there are no sensitive receptors within 1km or where there are sensitive receptors but PM10
concentrations are not likely to exceed air quality objectives then no assessment is required and good practice
mitigation measures should be identified; and
− where an assessment is undertaken this should identify good practice mitigation and PM10 monitoring measures.
In order to establish the risk of PM10 objectives being exceeded research undertaken by Building Research Establishment
(BRE) has been referred to within the assessment. In 2000 the BRE [x] undertook six months of continuous PM10
sampling at three locations within 200 m of a demolition and construction site of 0.65 hectares. The assessment of
potential impacts associated with construction and site clearance works is more uncertain than for point source emissions
that can be more accurately characterised and modelled. Consequently it was considered that linking the impact
assessment to a monitoring-based study rather than relying on dispersion modelling represents the most valid way to
assess potential impacts from the proposed works.
The site studied in the BRE report was a former chemical works and required demolition of existing buildings, piling along
some of the site boundary, excavation of soil to a depth of 1 m across the site (greater than 1 m in some areas), and the
subsequent erection of new structures. The BRE study took boundary particulate measurements during a range of site
clearance and construction activities and taking into account the wind direction. It is the only published study that
monitored and assessed dust generation from diffuse sources such as earth works and construction operations. During
working hours, in the 6-month monitoring period, 24-hour average PM10 concentrations within 1 m of the study site
3 3 3
boundary increased by up to 11 µg/m during demolition, 3 µg/m during site preparation and 5 µg/m during piling and
earth working (including a period of piling at the site boundary). PM10 concentrations beyond around 150 m from the

construction site were indistinguishable from background levels. The site under study utilised ‘best practice’ dust
mitigation measures and the site did not receive any complaints concerning dust effects, despite the presence of
residential properties within 10 m of the site perimeter. The site in the BRE study utilised ‘best practice’ dust mitigation
measures during construction works so that the measured impacts were after mitigation measures had been applied.
The findings of this BRE study, specifically the site preparation and earth works increases in concentration, have been
directly applied to the proposed development combined with the ambient background levels of particulate matter for the
area. Therefore it has been assumed that the same changes in PM10 24-hour concentrations will occur at the boundary of
the proposed development construction works. The assessment focuses upon effects against the 24-hour air quality
objective because the majority of dust emissions are due to dust generating activities that will only take place during
working hours (07:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays with no workings on Sundays or Public /
Bank Holidays).
Some dust emissions may also arise outside of working hours from areas of bare ground and stockpiles etc. However,
this type of source is anticipated to be small and can be managed through temporary covers, barriers, stabilising long term
stockpiles with vegetation or binding agents. Therefore, as the above method will likely over estimate PM10 contributions a
significance of effect has not been assigned to changes in concentration against annual PM10 concentrations, but
information on annual average PM10 total concentrations is also provided to give an indication of the risk that this objective
may be exceeded by the works.
It is noted that the overall proposed development site is larger than that considered within the BRE study. However,
working areas within construction sites at any one time will be smaller than the overall site. Additionally, the assessment
has also considered what would be the effect on 24-hour PM10 concentrations if a number of activities were on-going
concurrently in Phases 1a, 1b and 1c.
The coastal location of the Proposed Development may result in additional or stronger wind movements towards sensitive
locations, in particular locations east of the site (e.g. The Stubble, a residential location). This could result in higher 24-
hour averages in these locations further from the site boundary relative to those in the BRE study. In order to address this
potential limitation dust generation predictions for these receptors were undertaken assuming these receptors were at the
site boundary and not 30 to 50m from the boundary. The BRE study reports the worst case monitored impacts in any wind
direction and these worst case results have been applied in this assessment; the actual wind direction is therefore
immaterial to the assessment.
The adjusted BRE approach utilised in the ES is considered appropriate to provide potential changes in dust and total dust
concentrations during construction works (e.g. earthworks). However, as discussed above, any construction assessment
approach will have a higher degree of uncertainty than an operational assessment for roads or industrial point sources.
This is because these sources have well defined consistent emissions, whilst construction activities are inherently
variable, with activities undertaken in varying locations and at different levels of intensity.
Good practice mitigation and monitoring measures to be included in the proposed scheme are presented in Section 8. A
Principal Contractor will be appointed by the Applicant to develop and implement a Construction Environmental
Management Plan (CEMP) (see Chapter 19 in the ES), which will present a comprehensive list of mitigation measures,
based on the approach outlined herein for agreement with the Council.
4.7 Assessment of Site Plant

Emissions to air during construction activities will be associated with on-site construction vehicles and plant.
In order to provide an indication of the likely effects of emissions from the plant equipment associated with the Core
Scenarios a series of scenarios have been modelled using the atmospheric dispersion model ADMS. These scenarios
can only provide an indication of likely pollutant concentrations. This is because compared to other more well defined
emission sources such as Environment Agency regulated point and area sources, with set emission limits, the movement
of plant on-site is inherently uncertain.
In these scenarios a 50m by 50m area of construction has been modelled as an area source in ADMS for a variety of plant
configurations. A 50m by 50m area has been selected as it is considered to be a conservative area, as in reality it is likely
that the plant equipment will be spread over a wider area and hence have a lower emission rate per square metre than
that modelled. The configurations of plant modelled in the different scenarios are shown in Table 4.3. The emission rates
[xxi]
have been obtained from the European Environment Agency’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Guidebook 2009 .

Table 4.3 Plant Equipment Emissions Area Sources

Core Plant NOx PM10 Reason for Plant Selection
Scenario Year Equipment emission emission
Included rate (g/s) rate (g/s)
Phase 1a Four Excavators 2.17 0.35 Worst case for receptors north of the
Four Dumpers in site with equipment from perimeter
an area at the landform construction.
north of the site
Phase 1a Four Excavators 2.17 0.35 Worst case for the Drigg Coast SAC
Four Dumpers in south of the site with equipment from
an area at the attenuation pond construction.
south of the site
Phase 1b Four Excavators 3.03 0.45 This year has been modelled as this
Four Dumpers is the first year of earthworks on the
One Roller trenches.
Two Bulldozers
in an area in the
north west of the
site
Phase 1c Four Excavators 3.03 0.45 First year of fill placement on the
Four Dumpers shoulders of the trenches. This
One Roller approach assumes that both sets of
Two Bulldozers works are undertaken in the same
in an area in the area, in reality there is only likely to
north of the site, be limited overlap in activities.
immediately
south of the site
boundary and
south of The
Stubble (R2).
Note: No 2019 Core Scenario has been modelled for plant emissions as the closest human health receptors to the areas of construction
are more than 200m from the works, which is too far to be significantly affected. Potential effects in 2019 for the Drigg Coast SAC are
discussed in comparison to the worst case works undertaken adjacent to the SAC in 2013.
The two area sources described in Table 4.3 for Phase 1a have all been modelled as occurring simultaneously. This
provides a cumulative assessment of the main emission sources in Phase 1a for the sensitive receptors.
The stockpile plant emissions described in Table 4.3 have also been included in the models run for Phases 1b and 1c to
provide a cumulative assessment with the earthworks and capping activities during these years.
NO2 and PM10 results for short term and long term averages have been obtained for each of the seven receptors identified
in Table 4.2. In order to provide an assessment of PM2.5, against the PM2.5 annual average AQS objective it has been
assumed that all of the PM10 is PM2.5.
The modelling has been undertaken using a site specific meteorological dataset that combines wind speed, direction and
temperature taken from the meteorological station located on-site with missing data such as cloud cover that has been
obtained from the monitoring station at Blackpool Airport.
The area sources have been used with a time varying emission factor which allows emissions to be released only during
working hours.
A surface roughness of 0.2 to represent open grassland has been used in the model to reflect the open agricultural
character of the area.
No terrain files have been included in the modelling as there are no significant changes in topography which would be
likely to affect model predictions.
A sensitivity analysis of would typically be undertaken for a dispersion modelling exercise for point sources and area
sources. This testing would be undertaken to establish the sensitivity of model results to those inputs which could vary
and affect model results (e.g. meteorological conditions etc.). In this instance a sensitivity test could be undertaken to
characterise the potential variation in model outputs, typically around 20%, but sensitivity testing could not resolve the
uncertainty inherent in the movement of plant equipment around the site. Therefore, as outlined above this modelling
work is considered to be indicative only and should only really be used to highlight the potential risk of non-compliance

with AQS objectives. However, to assist the reader, with a coherent language to describe results, the magnitude of
change and significance of change criteria outlined in Section 4.6 have been utilised to describe results.
4.8 Assessment of Road Traffic

