Air Quality Review and Assessment

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME

BOROUGH COUNCIL

Stage 1

January 1999

A.H. Hudson, MSc, BSc, MBA, MCIEH, MinstWM, Head of Environmental Services, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Civic Offices, Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2AG

Contents Page

Foreword

Abstract 1

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council 2

Map 1 – Location of Borough 4

1. Aims and Objectives 5

2. National Air Quality Strategy 6

3. Local Air Quality Management 8

4. First Stage Review and Assessment 10

5. Review and Assessment of Benzene 11

6. Review and Assessment of 1,3-Butadiene 15

7. Review and Assessment of Carbon Monoxide 18

8. Review and Assessment of Lead 22

9. Review and assessment of Nitrogen Dioxide 27

10. Review and Assessment of PM 10 32

11. Review and Assessment of Sulphur Dioxide 38

12. Summary of Key points 43

13. Future Recommendations 44

List of Tables

Table 1 – Pollutants and Associated Air Quality Objective Levels 7

Table 2 – Roads with predicted Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Flows greater than 50,000 20

Page

Table 3 – Roads with predicted Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Flows greater than 20,000 29

Table 4 – Roads with predicted Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Flows greater than 25,000 35

Table 5 – Summary of Key Points 43

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Part A authorised processes.

Appendix 2 – Part B processes.

Appendix 3 – Pollutant Background Concentration Maps for 1996

Map 2 – Benzene Background Concentrations

Map 3 – Carbon Monoxide Background Concentrations

Map 4 – Lead Background Concentrations

Map 5 – Nitrogen Dioxide Background Concentrations

Map 6 – Particulate (PM10) Background Concentrations

Map 7 – Secondary Particulate (PM10) Background Concentrations

Map 8 – Sulphur Dioxide Background Concentrations.

Appendix 4 – List of Consultees.

Appendix 5 – Nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube results.

This document is printed on 100% recycled paper

FOREWORD

The implementation of the Clean Air Acts since the 1950’s has had a marked effect in improving air quality and particularly in relation to emissions from domestic open fires and industrial premises, and in regulating open burning and bonfires. There is, however, increasing public concern over air quality as a result of the proliferation of vehicular traffic on our highways, and whilst the implementation of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 has enabled controls to be imposed on some of the more polluting processes there is still a need to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

The health effects of air pollution are now well established – it worsens the condition of those who are already ill and contributes to tens of thousands of hospital admissions and premature deaths each year.

The Government has reviewed the National Air Quality Strategy in order to look at the prospects for delivering clean air more quickly. The Deputy Prime Minister has recently been quoted as saying that improving the quality of the air we breathe would be “put on the fast track”.

The Environment Act 1995 requires the Council to carry out a review and assessment of local air quality. It was originally envisaged that this work would commence in 1999, however this deadline has been brought forward by one year to speed up the process. The deadline for compliance with several of the targets has also been brought forward.

This document details the first stage review undertaken in Newcastle-under-Lyme and assesses air quality in relation to seven key pollutants. The review identifies the need for further work to be carried out in relation to most pollutants.

You are invited to comment on this work and the content of this consultation draft. You can send your written comments to me at the following address: -

Mr. Alan Hudson, MSc., BSc.,MBA,MCIEH,MinstWM., Head of Environmental Services, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Civic Offices, Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. ST5 2AG

This important task has inevitably placed additional pressures on staff in the Environmental Health Service and I would like to place on record my thanks and appreciation for their hard work in compiling this document.

Alan Hudson, Head of Environmental Services, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council,

ABSTRACT

Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to periodically review and assess air quality within its boundary. It is necessary to consider the present quality of air and the likely future quality of air by the end of 2005.

For the purposes of this document, the review of air quality means the consideration of current and likely future air pollution levels for which prescribed objectives have been set and the assessment of air quality is to consider whether those levels estimated for the end of 2005 are likely to be in exceedance of the levels set down in the prescribed objectives.

In the first stage of the review and assessment it has been necessary to compile and collate information on existing and proposed pollutant sources and consider whether persons might be reasonably exposed over the relevant averaging period for each individual pollutant at the present time and in the future.

Where sources with the potential to emit significant quantities of pollutants have been identified during the first stage, then it will be necessary to proceed to the second stage for those pollutants.

With seven pollutants to review and assess, the first stage approach has confirmed that there is a requirement to proceed to the second stage for five of the pollutants, notably carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and sulphur dioxide. The two not requiring progression to the second stage are benzene and 1,3-Butadiene. The decisions to proceed, or not, are summarised in Table 5.

In carrying out this duty, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has joined with the other Staffordshire Authorities, the environment agency and the Highways Authority to form the Staffordshire Air Quality Forum. This has facilitated the effective collection, collation and dissemination of information relating to pollution issues in the area.

THE BOROUGH OF NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME

The Borough is located in North Staffordshire and covers an area of 21,096 hectares (81 square miles), with a population of approximately 123,000.

Newcastle’s strategic location at the important junction between the roads running north from London to Carlisle and west to Chester, (see map 1 overleaf) has ensured that transport has played a major part in its growth.

In addition to these historical routes, modern trunk roads also pass through the Borough. These include the M6 which is currently one of the most heavily congested roads in the country. Also the A500 which is a major route linking many areas of Newcastle-under- Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent with junctions 15 and 16 of the M6. Both of these junctions lie within the Borough and thus contribute to the traffic congestion in the area. A number of main roads converge on the two main towns in the Borough, notably Newcastle-under- Lyme and Kidsgrove. The A34, A52, A525, A527, and the A53 pass through Newcastle and the A50, A5011 and A34 pass through Kidsgrove.

Traffic on these roads is a significant source of air pollutants affecting the air quality in the Borough. The other main sources being industry and domestic properties.

Particular industries with the greatest potential to cause air pollution have been prescribed for air pollution control under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Some processes are regulated by the Environment Agency (these are referred to as Part A processes), and others are regulated by local authorities (these are referred to as Part B processes). Within the Borough there are currently 2 Part A processes and 49 Part B processes. These are all listed in Appendices 1 and 2 along with a table indicating whether they have the potential to emit significant quantities of the relevant pollutants.

Prior to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 the main legislative control of air pollution was through the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968. As a consequence of which local authorities were able to set up smoke control areas to restrict the types of fuel burned.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council started its smoke control programme in 1961 and this was completed in 1995. All the urban areas of the Borough are now covered by Smoke Control Orders and this has resulted in reduced concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide as compared with the first half of this century when ‘smogs’, i.e. the combination of fog with smoke and sulphur dioxide, were commonplace. Such smogs resulted in premature deaths and chronic respiratory illness. The introduction of the smoke control areas and the control of dark smoke emissions from industry have brought about a visible improvement in air quality in the Borough. However the pollutants of concern now are not easily seen and therefore it is not readily obvious if concentrations are increasing. Hence the need for the review and assessment of air quality which is currently being undertaken.

MAP 1

1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims of this report are:

1. To investigate both the present and future air quality in the Borough of Newcastle–under–Lyme. 2. To make an assessment of air quality in relation to the requirements of the National Air Quality Strategy. 3. To make recommendations regarding the subsequent management of air quality within the Borough of Newcastle–under–Lyme.

The objectives of this report are:

1. To identify the principle sources of the relevant pollutants affecting air quality within the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme. 2. To identify areas within the Borough which are likely to experience the highest concentrations of these pollutants. 3. To indicate whether present and predicted air quality in the Borough is likely to comply with the Air Quality Objectives. 4. To ascertain, for each pollutant, whether it will be necessary to proceed to the second stage. 5. To identify areas of work for further investigation.

