2014 Air Quality Progress Report for South Oxfordshire District Council

South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

In fulfillment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management

Produced in April 2014 Written by Claire Spendley

Progress Report i April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

Local Claire Spendley Authority Air Quality Officer Officer

Department Environmental Protection Address South Oxfordshire District Council Benson Lane Crowmarsh Gifford WALLINGFORD Oxon OX10 8NL Telephone 01491 823223 e-mail [email protected]. uk

Report SODC PR 2014 Reference number Date 30/04/14

ii Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Executive Summary

The report has highlighted that there are no major changes in emissions from either the transport infrastructure sectors within the South Oxford District. In the industrial sector we have seen the decommissioning of the coal burning side of Didcot power station, with the gas side still operational. This has not shown any notable changes in the background or general NO2 levels within Didcot.

The general NO2 trend across the District highlights a small general decrease in NO2 levels, with fewer sites exceeding the national annual objective levels than seen in previous years. These sites are all either within the existing AQMA’s or in areas without relevant exposure aside from one. The new area of exceedence highlighted is within Thame, and is an isolated monitoring point in the first year of monitoring. The proposal therefore was to increase monitoring around this area and to continue to monitor for a further year in order to gain a more accurate assessment of the potential air quality issues in this location.

A Defra Grant application was gratefully received in 2013 to be used in the creation of a low emissions strategy for South Oxfordshire alongside feasibility studies for low emission zones within the Districts AQMA's. This project is currently underway and due to report this year, it is in line with the new action plan and will serve to inform on measures to improve the air quality both generally across the District and specifically within the AQMA’s.

A new District Air Quality Action Plan has undergone public consultation and subject to DEFRA approval is to be adopted this year which will update the Henley AQAP and incorporate those of Wallingford and Watlington AQMA's also allowing room to incorporate any potential future AQMA's.

No further new actions have been identified as a result of this report.

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Table of contents

1 Introduction ...... 6 1.1 Description of Local Authority Area ...... 6 1.2 Purpose of Progress Report...... 7 1.3 Air Quality Objectives...... 7 1.4 Summary of Previous Review and Assessments ...... 9 2 New Monitoring Data ...... 16 2.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken...... 16 2.1.1 Automatic Monitoring Sites ...... 16 2.1.2 Non-Automatic Monitoring...... 17 Diffusion Tube Location Maps...... 25 2.2 Comparison of Monitoring Results with Air Quality ...... 27 Objectives ...... 27 2.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide...... 27 2.2.2 Summary of Compliance with AQS Objectives...... 37 3 New Local Developments ...... 38 3.1 Road Traffic Sources ...... 38 3.2 Other Transport Sources...... 38 3.3 Industrial Sources ...... 38 3.4 Commercial and Domestic Sources ...... 38 3.5 New Developments with Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources...... 38 4 Planning Applications...... 39 5 Air Quality Planning Policies...... 40 6 Local Transport Plans and Strategies ...... 41 7 Climate Change Strategies...... 42 8 Implementation of Action Plans...... 43 9 Conclusions and Proposed Actions...... 66 9.1 Conclusions from New Monitoring Data ...... 66 9.2 Proposed Actions ...... 67 10 References...... 69 i Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council Appendices Appendix 1 Diffusion Tube QA/QC Information

Progress Report 5 April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council 1 Introduction 1.1 Description of Local Authority Area

South Oxfordshire is a relatively large rural district located to the south east of Oxford city. The district is made up of four main market towns namely Thame, Didcot, Wallingford and Henley-on-Thames and a number of smaller towns and villages. A small section of the M40 motorway crosses the district in the north and a handful of A roads link the major towns. There are very few industrial sources within in the District although Didcot power station is situated in the neighbouring Vale of White Horse District to the west of Didcot.

Figure 1.1 South Oxfordshire District

6 Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council 1.2 Purpose of Progress Report

Progress Reports are required in the intervening years between the three-yearly Updating and Screening Assessment reports. Their purpose is to maintain continuity in the Local Air Quality Management process.

They are not intended to be as detailed as Updating and Screening Assessment Reports, or to require as much effort. However, if the Progress Report identifies the risk of exceedence of an Air Quality Objective, the Local Authority (LA) should undertake a Detailed Assessment immediately, and not wait until the next round of Review and Assessment.

1.3 Air Quality Objectives

The air quality objectives applicable to Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) in England are set out in the Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 (SI 928), and the Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (SI 3043). They are shown in Table 1.1. This table shows the objectives in units of microgrammes per cubic metre µg/m3 (for carbon monoxide the units used are milligrammes per cubic metre, mg/m3). Table 1.1 includes the number of permitted exceedences in any given year (where applicable).

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Table 1.1 Air Quality Objectives included in Regulations for the purpose of Local Air Quality Management in England.

Pollutant Date to be Concentration Measured as achieved by Benzene 16.25 µg/m3 Running annual 31.12.2003 mean 5.00 µg/m3 Running annual 31.12.2010 mean

1,3-Butadiene 2.25 µg/m3 Running annual 31.12.2003 mean Carbon monoxide 10.0 mg/m3 Running 8-hour 31.12.2003 mean Lead 0.5 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2004 0.25 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2008 Nitrogen dioxide 200 µg/m3 not to be 1-hour mean 31.12.2005 exceeded more than 18 times a year 40 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2005

3 Particles (PM10) 50 µg/m , not to be 24-hour mean 31.12.2004 (gravimetric) exceeded more than 35 times a year

40 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2004

Sulphur dioxide 350 µg/m3, not to be 1-hour mean 31.12.2004 exceeded more than 24 times a year 125 µg/m3, not to be 24-hour mean 31.12.2004 exceeded more than 3 times a year 266 µg/m3, not to be 15-minute mean 31.12.2005 exceeded more than 35 times a year

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1.4 Summary of Previous Review and Assessments

Table 1.4 below lists the previous completed stages of LAQM completed, the relevant dates and gives a brief description of the conclusions and recommendations from each report.