The level of assessment for road traffic emissions has been established by comparison of anticipated construction and
operational traffic flows against a series of traffic criteria which identify significant changes in traffic that have the potential
to affect air quality with respect to PM10 and NO2. Where potentially significant traffic changes are identified these are
then modelled using either the DMRB air quality screening model or an advanced air quality dispersion model, as
appropriate.
The DMRB guidance [xiv] xiv states that assessment of affected roads is only considered necessary where proposals
would result in:
− ‘An increase in daily traffic flows by 1,000 or more; or

− Daily Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) flows will change by 200 or more; or
− Daily average speed will change by 10 km/hr or more; or
− Peak hour speed will change by 20 km/hr or more.’
The EPUK and IAQM (2015) Land-use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality [xvi] provides a list of
traffic change criteria that indicate when further air quality assessment may be required for locations outside AQMAs:
− ‘1. Cause a significant change in Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) traffic flows on local roads with relevant receptors. (LDV =
cars and small vans <3.5t gross vehicle weight) of 500 vehicles or more.
− 2. Cause a significant change in Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) flows on local roads with relevant receptors. (HDV = goods
vehicles + buses >3.5t gross vehicle weight) of 100 vehicles or more.
− 3. Realign roads, i.e. changing the proximity of receptors to traffic lanes. Where the change is 5m or more and the road
is within an AQMA.
− 4. Introduce a new junction or remove an existing junction near to relevant receptors. Applies to junctions that cause
traffic to significantly change vehicle accelerate/decelerate, e.g. traffic lights, or roundabouts.
The results of the screening exercise to identify if there are any roads requiring further assessment are presented in
Section 6.
4.9 Assessment of Rail Freight Emissions

The Defra LAQM.TG(09) guidance document [xii] provides guidance on the assessment of rail emission sources, including
guidance relating to stationary or moving locomotives, identifying distances from sensitive receptors and timescales for
idling etc. which may cause concern. Only if all the following criteria are met is further assessment required:
− are the locations where diesel trains may be regularly idling for 15 minutes or more?;
− is there relevant outdoor exposure within 15 meters?; and
− are there three or more occasions a day when there might be a locomotive stationary with its engine running for 15
minutes?
The assessment of rail freight emissions is presented in Section 6.
4.10 Significance Criteria

The PPG minerals approach for the consideration of dust does not include a set of significance criteria for PM10 effects,
rather focusing on the likelihood of exceedances of PM10 air quality objectives.
However, to provide an indication of the significance of effects consistent with EIA requirements set of criteria have been
used for short term PM10.
The EPUK and IAQM (2015) Land-use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality [xvi] approach has
been not been utilised as a significance approach for PM10 emissions from construction works is not included within this
guidance.

A significance approach for short term PM10 based on changes in concentration is also not included in the IAQM (2014),
Guidance on the Assessment of Dust from Demolition and Construction [xv.
In the absence of a set of short term PM10 magnitude of change and significance criteria the previous set of PM10 short
xviii
term criteria from the EPUK [ ] have been utilised (see Tables 4.4 and 4.5).
Table 4.4 Determination of Magnitude of Change (24-hour PM10)

Magnitude of change Days PM10 >50µg/m3
Large Increase/decrease >4 days
Medium Increase/decrease 2-4 days
Small Increase/decrease 1-2 days
Imperceptible Increase/decrease <1day
Table 4.5 Significance of Effects (24-hour PM10)

Dust Deposition Dust Deposition
Imperceptible Small Medium Large
Increase with proposed development
Above Objective/Limit Value With Negligible Slight Moderate Substantial

proposed development (>35 days) Adverse Adverse Adverse
Just Below Objective/Limit Value Negligible Slight Moderate Moderate
With proposed development (32- Adverse Adverse Adverse
35 days)
Below Objective/Limit Value With Negligible Negligible Slight Slight
proposed development (26-32 Adverse Adverse
days)
Well Below Objective/Limit Value Negligible Negligible Negligible Slight
With proposed development (<26 Adverse
days)
Decrease with proposed development
Above Objective/Limit Value Negligible Slight Moderate Substantial

Without proposed development Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial
(>35 days)
Just Below Objective/Limit Value Negligible Slight Moderate Moderate
Without proposed development Beneficial Beneficial Beneficial
(32-35 days)
Below Objective/Limit Value Negligible Negligible Slight Slight
Without proposed development Beneficial Beneficial
(26-32 days)
Well Below Objective/Limit Value Negligible Negligible Negligible Slight
Without proposed development Beneficial
(<26 days)
There are two aspects of effect that should be taken into account when assessing the significance of the effect at
individual receptors, these are:
− the magnitude of the change caused by the proposed development; and

− the absolute predicted environmental concentration in relation to the air quality objectives.
Particular significance should be given to a change that takes the predicted environmental concentration from below to
above the national AQS objective or vice versa because of the importance ascribed to the objectives in assessing local air
quality. The descriptors also allow for a very small change in concentration to be more significant when the absolute
concentration is above the objective than for an absolute concentration below the objective.

Table 4.5 provides a mechanism for categorising magnitude of change and significance of impact at individual receptors.
The descriptions of impact and significance from individual receptors should be utilised together to derive an overall
judgement of significance of impact for the proposed development.

5 Baseline Conditions
Copeland Borough Council has been contacted to identify the most up to date air quality baseline information for the
assessment. The Council provided the most recent Local Air Quality Management report for use in the assessment:,
xix
2014 Air Quality Progress Report for Copeland Borough Council [ ]. Dated October 2014. This report confirms that
Copeland Borough Council has not identified any areas of poor air quality requiring declaration as AQMAs. The reports
also indicate the there are no continuous air quality monitoring stations in the local authority area.
xx
In the absence of continuous monitoring data the National Air Quality Archive Background Maps [ ] have been utilised to
provide background PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. The closest National Grid Reference to the centre of the site for
which data is available has been utilised (National Grid Reference: 305500, 499500). The 2015 PM10 annual average
3
concentration listed for this National Grid Reference is 9.5 µg/m , which is approximately a quarter of the annual average
3
air quality objective. The PM2.5 concentration listed for this National Grid Reference is 6.5 µg/m , which is also
approximately a quarter of the annual average air quality objective.
The Council operate a network of twenty four NO2 passive diffusion tubes, although none at locations near Drigg. In the
absence of tubes at the site, the other tubes in similar rural background locations operated by the Council have been
reviewed to identify an appropriate background concentration of NO2 for the assessment. The review identified four rural
3
background sites as listed in Table 5.1. The highest concentration from the four locations is 6.3 µg/m at Ennerdale
School, and to provide a conservative estimate of background NO2 this concentration has been utilised in our assessment.
Compared to the annual average air quality objective this concentration is approximately a sixth of the objective.
Table 5.1 Rural Background Monitoring Locations in Copeland BC (2014)

Site ID Site Name Grid Reference Data Capture for Bias Corrected NO2
2014 (%) Concentrations
µg/m³
9 Playground, 307004, 515863 100 6.3
Ennerdale School
16 Greendale 314419, 505569 100 3.8
Guesthouse,
Wasdale
19 Bootle Station, 309360, 489313 91 5.4
Bootle
21 Calder Farm, 303800, 502681 100 6.2
Seascale
As there is currently some uncertainty in the rates of improvement in air quality over time a conservative approach has
been adopted for the assessment that does not assume any further improvements in pollutant concentrations.
Table 5.2 presents all the relevant background ambient air quality data for the required averaging periods. In accordance
xxi
with the Environment Agency’s H1 guidance (Annex f) [ ], in the absence of actual measured short term background
concentrations, these have been assumed to be twice the annual average concentration.
3
Table 5.2 Mean Background Pollutant Concentrations (µg/m )
Pollutant Current Estimated Objective Averaging Period
Background (2015)
NO2 6.3 40 Annual mean
th
12.6 200 1 hour, 99.8 percentile
PM10 9.5 40 Annual mean
th
19.0 50 Daily mean, 90.4
percentile
PM2.5 6.5 25 Annual mean
No other background monitoring data was identified to characterise rates of dust deposition or soiling.

