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Somerset West and Taunton Council

LAQM Annual Status Report 2019

2019 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) In fulfilment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management January 2020


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019

Local Authority Officer Matthew Hill

Department Environmental Health

Address The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton TA1 1HE

Telephone 0800 304 8000

E-mail [email protected]

Report Reference number SWT ASR 2019

Date January 2020


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 i

Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area Air Quality in Somerset West and Taunton Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. It is recognised as

a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution

particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those

with heart and lung conditions. There is also often a strong correlation with equalities

issues, because areas with poor air quality are also often the less affluent areas1,2.

The annual health cost to society of the impacts of particulate matter alone in the UK

is estimated to be around £16 billion3.

Somerset West & Taunton Council covers the whole of the former West Somerset

Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council areas. The new Council area is a mixed

urban and rural district within Somerset, covering 459.5 square miles and serving a

population of just under 150,000. There are approximately 65,000 households and

over 6,000 businesses within the area. The local economy is underpinned by jobs in

public services; professional and other private services; tourism; wholesale and retail;

and accommodation, food services and recreation. Construction will account for a

larger percentage of jobs now that construction works at Hinkley Point C are under

way. There are four major roads, the M5 motorway and A38, the A358 trunk road and

the A39. Parts of Taunton get congested during peak times. Parts of the strategic road

network along the A38 and A358 also get severally congested when accidents close

the M5.

The main source of air pollution in the area is road traffic, and monitoring of a number

of pollutants over the years has found that nitrogen dioxide is the main pollutant of

concern. There are no major industrial sources of pollution in the area. There are

emissions associated with solid fuel appliances. Because large parts of the area is not

on mains gas the district has the largest number of boilers burning biomass (wood)

1 Environmental equity, air quality, socioeconomic status and respiratory health, 2010 2 Air quality and social deprivation in the UK: an environmental inequalities analysis, 2006 3 Defra. Abatement cost guidance for valuing changes in air quality, May 2013


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 ii

fuel in Somerset. The principal pollutants from burning wood are nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

and particulate matter of less than 10 microns (PM10 and PM2.5).

For new emission sources, Hinkley Point-C remains the largest development of

potential impact on air quality in the area. Consent was granted in March 2013 to build

and operate two nuclear European Pressurised Reactors (EPR) at Hinkley Point C and

works started in September 2015. The principal pollutants associated with this site are

from particulate matter emissions associated with the construction activities (on-going),

traffic entering the site and once operational emissions from associated diesel backup

generators (35 MW capacity).

There are two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the district, one on the A358

trunk road in Henlade and one at East Reach, a main road on the edge of the town

centre in Taunton. Both have been declared due to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide.

Action Plans have been prepared to try and improve air quality in the AQMAs (and

across the District as a whole); some details are included in this report and further

information can be found on the Councils website at

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-

protection/air-quality/

Monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has been carried out at 52 locations across the

District using diffusion tubes. These are changed every month and can be used to

record the annual average level of NO2. The monitoring locations have been reviewed,

in 2016 monitoring started in four new sites within the AQMAs, two in Henlade and two

in East Reach. In January 2018 a decision was made to cease monitoring at five sites

where the levels had been consistently low for many years.

The results of the diffusion tube monitoring for 2018 show an increase in nitrogen

dioxide levels at all sites when compared to the results from 2017. However, the 2018

levels are similar to those that have been monitored in previous years, and it should

be noted that levels of NO2 can vary due to a number of factors, including the weather

Therefore, it is best to look at long term trends rather than results for individual years.

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 iii

The results showed exceedances of the air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide at five

locations, two in the Henlade AQMA, two in the East Reach AQMA and one just outside

the East Reach AQMA. The objective is an annual mean of 40 µg/m3 and the levels

measured at the sites was between 44 and 54 µg/m3. When these results were

corrected for the distance to the nearest sensitive receptors they were between 43 and

48 µg/m3. (Details are in Appendix A)

Somerset West and Taunton Council is working with the other district Councils in

Somerset, and Somerset County Council to update the Somerset Air Quality Strategy.

The aim is to achieve a consistent approach to air quality across the County and to

provide a link to wider initiatives such as local transport plans.

Actions to Improve Air Quality The main source of pollution in Somerset West and Taunton is from vehicle emissions.

The Council’s action plan includes monitoring of air quality, and initiatives to try and

reduce traffic in areas of poor air quality and to restrict increases in traffic as a result

of new development. Actions taken over the last year include:

• Highways England have announced their preferred route for the A358

Expressway. When completed it is predicted that this could result in a reduction

in traffic through Henlade from 33,500 to 4,000 vehicles per day, potentially

removing the need for an AQMA.

• Continued monitoring of nitrogen dioxide levels using diffusion tubes

• Implementation of the first part of the trial pedestrianisation in Taunton town

centre, with plans to extend this to further streets.

• Introduction of Variable Message Signage for car parks in Taunton.

• The Council has obtained “Garden Town” status for Taunton, which should

allow access to additional funding to support planning work to deliver the

Garden Town Principles.


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 iv

• Somerset West and Taunton Council has declared a Climate Emergency which

includes a resolution to enable more cycling, walking and use of public

transport.

• Ensuring that air quality assessments are required for new roads or

developments that could affect the AQMAs

• As part of the design of new developments the Council is ensuring the provision

of new Green Wedges which will serve as “green lungs” providing attractive

corridors for walking and cycling into the town centre and beyond to open

countryside.

• After Somerset County Council announced plans to suspend the Taunton Park

and Ride service in 2018, Taunton Deane Borough Council and then Somerset

West and Taunton Council stepped in with financial contributions, which at

present keep the service open until April 2020 and reintroduced a Saturday

service.

Conclusions and Priorities The exceedances of the national Air Quality Objectives at the monitoring locations

within the two AQMAs, confirm that they still need to be in place. Monitoring will

continue to be carried out within the AQMAs to provide more data.

Somerset West and Taunton Council’s priorities for the coming year are:

• Continuing with the implementation of the pedestrianisation of the town centre

• Trying to secure the long term funding of the Park and Ride service

• Working with Highways England to help ensure that the implementation of the

A358 scheme fits with the Council’s existing development policies and leads to

improvements in the local environment.

• Preparing the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan




countryside.


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 v

The principal challenges and barriers to implementation that Somerset West and

Taunton Council anticipates facing are:

• Current policy, both national and locally, seeks to deliver major new housing

growth and there are plans to attract new business to the area. New houses and

businesses will mean an increase in traffic, as Somerset West and Taunton is

a rural area, without the public transport infrastructure of large towns or cities

• It is very difficult to restrict access to the roads within the AQMAs as they are

both through-roads.

While Somerset West and Taunton Council can take some action to try and improve

air quality in the District it is likely that the large amount of development in the area will

lead to an increase in traffic across the District.

To actually reduce traffic levels (rather than manage the expected increase) the

agencies responsible for the roads (Somerset County Council and Highways England)

would have to make hard changes to road layouts and infrastructure to encourage

alternatives to car use, by making cycling, walking and public transport a more

attractive alternative. However, this will mean that the authorities will have to accept

that some schemes will reduce the priority and space given to cars and other vehicles.