Figures 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 below show the areas covered by the current AQMA declarations.

Table 1.4 Previous completed stages of LAQM Report Date Main Conclusions

Further assessment was required for CO, SO2, PM10 and NO2 – focussing on M40 / A40 corridor and the towns of Didcot and Henley-on-Thames. Stage 1 Also further assessment was required for SO emissions from Didcot A 1998 2 Assessment power station and NOX / NO2 emissions from gas-fired Didcot B power station.

For CO, PM10 and NO2, road traffic was identified as the major emission source. DMRB assessment showed that exceedences were likely at a number of properties in Henley-on-Thames and along the M40 / A40 Stage 2 corridor. 2000 Assessment ADMS dispersion modelling was undertaken for Didcot power stations (A & B) which indicated that exceedences of the air quality objectives were unlikely.

Advanced dispersion modelling of pollutant emissions from road traffic showed that an exceedence of the 2005 NO2 objective could not be ruled out at a number of properties in Henley-on-Thames. Stage 3 January No exceedences were identified at properties adjacent to the M40/A40. Assessment 2002 The Stage 3 report therefore recommended that an AQMA should be designated around Duke Street and suggested that further continuous NOX/NO2 monitoring should take place in central Henley.

Modelling results, although comparative with the earlier Stage 3 assessment, did suggest that the area of NO2 annual mean exceedences was wider than predicted during the Stage 3 assessment. This owed partly to the increase in monitored concentrations in 2003, based on the year Stage 4 November 2000 baseline used in the previous assessment. Assessment 2004 SODC reviewed the assessment and responded by enlarging the AQMA to include more of Bell Street, Market Place, Hart Street and Reading Road. (See Fig 1.5 below)

The USA was based on a checklist whereby sources identified in the first phase of Review and Assessment and any new or altered emission Updating & sources, were reviewed with regard to their current significance and any May Screening requirement for further assessment. The USA concluded that based on 2003 Assessment monitored concentrations in Wallingford and close to the M40, a Detailed Assessment was required.

The Detailed Assessment involved the use of more sophisticated modelling and monitoring techniques and was used to determine whether the likelihood existed for the AQOs to be exceeded and the consequent Detailed August need to declare or revise an AQMA. Assessment 2005 Through the application of detailed dispersion modelling, supported by local monitoring data, the Detailed Assessment concluded that the Council should consider declaring an AQMA in relation to annual mean NO2

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concentrations in Wallingford town centre. Predicted concentrations in close proximity to the M40 motorway were shown as likely to meet the AQOs in 2005. A Further Assessment would therefore follow AQMA designation for Wallingford. (See figure 1.6 below)

Monitored concentrations of NO2 in Watlington were approaching the AQO. It was considered most appropriate for the Council to continue to evaluate the monitored concentrations for this location following analysis of the data November Progress Report for the 2005 calendar year. 2005 The Progress Report concluded that a Detailed Assessment was not required to be undertaken by the Council.

The Further Assessment provided an opportunity for the Council to revisit and revise if necessary, the conclusions from the Detailed Assessment (2004) in relation to the location and extent of the AQMA declared in Wallingford. It also formed the basis for the Council to develop an Action Plan to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) from road traffic July sources. Further Assessment 2006 The Further Assessment concluded that the Council should not revoke or amend the AQMA declaration at the current time and that they should proceed with the formulation of an Air Quality Action Plan with the aim of working towards meeting the annual mean NO2 Air Quality Objective concentration.

The USA was based on a checklist whereby sources identified in the second round of Review and Assessment and any new or altered emission sources, were reviewed with regard to their current significance and any requirement for further assessment. Updating & November The South Oxfordshire USA concluded that it was unlikely that a Detailed Screening 2006 Assessment would be required for any potential source identified in the Assessment South Oxfordshire District. However, it noted that it was possible that with the availability of further data, the 2007 Progress Report may confirm that a Detailed Assessment is required for Watlington and/or Didcot.

The progress report concluded that no further exceedences were considered likely for Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, 1, 3 Butadiene, Lead, Sulphur Dioxide and PM10. However, a detailed assessment for NO should be carried out in the May 2 Progress Report central area of Watlington. 2007 It was also reported that a number of initial traffic management schemes had been identified within Wallingford and a ‘gating’ scheme was to be trialled, with the action plan to follow.

The Henley air quality action plan identified a number of measures to be introduced in Henley-on-Thames in pursuit of achieving the annual mean Henley Air Quality May objective for NO2. Including the introduction of an ITS scheme for the Action Plan 2007 3 town, with a predicted 1.9µg/m reduction predicted.

Through the application of detailed dispersion modelling, supported by local monitoring data, the Detailed Assessment concluded that the Council July Detailed should consider declaring an AQMA in relation to annual mean NO 2008 2 Assessment in the Couching Street area of Watlington. (See figure 1.7 below)

The action plan progress report updated the progress on all actions implemented under the action plan in Henley. The report concluded that Action Plan – May the ITS scheme had almost been fully implemented. There were still Progress Report 2008 exceedences of the NO2 annual mean; therefore, the action plan was to focus on HGV usage in the town as well as provision of parking.

