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0052-NE70376-NHR-01-2006AnnualReportVol1-F.doc �

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Isle of Man Government

Review of Air Quality Monitoring Data

1 January to 31 December 2006

Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill Monitoring Stations

Report

April 2007

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0052-NE70376-NHR-01-2006AnnualReportVol1-F.doc �

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Isle of Man Government Department of Local Government and the Environment

Murray House Mount Havelock

Douglas Isle of Man

IM1 2SF


1 January to 31 December 2006

Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill Monitoring Stations

Report

April 2007

Hyder Consulting Wellington House Market Street Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2PQ

Hyder Consulting Firecrest Court

Centre Park Warrington

Cheshire WA1 1RG


0052-NE70376-NHR-01-2006AnnualReportVol1-F.doc � �

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Review of Air Quality Monitoring Data from 1st January to 31st December 2006 presents the data collected from automated ambient air quality monitoring stations located at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill. The Quarterbridge monitoring station is located in an urban area close to Pulrose Power Station, whilst the Richmond Hill monitoring station is in a rural area. Concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) were measured at both stations. At Quarterbridge particulate matter (PM2.5) has also been monitored. All monitoring equipment is comparable with the equipment used in similar monitoring stations within the United Kingdom National Air Quality Monitoring Network.

Tables 1 and 2 provide a summary of the statistics generated from the data for the year 2006 which can be compared directly with the adopted Isle of Man Air Quality Objective Concentrations and allowed number of exceedances per year. This is based on the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (January 2000). Recent updates to the UK Air Quality Strategy have not been adopted by the Isle of Man Government at this time.

Table 1 Annual Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data from Quarterbridge - 1 January to 31 December 2006

Pollutant Objective Concentration

Measured As Allowed Number of

Exceedances per Year

Number of Exceedances in the Year

Annual Mean

(Where Applicable)

Carbon monoxide

10ppm

Running 8 hour mean 0 0 -

105ppb 1 hour mean 18 2b - Nitrogen dioxide 21ppb Annual mean - - 10.93ppb

50µgm-3 24 hour mean 35 7c - PM10 40 µgm-3 Annual mean - - 23.18µgm-3 132ppb 1 hour mean 24 0 - 47ppb 24 hour mean 3 0 -

Sulphur dioxide

100ppb 15 minute

mean 35 0 -

Ozone

50ppb

Daily exceedance of the running 8

hour mean

10 18d -

PM2.5a N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Note: a No Air Quality Strategy Objective Concentration available, therefore reference period as for PM10. b 2 exceedances in July 2006. c 1 exceedance in January 2006; 1 exceedance in March 2006; 1 exceedance in April 2006; 2 exceedances in May

2006; 2 exceedances in October 2006. d 8 exceedances in April 2006; 3 exceedances in May 2006; 1 exceedance in June 2006; 6 exceedances in July

2006.


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Table 2 Annual Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data from Richmond Hill - 1 January to 31 December 2006

Pollutant Objective

Concentration Measured As Allowed

Number of Exceedances

per Year


Annual Mean

(Where Applicable)

Carbon monoxide

10ppm Running 8 hour mean

0 0 -

105ppb 1 hour mean 18 0 - Nitrogen dioxide 21ppb Annual mean - - 3.02ppb

50µgm-3 24 hour mean 35 2a - PM10 40µgm-3 Annual mean - - 14.33µgm-3 132ppb 1 hour mean 24 0 - 47ppb 24 hour mean 3 0 -

Sulphur dioxide

100ppb 15 minute

mean 35 0 -

Ozone 50ppb Running 8 hour mean

10 70b -

Note: a 2 exceedances in May 2006. b 1 exceedance in February 2006; 9 exceedances in March 2006; 20 exceedances in April 2006; 12 exceedances in

May 2006; 11 exceedances in June 2006; 14 exceedances in July 2006; 3 exceedances in September 2006.