6 Likely Significant Effects
This section outlines the findings of the assessment undertaken following the approaches outlined in Section 4.
6.1 Assessment of Dust Generation during the Works

The assessment of dust generation (PM10) from the works has been discussed for each of the worst case phases in the
following sub-sections.
6.1.1 Phase 1 Site Preparation Works

The boundary of the coal yard is the closest identified receptor to the areas of potential dust generation in Phase 1.
However, as a place of work, this receptor is not considered to be as sensitive as a residential receptor. Additionally, this
receptor would not be assessed against the air quality objectives as places of works are covered by separate occupational
health regulations. The closest residential receptor to the works north of the trenches is The Stubble (R2), at a distance of
approximately 30 m from the site perimeter.
Applying the BRE figure for site preparation in Phase 1a results in a total short term PM10 concentration of 22 µg/m³ at the
boundary (i.e. the background of 19.0 µg/m³ plus 3 µg/m³). The PM10 concentration at the facades of these receptors
would be expected to be lower, due to reductions in concentration from additional dispersion with additional distance.
Even when ignoring this additional distance from the site boundary, this anticipated change in concentration does not
result in an exceedance of the 50 µg/m³ 24-hour AQS objective, and no additional days of exceedance are predicted. This
is considered to be an imperceptible change in short term PM10 concentrations. Additionally, if this 24-hour concentration
was applied to the annual average, which will over estimate annual effects, the total concentration would be 12.5 µg/m³,
3
well below the 40 µg/m objective.
Applying the BRE figure for earthworks in Phase 1b works results in a total short term PM10 concentration of 24 µg/m³ at
the boundary (i.e. the background of 19.0 µg/m³ plus 5 µg/m³). The PM10 concentration at the facades of these receptors
would be expected to be lower, due to reductions in concentration from additional dispersion with additional distance.
Even when ignoring this additional distance from the site boundary, this anticipated change in concentration does not
result in an exceedance of the 50 µg/m³ 24-hour AQS objective, and no additional days of exceedance are predicted. This
is considered to be an imperceptible change in short term PM10 concentrations. Additionally, if this 24-hour concentration
was applied to the annual average, which will over estimate annual effects, the total concentration would be 14.5 µg/m³,
3
well below the 40 µg/m objective.
In Phase 1c stockpile area A may be in operation. The application of the earthworks increase in short term PM10
concentrations results in the same predicted concentrations of 24 µg/m³ at the boundary for the short term and an annual
concentration at the boundary of works of 14.5 µg/m³.
Should different phases of works overlap between Phases 1a, 1b and 1c it is still unlikely that either the short term or long
term air quality objectives for PM10 would be exceeded. This is because a combination of site preparation contributions
and earthworks in Phase 1b and stockpiling activities in Phase 1c results in a total concentration of PM10 of 32 µg/m³ (i.e.
13 µg/m³ total contribution plus 19 µg/m³ background) which is less than the 50 µg/m³ 24-hour AQS objective.
Meadowbridge (R6), the closest receptor to the Contractor’s compound, is located over 250 m away. Utilising the findings
of the BRE study, which identified no significant change in concentration at distances greater than 150 m from earthworks,
no significant changes in concentration would be expected at Meadowbridge (R6).
6.1.2 Phase 2 Cap Vault 8 and Construction Vaults 9A and 10

Phase 2a is likely to have similar effects to those described for Phases 1b and 1c as similar activities will be taking place
in the same North West Corner of the site.
Phase 2b has been considered as the earliest year of construction at the site and in particular the first year of construction
works on a new vault (Vault 9A). A review of the receptors identified around the site has established that all receptors will
be over 200 m from the area of construction of Vault 9A and additionally over 200 m from the area of construction for any
vault. Utilising the findings of the BRE study, which identified no significant change in PM10 concentration at distances

greater than 150 m from a construction site, no significant changes in concentration would be expected at any identified
receptor. This does not result in an exceedance of the 50 µg/m³ 24-hour AQS objective, and no additional days of
exceedance are predicted.
6.1.3 Drigg Coast Dust Deposition

Smothering and toxic contamination of habitats is not considered to be a significant risk to the habitats within the Drigg
Coast SAC/SSI. This is because a Principal Contractor will be appointed by LLW Repository Ltd to develop and
implement a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), which will present a comprehensive list of mitigation
measures to minimise dust generation at the site. Additionally, rainfall will wash away small amounts of deposited
materials periodically. This effect is therefore considered to be of negligible significance.
In addition, the performance of any CEMP in minimising dust emissions will be monitored by a monitoring programme, as
described in Section 8. This monitoring programme includes a Frisbee Gauge located within the Drigg SAC/SSSI.
6.1.4 Farmland
The assessment of dust has focused on residential locations (Façades and Gardens) and designated ecosystems closest
to the site boundary, closest to the most potentially intensive works, as these are considered to be the most sensitive
locations around the site. This approach is consistent with that of Ireland, 1992 [xvii] which notes that there are a range of
different sensitivities for different land-uses to dust effects. As set out in Section 4.5, farms and industry are listed as low
sensitivity locations and residential locations are listed as medium sensitivity locations.
In addition, farming and other commercial locations are also not strictly relevant locations for the application of ambient
National Air Quality objectives. This is because places of works are covered by separate occupational health regulations
whereas the air quality objectives are set for the protection of the general population including more sensitive groups such
as children or the elderly, who are less likely to be in commercial locations for long periods.
Utilising the above approach no significant likely effects were predicted from dust generation at the most sensitive
locations closest to the site boundaries. Therefore, whilst specific farming receptors were not listed in the assessment, by
extension the effects on this less sensitive land use can also be considered to be insignificant.
Whilst farm land is not considered to be particularly sensitive to dust emissions, the CEMP developed for the site will
include measures to minimise the egress of dust from construction in areas adjacent to farm land.
Additionally, the draft air quality monitoring programme (see Section 8 below) includes visual checks at locations adjacent
to farmland to record and address any visible dust emissions.
6.1.5 Summary
In summary each year of works assessed has been predicted to not give rise to significant changes in PM10
concentrations due to dust generating activities at any sensitive receptor identified.
In comparison to the key PPG test of whether works are likely to result in exceedances of PM10 air quality objectives this is
not considered to be likely. However, although significant effects are not anticipated suitable dust mitigation and
monitoring measures are presented in Section 8.
6.2 Assessment of Emissions Generated by Plant Equipment during the Works

Indicative modelling of demolition/construction vehicle emissions has been undertaken (using ADMS (version 4.1)) as an
area source emission, to represent the area under development, as described in Section 4. The modelling outcomes
provide an indicative guide to the potential impacts from demolition/construction site plant, based on a set of assumptions
and identified parameters.
The assessment of plant emissions from the works has been discussed for the sub-phases within Phase 1 in the following
sub-sections. Changes in concentration and total concentrations are discussed for NO2 and PM10 for short and long term
averaging periods for completeness. Annual average PM2.5 concentrations are also discussed, as this pollutant may be
associated with plant exhaust emissions. However, as plant equipment emissions will only be released in working hours,
the short term results are most applicable.

6.2.1 Phase 1a – Combined Activities

The results from the modelling of the two area sources in Phase 1a are shown in Tables 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. Tables 6.1
and 6.2 show the predicted results for short and long term NO2. Tables 6.3 and 6.4 show the predicted results for short
and long term PM10. The magnitude of change and significance of change is also presented for each pollutant and
receptor.
Table 6.1 Phase 1a Plant Predictions for NO2 long term concentrations
Receptor Receptor Name Change in Total Annual Magnitude of Significance
Reference Annual Average NO2 Change of Change
Average NO2 (µg/m³)
(µg/m³)
R1 Summer View <0.1 7.1 Imperceptible Negligible
R2 The Stubble 0.3 7.4 Imperceptible Negligible
R3 Drigg Moorside <0.1 7.1 Imperceptible Negligible
R4 Sandy Acre <0.1 7.1 Imperceptible Negligible
R5 Coal Yard <0.1 7.1 Imperceptible Negligible
R6 Meadowbridge <0.1 7.1 Imperceptible Negligible
R7 Drigg Coast SAC 0.4 7.5 Small Negligible
Note: R7 Assigned a small magnitude of change as the change in concentration relative to the 30 µg/m³ Air Quality Strategy Objective for
the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems, rather than the small/imperceptible magnitude it would have been assigned relative to the
40 µg/m³ Air Quality Strategy Objective. Bold indicates – worst case receptors. < - indicates less than.
The predictions indicate that either imperceptible or small changes are anticipated for each receptor for both short and
long term changes in NO2 concentration. A corresponding assessment of negligible significance has therefore been
assigned to each human health receptor in Phase 1a with respect to NO2 (R4 to R6). A negligible significance has also
been assigned to the Drigg Coast (R7), the only ecological receptor, as the total predicted concentration is well below
(less than 70%) of the annual average Air Quality Strategy Objective for the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems.
Table 6.2 Phase 1a Plant Predictions for NO2 short term concentrations
Receptor Receptor Name Change in Total short term Magnitude of Significance
Reference short term NO2 Change of Change
NO2 (µg/m³) Concentration
(µg/m³)
R1 Summer View 0.2 14.4 Imperceptible Negligible
R2 The Stubble 3.3 17.5 Small Negligible
R3 Drigg Moorside 0.2 14.4 Imperceptible Negligible
R5 Coal Yard 0.2 14.4 Imperceptible Negligible
R6 Meadowbridge 0.2 14.4 Imperceptible Negligible
R7 Drigg Coast 9.2 23.4 Small Negligible
SAC
Note: Bold indicates – worst case receptors. . < - indicates less than. For R7 Drigg Coast SAC there is no applicable short term AQS
objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore, the Drigg Coast SAC short term results have been assessed against the 1-hour
AQS objective for human health.

