Dust monitoring – Why do we measure and where is the best monitoring location?

In this second article we are thinking about the purpose of dust monitoring and the best monitoring locations, as the two go hand-in-hand.

The reason for the monitoring needs to be considered before the location is decided, so that the monitoring is useful and effective. Typical reasons for dust monitoring include:

• To make sure that nearby homes and businesses are not impacted by dust and fine particulate matter (PM10) from site activities;
• For checking that mitigation measures on-site are effective;
• For evidence of any impact the site may have on dust and PM10 emissions, should there be any complaints;
• To help on-site staff best manage dust and PM10 emissions, through setting of trigger levels.

Once the reason for the monitoring is understood, the monitoring locations can be decided. For example, if the main reason for the monitoring is to make sure that there are no dust emissions impacting a nearby car showroom, then a monitor placed on the site boundary closest to the car showroom will be an ideal location. Placing the monitor on the site boundary will mean that should there be any dust emissions, these will be picked up by the dust monitor before they reach the showroom. This will trigger an alert to site personnel, and additional mitigation measures can be implemented.

It is useful to understand the typical weather conditions and the prevailing wind direction at your site before deciding on the monitoring locations, as dust and PM10 can be picked up and moved by the wind. It is useful to always have at least two monitors on site, placed in upwind and downwind locations, to help assign source contribution (i.e. determine if dust emissions are from your site).

If there are other emission sources in the area, such as a busy road or other dusty activities, it can be helpful to locate the monitors away from these wherever possible.

When placing the monitor on site, the air inlet for the monitor should not be obstructed in any way.

For example, the inlet head should always be above any hoarding or site fencing, and the monitor should be placed at a height that is similar to nearby receptors or at a typical human breathing height (typically between 1.5m to 4m).

The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) provide guidance on instrument installation requirements in their document Air Quality Monitoring in the Vicinity of Demolition and Construction Sites.

Finally, the practicality of a working site needs to be considered and planned for. The monitors need a permanent power supply and somewhere to be fixed to, and they require regular access for maintenance and calibration. Site works can change, and monitors sometimes need to be moved. When equipment does not have power or is being moved this can lead to a loss of data, and means that site staff may be unaware of dust emissions and there is then the potential for nearby homes and businesses to be impacted by dust and PM10.

For more information on our cloud based and cost-effective Dust & Vibration Monitoring solutions please get in touch with EEMC Monitors.

Emma Gibbons is an associate and air quality specialist supporting EEMC Monitors Ltd.

EEMC Monitors provide Cloud-based Environmental Monitoring Solutions to environmental & engineering specialists, with exceptional value for money.