The statistics indicate that compliance with the allowed number of exceedances is achieved at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill for CO, NO2, PM10 and SO2. However, exceedances of O3 during 2006 at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill do not comply with the allowed number of exceedances.



REVIEW OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA

1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2006

QUARTERBRIDGE AND RICHMOND HILL MONITORING STATIONS

REPORT

Section Title Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 2.0 DATA COLLECTION 2 3.0 ISLE OF MAN AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE

CONCENTRATIONS AND ALLOWED EXCEEDANCES

4

4.0 COMPARISON OF AIR QUALITY DATA WITH AIR

QUALITY OBJECTIVE CONCENTRATIONS AND ALLOWED EXCEEDANCES

5

4.1 General 5 4.2 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 6 4.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 7 4.4 Particulate Matter less than 10µm in diameter (PM10) 8 4.5 Particulate Matter less than 2.5µm in diameter (PM2.5) 9 4.6 Carbon Monoxide (CO) 9 4.7 Ozone (O3) 10

5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 12 6.0 REFERENCES 16 7.0 GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS 17 Appendices 19 Appendix A - Figures and Location of the Quarterbridge

Monitoring Station 21

Appendix B - Figures and Location of the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station

25

Appendix C - Calendar – 2006 29 Appendix D - Calibration and Maintenance Record 33 Appendix E - Schedule of Tasks 2006 and 2007 41 List of Tables 3.1 Isle of Man Air Quality Objective Concentrations and Allowed Exceedances 4.1 Summary of Annual Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Monitoring Data 4.2 Summary of Annual Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Monitoring Data 4.3 Summary of Annual Particulate Matter (PM10) Monitoring Data 4.4 Summary of Annual Carbon Monoxide (CO) Monitoring Data



4.5 Summary of Annual Ozone (O3) Monitoring Data 5.1 Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data at Quarterbridge 1 January to 31

December 2006 5.2 Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data at Richmond Hill 1 January to 31

December 2006 5.3 Statistical Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data 2006

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List of Figures (Appendices A and B) A1 Quarterbridge Monitoring Station A2 Inside the Quarterbridge Monitoring Station A3 Location of the Quarterbridge Monitoring Station B1 Richmond Hill Monitoring Station B2 Inside the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station B3 Location of the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station��

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0052-NE70376-NHR-01-2006AnnualReportVol1-F.doc 1 �

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The monitoring data for Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill Air Quality Monitoring Stations is presented on the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml). The graphs of each months monitoring data are presented on the website and should be read in conjunction with this report�

This report provides a summary of the background air quality monitoring data collected from the automated monitoring stations at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill.

This report has been structured to present a review of the relevant information in a logical, easily accessible format.

Section 2 - Data Collection - briefly describes the methods used to collect air quality data. It provides details of the location of the automated monitoring stations, the period of operation and the equipment installed in the monitoring stations.

Section 3 - Isle of Man Air Quality Objective Concentrations and Allowed Exceedances - summarises the adopted air quality objectives and allowed exceedances.

Section 4 - Comparison Of Air Quality Data With Air Quality Objective Concentrations And Allowed Exceedances - provides a review of the statistical interpretation of the pollutant concentrations recorded at fifteen-minute and hourly intervals at the monitoring stations. The recorded values have been converted into reference periods compatible with the air quality objectives.

Section 5 - Summary and Conclusions - presents a summary of the review and draws conclusions from the reported data.

Section 6 - References - details all external sources of information.

Section 7 - Glossary of Abbreviations - provides a list of abbreviated terms with their comprehensive title.

Appendices - Contains detailed supporting information.

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2.0 DATA COLLECTION

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited has been assisting the Department of Local Government and the Environment (DLGE) in the monitoring of air quality on the Isle of Man. This report provides a summary of the data collected over the year 1 January to 31 December 2006 at the automated ambient air quality monitoring stations installed at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill.