Table 6.3 Phase 1a Plant Predictions for PM10 long term concentrations
Reference Annual Average PM10 Change of Change
Average PM10 (µg/m³)
(µg/m³)
R2 The Stubble <0.1 8.4 Imperceptible Negligible
R7 Drigg Coast SAC 0.1 8.5 Imperceptible Negligible
Note: Bold indicates – worst case receptors. . < - indicates less than. For R7 Drigg Coast SAC there is no applicable annual AQS
objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore the Drigg Coast SAC short term results have been assessed against the annual
The predictions indicate that imperceptible changes are anticipated for each receptor for both short and long term changes
in PM10 concentration. A corresponding assessment of negligible significance has therefore been assigned to each
receptor in Phase 1c with respect to PM10. Assuming all of the predicted PM10 is PM2.5 and utilising the criteria developed
in Section 4.6 the changes in annual average particulates in Phase 1a can also be similarly described as imperceptible
and negligible.
Table 6.4 Phase 1a Plant Predictions for PM10 short term concentrations
Reference short term PM10 Change of Change
PM10 (µg/m³) Concentration
(µg/m³)
R7 Drigg Coast 0.2 17.0 Imperceptible Negligible
SAC
objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore the Drigg Coast SAC short term results have been assessed against the 24-hour
6.2.2 Phase 1b – Combined Activities

The modelling results for Phase 1b are shown in Tables 6.5, 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8. Tables 6.5 and 6.6 show the predicted
results for short and long term NO2. Tables 6.7 and 6.8 show the predicted results for short and long term PM10. The
magnitude of change and significance of change is also presented for each pollutant and receptor.

Table 6.5 Phase 1b Plant Predictions for NO2 long term concentrations
(µg/m³)
R7 Drigg Coast SAC <0.1 6.9 Imperceptible Negligible
Note: R7 assigned an imperceptible magnitude of change as the change in concentration relative to the 30 µg/m³ Air Quality Strategy
Objective for the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems. Bold indicates – worst case receptors. < - indicates less than.
Table 6.6 Phase 1b Plant Predictions for NO2 short term concentrations
(µg/m³)
R1 Summer View 4.6 18.3 Small Negligible
The Phase 1b predictions indicate that either imperceptible or small changes are anticipated for each receptor for both
short and long term changes in NO2 concentration. A corresponding assessment of negligible significance has therefore
been assigned to each receptor in Phase 1b with respect to NO2.
Table 6.7 Phase 1b Plant Predictions for PM10 long term concentrations
Receptor Receptor Change in Total Annual Magnitude of Significance
Reference Name Annual Average PM10 Change of Change
Average (µg/m³)
PM10 (µg/m³)
objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore the Drigg Coast SAC short term results have been assessed against the annual
The Phase 1b predictions indicate that imperceptible changes are anticipated for each receptor for both short and long
term changes in PM10 concentration. A corresponding assessment of negligible significance has therefore been assigned
to each receptor in Phase 1b with respect to PM10. Assuming all of the predicted PM10 is PM2.5 and utilising the criteria
developed in Section 4.6 the changes in annual average particulates in Phase 1b can also be similarly described as
imperceptible and negligible.

Table 6.8 Phase 1b Plant Predictions for PM10 short term concentrations
Receptor Receptor Change in Total short Magnitude of Significance
Reference Name short term term PM10 Change of Change
(µg/m³)
Note: For R7 Drigg Coast SAC there is no applicable short term AQS objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore the Drigg
Coast SAC short term results have been assessed against the 24-hour AQS objective for human health.
6.2.3 Phase 1c – Combined Activities

The modelling results for Phase 1c are shown in Tables 6.9, 6.10, 6.11 and 6.12. Tables 6.9 and 6.10 show the predicted
results for short and long term NO2. Tables 6.11 and 6.12 show the predicted results for short and long term PM10. The
magnitude of change and significance of change is also presented for each pollutant and receptor.
Table 6.9 Phase 1c Plant Predictions for NO2 long term concentrations
(µg/m³)
Note: R7 assigned an imperceptible magnitude of change as the change in concentration relative to the 30 µg/m³ Air Quality Strategy
Objective for the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems. Bold indicates – worst case receptors. < - indicates less than.
Table 6.10 Phase 1c Plant Predictions for NO2 short term concentrations
(µg/m³)
R2 The Stubble 9.0 22.4 Small Negligible

The Phase 1c predictions indicate that either imperceptible or small changes are anticipated for each receptor for both
short and long term changes in NO2 concentration. A corresponding assessment of negligible significance has therefore
been assigned to each receptor in Phase 1c with respect to NO2.
Table 6.11 Phase 1c Plant Predictions for PM10 long term concentrations
Receptor Receptor Name Change in Total Annual Magnitude of Significance of
Reference Annual Average PM10 Change Change
Average PM10 (µg/m³)
(µg/m³)
objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore the Drigg Coast SAC short results have been assessed against the annual AQS
objective for human health.
The Phase 1c predictions indicate that imperceptible changes are anticipated for each receptor for both short and long
term changes in PM10 concentration. A corresponding assessment of negligible significance has therefore been assigned
to each receptor in Phase 1c with respect to PM10. Assuming all of the predicted PM10 is PM2.5 and utilising the criteria
developed in Section 4.6 the changes in annual average particulates in Phase 1c can also be similarly described as
imperceptible and negligible.
Table 6.12 Phase 1c Plant Predictions for PM10 short term concentrations
Reference short term PM10 Change of Change
(µg/m³)
Note: For R7 Drigg Coast SAC there is no applicable short term AQS objective for the protection of ecosystems. Therefore the Drigg
Coast Short results have been assessed against the 24-hour AQS objective for human health.
Other years of capping works on the Trenches (e.g. Phases 2 and 3) are likely to have lesser impacts than those
described for Phase 1c. This is because the works in Phase 1c on the trench shoulders are closer to receptors than the
works which will be undertaken on the top of the trenches. Additionally, the assessment above has considered the
potential effects of capping in combination with other works and so additional plant emissions have been considered.
Finally, the assessment of Phase 1c will provide a worst case assessment as it is assumed that air quality will improve
year to year.
6.2.4 Construction of Vault 9A

Consistent with the assessment of construction dust associated with the construction of Vault 9A no human health
receptors are within 200m. Therefore, no significant changes in concentration are anticipated to be associated with plant
emissions from these works with respect to human health. This is because vehicle emissions are typically not
distinguishable from background pollutant concentrations at distances larger than 200m xiv. In comparison to the
significance criteria (Section 4.6) this is considered to be an imperceptible magnitude of change of negligible significance.

6.2.5 Summary
Emissions to air during construction activities will be associated with on-site construction vehicles and plant. An
assessment of these emissions was prepared using an estimate of plant emissions and indicative detailed modelling
techniques. This indicated that very low changes in pollutant concentration were expected around the site and no
significant effects were anticipated. The highest change in annual average NO2 and PM10 concentrations predicted were
3 3 3
0.4 µg/m and 0.1 µg/m respectively. The highest changes in short term contributions of NO2 and PM10 were 9.2 µg/m
3
and 0.2 µg/m . In summary, each year of works assessed has been predicted to not have significant changes in PM10,
PM2.5 or NO2 concentrations due to plant equipment emissions at any sensitive receptor identified. In comparison to the
significance criteria (Section 4.6), the changes in concentration have been considered to be of a small or imperceptible
magnitude, with a negligible significance.
Furthermore, considering a worst case where an increase in the concentration of 24-hour PM10 arising from plant
emissions is added to the change in PM10 24-hour concentration arising from dust generating activities (Section 6.1), there
is no change in the significance of effects previously identified. This is because the magnitude of change from the plant
emissions is negligible for each receptor, with a maximum increase of 0.2 µg/m³.
Using the latest Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) and Institute of Air Quality and Management (IAQM) (2015) Land-
use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality [xvi] a moderate effect (i.e. an effect which may be
3
considered significant) would require a change in annual average concentrations of 4 µg/m . This would require an
3 3
increase in concentration of 3.6 µg/m (i.e. nine times higher) and 3.9 µg/m (i.e. thirty nine times higher) for NO2 and PM10
respectively which is very unlikely.
6.3 Emissions from Road Traffic Associated with the Works