Updating & The USA concluded that no further exceedences were considered likely for May 2009 Screening Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, 1, 3 Butadiene, Lead, Sulphur Dioxide and

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Assessment PM10. However, a detailed assessment for NO2 should be carried out along the Broadway in Didcot and at the Adwell Cottages (two cottages next to the M40).

Further works were completed on the Henley AQAP, and traffic management scheme within Wallingford and a ‘gating’ scheme had been trialled.

An AQMA was declared in the centre of Watlington 31 March 2009.

The action plan progress report updated the progress on all actions implemented under the action plan in Henley. The report concluded that the ITS scheme had almost been fully implemented. There were still Action Plan – January 2010 exceedences of the NO annual mean; therefore, the action plan was to Progress Report 2 focus on reviewing the SCOOT traffic management system in the town as well as provision of parking/signage.

Retain the existing AQMA and undertake consultation on the findings arising from this report with the statutory and other consultees as required.

Extend its monitoring into Brook Street to check the findings of this report and amend the AQMA, as necessary. Further Assessment March 2010 (Watlington) Use the results of the source apportionment work in this report to identify potential actions that will enable the Council to work towards improving air quality.

Maintain the current NO2 monitoring capability within the Watlington AQMA. The 2010 Progress Report concluded that no major changes were seen in emissions from transport infrastructure or industrial sources. Exceedences Progress Report April 2010 of the NO annual objective were seen within the existing AQMA’s of 2010 2 Henley, Wallingford and Watlington and within areas already undergoing Detailed Assessment works (Didcot and Adwell). The progress report concluded that there are no major changes in emissions from either the transport infrastructure or industrial sectors within the South Oxford District. The NO2 trend however, highlights a general increase across the district, with a number of sites exceeding the Progress Report 01/04/11 national annual objective levels. These sites are all either within the existing AQMA’s or within areas currently undergoing further assessment. The Wallingford continuous monitor located within the Wallingford AQMA also recorded 4 exceedences of the hourly NO2 objective. The 2012 USA concluded that there are no major changes in emissions from either the transport infrastructure or industrial sectors within the South Oxford District. Data from both the continuous and non continuous monitoring carried out in 2011 has shown an overall decrease in concentrations of NO2 in all locations. Exceedences were evident within each of the AQMA areas so it is not possible to revoke any. An exceedence was also seen at our M40 location where a DA assessment is USA 01/04/12 currently being carried out as a result of last years exceedence. No other exceedences were identified outside of the AQMA boundaries except for in Henley where the tube is in an area currently under the revised new boundary position.No exceedences of the hourly objective for NO2 were recorded. The detailed assessment of Adwell cottages is being reviewed before submission to DEFRA and indicates an AQMA is required for the section of the M40 motorway that runs through the District.

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The report has highlighted that there are no major changes in emissions from either the transport infrastructure or industrial sectors within the South Oxford District. The NO2 trend however, highlights a general increase across the district, with a number of sites exceeding the national annual objective Progress Report levels. These sites are all either within the existing AQMA’s or within areas April 2013 2013 currently undergoing boundary extensions or declaration. A new District Air Quality Action Plan is to be adopted this year which will update the Henley AQAP and incorporate those of Wallingford, Watlington and the soon to be declared Adwell AQMA's allowing room to incorporate any potential future AQMA's.

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Figure 1.5 Map of enlarged Henley AQMA

Analyser Location

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Figure 1.6 Map Wallingford AQMA

Analyser Location

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Figure 1.7 Map Watlington AQMA

Analyser Location

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2 New Monitoring Data 2.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken

2.1.1 Automatic Monitoring Sites

South Oxfordshire District Council currently operates three continuous monitoring sites. All sites are calibrated fortnightly by the LSO following Defra AURN network calibration procedures using certified calibration gasses. The location of these analysers within our three AQMA’s is shown on the maps above.

All three sites are subject to six monthly audits carried out by the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) and the data is validated and ratified by the Environmental Research Group (ERG) based at Kings College London.

A dedicated supporting unit is also employed for each site, responding to equipment breakdowns and scheduled maintenance and servicing.

Table 2.1 below provides the basic details of each site

Table 2.1 Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites

Relevant Distance Exposure? Does this to kerb of (Y/N with location OS Grid Pollutants Monitoring In nearest Site Name Site Type distance represent Ref Monitored Technique AQMA? road (m) to worst-case (N/A if not relevant exposure? applicable) exposure) X Y Wallingford Urban 460 189 NO chemiluminescent Y Y (0m) 1.2m Y 83 High St Kerbside 2 800 500 X Y Henley Urban 476 182 NO chemiluminescent Y Y (0m) 3.5m N -2m 45 Duke St Roadside 2 116 531 Watlington Town hall Urban X Y NO chemiluminescent N Y (0m) 1.2m Y Kerbside 2

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2.1.2 Non-Automatic Monitoring

In addition to the three continuous monitoring sites, South Oxfordshire District Council also operates a passive monitoring network made up of 55 Nitrogen Dioxide diffusion tubes.

Diffusion Tube QA/QC

All diffusion tubes are supplied and analysed by ESG, using 50µl of 20% triethanolamine (TEA) in water preparation method. Preparation is carried out in line with procedures set out in the ’Diffusion Tubes for Ambient NO2 Monitoring: Practical guidance’ published by AEA Energy & Environment in Feb 2008. Results from the 2012 field trial QC data from NETCEN is included in Appendix A.