Also, this work will require funding, which can be difficult to obtain.

Therefore, to be able to meet air quality objectives the Council is likely to have to rely

on the support of other agencies, for example, Highways England to ensure the

proposed re-routing of the A358 can reduce traffic levels in the Henlade AQMA, and

national government to continue to regulate to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions.

Local Engagement and How to get Involved Everyone in Somerset West and Taunton can try to help improve air quality by trying

to use alternatives to driving where possible.


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 vi

Somerset County Council has information on their Travel Somerset webpages which

aims to reduce congestion and pollution by helping people to explore sustainable

transport options. More information can be found at

https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/about/

Information on alternative means of transport for specific areas has also been

produced and can be found at Getting Around Somerset.

https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/getting-around/

Information on Somerset West and Taunton Council’s air quality monitoring and

reporting can be found on the Council’s website at

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-

protection/air-quality/

https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/about/https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/getting-around/https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 vii

Table of Contents Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area .......................................................... i

Air Quality in Somerset West and Taunton ............................................................. i

Actions to Improve Air Quality ................................................................................ iii

Conclusions and Priorities ...................................................................................... iv

Local Engagement and How to get Involved ........................................................... v

1 Local Air Quality Management ........................................................................ 1 2 Actions to Improve Air Quality ........................................................................ 2

2.1 Air Quality Management Areas .................................................................... 2

2.2 Progress and Impact of Measures to address Air Quality in Somerset

West and Taunton .................................................................................................. 5

2.3 PM2.5 – Local Authority Approach to Reducing Emissions and/or

Concentrations ..................................................................................................... 15

3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives and National Compliance .................................................................... 17

3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken .......................................................... 17

3.11 Non-automatic monitoring

3.2 Individual Pollutants ................................................................................... 17

3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) ........................................................................ 17

Appendix A: Monitoring Results ........................................................................... 21 Appendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2017 ................................ 31 Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC ............................................................................................................. 34 Annualisation of monthly results for NOx tubes

NOx tubes. Bias adjustment

Distance correction calculations

Historic PM10 monitoring data

Appendix D: Map(s) of Monitoring Locations and AQMAs ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.8 Appendix E: Summary of Air Quality Objectives in England .............................. 42 Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................. 43 References .............................................................................................................. 44


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 viii

List of Tables Table 2.1 – Declared Air Quality Management Areas .................................................. 4

Table 2.2 – Progress on Measures to Improve Air Quality ........................................ 13

Table A.1 – Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites ............................................. 21

Table A.2 – Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results .................................................... 25

Table B.1 – NO2 Monthly Diffusion Tube Results - 2018 ........................................... 31

Table E.1 – Air Quality Objectives in England ........................................................... 42

List of Figures Figure 1 – Plan of Air Quality Management Area in East Reach …………………... 2

Figure 2 – Plan of Air Quality Management Area in Henlade ................................ 3

Figure 3 - A358/A303 Consultation, proposed routes ……………………….……. 9

Figure 4 – The Preferred Route for the A358 …………………………………………..10

Figure A.1 – Trends in Annual Mean NO2 Concentrations ………………………….. 30

Figure D1 - East Reach AQMA and monitoring sites ………………………………… 38

Figure D2 - Henlade AQMA and monitoring sites …………………………………… 38

Figure D3 - Monitoring sites in Taunton town centre ……………………………….. 39

Figure D4 - Monitoring sites in Taunton east and Henlade …………………………. 39

Figure D5 - Monitoring sites in Wellington …………………………………………….. 40

Figure D6 - Monitoring sites in Williton and Washford ………………………………. 40

Figure D7 – Monitoring sites in Minehead …………………………………………… 41


LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 1

1 Local Air Quality Management

This report provides an overview of air quality in Somerset West and Taunton during

2018. It fulfils the requirements of Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) as set out

in Part IV of the Environment Act (1995) and the relevant Policy and Technical

Guidance documents.

The LAQM process places an obligation on all local authorities to regularly review and

assess air quality in their areas, and to determine whether or not the air quality

objectives are likely to be achieved. Where an exceedance is considered likely the

local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and prepare an

Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) setting out the measures it intends to put in place in

pursuit of the objectives. This Annual Status Report (ASR) is an annual requirement

showing the strategies employed by Somerset West and Taunton Council to improve

air quality and any progress that has been made.

The statutory air quality objectives applicable to LAQM in England can be found in

Appendix E.



2 Actions to Improve Air Quality 2.1 Air Quality Management Areas Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) are declared when there is an exceedance

or likely exceedance of an air quality objective. After declaration, the authority must

prepare an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) within 12-18 months setting out measures

it intends to put in place in pursuit of compliance with the objectives.

A summary of AQMAs in Somerset West and Taunton Council can be found in Table

2.1. Plans of the AQMAs are in figures 1 and 2. Maps showing the location of

monitoring sites within of close to the AQMAs are in Appendix D.

Figure 1. Plan of AQMA in East Reach, Taunton



Figure 2. Plan of AQMA in Henlade



Table 2.1 – Declared Air Quality Management Areas

AQMA

Name

Date of Declarat

ion

Pollutants and

Air Quality Objecti

ves

City / Town

One Line Description

Is air quality in the AQMA influenced by roads

controlled by Highways

England?

Level of Exceedance (maximum

monitored/modelled concentration at a location

of relevant exposure)

Action Plan

At Declaration Now Name Date of Publication Link

AQMA

East Reac

h

2003 NO2

annual mean

Taunton

An area encompassing a number of

residential properties at

the western/town centre end of East Reach, a

busy main road through

Taunton.

NO

50 μgm-3 (Monitored 2002)

Predicted 2005 47 μgm-3

μgm-3 40

μgm-3

2013 Air Quality

Progress Report

and Action Plan

2013 Has been updated

with each annual report

www.somersetwestandt aunton.gov.uk/e nvironmental-

health/environmental-protection/air-quality/

AQMA

Henlade

2003 NO2

annual mean

Henlade

Taunton

An area covering

some residential properties

that are close to the

carriageway of the A358, a

trunk road between the M5 and the

A303.

YES

52 μgm-3 (monitored 2002). Predicted for 2005

46 μgm-3

μgm-3 35

μgm-3

2013 Air Quality

Progress Report

and Action Plan

2013 Has been updated

with each annual report

www.somersetwestandt aunton.gov.uk/e nvironmental-

health/environmental-protection/air-quality/

☐ Somerset West and Taunton Council has sent information to UK-Air regarding their AQMAs as the website had not been updated with the details ofthe new local authority.

https://www.somersetwestandt aunton.gov.uk/e nvironmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/https://www.somersetwestandt aunton.gov.uk/e nvironmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/



2.2 Progress and Impact of Measures to address Air Quality in Somerset West and Taunton

Somerset West and Taunton Council is a new authority and so has not submitted any

air quality reports to Defra. However, reports were submitted in 2018 and previous

years by both Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council which

covered the same area as the new authority. The two Air Quality Management Areas

were both in the Taunton Deane area.

