Construction Site Dust and Air Pollution
Construction and demolition activities can generate significant air quality problems. However, best practice control measures are easy to implement and guidance is widely available. Construction site dust typically comprises small particles such as soot and cement and larger particles such as grit, sand and wood dust.
Local Authorities can impose conditions upon construction operations as part of the planning process and can require works to avoid a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (which requires implementation of Best Practicable Means to control dust).
In addition to adhering to Local Authority requirements, contractors are also recommended to sign up to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a non profit making, independent organisation founded by the construction industry to improve its image.
The Scheme has run successfully for over eleven years, has a team of more than 90 Monitors and has registered over 30,000 sites.
The Scheme covers all aspects of the way a site is run, from the way the site is presented through to issues such as air quality. Registered sites are required to adhere to the Scheme’s 8 point Code of Considerate Practice and are assessed by one of the Scheme’s experienced Monitors, with the aim of:
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minimising any disturbance or negative impact (in terms of noise, dirt and inconvenience) sometimes caused by construction sites to the immediate neighbourhood and environment.
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eradicating offensive behaviour and language from construction sites.
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encouraging best practice through advice and guidance from the Monitor.
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dealing with complaints from neighbours and the general public.
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recognising and rewarding the constructor’s commitment to raising standards through annual awards.
All registered sites must clearly display Considerate Constructors Scheme posters, providing a project name and local number and details of the Scheme’s administration office, web address and telephone number.
If the Scheme receives a complaint about a registered site, the details are logged. The Site Manager is informed about the nature of the complaint and is expected to deal with the complainant’s concerns. If a complaint is not dealt with adequately, the complaint will be passed to a higher level within the construction company, to ensure that it is addressed.
The Scheme’s overall aim is to promote good practice and improve the image of the construction industry.
For more information on the Considerate Constructor Scheme visit: considerateconstructorsscheme.org.uk/home.htm
Good environmental site practice includes the following:
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identifying dust generators and sensitive receptors (e.g. housing and ecological resources) and distance dust generating activities appropriately from these sensitive receptors
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wheel washing all vehicles
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dampening and sweeping roadways
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covering vehicles and skips when loaded with material
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locating (dampened) stock piles to take account of prevailing wind/sensitive receptors
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sealing and replanting completed earthworks as early as practicable
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dampening stone cutting
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using low emission vehicles and plant equipment (particularly on site generators)
Best practice Air Quality publications can be found in the Further Information and References Section.
