Air Updating and Screening
How we carry out air quality screening
The Updating and Screening Assessment
The Updating and Screening Assessment (USA) is the first part of the second round of review and assessment work which all local authorities are required to carry out. Where necessary, a second, more in-depth study, known as a Detailed Assessment can be carried out.
The USA follows a precautionary approach, using a checklist as a simple screening tool to assess air quality for the following seven pollutants:
- carbon monoxide
- benzene
- 1,3-butadiene
- lead
- nitrogen dioxide
- sulphur dioxide
- particles (PM10)
Taking into account DEFRA's current guidance on local air quality assessments, the USA study found the following:
- The objectives set for carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, lead and sulphur dioxide are unlikely to be exceeded in the borough.
- The objectives set for particles and nitrogen dioxide are likely to be exceeded across the borough, particularly near the main road network. The council has already declared the borough as an AQMA in respect of these 2 pollutants, so the USA's findings are consistent with this action.
Additionally, more information should be gathered on:
- Benzene emissions from traffic and a petrol station in a small area off Fulham Palace Road.
- Particle emissions in the Scrubs Lane from traffic and businesses on the adjacent industrial estate.
It is therefore proposed to carry out a Detailed Assessment for benzene and particles at these 2 locations, which will consist of monitoring at both sites for 6 months starting this autumn. The collected monitoring data will help determine whether or not exceedences of the air quality objectives are likely and whether or not further work is required.
More details can be found in the full report.
