Air Quality Impact Assessments (AQIA)
Comprehensive assessments for large developments with significant traffic.
The assessment will usually include:
- Detailed traffic data, including significant development-generated vehicle flows
- Changes to road networks and traffic distribution
- Meteorological data
- Local air quality monitoring data and background concentrations
- Identification of sensitive receptors (e.g. residential properties, schools, hospitals)
- Verification of the model against monitored data
An Air Quality Impact Assessment (AQIA) is a detailed study used to assess the effects of a proposed development on local air quality, typically for schemes with significant traffic or near sensitive receptors. It uses dispersion modelling (e.g. ADMS Roads) with traffic, meteorological, and monitoring data to predict pollutant changes. The assessment determines compliance with UK air quality objectives and identifies any need for mitigation.
These assessments are undertaken in accordance with guidance from the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) and Environmental Protection UK, alongside relevant local authority planning policies.
What does an Air Quality Impact Assessment include?
An air quality impact assessment involves detailed dispersion modelling to quantify the effect of development-generated emissions on local pollutant concentrations. This is typically undertaken using recognised software such as ADMS Roads.
What is the purpose?
The purpose of an air quality impact assessment is to quantify the impact of a development on local air quality and determine the significance of any changes in pollutant concentrations.
It assesses whether the development will:
- Comply with UK air quality objectives
- Cause any significant adverse impacts relative to these objectives
- Require mitigation measures, such as traffic management, emission reductions, or design changes
