Air Quality Assessments Reading
In accordance with national air quality guidance and objectives, Reading Borough Council are prioritising reductions in air pollution across the town centre and surrounding areas. The council have stringent planning requirements to ensure that developments across the area do not negatively impact the local air quality.
Our air quality consultants work throughout Reading and Berkshire, with an expert team of air quality specialists at your disposal. Our clients include architects, planners and developers, local councils, the Environment Agency, schools and universities, hospitals, as well as the general public.
Whether your project involves a large scale commercial development or a simple residential conversion, you can rely on our expertise to support you with your project.
Air quality assessments for planning applications in Reading
Reading Borough Council has declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) across the majority of the town centre which aims to reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the town. If your project falls within an AQMA, it is likely you will need an air quality assessment as part of your planning application. Developments outside these areas may also be required to undergo an air quality assessment. Our consultants have extensive experience in air quality assessments for planning. We have longstanding relationships with Reading Borough Council and will liaise with them on your behalf to address any air quality planning requirements.
Odour assessments for planning applications
If your project is likely to cause an odour that will impact on its surroundings, or if your proposed development is near to any existing odour sources, an odour assessment may be required as part of your planning application.
Our team of air quality consultants are experienced in odour assessments and will work closely with Environmental Health Officers to overcome any odour related issues.
Air quality monitoring
We offer a range of air quality monitoring services including ambient air quality monitoring, passive nitrogen oxide diffusion tube monitoring, emissions monitoring, dust and PM10 monitoring, as well as indoor air quality monitoring services.
Appropriate air quality monitoring is essential to ensure compliance with emission limit values as well as local and national air quality objectives.
Dispersion modelling
Where detailed dispersion modelling is required by the local authority, we use industry recognised, sophisticated air quality dispersion modelling software for our air quality and odour assessments.
Dispersion modelling allows us to accurately demonstrate how pollutants will disperse in the atmosphere, and provides an estimate of the pollution concentration levels at nearby receptors e.g. local residents or businesses. The modelling takes into account local weather conditions, building layouts and topography resulting in accurate identification of any site-specific issues.
Dispersion modelling of atmospheric emissions is usually requested for planning and environmental permit applications as well as for maintaining compliance.
Environmental permit applications
Environmental permits are needed for any activities that may cause pollution to the atmosphere, water or land.
Many industrial processes release pollution with a potential to adversely impact the surrounding environment and health of local residents. Industrial processes are therefore tightly regulated in order to minimise (and appropriately manage) their impact on the local environment.
We offer a wide range of services to support any permitting requirements. Our experienced air quality consultants can propose mitigation strategies to limit potential environmental impacts and aid compliance with regulations.
Dust assessments & dust management plans
Dust can be generated from a number of sources including construction and demolition, mineral extraction and quarrying, as well as waste management and other industrial processes.
Consideration of dust is an important part of the planning process. Excessive dust production can not only lead to complaints, but can also have a detrimental impact on health.
Indoor air quality assessments
Our indoor and workplace air quality assessments can investigate common internal pollutants such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), formaldehyde, moulds and bacteria, dust, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
We can provide workplace exposure monitoring for COSHH Regulations, as well as air quality monitoring for BREEAM ( Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
Carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments
The climate change and global warming crisis has led to an increased awareness of our carbon footprint. We work closely with businesses and organisations to assess carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and deliver carbon neutral strategies.
Carbon and greenhouse gas assessments are often required for planning applications and environmental permits for commercial and industrial developments.
Reading Planning Guidance & Air Quality
Listed below are some of the main planning guidance and air quality action documents for Reading:
Our air quality and odour assessment services cover:
- Planning Applications – air quality and odour assessments in support of planning applications for residential developments, commercial or industrial developments. Air quality screening assessments, emissions statements, damage cost calculations.
- Environmental Permit Applications – air quality assessments and monitoring in support of permitting for recycling and waste management facilities, industrial processes, combustion plant, incineration, mines and quarrying waste .
- Odour Assessments – food processing, restaurants and takeaways, sewage treatment, intensive animal farming, waste management, industrial processes.
- Bioaerosol Risk Assessments – for permitting and ensuring compliance.
- Stack Emissions Monitoring – for compliance with environmental legislation.
- Complaints Investigation – odour, fumes, dust and smoke.
- Air Quality Management Plans – for dust, odour and emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Air Quality & Odour Assessments
Why choose NoiseAir?
- Family business with over 35 years experience in the field
- Professional service with fast turnaround times
- Our air quality consultants are members of the Institution of Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Air Quality Management.
- Cost-effective solutions and advice
Case Studies
Please click on the links to view some of our recent air quality and odour assessments in Reading and Berkshire:
- Air Quality Assessment - Reading Town Centre - residential planning application.
- Odour Assessment, Reading - planning application for installation of a new commercial kitchen extraction system for a proposed restaurant
Coverage across Reading and Berkshire
Our air quality consultants offer air quality assessments and odour assessments across Reading and Berkshire including Calcot, Caversham Heights, Caversham, Coley Park, East Reading, Emmer Green, Fords Farm, Green Park Village, Holybrook, Katesgrove, Little Heath, Lower Caversham, Lower Earley, Newtown, Norcot, Purley on Thames, Southcote, Tilehurst, West Reading, Whitley Wood, Whitley, Early, Woodley, Sonning, Pangbourne, Wokingham, Henley.Contact us today for a competitive quotation.
We are always prepared to give you sound, jargon-free advice.
If you are not quite sure what you need give us a call, or complete the form and we will get back to you.
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