Defra’s appraisal of last year’s ASR reports concluded that both were well structured,

detailed, and provided the information specified in the Guidance. For the Taunton

Deane report it noted the continuing exceedances, particularly within the Henlade

AQMA linked to the A358 trunk road, and within the East Reach AQMA. The report

provided a good discussion on local developments that may impact future air quality,

most notably the A358 upgrade between the A303 and the M5. It noted that the Action

Plan has been updated periodically.

Some additional comments were made

• Many established monitoring sites have a history of recorded concentrations

far below objective limits, and these resources could be redeployed

elsewhere.

• The report could draw further links between PM2.5 and the Public Health

Outcomes Framework.

• The results of the Highways England report for the A358 upgrade could be

incorporated into the next report

It is accepted that the location of the monitoring sites needs to be reviewed. This has

not happened for the start of 2020, but it is planned to review the sites during the

coming year

Additional information on PM2.5 is included in Section 2.5 of this report.

Highways England have now announced their preferred route for the A358, which

should result in a large reduction in traffic using the A358 through the AQMA in

Henlade. More information is given at the end of this section.



Somerset West and Taunton Council has taken forward a number of direct measures

during the current reporting year of 2019 in pursuit of improving local air quality. Details

of all measures completed, in progress or planned are set out in Table 2.2.

Key completed measures are

• Highways England have announced their preferred route for the A358

Expressway, which could result in a reduction in traffic through Henlade from

33,500 to 4,000 vehicles per day, potentially removing the need for an AQMA.

Although no timescales have been given for completion of the scheme.

• Implementation of the first part of the trial pedestrianisation in Taunton town

centre, with plans to extend this to further streets.

• Introduction of Variable Message Signage for car parks in Taunton. Became

operational in January 2019, along with pay on exit car parks.

• The Council has obtained “Garden Town” status for Taunton, which should

allow access to additional funding to support planning work to deliver the

Garden Town Principles.

• Somerset West and Taunton Council has declared a Climate Emergency which

includes a resolution to enable more cycling, walking and use of public

transport.

• Continued monitoring of air quality, in the District, including sites within the two

Air Quality Management Areas in the District.

Somerset West and Taunton expects the following measures to be completed over the

course of the next reporting year:

• Securing the long term funding of the Park and Ride service. After Somerset

County Council announced plans to suspend the Taunton Park and Ride service

in 2018, Taunton Deane Borough Council and then Somerset West and

Taunton Council stepped in with financial contributions. At present these keep

the service open until April 2020 and have reintroduced a Saturday service. It is

proposed to extend the conditional funding until September 2020 and to report



on the options for placing the Park and Ride service on a long term sustainable

future in late 2020.

• Preparing the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and associated

schemes. The Council is also working on a funding bid to central government

for the Future High Streets Fund, which includes proposals to develop 3 town

centre cycle routes. Somerset County Council are bidding for funding from the

Local Pinch Point Fund to improve a cycle route across Taunton.

Somerset West and Taunton Council’s priorities for the coming year are

• Trying to secure the long term funding of the Park and Ride service

• Working with Highways England to help ensure that the implementation of the

A358 scheme fits with the Council’s existing development policies and leads to

improvements in the local environment.

• Preparing the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and associated

schemes..

• Continuing with the implementation of the pedestrianisation of the town centre




countryside.

The principal challenges and barriers to implementation that Somerset West and

Taunton Council anticipates facing are:

• Current policy, both national and locally, seeks to deliver major new housing

growth and there are plans to attract new business to the area. There is existing

planning permission for several thousand new houses in Taunton, mainly on

greenfield sites to the north and east, and hundreds of houses in Wellington

eight miles to the west of Taunton. Other areas around Taunton are outlined for

development in the Council’s Local Plan. Somerset West and Taunton is a rural

area, and people often have to travel to a different town for work or other



activities. The county does not have the public transport infrastructure of larger

towns or cities and so many people rely on their cars. Although both SWT and

SCC will try to encourage alternatives to car use through the planning process,

new houses and businesses will mean an increase in traffic. This is reflected in

the statement on Air Quality in Somerset County Council’s Future Transport

Plan 2011 “HLT3 - We will work to minimise the effect any changes to

Somerset’s transport systems will have on air pollution”.

• Some local authorities have improved air quality by restricting the vehicles that

can enter AQMAs or other areas, for example, by implementing low emission

zones. Both of the roads within the AQMAs in Somerset West and Taunton are

through-roads which would make it very difficult to restrict access. The A358 in

Henlade is a major trunk road managed by Highways England; East Reach is a

route across Taunton, as well as a road into town centre; if it was restricted,

through traffic would have to divert a mile or two around the town (causing an

increase in traffic on other busy roads) or try and cut through residential streets.

Progress on the following measures has been slower than expected:

• The trial pedestrianisation of Taunton town centre was delayed to allow further

consultation with local businesses and other agencies. The first phase has been

implemented and the impact is being monitored, however, there is no set date

for implementation of the next phase.

Regarding the Henlade AQMA, the proposal from Highways England for the re-routing

of the A358 is likely to achieve compliance in the Henlade AQMA once it has been

completed. However, there is no confirmation on when work will start on the scheme.

Regarding the East Reach AQMA, whilst the measures stated above and in Table 2.2

will help to contribute towards compliance, Somerset West and Taunton Council

anticipates that further additional measures not yet prescribed will be required in

subsequent years to achieve compliance and enable the revocation of East Reach

AQMA



A358 re-routing scheme

One of the main developments that could affect the local air quality is the proposed

dualling and re-routing of a stretch of the A358 between the M5 motorway at Taunton

and the A303. This is part of the proposal for the strategic improvement to the

A303/A30 trunk road (linking London the South West). Currently traffic on the

A303/A30 passes from the A303 in South Somerset along a single lane route into

Devon and then on to Exeter and the rest of South West. The proposal is to make the

A358 between the A303 in South Somerset and the M5 at Taunton a limited junction

dual carriageway, with the aim to encourage traffic to use the new A358/M5 route

instead of the existing route.

The consultation in 2018 had three proposed routes (pink, blue and orange)

Figure 3 A358, Taunton, routes for consultation

The route proposed after the consultation was actually a revised version of one of the

proposed options. (See Figure 4 below)



Figure 4. The preferred route for A358 (Pink modified option)

The Scheme Assessment Report estimates that the proposed route could result in a

reduction in traffic through Henlade from 33,500 to 4,000 vehicles per day. This is likely

to lead to a reduction in pollutant levels and the opportunity to revoke the Henlade

AQMA.

However, the proposed road would lead to an increase in traffic in the area as drivers

will be encouraged to use the new A358/M5 route between the A303 and the South

West, rather than the existing A303/A30 through East Devon.

Highways England have not provided details of the course of the proposed route. They

have stated that they are continuing to carry out additional surveying work and are in

the process of appointing a designer to take the scheme through the statutory phase

and into construction. When more details of the route are know the Council will look at

siting some of the NOx monitoring tubes at locations on the proposed route to be able

to provide information on the impact of the scheme.



HInkley Point C development

The building of two European Pressurised Reactors (EPR) at Hinkley Point C is one of

the largest construction projects in the country. Work started in 2015 and is on-going.