2. NATIONAL AIR QUALITY STRATEGY

During the early1990’s, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) investigated the need for a new framework for air quality control. This arose because of episodes of poor air quality and by increasing concerns expressed by both the public and the scientific community. The need to reconcile rising demands in living standards with the maintenance of environmental quality has already been recognised in Agenda 21. (At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, 1992, over 150 nations met for a United Nations conference on the environment. A global environment and development action plan for the 21 st Century was signed, referred to as Agenda 21) .

The Environment Act 1995 has required the Secretary of State to publish the National Air Quality Strategy. A central element of this strategy is the use of air quality objectives, based on human health effects, which are to be achieved by the end of 2005. The strategy uses a local air quality management approach in addition to existing national and European legislation. It promotes an integrated approach to air quality by the various agencies involved. The air quality objectives have been set out in the Air Quality Regulations 1997 and are summarised overleaf in Table 1.

SUBSTANCE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE LEVELS 5ppb or less, expressed as a BENZENE running annual mean 1ppb or less, expressed as a 1,3-BUTADIENE running annual mean 10ppm or less, expressed as CARBON MONOXIDE running 8 hour mean 0.5 µg/m 3, expressed as an LEAD annual mean 150ppb or less, expressed as an hourly mean, and NITROGEN DIOXIDE 21ppb or less, expressed as an annual mean 50 µg/m 3 or less, expressed as the 99 th percentile of PM 10 daily maximum running 24 hour means 100ppb or less, expressed as SULPHUR DIOXIDE the 99 th percentile of 15 minute means

TABLE 1– POLLUTANTS AND ASSOCIATED AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE LEVELS

3. LOCAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

The Environment Act 1995 requires all local authorities to review and assess air quality within their area. The purpose of this duty is to assess both the current and future (2005) levels of specific pollutants as prescribed by the Air Quality Regulations 1997. These regulations set the objective levels to be met by 2005. The review and assessment is based on a phased approach, becoming more focused if a risk of not achieving the air quality objectives is identified. The process is thus split into three stages: -

First Stage: This involves compiling and collating information on existing or proposed significant sources of pollutants of concern. Significant sources are those which would expose the public over the relevant averaging time to levels in exceedance of the objective levels.

Second Stage: This is undertaken where likely exceedances have been identified at the first stage. The aim is to provide a further screening stage to identify locations where the air quality objectives may not be met. This entails either projections of current data or the use of mathematical screening models.

Third Stage: This involves a more detailed investigation of any locations identified by the second stage as likely to expose the public to levels in exceedance of the objective levels. It will entail the use of complex modelling techniques to accurately predict the likely pollutant levels in 2005.

At each stage of the process it is a requirement to consult various organisations as set out in Schedule 11 of the Environment Act 1995. A list of consultees appears in Appendix 4.

If, after completion of the Third Stage, the review and assessment indicates that the objective for any of the pollutants will not be achieved a particular area, then the local authority must designate an Air Quality Management Area. Then following a further

assessment of air quality, prepare a written action plan of how the objective(s) will be achieved.

4. FIRST STAGE REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT

The first stage review and assessment shall consist of an initial screening of industrial, transport and other sources of pollutants which have a significant impact within the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Information shall be collated on those existing or planned processes which may affect air quality and also any significant pollutant sources outside the Borough which could potentially lead to an exceedance of a prescribed objective as illustrated in Table 1.

The first stage review and assessment will identify: -

• Any existing or proposed roads, with existing or predicted levels of traffic flow which, by the end of 2005, may generate significant quantities of a particular pollutant.

• Any existing or planned Part A or Part B prescribed processes.

• Any other existing or proposed significant sources of a pollutant of concern.

• Any significant pollutant sources outside the Borough, which may cause breaches of the air quality objectives within the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme by the end of 2005.

• Any other relevant information which relates to the air quality within the Borough.

For all existing and proposed processes and activities identified it will be necessary to determine which areas within the Borough are currently exceeding or are likely to exceed the air quality objectives by 2005.

5. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF BENZENE

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon, consisting of six atoms each of carbon and hydrogen (C 6H6). At room temperature it is a liquid but readily evaporates into the atmosphere where it is broken down after several days by chemical reactions. It is accepted that benzene is a human carcinogen. The effect of long-term exposure which is of most concern is leukaemia.

In the UK the main atmospheric source of benzene is the combustion and distribution of petrol, of which benzene is a minor constituent, currently comprising about 2% by volume in the UK. Diesel is a relatively small source. Motor vehicle exhaust gases contain some unburned benzene, but mostly contain benzene formed from the combustion of other aromatic compounds of petrol.

Motor vehicles are the single most important source, on a national basis, accounting for 64% of the total UK annual emission of 41 ktonnes in 1996, most of which arose from petrol vehicles.

5.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

The Government has adopted a running annual mean of 5ppb as an air quality standard for benzene, with the objective that this standard is to be achieved by the end of 2005.

5.2 The National Perspective

“Existing national policies are expected to deliver the prescribed air quality objective for benzene by the end of 2005. Roadside levels of benzene, next to even the most busy or congested roads are expected to be well below the objective by the year 2005. Only those local authorities with major industrial processes which either handle, store or emit benzene, which have the potential, in conjunction with other sources, to result in elevated levels of benzene are expected to need to undertake a second or

third stage review and assessment.” (Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, Review and Assessment: Pollutant Specific Guidance, August 1998, Page 11)

5.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of Benzene

1. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the authority’s area. 2. Details of Part B processes present in the authority’s area. 3. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality. 4. Details of any significant sources of benzene in neighbouring areas which could impact significantly within the authority’s area. 5. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

For all existing and proposed activities identified by the local authority as above, the authority should then identify those existing or proposed processes or activities which have the potential, singly or together, to emit significant quantities of benzene and

are expected to be in existence and/or operational by the end of 2005 and for which there is potential for exposure of individuals in relevant locations.

For the purposes of a first stage review and assessment for benzene these can be assumed to consist of:

One or more Part A or Part B processes of the type indicated to be a potential significant source of benzene in Appendices 1 and 2. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality.

5.3.1 Part A Processes in the Borough - (See Appendix 1)

No existing sites have the potential to emit significant quantities of benzene.

5.3.2 Part B Processes in the Borough - (See Appendix 2)

There are two processes within the Borough with the potential to release significant quantities of benzene into the atmosphere. They do not require authorisation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as a Part B process until 31 st December 2004. The processes are at: a) Repsol Oil Depot, Chemical Lane, Stoke-on-Trent. b) Carless Refining & Marketing Ltd., Chemical Lane, Stoke-on-Trent.

However both of these sites are not near relevant locations where individuals may be exposed over a year (e.g. in the vicinity of housing, schools or hospitals). In addition once they are authorised they will have to incorporate a vapour recovery system which will considerably reduce emissions of benzene to the atmosphere.

The unloading of petrol into storage at petrol stations is a process requiring authorisation as a Part B process. This is because of the potential to emit benzene and other volatile components of petrol. However the DETR does not consider these to be significant sources of benzene. The reason being that authorisations to unload petrol include a condition to recover the vapour displaced from the storage tanks when they are filled.

5.3.3 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of benzene.

5.3.4 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

Within Stoke-on-Trent there is one significant source of benzene, this being an oil refinery located at Sneyd Hill, Burslem approximately 1.2 miles from the Borough boundary. Stoke-on-Trent Environmental Services carried out diffusion tube monitoring between October 1997 to September 1998 at the kerbside close to the refinery and no exceedances of the 2005 objective level of 5ppb (measured as an annual mean) were recorded. The highest reading being 2ppb.