The Quarterbridge monitoring station collects data from an urban location, in contrast to the Richmond Hill station, which collects data from a rural location. The station at Quarterbridge is located at Quarterbridge, Douglas approximately 40 metres from the National Sports Centre alongside the TT access road and close to Pulrose Power Station (Grid Reference SC 368 763). Figures A1, A2 and A3 in Appendix A show photographs and the location of the Quarterbridge Monitoring Station. The Richmond Hill station is located within the compound of a disused transmitter mast close to Speke Farm, Richmond Hill (Grid Reference SC 334 749). Figures B1, B2 and B3 in Appendix B show photographs and the location of the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station.

The stations were commissioned during March/April 1997 and have been recording data for oxides of nitrogen (NOX), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter less than 10µm in diameter (PM10), total suspended particulates (TSP) and wind speed and direction. In addition to these pollutants, the station at Quarterbridge has been recording levels of particulate matter less than 2.5µm in diameter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) since being relocated to its current position in September 1999. Ozone (O3) was added to the Richmond Hill site at the end of 2002. For the purpose of this report, the data, which can be directly compared with the Isle of Man Air Quality Objectives, has been reported, i.e. NO2, SO2, O3, CO and PM10. PM2.5 data is also reported for the Quarterbridge station. However, there is no Air Quality Objective for this pollutant.

During November 2003 the software used to download and view the data from both stations was upgraded by Enviro Technology Services plc (hereafter referred to as Enviro Technology) from Retriever to their ‘ComVisioner’ and ‘Reporter’ software.

The station instruments are of a similar specification to those used in the United Kingdom automated network. Instrumentation has been supplied and installed by Enviro Technology. A full list of the equipment installed in the stations can be found in Richmond Hill Energy from Waste Plant - Environmental Assessment: Volume 3 (2): The Technical Appendices: Review of Air Quality Monitoring Data (Ref. 1).

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited undertakes regular site calibration visits to both monitoring stations. As part of the visits the equipment is visually inspected for defects and routine maintenance is carried out. Filter and tape changes are carried out regularly and zero and span testing of the equipment is undertaken on a monthly basis. A schedule of survey visits is shown in Appendix E. The instrumentation is routinely serviced and calibrated, by Enviro Technology on a quarterly basis. As and when



required, Enviro Technology also carries out remedial maintenance. Appendix D of this report provides a record of calibration events, equipment failure and maintenance by Enviro Technology. The data analysis takes account of calibration and maintenance site visits.



3.0 ISLE OF MAN AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE CONCENTRATIONS

AND ALLOWED EXCEEDANCES

DLGE has adopted air quality objectives in accordance with those in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland issued by the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR, now Defra) in January 2000. The Air Quality Strategy specifies objective concentrations and allowed exceedances for NO2, SO2, CO, PM10, O3, benzene, 1,3-butadiene and lead. The objective concentrations and allowed exceedances have been based upon the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS) as presented in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ref. 2).

Table 3.1 summarises the objective concentrations and allowed exceedances relevant to each pollutant monitored at the automated monitoring stations.

Table 3.1 Isle of Man Air Quality Objective Concentrations and Allowed Exceedances


Measured As Allowed Number of Exceedances per Year

Carbon monoxide

10ppm Running 8 hour mean 0

105ppb 1 hour mean 18 Nitrogen dioxide 21ppb Annual mean -

50µgm-3 24 hour mean 35 PM10 40µgm-3 Annual mean -

132ppb 1 hour mean 24 47ppb 24 hour mean 3

Sulphur dioxide

100ppb 15 minute mean 35

Ozone 50ppb Daily maximum

Running 8 hour mean 10

PM2.5a N/A - N/A

Note: a No Air Quality Strategy Objective concentration available, therefore reference period as for PM10.



4.0� COMPARISON OF AIR QUALITY DATA WITH AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE CONCENTRATIONS AND ALLOWED EXCEEDANCES

4.1 General

The data reported in this section has been collected during the calendar year of 1 January to 31 December 2006. The data set has been correlated so that the statistics generated are directly comparable with the objectives and allowed exceedances as defined in the Air Quality Strategy.