The principal pollutants associated with this site are particulate matter emissions from

construction activities, emissions from traffic accessing the site and, once operational,

emissions from associated diesel backup generators (35 MW capacity).

Planning obligations have been agreed for the site, which include a scheme to monitor

the dust, particulate matter and noise outside the southern boundary, at locations close

to residential properties. There are four automatic monitoring stations that analyse

and report on PM10, PM2.5 and TSP, with trigger levels set for PM10 200ug/m3 for 15min

and 1-hr. If concentrations exceed these trigger levels it requires actions by EDF and,

if prolonged, notification to this Council. The scheme is intended to prevent complaints

about particulate matter and dust, rather than to quantify results suitable for this review

and assessment work as they are considered non-reference.

Given the scale of the development at Hinkley Point C, the following actions have been

agreed by both West Somerset Council (now Somerset West and Taunton Council)

and neighbouring Sedgemoor Council;

• To limit the parking on site to reduce need for travel to and from the site

• Construction of four park and ride facilities (one in West Somerset and other

three in Sedgemoor). The site in West Somerset (Williton) is still to be

completed.

• New campus type development (opened in 2018) to house employees on site

consisting of 510 modular bed space accommodation and with associated

parking. This will reduce need to travel to the site.

• Freight consolidation facilities located in Sedgemoor at junctions off the M5 to

ensure deliveries are bulked to help reduce overall number of vehicles travelling

into the site. Whilst this is within the neighbouring authority (Sedgemoor) it will

help to ensure HGV movements do not travel through the western approach

(West Somerset)

• Construction of a jetty to transport construction materials e.g. aggregates

• A by-pass around Cannington, Sedgemoor (already completed)



• Grants for local housing improvements e.g. housing improvements that

potentially reduce emissions from heating.

• Contingency funding where necessary, for additional air quality monitoring

owing to the predicted additional traffic flows occurring in West Somerset. The

total predicted additional vehicles through Williton as a result of the Hinkley

Point development was predicted as 827 vehicles per day at all scenarios

modelled.



Table 2.2 – Progress on Measures to Improve Air Quality

Measure No. Measure

EU Category

EU Classification

Organisations involved and

Funding Source

Planning Phase

Implementation Phase

Key Performance

Indicator

Reduction in Pollutant /

Emission from Measure

Progress to Date Estimated /

Actual Completion

Date

Comments / Barriers to implementation

1

By-pass for

Henlade as part of

the A303/A35

8 expressw

ay

Transport Managem

ent

Strategic Highway

Improvements

Highways England (HE) Government

funding

. Preferred route

announced June 2019

To be confirmed. Subject

Development Consent Order

Process

Road completed and chosen route does reduce

traffic levels in AQMA

Highways England have

not yet provided details of their

air quality assessment

Consultation phase Not known

Preferred route reduces traffic flows

through Henlade from 33,500 to 4,000 vehicles per day.

Potentially removes the AQMA

2

Trial pedestrianisation of

town centre roads

Alternatives to

private vehicle

use

Other SCC with

funding from SWT

St James St trial

commenced May

19. Plans to also

trial East St, and

Hammet St

Started summer 2019

Reduction in town centre

traffic. (although

could affect traffic on

nearby roads, including the East Reach

AQMA)

Data on potential

change in traffic flows are not

yet available, so not able to estimate emission reduction.

On-going No known

Implementation was delayed after a

consultation. Will be an 18 month trial. Traffic levels in surrounding

roads will be monitored

3

Enhanced pedestrian and cycle

links in new

developments

Promoting Travel

Alternatives

Promotion of cycling and

walking

SWT/ Developer funding via planning process

On-going On-going

Hard to set a measurable

target, however, this

is being carried out at

most new developments

N/A (proposals try to minimise the increase in emissions that will come from

new developments)

On-going On-going

SWT has obtained "Garden Town" status

for Taunton which could allow access to

additional funding. SWT declared a

Climate Emergency (Feb 19). Resolution

involves enabling more cycling, walking and use of shared and public transport.

4

Air quality assessme

nt required

for developm

ents

Transport Planning

and Infrastruct

ure

Other SWT and SWT funded Completed Completed

Each relevant planning

application includes an air

quality assessment.

Has been met

N/A (proposals try to minimise the increase in emissions that will come from

new developments)

On-going On-going

Liaison between Environmental Health

and Planning Departments and SCC



Measure No. Measure

EU Category

EU Classification


Funding Source

Planning Phase


Key Performance

Indicator




Actual Completion

Date


affecting the

AQMAs

5 Park and Ride

Alternatives to

private vehicle

use

Bus based park and ride

SCC and SWT operated and

funded On-going

After SCC announced

plans to suspend the

service in 2018. TDBC and then SWT stepped in

with financial contributions. The current contribution keeps the

service open until April 2020

and reintroduces a Saturday

service.

Increased use of existing

park and ride sites.

Additional Park and Bus

sites being considered as

part of new garden

communities being

implemented at Monkton

Heathfield and Comeytrowe

Between 2015 and 2017, patronage

increased from 800 to 840

vehicles a day. Patronage increased

further by just under 2%

between March 2018 and March

2019. No information on what drivers would have

done if no P&R so not possible

to estimate emission reduction

SCC / SWT reviewing management of

existing service & sites. SWT Exec July 2019 approved £20k

to explore further measures to attempt

to secure the long term funding of the

P&R service.

On-going

Taunton P&R Service is a key component in

the regeneration / pedestrianisation plans

for Taunton town centre. Use of P&R

sites being reviewed. Included in Refresh of

Parking Strategy (2018)

6 Review parking

strategies

Alternatives to

private vehicle

use

Other SCC/SWT and

SCC/SWT funded

Completed On-going N/A

There could be a reduction in traffic in town centre if some car parks are closed and/or long stay car

parking charges are increased. However, no

decisions made yet. And no

information is available on the affect this would have on traffic

levels.

Refresh of Parking Strategy published in

Feb 2018 On-going

Parking policy ECN3 in SCC Future Transport

Plan



Measure No. Measure

EU Category

EU Classification


Funding Source

Planning Phase


Key Performance

Indicator




Actual Completion

Date


7

Variable Message Signage

for parking in Taunton

Traffic Managem

ent Other SWT organised and funded Completed

Starting May 2018

Improve the flow of traffic

and help drivers find

spaces more efficiently

Should reduce number of

vehicles driving around town looking for spaces, but

actual numbers not known.

Could increase traffic driving

into the town if parking made

more attractive.

Signs installed in 2018

Became operational Jan

2019

Scheme also includes introduction of pay on

exit car parks.

8

Local Cycling

and Walking

Infrastructure Plan

Promoting Travel

Alternatives

Promotion of cycling and

walking

SWT /SCC Funding from councils and garden town

funding

On-going To be confirmed

Will identify performance

measures and targets based

upon implementation of network infrastructure

N/A. The Plan should lead to more detailed

proposals.

Funding identified. Work being planned. Not known

Will provide understanding of existing networks, barriers and route

priorities.