Diffusion tube monitoring is an indicative method and the tubes tend to over or under read to a certain extent. It is therefore necessary to apply a correction (bias adjustment) factor to the results to counter the percentage over/under read.

Bias adjustment factors are calculated by locating diffusion tubes, usually in triplicate, with continuous chemiluminescent analysers, thus allowing the comparison of the tube results to the more robust reference method.

A triplicate co-location study is carried out at each of the three continuous monitoring sites Wallingford, Watlington and Henley. All three sites are located within an AQMA within a street canyon situation, and are representative of the local diffusion network.

In addition to local bias adjustment factors, there is also a national bias adjustment factor available, this is found on the national database and is derived from the average bias from all listed local authorities using the same laboratory and preparation technique. TG09 lays out guidance as to scenarios when use of the local or national factors is more appropriate.

2012 Bias Adjustment Factor The national bias adjustment factor of 0.80 is very different to our locally derived factor which we use each year, and this year stands at 0.95. Therefore, it is deemed in this case that the locally derived bias adjustment factor is more representative.

The automatic site at Wallingford produced a high data capture and this is the site we have used in our previous reports to adjust bias, it was therefore decided that this site would provide the most robust data to derive a local bias factor from in line with the guidance laid out in TG09.

A summary of all the associated data for this decision can be seen in the table below.

The different bias adjustment factors are listed in Table 2.3 below.

Progress Report 1 April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council Table 2.3 – Bias Adjustment Factors Continuous Co-location analyser Bias adjustment No. of months based upon Bias study annual data factor capture NETCEN trial 12 Months 99% 18% 0.81 Wallingford 12 Months 92% 5% 0.95

Table 2.2 below shows the site information for each tube

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Table 2.2 Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites

Distance to kerb Relevant Worst- Pollutants In of Site Name Site Type OS Grid Ref Exposure? case Monitored AQMA? nearest Location? road

Henley - X Y Urban 66c Bell 476 182 NO N Y (1m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Street 088 894

X Y Henley – 33 Urban 476 182 NO N Y (1m) 2m Y New Street Roadside 2 221 829

Henley – X Y Urban Northfield 475 183 NO N Y (3m) 2m Y Roadside 2 End 870 217

Henley – X Y Urban Station 476 182 NO2 N Y (6m) 2m Y Roadside Road 287 288

Henley – X Y 178 Urban 476 181 NO2 N Y (1m) 3m Y Reading Roadside 549 734 Road

Henley – Reading Rd X Y Urban / St 476 182 NO2 N Y (9m) 1m Y Kerbside Andrews Rd 266 097

Henley – 35 X Y Urban Reading 476 182 NO Y Y (3m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Road 175 397

X Y Henley – 2 Urban 476 182 NO Y Y (1m) 1m Y Greys Road Kerbside 2 113 508

Henley – 45 X Y Duke Street Urban 476 182 NO Y Y (2m) 4m Y (Co- Roadside 2 116 531 location)

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

Distance to kerb Relevant Worst- Pollutants In of Site Name Site Type OS Grid Ref Exposure? case Monitored AQMA? nearest Location? road

X Y Henley – 4 Urban 476 182 NO Y Y (1m) 2m Y Duke Street Kerbside 2 075 614

Henley – X Y Urban Café Uno, 476 182 NO Y Y 2m Y Roadside 2 Hart Street 224 651

X Henley – 23 Y Urban 475 Market 182 NO Y Y 3m Y Roadside 999 2 Place 615

X Y Henley – 23 Urban 476 182 NO Y Y 2m Y Thameside Roadside 305 764 2

X Y Henley –17 Urban 475 182 NO Y Y 2m Y York Road Roadside 891 782 2

Urban X Y 2m Henley – 15 Backgrou 475 181 NO , BTX N Y (14m) residentia N Lovell Close 2 nd 110 508 l

Wallingford X Y Urban – 2 Station 460 189 NO N Y 3m Y Roadside 2 Road 313 535

Wallingford X Y Urban – 70 High 460 1894 NO Y Y 2m Y Roadside 2 Street 642 82 Wallingford X Y –33 Castle Urban 460 189 NO Y Y 2m Y Street Roadside 2 737 567

Wallingford – 52 St X Y Urban Mary’s 460 189 NO N Y 2m Y Roadside 2 Street 713 280

Wallingford – 59 X Y Urban Brookmead 460 188 NO N Y (14m) 2m N Roadside 2 Drive 276 806

Wallingford X Y Urban – 83 High 460 189 NO Y Y 2m Y Roadside 2 Street 799 500

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Distance Relevant to kerb Worst- Pollutants In Site Name Site Type OS Grid Ref Exposure of case Monitored AQMA? ? nearest Location? road Wallingford – The Town X Y Urban Arms, 102 460 189 NO N Y 1m Y Roadside 2 High Street 906 502

Wallingford X Y – 39 The Urban 461 189 NO N Y (1m) 2m Y Street, Roadside 2 440 292 Crowmarsh Wallingford X Y – New The Urban 461 189 NO N Y (1m) 2m Y Street, Roadside 2 303 368 Crowmarsh X Y Wallingford- Urban 460 189 NO N Y (5m) 2m Y Hithercorft Roadside 2 152 132

Wallingford X Y Urban – Reading 460 188 NO N Y (14m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Road 468 220

