Institute of Air Quality Management

Launch of Guidance on the Assessment of Mineral Dust Impacts for Planning

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Site ConditionsDr Hugh Datson, DustScan Ltd

Aims and objectives

• Comprehend the development: what is proposed?– Mineral type– Extent and rate of working, timescale– Extraction and processing– Distribution– After-use and site restoration

• Consider the implications: who will be affected, how?– Local receptors, potential effects and impacts

Preparation• Review the documentation

before visiting site– Scoping Request, opinion– Objections/comments– Plans, local maps– Satellite imagery (beware out-

dated images)• Book the visit

– New site: landowner/agent– Existing site: site

operator/Quarry Manager (comparable sites?)

– EHO/regulator if appropriate

Site inspection: on-site• Quarries are busy and

hazardous places: no unauthorised access

• Plan your visit: don’t turn up unannounced

• Risk assessment: hazard identification and risk management

• Specific safety training• Site induction and

training• Supervised/escorted

visit http://www.safetypassports.co.uk/courses/mineralproducts/ (Other training providers are available)

Site inspection: locality• Other dust sources

– Existing operations– Other minerals sites– Farmland etc.

• Receptors– Sensitivity– Proximity– Direction/s– Screening (existing and

planned)

• Baseline conditions– Monitoring?

Context: scale of operations

Context: site locality

• Imagine the effect the mineral operation will have if it goes ahead– A new site might be perceived differently from the

extension of an existing operation– What are the positive outcomes as well as the

negatives?– Will all receptors be affected the same way,

simultaneously?

Summary

• It is essential to establish site conditions early in the assessment process

• Research the proposal, the locality and the planned operations

• Comprehend the proposal and its possible effects: visualise the landscape throughout the development, be objective

Thank you