5.3.5 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

In addition to the monitoring mentioned in section 5.3.4. above, Stoke City Council also monitor at two roadside locations in Hanley and Longton. The average level of benzene at these two sites was 1.6 ppb over the twelve months up to June 1998. It is unlikely that benzene levels in Newcastle will be any higher than those in Stoke. Map 2 of appendix 3 shows background concentrations of benzene in the Borough are less than 1.0 ppb.

5.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is not considered necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the Review and Assessment procedure for benzene due to the following:-

• There are no Part A or B processes within the Borough with the potential to emit significant quantities of benzene. In addition no developments of this type are planned.

• There are no significant sources in neighbouring areas which could impact significantly within the Borough.

• Existing national policies are expected to achieve the objective.

6. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF 1,3-BUTADIENE

1,3-Butadiene is an organic compound, the molecule of which comprises four carbon and six hydrogen atoms (C 4H6). It is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures and trace amounts are present in the atmosphere, deriving mainly from the combustion of petrol and other materials. It used in industry, mainly in the manufacture of synthetic rubber for tyres. It is thus a chemical to which workers have been exposed and there is evidence that such groups of workers have had a slightly higher than expected risk of cancers to the bone marrow, lymphomas and leukaemia.

The dominant source of 1,3-Butadiene in the UK atmosphere is the motor vehicle. Although neither petrol nor diesel contain 1,3-Butadiene, it is formed in the combustion of these fuels. The UK national atmospheric inventory for 1,3-Butadiene showed that, in 1995, 67% of national annual emissions arose from petrol vehicles, 11% from diesel vehicles and 13% arose from industrial processes.

6.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

The Government has adopted a running annual mean of 1ppb as an air quality standard for 1,3-Butadiene with the objective that this standard is to be achieved by the end of 2005.

6.2 The National Perspective

“Existing national policies are expected to deliver the prescribed air quality objective for 1,3-Butadiene by the end of 2005. Roadside levels, next to even the most busy or congested roads are expected to be well below the air quality objective. Only those authorities with major industrial processes, which either handle, store or emit 1,3-Butadiene and which have the potential, in conjunction with other sources, to result in elevated levels in relevant locations, are expected to need to undertake a

second or third stage review and assessment.” (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Review and Assessment: Pollutant Specific Guidance, August 1998, Page 15)

6.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of 1,3 Butadiene

1. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the authority’s area. 2. Details of Part B processes present in the authority’s area. 3. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality. 4. Details of any significant sources of 1,3-Butadiene in neighbouring areas which could impact significantly within the authority’s area. 5. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

• are expected to be in existence and/or operational by the end of 2005 and

• for which there is potential for exposure of individuals in the relevant locations.

For the purposes of a first stage review and assessment for 1,3-Butadiene these can be assumed to consist of:

• One or more Part A or Part B processes of the type indicated to be a potential significant source of benzene in Appendices 1 and 2.

• Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality.

6.3.1 Part A Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 1)

No existing sites have the potential to emit significant quantities of 1,3-Butadiene.

6.3.2 Part B Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 2)

No existing sites have the potential to emit significant quantities of 1,3-Butadiene.

6.3.3 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of benzene.

6.3.4 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

No significant neighbouring sources of 1,3-Butadiene are known to exist.

6.3.5 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

This Authority (Planning and Regeneration Services – Strategic Planning) is not aware of any future developments within the Borough with the potential to emit significant quantities of 1,3-Butadiene.

6.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is not considered necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the Review and Assessment procedure for benzene due to the following:-

• There are no Part A or B processes within the Borough with the potential to emit significant quantities of 1,3-Butadiene. In addition no developments of this type are planned.

• There are no significant sources in neighbouring areas which could impact significantly within the Borough.

• Existing national policies are expected to achieve the objective.

7. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas produced by the incomplete combustion of organic substances. Complete combustion in the presence of sufficient oxygen leads to the production of carbon dioxide, whereas if there is a slight deficiency of oxygen some carbon monoxide is formed. Thus most combustion processes produce some carbon monoxide depending on the efficiency of the process and the availability of oxygen.

It is one of the most dangerous pollutant gases because it is odourless and in very high concentrations can cause death. At lower levels it reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This may increase the risk of heart problems in predisposed individuals. In the indoor environment individuals are exposed to CO from cigarette smoke, gas cooking appliances and domestic fuel heaters with blocked flues. Outdoors, the main source is motor vehicles. In 1996, road transport accounted for 71% of the total CO emissions in the United Kingdom.

7.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

The Government has adopted a running 8-hour mean of 10ppm as an air quality standard for CO with the objective that this standard is to be achieved by the end of 2005.

7.2 The National Perspective

“Existing national policies are expected to deliver the national air quality objective by the end of 2005 with the possible exception, in some years, of the near vicinity of heavily trafficked roads or in the vicinity of certain stationary sources. Only those authorities with such sources which have the potential to result in elevated levels of CO in relevant locations are expected to proceed to a second or third stage review and assessment. It is expected, for this pollutant, that most local authorities will not need to progress past the first stage.” (Department of the Environment, Transport

and the Regions, Review and Assessment: Pollutant Specific Guidance, August 1998, Page 5)

7.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of Carbon Monoxide

1. Information on current and 2005 forecast annual average daily traffic flows (AADT) for any existing or proposed roads in the Borough with existing or predicted traffic flows which, at the end of 2005, could generate significant quantities of CO. 2. Information on current urban background concentrations due to dispersed road transport sources to be taken from DETR maps available on the Internet. 3. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the Borough. 4. Details of Part B processes present within the Borough. 5. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality, including those which will increase traffic flow. 6. Details of any significant sources of CO in neighbouring areas which could impact within the Borough. 7. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

• are expected to be in existence and/or operation by the end of 2005 and

• for which there is a potential for exposure of individuals in relevant locations.

For the purposes of a First Stage review and assessment for CO these can be assumed to consist of:

• Road links with current or projected annual average daily traffic flow greater than 50,000.

• One or more Part A or Part B processes of the type indicated to be a potential significant source of CO in Appendices 1 and 2.

• Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality.

7.3.1 Current and 2005 Forecast Annual Average Daily Traffic Flows

Traffic surveys have been carried out across the Borough at various times over the last few years. Table 2 below lists those roads where the projected 2005 AADT flows are greater than 50,000.

Table 2 – Road traffic data

ROAD LOCATION EASTING NORTHING 2005 AADT DATE SURVEYED A500 Nr.A34 junc. 385000 350300 50500 April 1993 M6 Keele 382800 343500 107000 June 1996

7.3.2 Current Urban Background Concentrations

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has an air quality information web-site (http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/airq/aqinfo.htm) . This contains maps of the country showing background concentrations of various pollutants. Copies of these maps are reproduced in Appendix3 of this report. It can be seen from map 3 that background concentrations of CO range from 0.0 to 0.2ppm in rural areas and up to 0.4ppm in urban areas of the Borough

7.3.3 Part A Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 1)

One process has the potential to emit significant quantities of carbon monoxide.

• Cadmium Pigment Production at Johnson Matthey PLC, Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3AA.

7.3.4 Part B Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 2)

No existing sites have the potential to emit significant quantities of carbon monoxide.

7.3.5 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of carbon monoxide.

7.3.6 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

No significant neighbouring sources of carbon monoxide are known to exist.

7.3.7 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

Between 1 st May 1997 and 30 th April1998 ‘Real Time’ monitoring of carbon monoxide was carried out at Chesterton Community Centre. The highest running 8-hour mean value measured over the 12-month period was 4.5ppm.

7.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the review and assessment procedure for CO due to the following reasons:-

• There are two roads, the M6 and the A500, with projected AADT flows in 2005 of greater than 50,000.

• There is a Part A process with the potential to emit significant quantities of CO.

8. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF LEAD

Lead (Pb) is the most widely used non-ferrous metal with many industrial uses, both as an element and as a compound or alloy. Its main use is in the manufacture of batteries, but other uses are as a pigment in paints, in alloys and in piping. Historically it has been widely used in organic compounds as a petrol additive, although this application is now declining. Although no longer mined in the UK, industrial workers may still be exposed to it in smelting and refining operations, battery manufacture, painting and even manufacturing pottery. It can be absorbed into the body through the lungs, stomach and intestines. Two sources of exposure are of particular importance – contamination of drinking water from lead pipes and contamination of the air from industrial sources and the combustion of leaded petrol. Lead in the air may not only be absorbed directly by the lungs but may also settle out and contribute to contamination of crops and of dust ingested inadvertently by children.

It has been known for centuries to be harmful to people working with it, and in particular has severe adverse effects on the blood, the nervous system and the kidneys. However these clinical effects only occur as a consequence of exposure to high concentrations. Of greater concern to the general public are the more subtle effects such as may occur from the presence of lead in drinking water, paint, dust and in the ambient air. The effects on the intellectual development of children are of particular concern.

8.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

The Government has adopted an annual mean of 0.5 µg/m 3 (microgrammes per cubic metre) as an air quality standard for lead with the objective that this standard is to be achieved by the end of 2005.

8.2 The National Perspective

In 1996, petrol engined motor vehicles accounted for 66% of the total UK emissions of lead and its use as a non-ferrous metal accounted for 14% of the total emissions.

Since the late 1970’s the lead content in petrol has been gradually reduced. The major reduction in the maximum permissible lead content of leaded petrol from 0.4g/l to 0.15g/l in January 1986 almost halved urban air lead levels in the space of a few months. This reduction was reinforced and sustained by the introduction of unleaded petrol in 1987 which has been increasingly used by motorists. Since 1993, all new petrol engined cars have been fitted with catalytic converters and must run on unleaded fuel.

“Existing national policies are expected to deliver the prescribed objective for lead at all rural, urban background sites and roadside locations by the year 2005. Only local authorities with significant industrial sources, which have the potential to result in elevated levels of lead in relevant locations, are expected to need to undertake a second or third stage review and assessment.” (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Review and Assessment: Pollutant Specific Guidance, August 1998, Page 18)

8.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of Lead

1. Information on current urban background concentrations due to dispersed road transport sources to be taken from DETR maps available on the Internet. 2. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the authority’s area. 3. Details of Part B processes present in the authority’s area. 4. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality. 5. Details of large Part A authorised processes in neighbouring areas which could impact within the authority’s area. 6. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

• are expected to be in existence and/or operational by the end of 2005 and

• for which there is potential for exposure of individuals in the relevant locations.

For the purposes of a First Stage review and assessment for lead these can be assumed to consist of:

• Part A authorised processes with the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

• Part B processes, or a number of such processes in close proximity, which collectively have the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

• Industrial or other sites with non-prescribed processes with the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

• Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality.

8.3.1 Current Urban Background Concentrations

Ranges from around 10ng/m 3 (nanograms per cubic metre) in rural areas to a maximum of around 80ng/m 3 in urban areas of the Borough. See Map 4 in Appendix 3 for information on lead background concentrations.

8.3.2 Part A Processes Within the Borough – (See Appendix 1)

One process has the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

• Cadmium Pigment Production at Johnson Matthey PLC, Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3AA.

8.3.3 Part B Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 2)

Three processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

• A non-ferrous foundry at Trent Foundries Ltd., Chemical Lane, Longport, Stoke-on- Trent.

• A non-ferrous foundry at Sweetmore Engineering Ltd., T/A JT Price and Co., Holditch Road, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs.

• A ferrous foundry at Hillsyde Foundry (Staffs) Ltd., Rowhurst Industrial Estate, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

8.3.4 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

8.3.5 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

No known significant neighbouring Part A sources have the potential to emit lead.

8.3.6 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

A lead monitoring exercise was carried out between 1 st May 1997 and 30 th April 1998 at Chesterton Community Centre. The annual mean over this period was 0.05 µg/m3 which is considerably less than the air quality objective level for lead at 0.5 µg/m3.

8.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the review and assessment procedure for lead due to the following reasons:-

• There is one Part A process and three Part B processes within the Borough with the potential to emit significant quantities of lead.

9. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) is a gas produced by the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in combustion processes. The reaction usually takes place in two stages, the first producing nitric oxide (NO), this compound is then oxidised over time to nitrogen dioxide. Wherever nitrogen dioxide is found, nitric oxide is also found, and these oxides of nitrogen are collectively known as NOx.

There are a number of natural sources of NOx, such as lightning, forest fires, and bacterial activity in soil but by far the largest quantity arises from the burning of fossil fuels (petrol, oil, coal and gas) especially by road traffic (47%) and power stations (22%).

Nitric oxide is produced naturally in the lung and has no harmful consequences for humans when inhaled at the concentrations likely to occur in the atmosphere. Nitrogen dioxide however, is an irritant gas that can have serious health effects. Exposure may increase susceptibility to viral infections, irritating the lungs, causing bronchitis and pneumonia. Young children and asthmatics may be particularly sensitive. Environmentally it can cause harm, as it is a precursor of both ground level ozone and acid rain.

9.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

Two standards have been set for nitrogen dioxide :-

• 150 ppb when expressed as an hourly mean, and

• 21 ppb when expressed as an annual mean, with the objective to achieve these standards by the end of 2005.

9.2 The National Perspective

A reduction in NOx emissions over and above that expected to be achieved by national measures will be required to ensure that air quality objectives are achieved everywhere in the UK by the end of 2005. Local authorities with major roads, or highly congested roads, are expected to identify a need to progress to the second or third stage review and assessment for nitrogen dioxide.

9.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of NO 2

1. Information on current and 2005 forecast annual average daily traffic flows (AADT) for any existing or proposed roads in the Borough with existing or predicted traffic

flows which, at the end of 2005, could generate significant quantities of NO 2. 2. Information on current urban background concentrations due to dispersed road transport sources to be taken from suitable local measurements or from the DETR maps available on the Internet. 3. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the Borough. 4. Details of Part B authorised processes present within the Borough. 5. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality, including those which will increase traffic flow. 6. Details of any significant sources of NOx in neighbouring areas which could impact within the Borough. 7. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

• are expected to be in existence and/or operation by the end of 2005 and

• for which there is a potential for exposure of individuals in relevant locations.

For the purposes of a First Stage review and assessment for CO these can be assumed to consist of:

• an annual mean urban background NO 2 concentration in 1996 of greater than 30 ppb;

• one or more existing or planned roads with a projected AADT traffic flow of greater than 20,000 in 2005;

• one or more Part A or Part B processes of the type indicated to be a potential significant source of NOx;

• an indication of existing sources acting in combination to exceed a current annual mean concentration of 30 ppb (for example as measured by diffusion tubes or automatic measurement methods).

9.3.1 Current and 2005 Forecast Annual Average Daily Traffic Flow

Traffic surveys throughout the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme have been carried out at various times over the last few years. Table 3 below lists those roads where the projected 2005 AADT is greater than 20,000.