X Y Wallingford Urban 461 188 NO N N 2m Y – A4074 Roadside 2 913 416

Watlington – X Y Urban 8 Shirburn 469 194 NO Y Y 2m Y Roadside 2 St 013 509

Watlington – X Y Urban 23 Shirburn 469 194 NO Y Y 2m Y Roadside 2 St 060 590

Watlington – X Y 41 Couching Urban 468 194 NO Y Y 2m Y Street Roadside 2 951 457 (Co-location)

Watlington – X Y Co-op, 48 Urban 468 194 NO Y Y 2m Y Couching Roadside 962 2 458 Street

Watlington – X Y Urban 9 Couching 468 194 NO Y Y (3m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Street 849 340

X Y Watlington – Urban 462 191 NO Y Y 2m Y 27 Brook St Roadside 2 131 828

X Y Watlington – Urban 462 191 NO Y Y 2m Y 57 Brook St Roadside 2 267 901

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

Relevant Distance Exposure? to kerb of Worst- Pollutants In (Y/N with nearest Site Type OS Grid Ref case Site Name Monitored AQMA? distance (m) road Location? to relevant (N/A if not exposure) applicable) Watlington X Y – St Urban 459 1964 NO N Y (10m) 15m N Leonards Background 2 649 82 Church

Didcot – 20 X Y Urban Wantage 451 189 NO N Y (9m) 1m Y Roadside 2 Road 780 920

Didcot – X Y Urban 100 Park 451 189 NO N Y (15m) 1m Y Roadside 2 Road 653 384

X Y Didcot – 96 Urban 452 189 NO N Y 3m Y Broadway Roadside 2 908 982

X Y Didcot – 55 Urban 453 190 NO N Y 3m Y Broadway Roadside 2 099 031

X Y Didcot – Urban 2m 453 190 NO N Y N Lune Close Background 2 500 384

Didcot – X Y Urban Marsh 453 1900 NO N Y (1m) 1m Y Roadside 2 Cottages 533 02 Didcot X Y Urban 35/37 453 1900 NO N Y (1m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Broadway 202 47 X Y Didcot – 77 Urban 453 1900 NO N Y 2m Y Broadway Roadside 2 020 02 Didcot – X Y Urban 110 452 1899 NO N Y 2m Y Roadside 2 Broadway 866 81 Didcot – X Y Urban Station 452 190 NO N N (12m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Road 1 114 682 Didcot – X Y Urban Station 451 190 NO N N (30m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Road 2 387 974 X Thame – 16 Y Urban 471 2m Ludlow 205 NO N Y (6m) N Background 283 2 Drive 978

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Relevant Distance Exposure? to kerb of Worst- Pollutants In (Y/N with nearest Site Type OS Grid Ref case Site Name Monitored AQMA? distance (m) road Location? to relevant (N/A if not exposure) applicable) X Y Thame – 16 Urban 471 205 NO N Y (4m) 2m Y Park Street Roadside 010 2 598

Thame – 41 X Y Urban Aylesbury 470 206 NO N Y (16m) 2m Y Roadside 2 Road 603 546 Thame – X Y Urban Kingsey 471 205 NO N Y 2m Y Roadside 2 Road 700 809 X Wheatley – Y Urban 459 50 High 205 NO N Y 1m Y Roadside 533 2 Street 740

X M40 – 9 Y Urban 470 15m Adwell 200 NO N Y Y Roadside 200 2 Motorway Cottages 197

X Y Little Milton – Urban 461 200 NO N Y 1m Y A329 Roadside 2 902 992 X Y Stadhampton Urban 460 1986 NO N Y (1m) 1m Y – A329 pub Background 2 279 22 Stadhampton X Y – A329 Urban 460 198 NO N Y 1m Y Newington Roadside 2 158 407 Road

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Diffusion Tube Location Maps

Whole District Diffusion Tube Overview

Wheatley Diffusion Tube Locations

High Street Tube

Beech Road Tube

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Thame Diffusion Tube Locations

Ludlow Drive

Tube

Park St Tube

Didcot Diffusion Tube Locations

Lune Close Tube

Park Road

Marsh Cottages Tube

Broadway Tubes

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Watlington Diffusion Tubes & Continuous Monitor Locations

2.2 Comparison of Monitoring Results with AiSrh iQrbuurna lity St Tubes Objectives

2.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide

The monitoring data below shows a number of exceedences for nitrogen dioxide within our three AQMA’s and at two other locations within the district. These are discussed in further detail in the relevant sections beloCwo. uching St Tubes & Automatic Monitoring Data monitor Tables 2.3a and 2.3b below show the previous three years data for continuous monitoring sites. Table 2.B3rao oskh Sotw Tsu baens y exceedences of the annual mean objective

Wallingford Diffusion Tube & Continuous Monitor Locations

Station Rd Castle St Tube StaTtuiobne Rd Tube Castle St Tube

High St Tubes & continuous monitor

St Mary’s St Tubes

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Wallingford Diffusion Tube Locations Continued

AQMA boundary

Crowmarsh Tubes

Brookmead Drive

Henley Town Centre Diffusion Tubes and Continuous Monitor Location

Bell St Tubes New St Tube

Hart St Tube Market Place

Duke St Tubes & Monitor

Greys Rd Tube

Reading Rd Tube

Station Rd Tube

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Henley Diffusion Tube Locations

Northfield End Tube

Reading Rd Tube

Lovell Close

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Table 2.3a Results of Automatic Monitoring for Nitrogen Dioxide: Comparison with Annual Mean Objective

Site ID Location Within Data Data Annual mean concentrations AQMA? Capture for Capture (µg/m3) monitoring for full 2011 2012 2013 period calendar % year 2013 % OX1 Henley-on-Thames Y - 92.3% 37 33* 35 OX2 Wallingford Y - 63.4% 41 48 42 OX3 Watlington Y - 94.8% - 39.1 ** 39 * unreliable data set, as no measurements in months of highest readings due to analyser faults. See diffusion tube data for Duke St instead. ** unreliable annual mean as only 7 months of data recorded due to analyser relocation. See diffusion tube results for data.