9

SWT to purchase

low emission vehicles for their

own fleet

Promoting Low

Emission Transport

Company Vehicle

Procurement – Prioritising

uptake of low emission vehicles

SWT and funded by SWT Completed On-going

Number of low emission

vehicles in fleet

There is information on the vehicles in

service and annual mileage, but there are so

many other factors affecting emissions (e.g. where they are

being driven and how) that it is not practical to try and make an estimate of

emission reduction.

New vehicles being purchased using

Government guidance

On-going

The Council's structure and services

underwent a major transformation during 2019, which will affect how vehicles are used and the number that

are needed

10

Update Somerset Air Quality Strategy

Policy Guidance

and Developm

ent

Air Quality Planning and

Policy Guidance

All Somerset District Councils and SCC (Public

Health and

Completed

Strategy completed. To be adopted by

local authorities during 2018

New Strategy adopted by

local authorities

N/A. Is a Strategy and so will not have a

direct impact on emissions.

Strategy completed.

Strategy has been

completed, awaiting formal

adoption.

The Strategy will be a working document with

measures being implemented by the



Measure No. Measure

EU Category

EU Classification


Funding Source

Planning Phase


Key Performance

Indicator




Actual Completion

Date


Transport) (and funded)

Somerset local authorities

11 Travel

Somerset Website

Promoting Travel

Alternatives

Other SCC Completed Completed

Increase use of alternative

means of transport to

cars

N/A Not possible to

measure how effective this is.

On-going On-going

Website provides local transport information. Does include driving,

but also promotes other means of

transport

12

Optimisation of the SCOOT Urban Traffic Control

system in East

Reach AQMA

and all of the town centre

Transport Managem

ent

Congestion management

Somerset County Council. SCC Funding

Partially completed

Partially completed N/A

Data is not available to

make an assessment of any changes in level of traffic or

emissions.

East Reach completed. Town

centre work shelved until there is more

certainty on the plans for pedestrianisation

On-hold

Trial pedestrianisation scheme of St James St commenced May 2019.

Other schemes planned which could lead to review of the scheme, if funding

available.

13

Rapid Bus Link on A38 in

Taunton

Alternatives to

private vehicle

use

Other

First phase part of successful

Housing Infrastructure

Bid (HIF) (March 18)

Govt/ SCC/

SWT/ Developer

On-going Awaiting funding Increased use of buses

No data available on

predicted use or resulting

reduction in vehicle use.

In TDBC adopted Core Strategy 2011-

20128 Not known Depends on funding

14 Target school trips

Promoting Travel

Alternatives

School Travel Plans

SCC No funding available Completed

On hold awaiting funding

Mode of journeys to

school

No information available on the scheme as no longer place

Up to 2011 95% of LEA schools had a

travel plan

SCC still have a School Travel

Strategy

Funding for School Travel Advisor

removed so work likely to be minimal



2.3 PM2.5 – Local Authority Approach to Reducing Emissions and/or Concentrations

As detailed in Policy Guidance LAQM.PG16 (Chapter 7), local authorities are expected

to work towards reducing emissions and/or concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter

with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5µm or less). There is clear evidence that PM2.5

has a significant impact on human health, including premature mortality, allergic

reactions, and cardiovascular diseases.

Apart from the monitoring associated with the Hinkley Point C development (which is

non-reference), there is no monitoring of in PM2.5 being carried out in the Somerset

West and Taunton area. However, Taunton Deane Borough Council did carry out

monitoring for PM10 for a number of years at sites across the district, including sites in

Taunton town centre and adjacent to the A358 trunk road in Henlade. This data can

be used to estimate levels of PM2.5 by using a correction factor as outlined in Local Air

Quality Management Technical Guidance (TG16). The estimates suggest that the

levels of PM2.5 in the Somerset West and Taunton area are likely to be below the EU

limit level of 25 µg/m3. Details of historic PM10 monitoring and estimates of PM2.5 levels

are given in Appendix C.

The updated policy guidance as introduced by Defra (2016) explains that whilst there

is no regulatory standard specific to PM2.5, it is still important to consider a wider

exposure reduction approach to the pollution sources of particulate matter.

Public Health England have produced a range of public health indicators, one of which

relates to PM2.5 (Public Health Indicators 3.01, Fraction of mortality attributable to

particulate air pollution). The technical guidance estimates that an increase of 10

μg/m3 in population-weighted annual average background concentration of PM2.5 is

assumed to increase all-cause mortality rates by a unit relative risk (RR) factor of 1.06.

While it is recognised that a large percentage of the PM2.5 in an area could be from

cross-border sources, the contribution from local sources could still account 50% or



more. In terms of pollution sources, the National Atmospheric Emission Inventory

(NAEI) shows that largest source of PM2.5 by mass is from the domestic sector burning

wood and that this source is increasing. Somerset West and Taunton has large rural

areas and so has more domestic wood burners than many other authorities. PM2.5 is

also one of the pollutants released in road traffic emissions, and NOx from traffic is one

of the precursors to secondary particulates.

Somerset West and Taunton Council recognises the public health benefits of seeking

to reduce exposure to the wider range of pollution source of particulate matter. The on-

going proposals to reduce emissions from traffic should also lead to a reduction in fine

particulates. The Council will also provide advice and information to help ensure best

practice is followed when choosing to burn wood and also when selecting a combustion

appliance by the lowest emission factor. For larger biomass boilers we will continue

to assess the emission rates and ensure that none will lead to an exceedance in the

relevant air quality objectives, but moreover do not lead to significant increase in

exposure to the principal emissions (PM2.5 and NO2).



3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives and National Compliance 3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken 3.1.1 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites

Somerset West and Taunton Council undertook non-automatic (passive) monitoring of

NO2 at 56 sites during 2018. Table A.1 in Appendix A shows the details of the sites.

Maps showing the location of the monitoring sites are provided in Appendix D. Further

details on Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for the diffusion tubes, including

bias adjustments and any other adjustments applied (e.g. “annualisation” and/or

distance correction), are included in Appendix C.

3.2 Individual Pollutants The air quality monitoring results presented in this section are, where relevant,

adjusted for bias, “annualisation” and distance correction. Further details on

adjustments are provided in Appendix C.

3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Table A.2 in Appendix A compares the ratified and adjusted monitored NO2 annual

mean concentrations for the past 5 years with the air quality objective of 40µg/m3.

For diffusion tubes, the full 2018 dataset of monthly mean values is provided in

Appendix B.

The results of the diffusion tube monitoring for 2018 show an increase in nitrogen

dioxide levels at all sites when compared to the results from 2017. There were

exceedances of the air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide at five locations, the two

sites in the Henlade AQMA, the two in the East Reach AQMA and one just outside the

East Reach AQMA. The objective is an annual mean of 40 µg/m3 and the levels

measured at the sites was between 44 and 54 µg/m3. When these results were

corrected for the distance to the nearest sensitive receptors they were between 43 and

48 µg/m3.