Table 3 – Road traffic data

ROAD LOCATION EASTING NORTHING 2005 AADT DATE SURVEYED A34 Ryecroft 384846 346282 24700 July1998 A34 Lower Street 384585 346205 34700 July 1998 A34 Talke Road 383545 350900 25700 March 1998 A34 Newcastle Road 383171 352217 27300 May 1997 A34 Talke Road 383200 351700 33800 Sep 1995 A34 Lower Street 384588 346215 42300 March 1998 A34 Liverpool Road 384100 347900 35800 May 1997 A34 Liverpool Road 384200 348000 39000 April 1994 A34 Newcastle Road 385600 345000 33300 April1995

A34 Newcastle Road 383100 352200 28200 Sept 1996 A500 Barthomley 378300 352570 33400 Nov 1997 A500 Barthomley 377863 352485 33800 Dec 1995 A500 Audley 380000 352200 36300 Sept 1996 A500 Nr. A34 junc. 385000 350300 50500 April 1993 A52 Ryecroft 384800 346300 29300 Sept 1995 A527 Barracks Road 385000 345900 30500 June 1996 M6 Keele 382800 343500 107000 June 1996

9.3.2 Current Urban Background Concentrations

Map 5 in Appendix 3 shows background concentrations in the range of 5.1 in the rural areas to 25 ppb in urban areas of the Borough.

9.3.3 Part A Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 1)

Two processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of NOx :-

• Cadmium Pigment Production at Johnson Matthey PLC, Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3AA.

• Small Batch (<250T) Pigment Production at the same location.

9.3.4 Part B Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 2)

There are no Part B processes within the Borough with the potential to emit significant quantities of NOx.

9.3.5 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of NOx.

9.3.6 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

No significant neighbouring sources of NOx are known to exist.

9.3.7 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

Concentrations of NO 2 have been measured at a number of sites around the Borough for the past two years using diffusion tubes (see Appendix 5). A diffusion tube is a passive sampling device that is exposed for a month at a time and is then analysed at a laboratory. The 1997 results indicate a breach of the objective value (21 ppb) at one of the sites – London Road, Newcastle (near to the Holy Trinity Church). For 1998, the December results have not been received and so the annual mean values can not yet be calculated. However the results to date indicate that the objective value is likely to be breached at four of the sites at least.

9.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the review and assessment procedure for nitrogen dioxide due to the following reasons:-

• A number of roads are expected to have an annual average daily traffic flow of greater than 20,000 in 2005.

• There are two Part A processes, both at the same location within the borough with the potential to emit significant quantities of NOx.

10. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF PM 10

PM 10 is the term used to describe airborne particulate matter that is smaller than 10 microns in diameter (1 micron = 1 millionth of a metre). They are of concern because they are so small that they are able to penetrate deep into the lungs. Here they cause irritation and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Particulate matter in the atmosphere is composed of a wide range of materials arising from a variety of sources, man-made and natural.

Man-made sources include combustion processes; mining, quarrying and construction operations; and transport (brake and tyre wear as well as exhaust emissions), particularly from diesels. In most towns and cities the main source of PM 10 is from road transport.

Natural sources include wind-blown dust and sea salt, and biological particles such as pollen grains and fungal spores. Other more dramatic but fortunately less frequent sources include volcanoes and forest fires which can have widespread global consequences.

Those particles which are emitted directly into the atmosphere are known as primary particles. In addition, particles may be formed in the air by chemical reactions and physical processes, e.g. the oxidation of sulphur dioxide to sulphuric acid, such particles are referred to as secondary particles.

Particles can remain airborne for a long time because of their small size, e.g. even particles as large as 1000 microns (1 millimetre) can remain suspended for up to 10 days.

Consequently PM 10 can be transported long distances from the source.

10.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

The Government has adopted a running 24-hour mean of 50 micrograms per cubic metre as the standard, with the objective of 50 micrograms per cubic metre or less, when expressed as the 99 th percentile of daily maximum running 24 hour means to be achieved by the end of 2005.

10.2 The National Perspective

Data from the national monitoring network shows that the current standard is being exceeded at all the national monitoring sites. It is likely to be the most difficult of the air quality objectives to achieve for most local authorities. A significant proportion of current levels is due to the secondary formation of particulates, particularly of sulphates and nitrates. These are regional scale pollutants and the annual concentrations of these do not vary greatly over a scale of tens of kilometres (see map 7 of Appendix 3). In addition, the natural sources and then the man-made particulates are superimposed on this regional background. Thus it will be difficult for individual local authorities to tackle the problem alone as many of the sources are outside their control.

The Government has set up the Airborne Particles Expert Group to advise on the sources of PM 10 and the likely future concentrations. Consideration is also being given to European sources, which may affect concentrations in the UK.

10.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of PM 10

1. Information on current and 2005 forecast annual average daily traffic flows for any existing or proposed roads in the Borough with existing or predicted traffic flows

which, at the end of 2005, could generate significant quantities of PM 10. 2. Information on approximate emissions densities from road transport and other low-

level dispersed sources (e.g. domestic coal burning) of PM 10. 3. Information on current annual average urban background concentrations from suitable local measurements or from national maps.

4. Information on current annual average secondary particulate background concentrations from locally sited sulphate measurements or from the national maps. 5. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the Borough. 6. Details of Part B authorised processes present within the Borough. 7. Planned developments of the above mentioned types, including those which will increase traffic flow.

8. Details of any significant sources of PM 10 in neighbouring areas, which could impact significantly within the Borough. 9. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

For all existing and proposed activities identified as above, it is necessary to identify those existing or proposed processes or activities which have the potential, singly or together, to emit significant quantities of PM 10 and

• are expected to be in existence and/or operation by the end of 2005;

• and for which there is potential for exposure of individuals in relevant locations.

For the purpose of a first stage review and assessment for PM 10 these can be assumed to consistent of:

• urban areas for which the annual average background due to secondary particles is currently greater than 8 micrograms per cubic metre;

• emissions from low-level dispersed sources (including road traffic) greater than 10 tonnes in any single 1 km x 1 km grid square or an average of 5 tonnes in several adjacent squares;

• one or more existing or planned roads with a projected annual average daily traffic flow of greater than 25,000;

• one or more Part A or Part B processes of the type indicated to be a potential

significant source of PM 10 ;

• any industrial process that emits significant quantities of dust in the form of PM 10 from uncontrolled or fugitive sources within the plant.

10.3.1 Current and 2005 Forecast Annual Average Daily Traffic Flows

Traffic surveys have been carried out across the Borough at various times over the last few years. Table 4 below lists those roads where the projected 2005 AADT is greater than 25,000.

Table 4 – Road traffic data ROAD LOCATION EASTING NORTHING 2005 DATE AADT SURVEYED A34 Lower Street 384585 346205 34700 July 1998 A34 Talke Road 383545 350900 25700 March 1998 A34 Talke 383171 352217 27300 May 1997 A34 High Carr 383200 351700 33800 Sep 1995 A34 Lower Street 384588 346215 42300 March 1998 A34 Liverpool Road 384100 347900 35800 May 1997 A34 Liverpool Road 384200 348000 39000 April 1994 A34 Newcastle Road 385600 345000 33300 April1995 A34 Talke Pits 383100 352200 28200 Sept 1996 A500 Barthomley 378300 352570 33400 Nov 1997 A500 Barthomley 377863 352485 33800 Dec 1995 A500 Audley 380000 352200 36300 Sept 1996 A500 Nr. A34 junc. 385000 350300 50500 April 1993 A52 Ryecroft 384800 346300 29300 Sept 1995 A527 Barracks Road 385000 345900 30500 June 1996 M6 Keele 382800 343500 107000 June 1996

10.3.2 Current Urban Background Concentrations

Maps 6 and 7 in Appendix 3 show background concentrations in the range of :-

• 17.6 to 22.5 micrograms per cubic metre for PM 10 , and

• 9 to 10 micrograms per cubic metre for secondary particulates.

10.3.3 Part A Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 1)

Two processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of PM 10 :-

• Cadmium Pigment Production at Johnson Matthey PLC, Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3AA.

• Small Batch (<250T) Pigment Production at the same location.

10.3.4 Part B Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 2)

Two processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of PM 10 :-

• Milling of minerals at Tilcon (South) Ltd., West Avenue, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent.