The existing traffic data on local roads is provided in Appendix F. The traffic changes presented in Appendix F are based
on various worst case assumptions. For example it has been assumed that all workers use a vehicle to reach site and
therefore there will be no car sharing. It has also been assumed that deliveries for the different elements of each Phase,
for example cut off wall deliveries and capping deliveries are required concurrently. This is not anticipated to be the case.
The traffic increases are below the level of change requiring further assessment against both DMRB and EPUK criteria
listed in Section 4. It is therefore considered that the changes in traffic associated with the works will result in
imperceptible changes in NO2 and PM10 and hence have a negligible significance in all years.
6.4 Assessment of Emissions from Rail Freight Associated with the Works
Currently up to one delivery (two movements) is made to the site each day to import materials and it is proposed that two
additional train movements per day are required for the proposed development.
There are no significant additional emissions of NO2, SO2 or particulates which require further assessment based on the
Defra LAQM.TG(09) criteria based on the above information. This is because whilst there are now up to four rail
movements in total anticipated per day there is no relevant exposure to the railhead within 15 m. Therefore, negligible
effects are anticipated to be associated with rail freight emissions.
6.5 Supplementary Assessments

The air quality implications of disposal of waste in Vaults 9 to 11 and commencing higher stacking (up to 9 high) in Vaults
8, 9, 10 and 11 are discussed in the two following sub-sections.
6.5.1 Disposal of waste in Vaults 9 to 11

The disposal of waste in Vaults 9 to 11 will involve the same types and numbers of plant equipment as currently utilised for
the existing operations at the site. Therefore, no significant changes in emissions of NO2 or PM10 are anticipated.
Additionally, no significant changes exceeding the DMRB and EPUK criteria for operational traffic are anticipated.
Consequentially, an imperceptible change in concentrations at all sensitive receptors is expected for NO2 and PM10 with a
negligible significance.
6.5.2 Higher stacking in Vaults 8, 9, 10 and 11

The disposal of waste in Vaults 8, 9, 10 and 11 with higher stacking will involve the same types and numbers of plant
equipment as currently utilised for the existing operations at the site. Additionally, no significant changes exceeding the
DMRB and EPUK criteria for operational traffic are anticipated. Therefore, no significant changes in emissions of NO2 or

PM10 are anticipated. Consequentially, an imperceptible change in concentrations at all sensitive receptors is expected for
NO2 and PM10 with a negligible significance.

7 Drigg Coast SAC/SSSI – Additional Assessment for Habitats Risk

Assessment
7.1 Air Quality Standards Assessment

An assessment of nitrogen dioxide from mobile site plant has been undertaken for the Drigg Coast Special Area of
Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These designations were represented by Receptor R7
and are discussed in Section 6.2. PM10 impacts were not considered for ecosystems as there are no objectives for the
protection of ecosystems for PM10.
The results of the assessment with respect to R7 are discussed in Section 6.2. Results were discussed in relation to the
Air Quality Strategy Objective for the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems. The results of the predictions showed a
3
maximum increase in NO2 concentrations of 0.4 µg/m in Phase 1a, falling to less than 0.1 µg/m³ in later years (See Table
7.1). The reduction in NO2 contributions between years reflects the changing pattern of works on the site relative to the
location of the SAC/SSSI.
Table 7.1 Phase 1 Plant Predictions for NO2 long term concentrations
(µg/m³)
Phase 1a
R7 Drigg Coast 0.4 7.5 Small Negligible
SAC
Phase 1b
R7 Drigg Coast <0.1 6.9 Imperceptible Negligible
SAC
Phase 1c
R7 Drigg Coast <0.1 6.7 Imperceptible Negligible
SAC
Note: R7 Assigned a small magnitude of change as the change in concentration relative to the 30 µg/m³ Air Quality Strategy Objective for
the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems, rather than the small/imperceptible magnitude it would have been assigned relative to the
40 µg/m³ Air Quality Strategy Objective in Phase 1a. < - indicates less than. PM10 not considered for ecosystems as there are no
objectives for the protection of ecosystems for PM10. Oxides of sulphur are not considered as this is not a key pollutant of concern for the
development.
Table 7.1 also shows that the total concentration of NO2 (background plus contribution from the development) is less than
70% of the Air Quality Strategy Objective for the Protection of Vegetation and Ecosystems. This includes appropriate
background contributions of NO2 from other developments and activities in the area. These total NO2 concentrations are
less than the total concentration at which significant impacts may be expectedError! Bookmark not defined..
7.2 Smothering and Toxic Contamination

Smothering and toxic contamination of habitats is not considered to be a significant risk to the habitats within the Drigg
Coast SAC/SSSI. This is because a Principal Contractor will be appointed by LLW Repository Ltd to develop and
implement a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), which will present a comprehensive list of mitigation
measures to minimise dust generation at the site. Additionally, rainfall will wash away small amounts of deposited
materials which may be deposited periodically.
In addition, the performance of any CEMP in minimising dust emissions will be monitored by a monitoring programme,
(see Section 8). This monitoring programme includes a Frisbee Gauge located within the Drigg Coast SAC/SSSI. It is
proposed that the performance of mitigation measures at this location would be managed against the Environment Agency
2
[v] 200 mg/day/m custom and practice limit. In any instances where this threshold was exceeded mitigation measures
would be reviewed and improved where necessary to protect the Drigg Coast SAC/SSSI.

7.3 Nutrient Enrichment

The data presented in Table 7.1 has also been utilised in an assessment of nutrient enrichment. This has been
undertaken by applying a deposition velocity of 0.1 m/s [xiv] to the NO2 concentrations presented in Table 7.1 to calculate
nitrogen deposition rates. These deposition rates have then been compared to the critical loads for nitrogen available for
1
the Drigg Coast SAC .
A review of the habitats closest to the Proposed Development has identified that the most sensitive habitat type to nitrogen
deposition is ‘Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)’. This habitat has a critical load range of 8-10 kg
nitrogen per hectare per year (N/ha/yr).
However, the APIS site indicates that the Drigg Coast SAC site is already subject to a nitrogen deposition rate of 12.74
kg/N/ha/yr, which is 4.74 kg/N/yr higher than the lowest critical load.
Relative to the current rate of deposition the maximum increase in nitrogen deposition predicted with the Proposed
Development represents an increase of only 0.3%.
Comparing the increase in nitrogen deposition from the Proposed Development with the lowest critical load shows an
increase of at worst 0.5% (See Table 7.2). This is less than the 1% above which significant effects [xiii] may occur and as
such this is considered to be an increase of negligible significance.
Table 7.2 Phase 1 Plant Predictions for Nitrogen Deposition

Receptor Receptor Name Change in Percentage Magnitude of Significance
Reference nitrogen change in Change of Change
deposition nitrogen
rate deposition
(kg/N/ha/yr) relative to
lowest critical
load
Phase 1a
SAC
Phase 1b
SAC
Phase 1c
SAC
Note: lowest critical load 8 N/ha/yr.
The conclusion that the above changes in nitrogen are negligible is supported by the most recent published Common
2
Standards Monitoring condition assessment for the Drigg Coast designated site by Natural England . This condition
assessment includes an assessment of the area adjacent to the Proposed Development boundary known as
‘Compartment 21’.
The condition assessment process assesses a range of attributes, including vegetation structure and composition targets,
all of which must pass for a compartment to be determined to be in favourable condition.
The most recent condition assessment published on the Natural England website in 2007 indicates that Compartment 21
is in favourable condition despite receiving nitrogen inputs at levels in exceedance of recommended precautionary critical
loads, by 4.74 kg/N/ha/yr for the lowest critical load and 2.74 kg/N/ha/yr for the upper critical load. In this context a
maximum change of 0.04 kg/N/ha/yr resulting from the Proposed Development is unlikely to significantly affect the
condition of the habitat.
1
http://www.apisdev.ceh.ac.uk/srcl
2
(http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/reportAction.cfm?report=sdrt13&category=S&reference=1000077)