The monitoring at the four sites within the AQMAs has now been carried out for three

years. The results are in line with the monitoring at sites just outside the AQMAs which

show slightly lower levels of NO2. It is not surprising that higher levels have been

measured at the new sites as, although they are at a similar distance from the road,

they are at locations where there are buildings closer to the highway which could

reduce the dispersal of pollutants

Although the 2018 levels are higher than in 2017 they are similar to those that have

been monitored in previous years. It is not clear why the levels were higher in 2018

and lower in 2017, as there is no evidence that traffic volumes have varied significantly

over this period. Pollutant levels can be affected by the weather, which is why, when

looking at annual average results, the long term trend should be used to indicate any

changes, rather than comparing the difference between individual years.



Appendix A: Monitoring Results

Table A.1 – Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites

Site ID Site Name Site Type X OS Grid

Ref Y OS Grid

Ref Pollutants Monitored

In AQMA?

Distance to

Relevant Exposure

(m) (1)

Distance to kerb of nearest road (m)

(2)

Tube collocated

with a Continuous Analyser?

Height (m)

2 Henlade East Roadside 3269720 1240710 NO2 N 24 7 NO 2

3 Monks Close Roadside 3236681 1251096 NO2 N 10 39 NO 2

6 Wellington High Kerbside 3140414 1207733 NO2 N 1.2 1.5 NO 2

10 Market House Urban Centre 3227190 1244738 NO2 N 3 2.5 NO 2

12 Bridge Street Roadside 3225400 1250070 NO2 N 1 2.5 NO 2

13 Station Road Roadside 3227168 1252055 NO2 N 0 3 NO 2

14 Wellington Road/Crem Roadside 3204950 1241113 NO2 N 10 24 NO 2

15 Haydon Road Roadside 3233495 1245958 NO2 N 1 1 NO 2

16 Park Gate Roadside 3235233 1246272 NO2 N 0 7.5 NO 2

18 Hurdle Way Roadside 3229866 1243485 NO2 N 3.5 3 NO 2 19 Ilminster Road Roadside 3250017 1248375 NO2 N 12 2 NO 2

21 Cann Street Roadside 3223053 1242758 NO2 N 10 5 NO 2

22 Priory Bridge Road Roadside 3231029 1250346 NO2 N 0 3 NO 2

25 Creech Castle Roadside 3249458 1256018 NO2 N 26 4 NO 2

26 Westerkirk Gate Roadside 3211709 1261706 NO2 N 30 3 NO 2




Ref Y OS Grid


In AQMA?

Distance to

Relevant Exposure

(m) (1)


(2)

Tube collocated


Height (m)

27 Henlade West Roadside 3264261 1243323 NO2 N 17 3 NO 2

29 Linden Grove Roadside 3221859 1250784 NO2 N 2 1 NO 2

30 Malvern Terrace Roadside 3228792 1256438 NO2 N 5 2 NO 2

31 St Augustine’s School Roadside 3232795 1258531 NO2 N 40 11 NO 2

32 Monkton Heathfield Roadside 3255934 1269875 NO2 N 22 2 NO 2

34 Oldway Roadside 3143434 1196557 NO2 N 10 3 NO 2

35 Wellington Centre Roadside 3139421 1206669 NO2 N 6 4.5 NO 2

36 Trinity Close Roadside 3133324 1202517 NO2 N 1 2 NO 2

37 Norton Fitzwarren Kerbside 3195698 1258384 NO2 N 1 2 NO 2

39 Badgers Close Roadside 3207388 1243583 NO2 N 6 2 NO 2

40 Wellington Road SCAT Roadside 3217120 1245700 NO2 N 3 4 NO 2

44 East Reach Lights Roadside 3231193 1245322 NO2 N 0 3.5 NO 2

45 East Street Roadside 3230635 1245082 NO2 N 1 1 NO 2

50 Priory Avenue/Shell Roadside 3233460 1249740 NO2 N 6 1.5 NO 2

51 Bridgewater Road Kerbside 3249230 1254280 NO2 N 8 1 NO 2

52 Park Street Roadside 3222710 1243460 NO2 N 4 3 NO 2

53 Upper High Street Roadside 3224710 1242030 NO2 N 1 3 NO 2




Ref Y OS Grid


In AQMA?

Distance to

Relevant Exposure

(m) (1)


(2)

Tube collocated


Height (m)

54 Wellington New Road Kerbside 3209590 1242880 NO2 N 2 2 NO 2

55 Obridge

/Priorswood Rd

Roadside 3234910 1259060 NO2 N 12 3 NO 2

56 St Andrews Road Roadside 3226750 1257290 NO2 N 5 1 NO 2

57 St James Street Kerbside 3227050 1247600 NO2 N 13 7 NO 2

58 Tangier/Castle Street Roadside 3222980 1245520 NO2 N n/a 2 NO 2

59 Bindon

Road/Silk Mills

Kerbside 3206680 1259500 NO2 N 13 5 NO 2

60 Greenway Road Roadside 3223290 1258930 NO2 N 4 4 NO 2

61 Trull Road Roadside 3222290 1241780 NO2 N 12 1 NO 2

62 Thornfalcon Roadside 3275850 1237240 NO2 N 37 20 NO 2

66 Castle Street/Tesco Roadside 3220770 1244620 NO2 N 7 4.6 NO 2

67 Wood Street Roadside 3225160 1247660 NO2 N 1.2 1.9 NO 2

68 Staplegrove Rd/Chip Lane Roadside 3220600 1254770 NO2 N 11 1 NO 2

69 Whitehall Roadside 3226420 1253220 NO2 N 1.6 1.3 NO 2

70 Priory Park Roadside 3232930 1251860 NO2 N 5 1 NO 2

71 Henlade AQMA West Roadside 3267830 1241380 NO2 Y 4.8 1.6 NO 2

72 Henlade AQMA East Roadside 3268710 1240930 NO2 Y 5.4 1.5 NO 2




Ref Y OS Grid


In AQMA?

Distance to

Relevant Exposure

(m) (1)


(2)

Tube collocated


Height (m)

73 East Reach AQMA east Roadside 3232710 1245530 NO2 Y 0.4 3.1 NO 2

74 East Reach AQMA west Roadside 3231880 1245390 NO2 Y 0.4 3.2 NO 2

101 Williton CS Roadside 307737 140954 NO2 NO 0.1 0.5 NO 2 102 Williton PO Roadside 307715 141013 NO2 NO 0.1 0.5 NO 2

103 Vulcan Rd, Minehead Roadside 297804 145956 NO2 NO 162m 0.5 NO 2

104 The Avenue, Minehead Roadside 296950 146248 NO2 NO 1 0.5 NO 2

105 May Terrace, Washford Roadside 304694 141030 NO2 NO 5 0.5 NO 2

106 Silvermead, Alcombe Roadside 297700 145164 NO2 NO 9.9 0.5 NO 2

Notes: (1) 0m if the monitoring site is at a location of exposure (e.g. installed on/adjacent to the façade of a residential property). (2) N/A if not applicable.