• Coal handling process at the British Fuels Ltd depot off the A500, Wolstanton, Newcastle.

10.3.5 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough.

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of PM 10.

10.3.5 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

Betley Ash Quarry, Den Lane, Betley, Nr. Crewe is a Part B process located just outside the Borough which has the potential to emit significant quantities of PM 10 .

10.3.6 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

Monitoring of PM 10 concentrations is being undertaken using a ‘Real Time’ analyser located at Silverdale Library. Since monitoring began in July 1998 a number of exceedances of the standard have occurred.

An emissions inventory is currently being prepared which will indicate pollution concentrations from most sources, including low-level dispersed sources and road transport, on a 1 km x 1 km grid square.

10.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the review and assessment procedure due to the following :-

• A number of roads are expected to have an annual average daily traffic flow of greater than 25,000;

• The annual average background concentration due to secondary particles is greater than 8 micrograms per cubic metre across the whole of the Borough.

• There are two Part A process and two Part B processes within the Borough and one Part B process just outside the Borough with the potential to emit significant

quantities of PM 10 .

• Current monitoring at Silverdale indicates exceedances of the standard for PM 10 .

11. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE

Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2) is emitted in the combustion of sulphur containing fossil fuels, principally coal and heavy oils. From the time of the Industrial Revolution until the early 1960’s, the main source of sulphur dioxide emissions in towns and cities was the domestic, commercial and industrial burning of coal. Following the introduction of the Clean Air Act in 1956, cleaner fuels have replaced bituminous coal and electricity generation has moved to larger power stations situated in rural areas. Consequently SO 2 emissions in urban areas have fallen considerably.

In 1996 the total UK emission was 2 million tonnes with 65% from power stations, 24% from other industry, 6% from commercial and domestic heating and 2% from road transport.

11.1 Air Quality Standard and Objective

The Government has adopted a 15 minute mean of 100ppb as an air quality standard for th SO 2 with the objective that this standard when expressed as the 99.9 percentile is to be achieved by the end of 2005.

11.2 The National Perspective

“Exceedances of the air quality standard currently occur in the vicinity of industrial processes for which the stack heights were designed to meet previous air quality standards and in areas where significant quantities of coal are used for space heating. Sulphur dioxide concentrations are elevated at the kerbside but not sufficiently to exceed the air quality standard in the absence of other sources.” (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Review and Assessment: Pollutant Specific Guidance, August 1998, Page 35)

11.3 Information Required for a First Stage Review and Assessment of SO 2

1. Details of Part A authorised processes present within the Borough. 2. Information on approximate emissions densities from domestic combustion and other

low level dispersed sources of SO 2. 3. Information on current urban background concentrations from locally sited measurements or from the DETR maps available on the Internet. 4. Details of Part B processes in the Borough. 5. Information on the existence of combustion systems with thermal power rating greater than 5MW using fuels containing significant quantities of sulphur (i.e. solid fuels or fuel oil). 6. Planned developments of the above mentioned types in the locality including those which will increase traffic flow.

7. Details of significant sources of SO 2 in neighbouring areas which could impact significantly within the authority’s area. 8. Details of any surveys or investigations undertaken to obtain information to compile the report.

For all existing and proposed activities identified by the local authority as above, it is necessary to identify those existing or proposed processes or activities which have the potential, singly or together, to emit significant quantities of SO 2 and

• are expected to be in existence and/or operation by the end of 2005 and

• for which there is a potential for exposure of individuals in relevant locations.

For the purposes of a First Stage review and assessment for SO 2 these can be assumed to consist of:

• Part A industrial processes with the potential to emit significant quantities of SO 2.

• Part B industrial processes with the potential to emit significant quantities of SO 2.

• A solid fuel or fuel oil combustion system with thermal power greater than 5MW.

• A 1km x 1km grid square in the Borough for which maximum low level (i.e. domestic combustion and other short stack) emissions are greater than 25kg per hour or 40 tonnes per year. Where domestic emissions are the main source of concern, this can be assumed to approximate to 300 houses burning coal in a 1km x 1km grid square.

11.3.1 Part A Processes in the Borough – (See Appendix 1)

Two processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of sulphur dioxide.

• Cadmium Pigment Production at Johnson Matthey PLC, Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3AA.

• Small Batch (<250T) Pigment Production at the same location.

11.3.2 Emission Densities From Domestic Combustion and Other Low Level

Dispersed Sources of SO 2

At the present time no work has been undertaken to determine the emissions densities from domestic combustion and other low level dispersed sources of SO 2 within the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme.

The Council is to undertake an emissions inventory with the aid of a specialist environmental consultancy. Results from the inventory shall provide information on this aspect of air quality.

11.3.3 Current Urban Background Concentrations

Map 8 in Appendix 3 shows background concentrations in the range 2ppb to 6ppb in rural areas and around 15ppb in more urbanised areas of the Borough.

11.3.4 Part B Processes Within The Borough – (See Appendix 2)

Six processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of sulphur dioxide: -

• A brickworks at Ibstock Building Products Ltd., Parkhouse Works, Speedwell Road, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs.

• A brickworks at Ibstock Building Products Ltd., Chesterton Works, Apedale Road, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs.

• A tileworks at ECT Ltd., Ridge Hill Drive, Madeley Heath, Nr.Crewe, Cheshire.

• A non-ferrous foundry at Trent Foundries Ltd., Chemical Lane, Longport, Stoke-on- Trent.

• A non-ferrous foundry at Sweetmore Engineering Ltd., T/A JT Price and Co., Holditch Road, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs.

• A ferrous foundry at Hillsyde Foundry (Staffs) Ltd., Rowhurst Industrial Estate, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

11.3.5 Solid Fuel and Oil-fired Combustion Systems With A Thermal Power Rating Greater Than 5 Megawatts

There are no known combustion sources above this rating within the Borough.

11.3.6 Planned Part A and Part B Processes

• There are no new Part A processes proposed for the Borough

• No planned Part B processes have the potential to emit significant quantities of SO 2

11.3.7 Significant Sources in Neighbouring Areas

The emissions from large coal fired power stations can have significant effects on SO 2 levels up to 80 kilometres downwind. The nearest coal fired power stations to Newcastle- under-Lyme are at Rugeley (30 km), Ironbridge (30 km) and Fiddlers Ferry (50 km).

11.3.8 Additional Information from Surveys or Investigations

Real time analysis of SO 2 levels is currently undertaken at Silverdale Library. The average concentration since monitoring began in July 1998 is approximately 10 ppb, with a maximum value of 70 ppb.

Previously, levels of SO 2 were measured at Chesterton Community Centre for the twelve months up to April 1998 using the ‘bubbler’ method (BS 1747). The maximum daily concentration detected was 29 ppb.

11.4 Implications for a Second Stage Review and Assessment

It is necessary to proceed to the Second Stage of the review and assessment procedure due to the following: -

• There are two Part A processes within the Borough which are of a type with the

potential to emit significant quantities of SO 2.

• There are six Part B processes within the Borough which are of a type with the

potential to emit significant quantities of SO 2.

In addition further investigation is required to assess the contribution from coal-fired power stations and also domestic sources in those parts of the Borough which are not included in smoke control areas.

12. Summary of Key Points

The decision to proceed, or not, to the Second Stage for each pollutant is summarised in table 5 below.