7.4 Acidification
Increases in acidity from increased contributions of NO2 have also been considered. In this assessment the values of
nitrogen deposition (kg/N/ha/yr) have been used to derive kiloequivalents/ha/yr (keq/ha/yr), which are the units in which
acidity critical loads are described. The conversion has been undertaken using the Air Pollution Information System unit
3
conversion tool .
A review of the habitats closest to the Proposed Development has identified that the most sensitive habitat type to
changes in acidity is ‘Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)’. This habitat has two minimum nitrogen
related acidity critical loads (MinCLminN) listed of 0.223 and 0.438 keq/ha/yr.
However, converting the APIS existing rate of nitrogen deposition into keq suggests that the Drigg Coast SAC site is
already subject to a rate of nitrogen related acid deposition of 0.910 keq/ha/yr, which is between 0.687 and 0.472
keq/ha/yr higher than the lowest critical loads.
Relative to the current rate of deposition, the maximum predicted increase in nitrogen related acid deposition from the
Proposed Development represents an increase of only 0.3%.
Comparing the increase in acidity with the Proposed Development with the lowest critical loads shows a maximum
increase of between 0.7 and 1.4 % (See Table 7.3). This range is around the 1% increase above which significant effects
may occur and as such this is considered to be an increase of negligible significance.
Table 7.3 Phase 1 Plant Predictions for Acidification

Receptor Receptor Name Change in Percentage Magnitude of Significance
Reference acidification change in Change of Change
(keq/ha/yr) acidification
relative to
lowest critical
loads
Phase 1a
R7 Drigg Coast 0.003 0.68 to 1.35 Imperceptible Negligible
SAC
Phase 1b
SAC
Phase 1c
SAC
Note: Two minimum critical loads (MinCLminN) of 0.223 and 0.438 keq/ha/yr presented on APIS Site.
As described in the nutrient enrichment section, the conclusion that the changes predicted in acidity are negligible is
2
supported by the Natural England Condition assessment for the Drigg Coast designated site .
The most recent condition assessment published on the Natural England website in 2007 indicates that Compartment 21
is in favourable condition despite receiving rates of acid deposition at levels in exceedance of recommended precautionary
critical loads, by 0.687 keq/ha/yr for the lowest critical load. In this context a maximum change of 0.003 keq/ha/yr resulting
from the Proposed Development is unlikely to significantly affect the condition of the habitat.
http://www.apis.ac.uk/cgi_bin/unitconversion_result.pl?keqkg=keq&pollutant2=Nitrogen&value2=0.04&Submit=Calculate
3

8 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures
This section presents the mitigation and monitoring measures appropriate to minimise the effect on air quality from either
construction or operational activities.
A Principal Contractor will be appointed by the Applicant to develop and implement a Construction Environmental
Management Plan (CEMP), which will present a comprehensive list of mitigation measures, based on the approach
outlined herein for agreement with the Council.
8.1 Plant Equipment Mitigation Measures

Despite the negligible predicted effect from construction and capping activities, construction vehicle emissions would be
mitigated through:
− no vehicles or plant will be left idling unnecessarily;

− non-road mobile machinery (vehicles and plant) will be well maintained. Should any emissions of dark smoke occur
(except during start up) then the relevant machinery will be stopped immediately and any problem rectified before
being used again;
− engines and exhaust systems will be regularly serviced according to manufacturer’s recommendations and maintained
to meet statutory limits/opacity tests;
− plant will be located away from the boundaries close to residential areas or designated sensitive ecosystem sites; and
− use of diesel or petrol powered generators will be avoided by using mains electricity or battery powered equipment
where possible.
8.2 Dust Mitigation Measures

In accordance with best practice, construction dust will be controlled through the application of a series of measures,
including (where appropriate):
− regular inspection and, where necessary, wet suppression of material/soil stockpiles (including wind shielding, storage
away from site boundaries);
− appropriate orientation of material stockpiles and minimising their height, to minimise wind dispersion;
− stabilisation or vegetation of long term stockpiles;
− provision of wheel washing and wet suppression during loading of wagons/vehicles;
− covering vehicles carrying dry spoil and other wastes;
− shielding of dust-generating construction activities with temporary barriers (e.g. around stockpiles and other dusty
activities);
− provision of suitable site hoarding as physical control measure to minimise dust egress;
− restricting vehicle speeds on access roads and other unsurfaced areas of the site to 10 mph;
− inspection of unsurfaced haulage routes, and wet suppression as necessary, during prolonged dry periods;
− no waste materials will be burnt on-site;
− soil stripping is not to be undertaken during periods of high wind speeds of 8 m/s or more, which a 5 on the Beaufort
Scale; and
− water suppression techniques were required to dampen down dusty activities.
The barriers and hoardings could be used to control a variety of potentially dusty activities including: stockpiling, soil
stripping and earthmoving operations should measures such as water suppression be insufficient. Barriers and hoardings
are utilised as a physical control measure for dust at source and in perimeter locations. The effective use of barriers is
xxv
recommended in a variety of documents including: The London Best Practice Guidance Document [ ], The Building
xi
Research Establishment Control of dust from construction and demolition activities [ xxii] and the PPG [ ].

The size and type of solid barriers will vary between sites and will be dependent upon the source being screened.
Similarly the location of barriers would be dependent upon the location of the sources on-site which require screening e.g.
stockpile locations. These types of barriers will effective in managing dust when used in combination with a range of other
mitigation measures e.g. water suppression.
A Principal Contractor will be appointed by LLW Repository Ltd to develop and implement a Construction Environmental
Management Plan (CEMP), which will present a comprehensive list of mitigation measures for agreement with the
Planning Authority (WPA). This will include the details of how barriers and hoarding will be used, located, moved, barrier
materials and how long these would be required.
8.3 Air Quality Monitoring

In order to confirm the effectiveness of dust mitigation monitoring is proposed during the construction works. This section
discusses the techniques, proposed thresholds for assessing the effectiveness of mitigation, the investigation approach
where exceedances are identified and the reporting of monitoring etc. to the Council.
8.3.1 Monitoring Locations

Four air quality monitoring locations are proposed and their corresponding distances from the proposed development area
are:
− M1 – Summer View, 50 m;
− M2 – The Stubble, 60 m; and
− M4 – Sandy Acre, 400 m
− M6 – Drigg Coast, 0 m.
These monitoring locations are illustrated on Figure 11.1 (as Receptors R1, R2, R4 and R6 respectively).
These receptors represent the worst case sensitive receptors around the site. Should access to these locations not be
possible, alternative locations shall be chosen, and the reasons for assuming them to be representative, reported. For
example if monitors cannot be located at properties or there is no safe off-site location for equipment then monitoring will
be undertaken at site boundary locations. Locating monitors at site boundaries will tend to overestimate pollutant
concentrations or rates of deposition, as monitors are closer to the potential sources of emissions.
8.3.2 Air Quality Monitoring Techniques

Three types of air quality monitoring are proposed for the construction works associated with the proposed development.
These include: ambient sampling for suspended particulate matter, sampling for deposited dust and also visual
observations.
A meteorology station is already located on-site and data from this site will be utilised in reporting and analysing
monitoring data.
Ambient Suspended Particulate Sampling
Ambient suspended particulate sampling is proposed as properties such as Summer View (R1) are within close proximity
to areas of potential dust generation. Due to the close proximity of works to this location it is proposed that Summer View
is installed with a suspended dust monitor. However, if during works, other residential locations are closer to dust
generating activities e.g. The Stubble (R2), monitoring should be relocated to the more sensitive location.
The monitor proposed to measure ambient suspended particulates is an Osiris monitor. Osiris monitors are small portable
or semi-permanent monitors, which can be powered by solar cell, battery or mains electricity. The monitors can also be
easily relocated and can be fixed to a variety of supports and monitors can be located in unsecured locations. Osiris
monitors utilise a light scatter technique to measure TSP (Total Suspended Particulates), PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 (particulate
matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 1 micron). The Osiris monitors provided an average reading every
fifteen minutes. Threshold alarms can also be set above which a text message can be sent to site managers etc. The
xxiii
Osiris monitor has achieved the Environment Agency's MCERTS certification [ ] (Monitoring Certification proposed
development).
All of the above characteristics including: simultaneous analysis of different size fractions, averaging over short
timescales, power source flexibility, ease of relocation, small monitor footprint and ability to issue text message alerts
makes this monitor suitable for use in construction environments. This is why light scatter techniques, including Osiris, are