Table A.2 – Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results

Site ID Site Type Monitoring Type

Valid Data Capture for Monitoring

Period (%) (1)

Valid Data Capture

2018 (%) (2)

NO2 Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m3) (3)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

2 Roadside Diffusion Tube 100 100 31 27 32 21 30

3 Roadside Diffusion Tube 26 24 25 23 Ceased

6 Kerbside Diffusion Tube 100 100 33 31 33 27 34

10 Urban Centre Diffusion Tube 83 83 35 31 31 25 31








21 Roadside Diffusion Tube 100 100 28 32 25 32







Period (%) (1)

Valid Data Capture

2018 (%) (2)


2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

26 Roadside Diffusion Tube 21 20 Ceased









37 Kerbside Diffusion Tube 18 16 18 14 Ceased










Period (%) (1)

Valid Data Capture

2018 (%) (2)


2014 2015 2016 2017 2018















68 Roadside Diffusion Tube 100 100 26 n/a 21 19 20





Period (%) (1)

Valid Data Capture

2018 (%) (2)


2014 2015 2016 2017 2018


70 Roadside Diffusion Tube 100 100 n/a n/a 17 14 17

71 (Henlade AQMA West) Roadside

Diffusion Tube 100 100 47 32 54

72 (Henlade AQMA East) Roadside


73 (East Rch AQMA East) Roadside


74 (East Rch AQMA West) Roadside








☐ Diffusion tube data has been bias corrected ☐ Annualisation has been conducted where data capture is



NO2 annual means exceeding 60µg/m3, indicating a potential exceedance of the NO2 1-hour mean objective are shown in bold and underlined. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%). (3) Means for diffusion tubes have been corrected for bias. All means have been “annualised” as per Boxes 7.9 and 7.10 in LAQM.TG16 if valid data capture for the full calendar year is less than 75%. See Appendix C for details.



Figure A.1 Trends in Annual Mean NO2 Concentrations



Appendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2018 Table B.1 – NO2 Monthly Diffusion Tube Results – 2018

Site ID

NO2 Mean Concentrations (µg/m3)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Annual Mean

Raw Data

Bias Adjusted (factor)

and Annualised

(1)

Distance Corrected

to Nearest

Exposure (2)

2 38.2 38.8 35.0 34.5 32.0 31.8 34.5 30.0 31.9 35.8 28.8 30.6 33.5 30.5

6 32.7 34.8 33.8 36.6 40.1 39.0 46.0 32.7 37.8 42.6 35.7 36.2 37.3 34.0

10 41.9 34.7 30.9 33.2 31.8 35.9 28.0 31.5 38.0 36.9 34.3 31.2

12 40.9 45.8 45.3 44.5 45.1 46.2 35.6 28.3 33.7 41.9 44.0 37.9 40.8 37.1

13 41.2 38.2 34.7 34.4 33.7 28.3 28.8 37.8 34.3 35.2 34.7 31.5

14 33.6 31.1 30.2 30.7 24.7 24.7 31.2 25.6 29.1 27.3 31.8 32.9 29.4 26.8

15 33.3 30.1 26.3 26.4 19.3 19.0 19.4 19.8 22.9 27.4 32.9 33.3 25.8 23.5

16 26.0 26.0 23.7 20.7 18.2 16.5 16.2 15.6 18.7 23.1 25.8 29.0 21.6 19.7

18 41.1 38.9 36.7 33.3 35.7 33.9 33.2 27.7 34.5 40.3 34.3 38.1 35.6 32.4

19 42.8 34.4 35.4 36.3 35.0 27.9 30.1 25.1 31.6 36.6 35.7 38.8 34.1 31.1

21 36.3 38.6 36.5 37.3 34.2 33.0 33.7 28.4 33.3 34.2 35.0 37.2 34.8 31.7

22 26.7 29.7 22.9 21.2 17.9 16.5 15.6 14.1 17.4 23.8 24.8 26.3 21.4 19.5

25 33.7 36.2 33.4 36.5 31.3 24.6 28.2 23.7 26.2 31.4 37.2 31.6 31.2 28.3

27 38.6 38.4 36.9 31.8 27.5 21.0 32.8 31.0 35.0 38.0 29.2 32.9 32.8 29.8

35 36.1 33.3 30.8 28.2 29.1 29.6 34.0 14.5 30.0 34.3 27.1 28.3 29.6 26.9

40 31.9 33.2 34.4 33.0 27.3 29.2 26.1 20.6 27.6 31.9 34.2 32.6 30.2 27.4



Site ID



Annual Mean

Raw Data


and Annualised

(1)

Distance Corrected

to Nearest

Exposure (2)

44 53.6 48.0 49.4 55.8 54.9 49.2 46.4 38.1 40.5 50.3 45.3 50.7 48.5 44.2 42.9

45 44.9 38.1 43.2 43.5 38.9 35.5 34.9 31.8 33.4 39.2 43.8 45.9 39.4 35.9

50 33.5 40.3 33.1 35.0 33.5 31.6 24.1 23.7 26.4 34.6 35.1 37.4 32.4 29.5

51 36.0 38.5 36.4 38.1 40.6 40.5 33.7 27.5 31.8 40.1 36.7 36.0 36.3 33.1

52 40.6 36.4 36.9 36.8 33.5 28.9 33.3 29.7 34.5 35.6 38.2 41.6 35.5 32.3

53 37.4 34.1 30.2 30.6 30.1 27.1 22.2 27.3 32.4 30.7 31.3 30.3 27.6

54 37.9 41.4 36.4 42.2 40.8 37.0 36.0 29.4 33.7 41.1 38.2 40.8 37.9 34.5

55 42.4 30.0 24.8 24.9 23.9 19.7 20.8 27.9 25.5 26.7 24.3

56 28.9 40.6 40.2 40.4 40.6 41.0 36.6 28.5 32.8 41.1 41.1 34.6 37.2 33.8

57 29.5 31.8 28.4 26.3 25.6 24.3 20.4 24.8 30.0 32.5 27.2 27.3 24.9

58 27.9 23.7 19.3 16.9 17.2 16.6 15.7 17.7 22.7 25.8 26.8 20.9 19.0

59 33.8 32.5 32.5 30.8 26.6 24.5 22.7 28.5 29.1 30.3 32.7 29.4 26.8

60 40.1 28.0 28.0 25.2 22.5 21.3 20.5 17.6 22.3 27.5 29.2 25.2 25.6 23.3

61 33.9 39.7 33.5 36.8 39.5 35.0 31.7 27.9 31.8 35.3 34.1 33.9 34.4 31.3

62 31.7 30.7 21.8 17.0 26.4 26.3 26.4 26.5 23.7 25.9 25.6 23.3

66 34.7 37.0 34.9 33.5 33.8 34.5 31.4 26.1 29.6 34.0 34.4 31.1 32.9 30.0

67 37.5 31.5 28.8 26.6 28.6 23.9 26.3 23.3 29.0 30.9 31.1 31.4 29.1 26.5

68 31.0 26.3 23.4 23.2 19.7 17.3 18.0 16.7 19.3 23.3 24.2 22.9 22.1 20.1

69 23.4 28.4 24.2 22.7 20.1 15.6 15.5 12.8 15.8 23.5 27.4 24.5 21.2 19.3

70 22.6 27.5 21.2 17.4 15.2 13.5 13.2 12.1 14.2 19.7 23.7 24.7 18.7 17.0



Site ID



Annual Mean

Raw Data


and Annualised

(1)