Table 2.3b Results of Automatic Monitoring for Nitrogen Dioxide: Comparison with 1- hour Mean Objective

Data Number of Exceedences of Data Capture hourly Capture for for full 3 Within mean (200 µg/m ) Site ID Location monitoring calendar AQMA? period a year % 2013 b 2011 2012 2013 % OX1 Henley-on-Thames Y - 92.3% 0 0 0 OX2 Wallingford Y - 63.4% 0 0 4 OX3 Watlington Y - 94.8% - 0 0

Due to data capture periods, the continuous analyser data for Wallingford can not be relied on as representations for accurate annual means. Results for the remaining periods however did highlight exceedences in the national objective levels. The fi gures however are all in lines with last years data and show no significant upward or downward trend.

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

Table 2.4 Results of Nitrogen Dioxide Diffusion Tubes

Data Annual mean concentrations (µg/m3) Capture for full Within Site ID Location calendar AQMA? 2012 2013 year 2011 2012 % Henley Bell Street N 75 41.2 43.9 40.9 Henley 33 New Street N 100 32.9 33.6 35.3 Henley Northfield End N 83 32.5 34.8 34.5 Henley Station Road N 83 34.3 35.9 36.4 Henley 178 Reading Road N 100 34.2 39.7 34.5 Henley Reading Rd / St Andrew s N 92 43.6 33.1 34.7 Rd Henley 35 Reading Road Y 75 38.1 40.1 39.7 Henley 2 Greys Road Y 92 43.6 43.5 43.7 Henley 45 Duke Street (Co- Y 100 34.9 36.6 37.5 location) Henley 4 Duke Street Y 83 58.5 59.8 51.8 Henley Café Uno, Hart Street Y 50 44.7 39.6 38 Henley 23 Market Place Y 100 34.1 38.7 33 Henley 23 Thameside N 83 38.1 Henley 17 Kings Road N 100 27.6 Henley 15 Lovell Close N 83 13.5 16.3 18 Wallingford 2 Station Road N 100 34.3 35.2 31.9 Wallingford 70 High St Y 92 37.1 62.6 34.6 Wallingford 33 Castle St Y 100 37.1 44.7 38.6 Wallingford 52 St Mary’s St N 83 34.6 47 25.3 Wallingford 57 Brookmead Drive N 100 16.8 21.6 18.7 Wallingford George Hotel (Co- Y 100 44.4 49.1 44.3 location) Wallingford The Town Arms, 102 H ig hY 100 34.6 37.7 37.9 St Wallingford 39 The Street, Crowma r s Nh 100 24.7 23.1 24.4 Wallingford new The Street, N 100 23.4 22.3 23.2 Crowmarsh Wallingford Hithercroft N 100 21.2 Wallingford Reading Road N 100 25.7 Wallingford A4074 N 100 39.4 Watlington 8 Shirburn Street Y 100 45.8 43.8 39.1 Watlington 23 Shirburn Street Y 100 46.1 53.4 51.3 Watlington 41 Couching Street Y 83 51.9 52.7 52.2 Watlington Co-op, 48 Couching Y 92 49.7 52.5 51.7 Street Watlington 9 Couching Street Y 100 31.9 36.9 34.3 Watlington 27 Brook Street Y 83 30.9 30.3 34.2 Watlington 57 Brook Street Y 58 28.3 31.7 33 Watlington St Leonards Church N 100 15.5 16.7 15.2

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Data Annual mean concentrations (µg/m3) Capture for full Within Site ID Location calendar AQMA? 2011 2012 2013 year 2012 % Didcot 20 Wantage Road N 100 28.6 29.1 28.7 Didcot 100 Park Road N 67 18.4 23.7 23.2 Didcot 55 Broadway N 100 32.2 33.5 36.9 Didcot Lune Close N 100 22.7 23.3 21.8 Didcot Marsh Cottages N 100 28.3 29.8 31.4 Didcot 35/37 Broadway N 100 28.4 35.5 31.5 Didcot 77 Broadway N 100 34.6 30.9 33.3 Didcot 110 Broadway N 67 31.6 33.6 33 Didcot Station Rd loc 1 N 100 43.1 Didcot Station Rd loc 2 N 100 60.1 Thame 1 Ludlow Drive N 100 18.2 18.2 20.7 Thame 16 Park Street N 100 23.8 28.8 26.9 Thame 41 Aylesbury Road N 100 44.2 Thame Kingsey Crescent N 100 25.8 Wheatley 50 High Street N 92 29.7 29.8 29.6 M40 9 Adwell Cottages N 67 42.5 42.7 38.0 M40 10 Adwell Cottages N 83 36.7 Little Milton A329 N 75 34.8 Stadhampton A329 PH N 100 27.8 Stadhampton Newington Road N 83 30.7 * Bias adjustment factors: 2013 – 0.95

The 2013 data highlights ten exceedences of the national objectives out of the fifty five locations monitored. This figure is down five from last year, three of which are outside of current AQMA’s and only one of these three is representative of relevant exposure.