Pollutant Second Stage Required Reasons Benzene No Existing national policies are expected to achieve the objective 1,3 -Butadiene No Existing national policies are expected to achieve the objective Carbon Monoxide Yes (i) There is one Part A process with the potential to emit significant quantities. (ii) It is estimated that there are two roads, which will have traffic flows in excess of 50,000 in 2005. Lead Yes There is one Part A process and three Part B processes with the potential to emit significant quantities. Nitrogen Dioxide Yes (i) It is estimated that a number of roads will have traffic flows in excess of 20,000 in 2005. (ii) There are two Part A processes with the potential to emit significant quantities. PM 10 Yes (i) It is estimated that a number of roads will have traffic flows in excess of 25,000 in 2005. (ii) There are two Part A and two Part B processes with the potential to emit significant quantities. (iii) The annual average background concentration of secondary particulates is greater than 8 micrograms per cubic metre Sulphur Dioxide Yes There are two Part A processes and six Part B processes with the potential to emit significant quantities.

13. FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

This exercise has provided a sound basis for a future review and assessment of air quality within the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme which will be undertaken before 2005. It has been proven that there are some processes which have the potential to cause greater air pollution than others. Certain roads within the Borough with large traffic flows have a far greater potential to cause exceedances of air quality objectives in relevant locations than other roads with lower traffic flows.

With this information it has been possible to identify the pollutants which may currently or potentially exceed the air quality objective levels by 2005 and therefore require a Second Stage review and assessment. These pollutants are identified as carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and sulphur dioxide.

It is anticipated that it will be necessary to proceed to the Third Stage of the procedure for

PM 10 at least and maybe for some of the other pollutants. Consequently it has been decided to produce an ‘emissions inventory’ which will provide data on current and predicted (2005) emissions. This will be compiled in a format suitable for input into complex mathematical models which will predict the pollutant levels in 2005. This is a specialised project which is being undertaken with the aid of an environmental consultancy, ARIC who are based at Manchester Metropolitan University.

In addition to this predictive work, it will be necessary to undertake monitoring of current pollutant levels. This will confirm whether the objective levels are being exceeded or not at the relevant locations close to the sources highlighted in this First Stage.

Monitoring will include the completion of the SRB monitoring project currently being undertaken at Silverdale Library. This involves the use of ‘Real Time’ analysers linked to a public display system at the Library. This will continue until 30 th June 1999 after which the monitoring station will be moved to another relevant location and a report of the findings at Silverdale published.

In addition, the diffusion tube analysis for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide will continue with the sites being assessed and re-sited if necessary to provide an optimum overview of pollution levels within the Borough. It is also anticipated that a lead monitoring exercise will be undertaken in the vicinity of the non-ferrous foundry in Holditch.

These tasks will facilitate the Second Stage review and assessment currently being undertaken by Newcastle Borough Council and the likely Third Stage.

Appendix 1 Part A Processes

PART A AUTHORISED PROCESSES Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Process Description Operator and Address Benzene 1,3-Butadiene Lead Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide PM10

Cadmium Pigment Production Johnson Matthey PLC, Liverpool Road East n n y y y y y Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3AA

Small Batch (<250T) Pigment Production As Above n n n n y y y

Appendix 2 Part B Processes Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Process Description Operator and Address PG Note Benzene 1,3-Butadiene Lead Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide PM10

Heavy Clay Goods Ibstock Building Products Ltd. PG3/2(95) n n n n y n n Parkhouse Works, Speedwell Rd Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs

Heavy Clay Goods ECT Ltd., Ridge Hill Drive PG3/2(95) n n n n y n n Madeley Heath, Nr. Crewe

Heavy Clay Goods Ibstock Building Products Ltd. PG3/2(95) n n n n y n n Chesterton Works, Apedale Rd., Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs

Crematorium Newcastle U Lyme B.C. PG5/2(95) n n n n n n n The Crematorium, Chatterley Cl., Bradwell, Newcastle, Staffs

Waste Oil Burner <0.4MW BS Marson PG1/1(95) n n n n n n n Keele Rd. Garage, Newcastle

Waste Oil Burner <0.4MW GE Sparks & Co. Ltd. PG1/1(95) n n n n n n n 26-28 High St., Wolstanton

Waste Oil Burner <0.4MW Castletown Garage Ltd., PG1/1(95) n n n n n n n 145 Liverpool Rd., Cross Heath Newcastle, Staffs

Non-Ferrous Foundry Trent Foundries Ltd., PG2/4(96) n n y n y n n Chemical Lane Longport, Stoke-on-Trent

Cement Process ARC Ltd., PG3/1(95) n n n n n n n Almington Pit, Hales, Market Drayton, Shropshire

Mineral Process Tilcon (South) Ltd., PG3/8(96) & n n n n n n y (size reduction and sand drying) West Ave., Talke, Stoke-on-Trent PG3/15(96)

Appendix 2 Part B Processes Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Process Description Operator and Address PG Note Benzene 1,3-Butadiene Lead Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide PM10

Non-Ferrous Foundry Sweetmore Engineering Ltd., PG2/4(96) n n y n y n n Holditch Rd., Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs

Cement Process Douglas Concrete & Aggregates Ltd., PG3/1(95) n n n n n n n Parkhouse Rd. East, Chesterton Newcastle, Staffs

Mineral Process Hoben International, PG3/7(95) n n n n n n n (vermiculite) Spencroft Rd., Newcastle, Staffs

Ferrous Foundry Hillsyde Foundry (Staffs) Ltd., PG2/4(96) n n y n y n n Rowhurst Ind. Est., Chesterton Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Car-Comm Aid Ltd., PG6/34(97) n n n n n n n (Vehicle Respraying) Units 47-49 Parkhouse Ind. Est., Newcastle, Staffs

Animal Feed Compounding BOCM Pauls Ltd., PG6/26(96) n n n n n n n Parkhouse Ind. Est. East, Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Bristol Street Motors, PG6/34(97) n n n n n n n (Vehicle Respraying) London Rd., Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Chas F. Wilson PG6/34(97) n n n n n n n (Vehicle Respraying) Sparch Hollow, May Bank Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Hillsyde Foundry (Staffs) Ltd., PG6/23(97) n n n n n n n (Casting Process) Rowhurst Ind. Est., Chesterton Newcastle, Staffs

Appendix 2 Part B Processes Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Process Description Operator and Address PG Note Benzene 1,3-Butadiene Lead Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide PM10

Asbestos Process Simon Hartley Ltd., PG3/13(95) n n n n n n n Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent

Odourising Natural Gas Midlands Mining Ltd., HMIP IG Note n n n n n n n Silverdale Mine, Silverdale IPR 1/14 Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Randles (Garages) Ltd., (Vehicle Respraying) Higherland, Newcastle, Staffs PG6/34(97) n n n n n n n

Coating Process Boalloy Ltd., PG6/34(97) n n n n n n n (Vehicle Respraying) Units 14/15, Rosevale RD., Parkhouse Ind. Est. West, Newcastle, Staffs

Coal Process British Fuels Ltd., PG3/5(95) n n n n n n y (Handling/Storage) off A500, Wolstanton Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Boston Shopfitters, PG6/33(97) n n n n n n n (Wood Coating) Stonewall Place, Silverdale Newcastle, Staffs

Timber Process Howarth Timber, PG6/2(95) n n n n n n n Barracks Road, Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process BS Marson & Sons Ltd., PG6/34(97) n n n n n n n (Vehicle Respraying) Lordsley Garage, Ashley Market Drayton, Shropshire

Waste Oil Burner <0.4MW Major Motor Services, PG1/1(95) n n n n n n n Chapel Street, May Bank, Newcastle, Staffs

Appendix 2 Part B Processes Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Process Description Operator and Address PG Note Benzene 1,3-Butadiene Lead Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide PM10

Odourising Natural Gas Transco PG1/15(95) n n n n n n n Balterley, Nr. Audley, Staffs

Waste Oil Burner <0.4MW AC Autos, PG1/1(95) n n n n n n n Chetwynd St.,Wolstanton, Newcastle, Staffs