Distance Corrected

to Nearest

Exposure (2)

71 48.9 65.8 65.2 66.2 58.6 59.1 63.0 54.6 55.2 62.3 56.8 54.3 59.2 53.8 44.6

72 48.7 55.5 52.3 55.3 51.3 42.8 40.9 46.4 57.7 51.6 46.6 49.9 45.4 44.5

73 65.8 50.3 64.1 49.8 50.8 42.1 42.0 48.7 50.8 44.7 48.7 50.7 46.1 45.0

74 63.7 55.2 56.6 62.8 62.3 54.3 49.5 42.1 51.6 56.1 46.5 55.4 54.7 49.8 47.6

101 38.2 39.4 35.1 46.6 46.5 41.0 30.1 32.4 33.6 33.6 33.7 37.3 33.9

102 36.7 33.0 37.0 34.3 36.8 31.4 40.0 35.3 37.7 31.4 31.4 36.4 35.1 32.0

103 21.6 19.2 22.0 18.6 16.6 13.9 14.5 14.0 15.8 24.4 24.4 18.3 18.6 16.9

104 33.3 35.0 34.7 39.9 42.1 43.6 42.2 39.1 36.6 30.7 30.7 29.6 36.5 33.2

105 17.7 17.8 21.7 20.3 14.6 12.8 14.6 19.8 19.8 20.2 17.9 16.3

106 24.7 24.4 25.9 21.9 24.4 21.1 21.8 18.2 20.8 22.3 22.3 24.5 22.7 20.6

☒ Local bias adjustment factor used (not applicable, no local correction factor) ☒ National bias adjustment factor used (see details in Appendix C)

☒ Annualisation has been conducted where data capture is



Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors

Somerset West and Taunton Council does not take part in any co-location studies.

The Council uses Somerset County Council Scientific. The nitrogen dioxide diffusion

tubes are prepared with 20% Triethanolamine in water and are deployed according to

the procedures given in the UK Nitrogen dioxide Diffusion tube Network instruction

manual. A travel blank is included in each batch,

The diffusion tubes are analysed by Somerset County Council. This laboratory

participates in the national comparison scheme and the results are used to prepare the

National Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet which is then circulated to local authorities. A

copy of the relevant part of the spreadsheet is shown below. A Somerset County

Council tube using 20% Triethanolamine in water have a bias adjustment of 0.91

From National Bias Adjustment Factor Spreadsheet Version 9/19



Distance Correction information for NO2 tube results

This has been carried out for sites where there was relevant exposure, which was the

four sites within the AQMAs

71 Henlade South West (AQMA)

72 Henlade South East (AQMA)



73 East Reach AQMA East

74 East Reach AQMA West

44 East Reach Lights



Historic PM10 monitoring data

Monitoring location

Year Annual mean PM10 concentrations (µg/m3)

Estimate of PM2.5 level (µg/m3)

Market House, Taunton 2001 30.2 21.4

East Reach, Taunton 2001-02 31.1 21.7 Shoreditch (by M5) 2002-03 30 21 Wellington New Road, Taunton

2006 28.2 19.7

Mantle Street, Wellington 2007 26.2 18.3 Mantle Street, Wellington 2008 23.2 16.2



Appendix D: Map(s) of Monitoring Locations and AQMAs

Figure D1. East Reach AQMA and monitoring sites

Figure D2. Henlade AQMA and monitoring sites



Figure D3 Monitoring sites in Taunton town centre

Figure D4 Monitoring sites in Taunton east and Henlade



Figure D5. Monitoring sites in Wellington

Figure D6 Monitoring sites in Williton and Washford

May Terrace, WashfordDT5

Williton County StoresDT1

Williton P.O.DT2



Figure D7 Monitoring sites in Minehead

Silvermead DT6

The Avenue DT4

Vulcan Rd DT3



Appendix E: Summary of Air Quality Objectives in England Table E.1 – Air Quality Objectives in England

Pollutant Air Quality Objective4

Concentration Measured as

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

200 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year 1-hour mean

40 µg/m3 Annual mean

Particulate Matter (PM10)

50 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year 24-hour mean

40 µg/m3 Annual mean

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)



266 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year 15-minute mean

4 The units are in microgrammes of pollutant per cubic metre of air (µg/m3).



Glossary of Terms Abbreviation Description

AQAP Air Quality Action Plan - A detailed description of measures, outcomes, achievement dates and implementation methods, showing how the local authority intends to achieve air quality limit values’

AQMA Air Quality Management Area – An area where air pollutant concentrations exceed / are likely to exceed the relevant air quality objectives. AQMAs are declared for specific pollutants and objectives

ASR Air quality Annual Status Report

Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – Air quality screening tool produced by Highways England

EU European Union

FDMS Filter Dynamics Measurement System

LAQM Local Air Quality Management

NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide

NOx Nitrogen Oxides

PM10 Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10µm (micrometres or microns) or less

PM2.5 Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5µm or less

QA/QC Quality Assurance and Quality Control

SO2 Sulphur Dioxide

SCC Somerset County Council

SWT Somerset West and Taunton Council



References

• HMSO Environment Act (1995) (Part IV)

• Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Local Air Quality Management, Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(09), April 2016

• Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emissions of Air Pollutants in the UK, 1970 to 2014. 2016

• Highways England. A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme, Technical Appraisal Report updated January 2018.

• Highways England. Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme, Preferred Route Scheme Assessment Report. 2019

• Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council Air Quality Annual reports https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/

• Draft Taunton Transport Strategy: Taunton – Connecting our Garden Town http://www.somersetconsults.org.uk/consult.ti/TauntonTransportStrategy/consultationHome

• Somerset County Council. Somerset Future Transport Plan 2011

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/future-transport-plan/

• Defra. National bias adjustment factor spreadsheet: http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/bias-adjustment-factors/national-bias.html

• Taunton Deane Borough Council, Taunton Car Parking Strategy 2017

• Somerset County Council. Taunton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Draft. November 2019

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/http://www.somersetconsults.org.uk/consult.ti/TauntonTransportStrategy/consultationHomehttp://www.somersetconsults.org.uk/consult.ti/TauntonTransportStrategy/consultationHomehttps://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/future-transport-plan/http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/bias-adjustment-factors/national-bias.html

Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our AreaAir Quality in Somerset West and TauntonActions to Improve Air QualityConclusions and PrioritiesLocal Engagement and How to get Involved

1 Local Air Quality Management2 Actions to Improve Air Quality2.1 Air Quality Management Areas2.2 Progress and Impact of Measures to address Air Quality in Somerset West and Taunton2.3 PM2.5 – Local Authority Approach to Reducing Emissions and/or Concentrations

3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives and National Compliance3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken3.1.1 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites

3.2 Individual Pollutants3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Appendix A: Monitoring ResultsAppendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2018Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QCAppendix D: Map(s) of Monitoring Locations and AQMAsAppendix E: Summary of Air Quality Objectives in EnglandGlossary of TermsReferences

SWT Air quality annual status report 2019 - West Somerset · LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 v . The...

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