SERVICES WE OFFER

Air Quality Assessments

  • Screening / Scoping

  • Feasibility / Preliminary Appraisal

  • Impact Magnitude and Significance

  • Air Quality Neutral and Positive

  • Environmental Statement (EIA)

  • Habitats Regulations

  • Land Compensation Act

  • Emissions Mitigation / Damage Cost

  • Indoor Plans (BREEAM)

Air Quality Assessments (AQAs) are essential for evaluating and managing the impact of proposed developments on the local air quality.

By identifying the potential risks and recommending suitable mitigation measures, AQAs ensure that new projects support healthy, sustainable environments and comply with national and local air quality standards to protect human health and the environment.

Monitoring

  • Environmental Health 

  • Planning Compliance 

  • Construction Activities / Plant 

  • Operational Traffic / Plant 

  • Industrial Sites / Sources 

  • Ecosystems 

  • Indoor 

  • Odour 

The UK has an extensive air quality monitoring network, including the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) for real-time pollutant data. Local authorities also manage monitoring sites, using continuous analysers for real-time data (Automatic Monitoring) or diffusion tubes for time-averaged data (Passive Monitoring). 

At AQE, we specialise in all types of air quality monitoring, from ensuring compliance with national standards to identifying necessary mitigation measures.

Dispersion Modelling

  • Transport Emissions 

  • Building Services 

  • Industrial Sites / Sources 

  • Construction Activities / Plant 

  • Operational Traffic / Plant 

  • Environmental Permitting 

  • Ecosystems 

  • Odour 

The UK has an extensive air quality monitoring network, including the The Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS), developed by Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC), is a world-renowned environmental software widely used across the UK, both private and public sectors, to predict atmospheric pollutant concentrations. This software accounts for emissions from various sources, weather conditions, and topography. 

At AQE ADMS is our preferred dispersion modelling software. 

Construction Dust 

Construction Dust Risk Assessments (CDRAs) and Dust Management Plans (DMPs) are crucial for identifying, assessing, and mitigating dust emission risks during all stages/phases of construction. 

They help manage potential impacts on local air quality, human health, and the environment, promoting safer and more sustainable construction practices. 

  • Screening 

  • Risk / Impact Assessment 

  • Dispersion Modelling 

  • Monitoring 

  • Management Plan 

  • Mitigation 

Human Health

  • Screening / Research 

  • Risk / Impact Assessment 

  • Dispersion Modelling 

  • Monitoring 

  • Management 

  • Mitigation 

  • Ecosystems 

  • Odour 

Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) evaluate the potential health effects of proposed developments, policies or plans, focusing mainly on vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. 

HIAs identify the potential impacts and provide suitable recommendations to promote and protect health and well-being. 

Ecosystems

  • Screening 

  • Habitats Regulations Assessment 

  • Dispersion Modelling 

  • Monitoring 

  • Management 

  • Mitigation 

Air quality is essential for healthy ecosystems, making Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) critical for protecting Europe's most valuable and vulnerable natural environments. 

HRAs ensure that developments and human activities are conducted sustainably, preserving the integrity of protected sites and supporting biodiversity conservation in the UK and across Europe. 

Odour 

  • Screening 

  • Risk Assessment 

  • Management Plan 

  • Dispersion Modelling 

  • Monitoring 

  • Mitigation 

Odour assessments evaluate the impact of odours upon the environment, human health, and quality of life, aiming to prevent odour-related nuisances that can lead to complaints, health concerns, and community conflicts. 

These assessments typically involve detailed evaluations or surveys of odour sources, their potential impacts, and the implementation of control measures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

CEMP 

Construction Environmental Management Planning 

  • Dust / Traffic / Noise Screening 

  • Impact Assessment 

  • Management 

  • Mitigation 

  • Monitoring 

  • Compliance 

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is a tool for managing and mitigating potential environmental impacts during construction. 

A CEMP details the measures and procedures to minimise negative effects upon the environment during all project phases, ensuring that environmental risks are identified, mitigated, and monitored effectively throughout the project's lifecycle. 

Expert Witness 

  • Evaluation 

  • Peer Review 

  • Compliance 

  • Advice/Support 

  • Reporting/Evidence 

  • Appeals/Hearings 

An air quality expert witness is essential in legal cases involving air pollution and environmental impacts. Their expertise clarifies complex technical issues, ensuring decisions are based on sound scientific evidence and comply with regulations. 

Our experience at Public Inquiries allows us to determine the necessary level of detail for air quality issues and effectively communicate these matters and their solutions to the public in clear, non-technical language. 

If you want to know how our services could fit your specific requirements, talk to us, we’re here for you.