used by local authorities, construction companies and academic institutions in monitoring campaigns around construction
sites.
The only limitation of the Osiris measurement technique is that it is not a reference equivalent technique and so PM10 data
cannot be strictly used for EU compliance purposes. In particular the heated inlet, which draws in air for sampling,
o
operates at 60 C to minimise interferences from water vapour, and this will likely destroy some volatile particulate
components. This potentially could lead the Osiris monitor to under-read total PM10 concentrations relative to reference
techniques e.g. TEOM-FDMS.
Reference techniques (e.g. Tampered Element Oscillating Micro-Balances (TEOMs)) are not recommended for routine
construction monitoring as these monitors require fixed concrete bases, or a large trailer enclosure, mains electricity, only
focus on one particle size fraction, cannot be moved quickly and do not support text threshold monitoring. Breakdowns
may also require specialist parts, sometimes from overseas locations and this can result in significant monitor downtime.
However, reference techniques could still be utilised in the event that Osiris monitors suggest a potential air quality
compliance issue at a particular location, providing the above requirements can be safely achieved. For example, a
reference technique could be utilised if Osiris monitoring suggested that the 35 24-hour AQS objective or Annual Average
AQS objective may be breached in a year.
One year of baseline data will be collected in advance of works to provide a range of particulate data to describe different
meteorological conditions. During construction the Osiris monitors will operate continuously. The Osiris units will be
serviced annually.
Dust Deposition
Dust deposition sampling is proposed to provide an indication of dust which could cause a nuisance at sensitive residential
locations (e.g. Sandy Acre (R4)) and could also impact on ecosystems (e.g. Drigg Coastline). It is proposed that dust
deposition is sampled using Frisbee gauges at all four sites identified above.
A Frisbee gauge consists of an inverted shallow dish mounted on a pole approximately 1.75 m above the ground. A bird
guard consisting of steel rods and nylon thread covers the dish to prevent birds from sitting on the gauge. The Frisbee
collects deposited matter and matter insoluble in rainwater. The matter then gathers in a sample container at the bottom
of the pole.
Deposited and insoluble matter in the rainwater collection are removed and separated by gentle vacuum filtration at a
suitably accredited laboratory to provide a quantitative sample. Insoluble matter is dried and determined gravimetrically
expressed as mg/m2/day.
Frisbee gauges will be changed every month. One year of baseline data will be collected prior to construction works to
provide a baseline of deposition under different meteorological conditions.
Visual Observations
Visual observations are also proposed as an additional monitoring technique.
Visual observations are proposed as these can detect coarser particles, which may cause an off-site dust nuisance,
following mobilisation and migration across site boundaries. Visual observations are also quick, without any delay from
laboratory testing or data reviews. The findings of visual observations can therefore be acted upon quickly.
As a minimum visual observations will be undertaken by the site manager, or a designated person each day on-site and at
site boundaries, with particular reference to the identified sensitive receptors. These observations will be recorded in a
site log.
Site staff will also be trained to observe ground conditions, identify dust risks and increase mitigation as works progress.
8.3.3 Air Quality Thresholds

Three types of air quality threshold are described below for ambient suspended particulates, deposited dust and visual
observations.

Ambient Suspended Particulate Sampling

xxiv
The concentration of particulates will be compared to the following key criteria from the Daily Air Quality Index [ ], as
reproduced from the National Air Quality Archive (see Table 8.1). Monitored concentrations of PM10 should ideally be
below 50 µg/m³ over 24-hours and at worst this should not be exceeded more than 35 times a year over 24-hours.
The below index is provided to indicate how any concentrations above 50 µg/m³ will be described in reports.
Additionally, the London Best Practice Guidance for the Control of Dust and Emissions from Construction and Demolition
xxv 3
(2014) [ ] suggest a site action limit of 250µg/m of PM10 over a 15-minute average.
The above criteria focus on short term exceedances, which are most applicable to manage mitigation efforts. For the
purposes of annual reporting PM10 and PM2.5 annual averages will also be reported and compared to annual AQS values
(e.g. 40 µg/m² and 25 µg/m³).
Table 8.1 Daily Air Quality Index for PM10 and PM2.5
Air Pollution PM10 PM2.5 Index Accompanying health messages for at-risk groups
Banding (µg/m³) (µg/m³) Range and the general population
At-risk individuals General

population
Low 0 to 49 0 to 34 1-3 Enjoy your usual outdoor Enjoy your usual

activities. outdoor activities.
Moderate 50 to 74 35 to 52 4-6 Adults and children with lung Enjoy your usual
problems, and adults with outdoor activities.
heart problems, who
experience symptoms, should
consider reducing strenuous
physical activity, particularly
outdoors.
High 75 to 99 53 to 69 7-9 Adults and children with lung Anyone

problems, and adults with experiencing
heart problems, should reduce discomfort such
strenuous physical exertion, as sore eyes,
particularly outdoors, and cough or sore
particularly if they experience throat should
symptoms. People with consider
asthma may find they need to reducing activity,
use their reliever inhaler more particularly
often. Older people should outdoors.
also reduce physical exertion.
Very High Greater Greater 10 Adults and children with lung Reduce physical
than 100 than 70 problems, adults with heart exertion,
problems, and older people, particularly
should avoid strenuous outdoors,
physical activity. People with especially if you
asthma may find they need to experience
use their reliever inhaler more symptoms such
often. as cough or sore
throat.

Dust Deposition
No statutory or official air quality criteria for dust annoyance has been set by the UK, European Union (EU) or World
Health Organisation (WHO). Table 8.2 illustrates a number of standard guideline deposition rates.
2
Although there are no official criteria in England and Wales, a custom and practice limit of 200 mg/m /day recommended
by the Environment Agency is proposed for comparison with the depositional dust gauge measurements at the site. It is
2
proposed that 200 mg/m /day is used as a threshold indicating when mitigation should be reviewed.
Table 8.2 Guidelines for the Assessment of Dust – Deposition Rates (Technical Guidance Note M17) [v]
Source Description of Guideline Numerical Value

2
(mg/m /day)
Environment Agency A custom and practice limit 200

TGD M17
Nuisance Standard Residential areas 187

Washington State,
USA
Western Australia Loss of amenity first perceived 133
Unacceptable reduction in air quality 333
Nuisance Standard Possible nuisance 350

West Germany
(TA Luft Vol. Complaints very likely 650
27.2.1986)
Stockholm Rural Areas 140

Environmental Town Centres 260
Institute
Visual Observations
Visual observations should be used to identify areas of dust mobilisation on-site, which require further mitigation (e.g.
further water suppression), prior to migration across site boundaries. See Section 8.3 for details of dust mitigation
measures.
8.3.4 Air Quality Exceedance Procedures

Where the results of monitoring indicate that air quality thresholds are being exceeded at one or more sensitive receptors,
the site manager will be notified and advice will be provided to reduce air quality emissions and off-site impacts so far as is
practicable. The remedial actions taken in these circumstances must be noted and reported to the Mineral Planning
Authority.
Local residents will be informed in advance of expected particularly dusty works by the site manager or appointed site
liaison officer, including details of activities being undertaken, the expected times of activities and expected durations.
8.3.5 Response to Complaints

Should complaints arise from nearby residents regarding air quality from general construction activities, a log of the
complaint in a specific complaint register will be made, including:
− the date and time that the complaint was received by the site;
− the nature of the complaint; and
− the name, address and telephone number of the complainant.

The complainant will be contacted as soon as is practicable by the site manager or appointed site liaison officer to discuss
the complaint.
Site activities will be reviewed together with the mitigation in place at the time of any compliant.
Air quality monitoring data and on-site meteorological data will also be reviewed to identify any data which may be
available to establish the nature of any air quality issue.
If there has been a failure in mitigation then remedial action will be undertaken to restore mitigation.
8.3.6 Reporting
Details of air quality monitoring will be sent to Copeland Borough Council within eight weeks of the completion of baseline
monitoring or at the end of each year of operational monitoring:
The following information will be included:
− planning condition reference and related air quality thresholds;

− precise monitoring locations (including photographs);
− dates and times of measurements;
− equipment type (including serial numbers, where applicable);
− details of ongoing site activities throughout the monitoring period;
− details of all air quality pollutant sources;
− comparison of measured levels with the air quality thresholds, and resultant conclusion; and
− any other relevant observations.
The details of any remedial action taken as a result of the measurements will also be forwarded to Copeland Borough
Council.
8.4 Operation
No operational mitigation or monitoring measures are recommended as no significant effects are anticipated with respect
to air quality from the Operation of the site.

