Project Overview
Temple was commissioned to produce the Air Quality chapter of the Environmental Statement (ES) for Tata Steel’s proposed £1.25 billion Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at their existing steelworks facility located in Port Talbot. The planning officers’ report described the proposals as being of “national strategic importance”.
The new operations are expected to cut on-site CO2 emissions by 90% compared to the previous blast furnace steel production. Once the EAF is operational, the NOx emissions are expected to have an 85% reduction against emissions in 2017. The changes in how steelworks operate play an important role in the UK’s transition to net zero.
Our Approach
The assessment undertaken by Temple was part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to support the planning application for the new facility. The key aim was to evaluate the air quality impacts associated with emissions from the EAF installation, including industrial stack emissions and road traffic generated by the project.
Temple played an integral role in delivering the Environmental Impact Assessment, collaborating closely with specialists within the client organisation to deliver a robust ES Chapter for air quality. The project involved a detailed analysis of potential air quality impacts in the surrounding environment. Temple assessed the dispersion of emissions from the industrial stacks and road traffic related to the project. This included considering sensitive human and ecological receptors located near the steelworks facility, taking into account the use of best available techniques (BAT) to reduce emissions.
We have assessed the impacts of NO2, PM10 and PM2.5, as well as less common pollutants such as Chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), dioxins & furans, benzo[a]pyrene. This reflects Temple’s in-depth technical understanding and capability assessing a complex industrial site.
The results of the assessment found that the newly proposed operation of the EAF would result in a decrease in pollutant concentrations compared to the existing operation, leading to a beneficial effect at human receptors in general.
A fugitive dust assessment for demolition and construction related activities was also undertaken for the scheme in accordance with latest version of the IAQM construction dust assessment guidance.
Conclusion
Effective engagement was critical to these activities. Temple participated in consultations with local authorities, legal and client representatives throughout the process. By communicating effectively with our client and stakeholders, Temple’s air quality team ensured that the project mitigates its impacts on air quality and does not result in significant impacts to local amenity, human health or sensitive ecological sites.
The proposals for the EAF facility were recently granted approval. This is a highly positive outcome for Temple, especially considering the national significance of this project.