Coating Process Racklline Ltd., PG6/31(96) n n n n n n n (Powder Coating) Oaktree Lane, Jamage Ind. Est., Talke Pits, Stoke-on-Trent

Petrol Filling Tesco Petrol Filling Station PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Liverpool Rd., Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent

Printing G&B Packaging, PG6/17(97) n n n n n n n (Flexible Packaging Nelson Ind. Est., West Ave, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent

Petrol Filling ASDA Wolstanton PFS PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Wolstanton Retail Park, Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filling BP New Road S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Newcastle Road, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent

Di-isocyanate Collins & Aikman PG6/29(97) n n n n n n n Lower Milehouse Lane Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filling Esso Clayton S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Clayton Road, Clayton, Newcastle, Staffs

Appendix 2 Part B Processes Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Process Description Operator and Address PG Note Benzene 1,3-Butadiene Lead Monoxide Dioxide Dioxide PM10 Petrol Filing Talke of the Town S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Congleton Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent

Petrol Filing Save S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Newcastle Rd., Loggerheads Market Drayton, Shropshire

Petrol Filing Safeway Petrol Station, PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Goose St., Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filing Elf Priory S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Clayton Rd., Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filing Shell Higherland, PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Keele Rd., Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filing Welcome Break (Keele Services) PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n M6 North

Petrol Filing Welcome Break (Keele Services) PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n M6 South

Petrol Filing Esso Holditch S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Talke Rd., Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filing Elf Chesterton S/Stn., PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n London Road, Chesterton Newcastle, Staffs

Petrol Filing United Norwest Co-op, PG1/14(96) n n n n n n n Jamage Road, Talke Pits Stoke-on-Trent

Mobile Crusher Cherry Hill Skip Hire PG3/16(96) n n n n n n n High Carr, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs

Appendix 3

Map 2

Appendix 3

Map 3

Appendix 3

Map 4

Appendix 3

Map 5

Appendix 3

Map 6

Appendix 3

Map 7

Appendix 3

Map 8

Appendix 4 – List of Consultees.

• Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions

• Environment Agency

• Highways Agency

• Staffordshire County Council

• North Staffordshire Health Authority

• Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

• Stoke-on-Trent City Council

• Stafford Borough Council

• East Staffordshire Borough Council

• South Staffordshire Council

• Cannock Chase District Council

• Lichfield District Council

• Tamworth Borough Council

• North Shropshire Borough Council

• Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council

• Congleton Borough Council

• Audley Parish Council

• Betley and Balterley Parish Council

• Chapel and Hill Chorlton Parish Council

• Keele Parish Council

• Kidsgrove Town Council

• Loggerheads Parish Council

• Madeley Parish Council

• Maer Parish Council

• Whitmore Parish Council

• North Staffordshire Friends of the Earth

• North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• CBI Midlands Environment Group

• Staffordshire Business and Environment Network

• PMT (First Bus)

• Keele University

• Staffordshire University

• Any other interested parties

Appendix 5 1997 NOx Diffusion Tube Results

Annual Location Jan-97 Feb-97 Mar-97 Apr-97 May-97 Jun-97 Jul-97 Aug-97 Sep-97 Oct-97 Nov-97 Dec-97 Mean (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) K-A34 Holy Trinity 24.5 33.7 29 24.4 23.3 22.5 28.1 22.9 15.4 18.9 20 17.3 23.3 I-The Brampton 21 18.6 29.8 20 26.7 15.0 17 19.6 11 19.8 19.1 15.6 19.4 UB1-Wolstanton 17.7 11 17.7 no tube 15.9 14 15.1 12.8 4.6 15.1 23.2 12 14.5 UB2-Cross Heath 19.9 6.3 no tube 0.8 1.4 15.2 12.7 15 20.6 20.4 28.1 15.7 14.2 1-Westbury Park 15.9 17.3 28.5 21.1 13.7 12.3 17.3 14.2 14.5 17.6 21.5 11.8 17.1 2-Loggerheads 22 9.7 17.8 no tube no tube no tube no tube 12.6 9.7 10.6 16.1 14.6 14.1 3-Madeley 15.3 5.8 10.9 12.3 11.6 6.7 7.3 10.3 7.9 12 12.4 11.3 10.3 4-Betley 18.7 7.3 12.1 13.4 14 9.5 15 14.8 8.1 12.4 14.9 11.1 12.6 5-Audley 15 2 24.7 19 11.3 9.5 err 12.5 8.6 17.5 no tube 10.3 13.0 6-Kidsgrove 26 8.1 21.6 17.8 15.7 24 16.3 13.5 12.3 12.9 22.8 14.5 17.1 7-Brook Lane no mon. no mon. 16.3 19.3 25.1 no tube 14.7 18.5 no tube 18.8 20.3 15.4 18.6 8-Etruria Road no mon. no mon. no tube 30.2 23.3 14.2 17.2 30.6 14.5 18.4 29 18 21.7 9-Porthill Bank no mon. no mon. 23.2 no tube 23.3 16 19.3 no tube 27 19.5 no tube 15.9 20.6

Key: no mon- no monitoring undertaken no tube – tube stolen from site Appendix 5 1998 NOx Diffusion Tube Results

Annual Location Jan-98 Feb-98 Mar-98 Apr-98 May-98 Jun-98 Jul-98 Aug-98 Sep-98 Oct-98 Nov-98 Dec-98 Mean (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) K-A34 Holy Trinity 29 26.9 26.4 15.2 19.7 23 24.1 20.1 26.5 21.5 37.8 27 24.8 I- May Bank 20.4 19.3 20.5 21.9 14 11.7 15.8 10.9 12.1 15 33.8 18.8 17.9 UB1-Wolstanton 20.9 16.1 14.9 10.7 12.9 6.2 10 9.6 12.9 10.7 20.4 16.9 13.5 UB2-Westlands 20 17.3 21.8 10.4 16.1 13.4 10 no tube 13.9 13.6 16.3 13.4 15.1 1-Westbury Park 17.3 22.8 18.8 15.1 10.5 9.1 8.4 10.9 13.6 19.1 21.8 21.7 15.8 2-Loggerheads no tube no tube no tube 10 14.9 14.7 15.4 15.4 no tube 15.9 17.3 16.8 15.1 3-Madeley no tube 6.6 8.7 7.8 17.6 11.3 no tube 13.3 15.3 10.9 18.1 15.5 12.5 4-Betley 11.4 7 10.8 7.7 10.8 5.1 8.3 8 10 no tube 13.2 14.4 9.7 5-Audley 13.6 10.3 no tube 9.9 11.3 15 12.3 11 12.4 13 15.9 12.3 12.5 6-Kidsgrove 14.8 10.9 17.8 13 18.1 6.3 13.1 13.1 13.7 16 14.4 21.9 14.4 7-Brook Lane 17.2 16.7 20.3 17.5 14.4 16.9 18.1 no tube 33.6 15.4 18.9 17.6 18.8 8-Etruria Road 29.1 20 24.8 20.7 10.2 23.4 20.8 21.6 21.8 29.8 27.4 30 23.3 9-Porthill Bank 22.8 28 21.9 16.4 23.7 28.5 no tube 19 56.9 no tube no tube no tube 27.2 10-Lower Milehouse no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. 21.2 18.7 23.2 21.3 18.5 18.9 23.2 no tube 20.7 11-London Road, N/C no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. 21.1 18.8 23.3 no tube no tube 24.2 29.9 25.4 23.8 12-Oaktree Lane, no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. 21.6 16.7 17.6 17.5 19.9 23 29.3 25.8 21.4 13-L'pool Rd, Dimsdale no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. no mon. 12.3 23.3 14.6 16.7

Key: no mon- no monitoring undertaken no tube – tube stolen from site