Generally there has been a slight decrease seen throughout the District on last years data which is also reflected in the background levels.

. Henley

The diffusion tube results highlight exceedences at a number of locations throughout the AQMA with one less location than last year. The continuous monitor gave a reading of 35(ugm3) which is slightly higher than last year but still down on 2011 levels. When corrected for façade this gives a relevant exposure figure of 38.3(ugm3). There were no exceedence of the hourly objective at this location.

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

Wallingford

Diffusion tube results how NO2 levels are generally down on last years figures with most levels however unchanged.

The analyser data followed the same pattern, down on last years levels but in line with the general trend. There were however also four exceedences of the annual mean at this location. All of these were within the AQMA boundary and no exceedences were found outside of this area.

Watlington

Diffusion tube levels in Watlington remained largely the same as last years, as did the continuous monitoring readings which gave an annual average of 39ugm3 for the past two years.

Didcot

Diffusion tube data for Didcot has remained fairly stable in line with 2012 data. Two exceedences of the objective levels were recorded at the two new locations in Didcot. These do not represent relevant exposure and are only in place to track the growth of the town and to inform modelling works.

Adwell Cottages, Thame, Wheatley, Little Milton, Stadhampton

The NO2 levels in Adwell have fallen to below the objective levels and aside from a new location in Thame, all other tubes have remained well below the limit values.

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014 Figure 2.4 Trends in Annual Mean Nitrogen Dioxide Concentration Measured at Diffusion Tube Monitoring Sites.

NO2 Trends in Henley 70.0 60.0

) Greys Rd

3 50.0 m

g 40.0 Duke St u (

2 30.0 Market O Place N 20.0 Lovell 10.0 Close 0.0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year

Progress Report 3 April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

NO2 Trends in Wallingford 70 60

) 79 High St

3 50 m

g 40 Brookmead u

( Drive

2 30 83 High St O

N 20 102 High St 10 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Year

3 Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

NO2 Trends in Didcot and Thame

50.0 Broadway 40.0 ) Didcot 3 Lune Drive m 30.0 g Didcot u ( Ludlow Drive 2 20.0 O Thame

N Park St 10.0 Thame 0.0 2010 2011 2012 2013

Year

Progress Report 3 April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

NO2 Trends in Watlington

60 8 Shirburn St 50 41 Couching ) 3 40 St m

g 48 Couching u ( 30 St 2

O 9 Couching St

N 20 St Leonards 10 Church

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year

3 Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

2.2.2 Summary of Compliance with AQS Objectives

South Oxfordshire District Council has not measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide above the annual mean at any relevant locations outside of those already within an AQMA. Aside from 2 locations which do not represent relevant exposure. One location which does represent relevant exposure is to be monitored for a further year and further diffusion tubes added to provide a more accurate picture of the air quality in that area.

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

3 New Local Developments

South Oxfordshire District Council confirms that there are no new or newly identified local developments which may have an impact on air quality within the Local Authority area.

3.1 Road Traffic Sources

South Oxfordshire District Council confirms that there are no new/proposed roads.

3.2 Other Transport Sources

South Oxfordshire District Council confirms that there are no new/proposed other transport sources.

3.3 Industrial Sources

South Oxfordshire District Council confirms that there are no new/proposed industrial sources. However in the industrial sector we have seen the decommissioning of the coal burning side of Didcot power station, with the gas side still operational. This has not shown any notable changes in the background or general NO2 levels within Didcot.

3.4 Commercial and Domestic Sources

South Oxfordshire District Council confirms that there are no new/proposed commercial and domestic sources.

3.5 New Developments with Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources

South Oxfordshire District Council confirms that there are no new/proposed developments with fugitive or uncontrolled sources.

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

4 Planning Applications

Three large planning applications within Wallingford on former brownfield sites, and outside of the current AQMA boundary have been agreed and mitigation received for air quality purposes. One is a former industrial warehouse which is now proposed to be a supermarket. One is also a former industrial site which has a proposal for housing and a care home. The final one is a former CABI site which is extending and introducing a residential key worker element for staff.

Scoping assessments have been received for further large developments around the science vale area to the Western boundary of the District in and around Didcot. Further monitoring has been carried out here the results of which (detailed earlier) will help to inform the air quality assessments which will be requested as part of the applications.

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

5 Air Quality Planning Policies

New air quality planning guidance has been produced as part of the new action plan, this is informally being used until the formal adoption of the new plan. It sets out guidelines as to when an assessment is required, what is required and guidelines for suitable mitigation measures and minimum good practice standards for developers to follow.

The South Oxfordshire Local Development Framework (LDF) contains the policies used for determining planning applications and guiding new development. The South Oxfordshire Local Plan is one of the development plan documents within the LDF.

The Local Plan contains Policy EP1 on prevention of polluting emissions, and explanatory text about proposed developments which have a significant effect on air quality. Policy T3 requires transport assessments including, where appropriate, travel plans to be prepared and implemented. This policy is applied to significant proposals which might otherwise be refused on traffic grounds because of local traffic problems, including air quality.

Air quality issues are addressed in policies in the new Core Strategy. Currently section 106 agreements are assessed on a case by case basis and works are currently ongoing in relation the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

6 Local Transport Plans and Strategies

South Oxfordshire District Council is currently feeding into Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan 4 individually and as part of the Oxfordshire Air Quality Group. This is in early stages currently however we hope to integrate our air quality action plan into the plan and for this to be a much more inclusive plan than the previous ones which can serve to help tackle our air quality issues.