9 Residual Effects
This Section discusses the anticipated level of effect following implementation of the aforementioned mitigation measures.
Any effects associated with construction dust are predicted to be negligible as best practice dust mitigation and monitoring
measures will be utilised.
The residual effect associated with construction site plant is expected to be negligible at the nearest residential and
ecological receptors.
Traffic emissions associated the proposed development are negligible, as there are small numbers of vehicles associated
with the works.
Rail emissions associated the proposed development are negligible, as there are small numbers of movements associated
with the proposed development and no relevant exposure within 15m.
There are negligible changes in emissions due to the variations proposed in operational conditions e.g. higher stacking.
The residual effects associated with each aspect that has been assessed are described in Table 9.1.
Table 9.1 Summary of Effects Following Mitigation

Phase Nature of Effect Temporal and Significance
Spatial Extent
Site Works (e.g. Plant emissions Temporary, Local Negligible
construction, capping,
vegetation removal, Increase in fugitive dust emissions Temporary, Local Negligible
earthworks)
Additional traffic emissions Temporary, Local Negligible
Rail freight emissions Temporary, Local Negligible
Operation Disposal of waste in Vaults 9 to 11 Permanent, Local Negligible
High stacking in Vaults 8, 9 10 and Permanent, Local Negligible

11

10 Cumulative Effects
The installation of security fencing is currently in progress and is programmed to be completed by 2017.
Demolition works are to be undertaken at the PCM retrieval facilities and magazines, commencing in 2018.
These works are not part of the planning permission which this assessment supports. Therefore, the effects of these
works are considered in this cumulative effects section.
The Phase 1, site preparation works, assessed in Section 6 will be on-going when the installation of the security fences is
undertaken. During the demolition of magazines, certain Phase 2 works will be ongoing.
This section considers the potential cumulative effects from both sets of works in relation to dust generation (PM10).
The installation of security fencing is envisaged to have similar or lesser effects on PM10 concentrations than the works
assessed for Phase 1a. Assuming an individual contribution of 3 µg/m³ at the site boundary for both works, total
concentrations would still be well below the short term PM10 air quality objective, with a total short term PM10 concentration
of 25 µg/m³. Both works would be subject to environmental controls to mitigate dust generation and as such no significant
cumulative effects are anticipated from this combination of works.
Demolition works in the BRE study were identified to result in an increase in the PM10 24-hour concentration of 11 µg/m³ at
a site boundary, with concentrations decreasing to background concentrations at distances over 150 m. In this instance
the demolition works are to be undertaken at distances over 200 m from all the sensitive human health receptors identified
around the site. Therefore, these demolition works alone at the PCM retrieval facilities and magazines are anticipated to
have a negligible significance.
Similarly, the assessment of construction works in 2020 for the new Vault (9A) are also to be undertaken at distances over
200 m from all the human health sensitive receptors identified around the site. Therefore, these works alone are
anticipated to have a negligible significance.
Therefore, as both demolition and construction works are to be undertaken at distances greater than 200 m from sensitive
receptors, the cumulative impact on PM10 24-hour concentrations is considered to be the same as the individual
assessments, with a negligible significance.

11 Summary
In summary, as the air quality significance of effects is considered to be negligible and exceedances of relevant air quality
objectives, including those for PM10 are unlikely. The proposed development is considered to comply with the relevant air
quality policies and plans described in the planning policy context Section of this Appendix.
The assessment has confirmed that:
− No properties are predicted to be affected by slight, moderate or major air quality impacts.
− No new exposure is being introduced with the proposed development.
− No exceedances of an air quality objective or limit value are predicted.
− Uncertainty in the predictions undertaken has been minimised through the application of worst case assumptions.
− Cumulative impacts have been considered and no slight, moderate or major air quality impacts have been identified.
All construction and operational air quality effects following mitigation are considered to be negligible and therefore it is
anticipated that air quality will not be a material planning consideration with respect to the above proposals.
However, it is acknowledged that without mitigation, significant air quality effects could be anticipated at receptors in close
proximity to dust generating activities. Consequentially, air quality should be considered in any planning conditions for the
Proposed Development. For example it is anticipated that appropriate control measures will be required as part of any
planning conditions for the site (e.g. Construction Environmental Management Plan or CEMP).
It is also expected that appropriate air quality monitoring conditions to confirm the effectiveness of mitigation measures will
also be required.

References
i
[ ] Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI). (2010). Air Quality Standards (England) Regulations 2010. Statutory
Instrument No. 1001. London.
ii
[ ] Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI). (1995). Environment Act 1995. London.
iii
[ ] Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). (2007). The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland. Working Together for Clean Air, January 2000, Addendum 2003 and 2007.
iv
[ ]Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI). (1990). Environmental Protection Act, 1990. London.
v
[ ] Environment Agency. (2014). Monitoring of Particulate Matter in Ambient Air Around Waste Facilities. Technical
Guidance Note M17
vi
[ ] Department for Communities and Local Government, (2012): National Planning Policy Framework
vii
[ ] Department for Communities and Local Government, (2014); Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)
http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/
viii
[ ] Cumbria Minerals and Waste Development Framework http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/planning-
environment/policy/minerals_waste/mwdf/regulation30.asp
ix
[ ] Copeland Borough Council (2013), Copeland Local Plan 2013-2028
x
[ ] Building Research establishment (BRE) (2000): Effects of a Construction Site on Local PM10 levels.
xi
[ ] Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) (2014) Planning Practice Guidance: Minerals
xii
[ ] Defra. (2009). Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance Note LAQM.TG(09).
xiii
[ ] Environment Agency (2011) Horizontal Guidance H1- Annex F Air Emissions
xiv
[ ] Highways Agency. (2007). Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Volume 11 Environmental Assessment,
Section 3 Environmental Assessment Techniques, Part 1, HA207/07 Air Quality.
xv
[ ] Institute of Air Quality and Management (IAQM) (2014), Guidance on the Assessment of Dust from Demolition and
Construction.
xvi
[ ] Environmental Protection UK and Institute of Air Quality and Management (IAQM) (2015) Land-use Planning and
Development Control: Planning for Air Quality
xvii
[ ] Ireland, M (1992) 'Does the EPA go far enough?' Quarry Management pp23-24, August 1992.
[xxi]
European Environment Agency. (2009). Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory Guidebook.
xviii
[ ] EPUK, (2010); Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (2010 Update): Update guidance from Environmental
Protection UK on dealing with air quality concerns within the development control process
xix
[ ] Copeland Borough Council (2014) Air Quality Progress Report for Copeland Borough Council
xx
[ ] Defra, (2014); 2011 based Urban Background Maps, UK-AIR. Date Accessed September 2015
xxi
[ ] Environment Agency. (2010). H1 Environmental Risk Assessment. Annex (f) Air Emissions.
xxii
Building Research Establishment and Department for Trade and Industry. 2003. Control of dust from construction and
demolition activities
xxiii
[ ] Sira Certification Service and Environment Agency, 2009. Product Conformity Certificate. Osiris Airborne Particle
Monitor MCERTS Performance Standards for Indicative Ambient Particulate Monitors, dated July 2009.
xxiv
[ ] http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/air-pollution/daqi
xxv
[ ] Mayor of London, (2014); The Control of Dust and Emissions during Construction and Demolition– Supplementary
Planning Guide, July 2014.

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AECOM LLW Repository Ltd.

- Repository Development to Vault 11 I1

− dust generation during construction and capping works;

− disposal of waste in Vaults 9 to 11; and

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

40 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2005

Particulate matter 40 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2004

Particulate matter 25 Annual Mean 1 Jan 2015

1,3 butadiene 2.25 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2003

Lead 0.25 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2008

Poly aromatic 0.25 Annual Mean 31 Dec 2010

350 1 hour 99.7th 31 Dec 2004

125 24 hour 99.2nd 31 Dec 2004

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

e) Any accumulation or deposit which is prejudicial to health or a nuisance.’

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

3 Planning Policy Context

3.1 National Planning Policy Framework

3.2 Planning Practice Guidance

− the existing air quality in the study area (existing baseline);

3.3 Regional Planning Policy

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

3.4 Local Planning Policy

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

4.1 Study Guidance

4.2 Study Scenarios

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

4.3 Potential Pollutants

Table 4.1 Potential Pollutant Matrix

− fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5);

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

4.4 Health Effects

4.5 Sensitive Receptors

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

Table 4.2 Identified Sensitive Receptors

R1 Summer View Residential receptor close Plant emissions 305065 499940 50

4.6 Assessment of Dust Emissions Generated During Construction Works

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

4.7 Assessment of Site Plant

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

Table 4.3 Plant Equipment Emissions Area Sources

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

4.8 Assessment of Road Traffic

− ‘An increase in daily traffic flows by 1,000 or more; or

4.9 Assessment of Rail Freight Emissions

4.10 Significance Criteria

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015

Table 4.4 Determination of Magnitude of Change (24-hour PM10)

Large Increase/decrease >4 days

Medium Increase/decrease 2-4 days

Small Increase/decrease 1-2 days

Imperceptible Increase/decrease <1day

Table 4.5 Significance of Effects (24-hour PM10)

Imperceptible Small Medium Large

Increase with proposed development

Above Objective/Limit Value With Negligible Slight Moderate Substantial

Above Objective/Limit Value Negligible Slight Moderate Substantial

− the magnitude of the change caused by the proposed development; and

Environmental Statement – Appendix I Air Quality October 2015