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

7 Climate Change Strategies

South Oxfordshire District Council has signed up to the Climate Local Commitment as part of Climate Local Oxfordshire. Climate Local’s aim is to help drive and support council action to reduce carbon emissions and develop resilience to the effects of a changing climate and extreme weather.

The council has implemented an Energy Reduction Plan and, to date, has reduced carbon dioxide emissions from its operations by 23% over five years to 2013.

Following the completion of our Plan, we are currently investigating new energy saving opportunities. During 2013/14, the council completed a tender for a new ten year leisure contract covering leisure centres at South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils. Substantial further investment in energy saving will commence following the start of the new leisure contract in 2014. We have extended our waste collection contract for seven years, including the proposed purchase of new, up to date vehicles at the latest by 2017. We expect to change to biodiesel in line with the delivery of the new vehicles.

From April 2014, our office accommodation will be shared with the Vale of White Horse District Council. Each council should expect at least a 30% reduction in head office utility use as a result of the new arrangements. In our council offices we have installed energy efficient LED lighting including movement sensors and daylight detection, which will cut energy consumption on office lighting by around 70%.

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

8 Implementation of Action Plans

A new action plan was completed and has undergone internal and public consultation. The responses are now being considered and we expected to submit the new action plan for DEFRA approval in the near future.

Progress Report April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

9 Conclusions and Proposed Actions 9.1 Conclusions from New Monitoring Data

The 2013 data highlights a general slight decrease in NO2 levels throughout the District in comparison to 2012 data with only a few locations showing an increase on last years levels. This remains however inline with trends from previous years. Ten exceedences of the objective levels were highlighted, most of which were in current AQMA’s or areas of non relevant exposure.

The following section is broken down by geographical location to discuss the new monitoring data in more depth.

Henley-on-Thames AQMA Diffusion tubes within the AQMA area highlighted exceedences of the annual mean confirming the requirement for the current AQMA. No exceedences were recorded outside of this area.

Wallingford AQMA Both the continuous and non continuous data for Wallingford has shown exceedences of the annual mean objective for nitrogen dioxide. All the exceedence sites are located within existing AQMA’s confirming the requirement for the current AQMA. No exceedences were recorded outside of this area.

Watlington AQMA Exceedences of the objectives were seen throughout the AQMA confirming the requirement for the current AQMA, no exceedences were seen outside of this area.

Adwell Cottages Adwell cottages fell below the objective levels for the first time in six years, we will hold off on the proposed declaration and continue to monitor this over the next year for an up to date picture.

Didcot, Thame, Wheatley, Little Milton and Stadhampton Diffusion tube results show NO2 levels in Didcot have remained largely the same as previous years, with two exceedences shown in new locations which do not represent relevant exposure. No exceedences were seen in any other areas.

Progress Report South Oxfordshire District Council April 2014

Proposed Actions

Henley-on-Thames AQMA Continue to monitor current locations. Proceed with project work on the low emission strategy and low emission zone feasibility study for Henley.

Wallingford AQMA Continue to monitor current locations. Proceed with project work on the low emission strategy and low emission zone feasibility study for Wallingford.

Watlington AQMA Continue to monitor current locations. Proceed with project work on the low emission strategy and low emission zone feasibility study for Wallingford.

Adwell Cottages Continue to monitor for a further year before deciding if the proposed declaration is still required. Retrieve traffic data and analyse why there may be a difference last year compared to previous years, or whether there is another reason for the drop.

Didcot, Thame, Wheatley, Little Milton and Stadhampton Continue to monitor in all locations. Increase monitoring in Thame around the area of exceedence in order to get an accurate assessment of the air quality in that area.

Summary of proposed actions for 2013 The proposed course of action (in order of priority) for South Oxfordshire District Council:

1) Consult DEFRA the new air quality action plan 2) Adopt the new action plan 3) Work towards implementing the new action plan measures including completion of the current low emission strategy project, which also encompasses the low emission zone feasibility studies. 4) Continue to work closely with the County Council on the new LTP4

Progress Report 4 April 2014 South Oxfordshire District Council

10 References

South Oxfordshire District Council Stage 1 Assessment - 1998 South Oxfordshire District Council Stage 2 Assessment - 2000 South Oxfordshire District Council Stage 3 Assessment - January 2002 South Oxfordshire District Council Stage 4 Assessment - November 2004 South Oxfordshire District Council Updating & Screening Assessment - May 2003 South Oxfordshire District Council Detailed Assessment - August 2005 South Oxfordshire District Council Progress Report - November 2005 South Oxfordshire District Council Further Assessment - July 2006 South Oxfordshire District Council Updating & Screening Assessment - November 2006 South Oxfordshire District Council Progress Report - May 2007 South Oxfordshire District Council Henley Air Quality Action Plan - May 2007 South Oxfordshire District Council Detailed Assessment - July 2008 South Oxfordshire District Council Action Plan Progress Report - May 2008 South Oxfordshire District Council Updating & Screening Assessment – May 2009 South Oxfordshire District Council Henley Air Quality Action Plan Progress Report - Dec 2009 South Oxfordshire District Council Further Assessment Watlington - March 2010 South Oxfordshire District Council Action Plan Progress Report - April 2011 South Oxfordshire District Council Updating & Screening Assessment – April 2012 LAQM TG(09) LAQM PG (09)