Graphs of the monitoring data are available at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml) for both Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations. Graphs have been produced on a month by month basis for each pollutant. For comparison, the specific Air Quality Objective concentration for the reference period is also illustrated on each graph. However, it should be noted there is no objective concentration for PM2.5.

For both stations, percentage data capture statistics have been generated for both raw data captured and valid post calibration data. The raw data capture statistic is intended to reflect the comparison between total raw data capture and valid calibrated data. The raw data capture percentage represents the total possible hourly intervals (15 minute intervals for SO2) during the year for which raw data has been collected. The valid post calibration data capture percentage represents the relevant assessment periods (e.g. running 8-hour mean for CO).

On occasions, measurements have not been collected due to failure of the analytical instruments, the data logging equipment or during site calibration visits.

At the Quarterbridge monitoring station there was a power cut on the 10th April resulting in the loss of approximately 24 hours worth of data for all analysers. On May 29th 2006, the O3 analyser failed at the Quarterbridge Station resulting in the loss of several days of data. Also at Quarterbridge, the PM10 BAM tape snapped on 15th June 2006 resulting in the loss of several hours of PM10 data.

The SO2 analyser at the Richmond Hill monitoring station developed a fault, resulting in the loss of data at the start of August 2006.

The periods of instrument failure, and site calibration visits are annotated on the graphs located at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml). Appendix C contains a 2006 calendar for reference. Appendix D includes further information regarding the nature of the equipment failure where applicable, and Appendix E contains the calibration schedules for 2006 and planned schedule of calibrations for 2007.



4.2 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulphur dioxide concentrations have been recorded as 15-minute means. The Air Quality Strategy provides three objective concentrations (measured as 1-hour mean, 24-hour mean and 15-minute mean) and associated allowed numbers of exceedances for each of the SO2 objectives. Table 4.1 provides a summary of the statistical interpretation of the annual data for both stations.

Table 4.1: Summary of Annual Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Monitoring Data

Quarterbridge Richmond Hill Statistic Objective

Concentration Allowed



1-hour mean 132ppb 24 0 0 24-hour mean 47ppb 3 0 0 15-minute mean 100ppb 35 0 0 Percentage Data Capture Raw Data - - 87% 87% Valid Calibrated Data

- - 75% 48%

The statistics in Table 4.1 indicate that the 1-hour means, 24-hour means and 15-minute means recorded at both the stations do not exceed their respective objectives during 2006. The monthly graphs for SO2 for Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill present a comparison of the 15-minute means, 24-hour means and 1 hour means against the relevant Air Quality Strategy Objective concentration. These graphs can be found at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml). The statistics in Table 4.1 illustrate that more raw data was collected than was considered valid. Site calibration visits and routine maintenance are responsible for some of the losses of raw data, although equipment failure is also a contributory factor. Data is considered invalid for a number of reasons, and is often due to the data being negative after the calibration scaling factor has been applied to it. It is considered that this is due to generally low ambient concentrations of SO2. Equipment failures contributed to some of the missing and invalid SO2 data at Richmond Hill during 2006. The rapid replacement of the PMT coldblock assembly and thermistor meant that data loss was kept to a minimum at the start of August 2006. There were no prolonged periods of SO2 equipment failure at the Quarterbridge station. It is considered that the Richmond Hill monitoring data has a higher percentage of valid data



loss than the Quarterbridge station because of low concentrations in the area of Richmond Hill resulting in data being negative after the calibration scaling factor has been applied, therefore having to be discarded.

4.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

The hourly averages for NO2 have been compared with the Air Quality Objective concentrations and allowed exceedances detailed in Section 3.0. Table 4.2 provides a summary of the statistical interpretation of the data.

Table 4.2: Statistical Summary of Annual Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Monitoring Data

Quarterbridge Richmond Hill Statistic Objective Concentration

Allowed Number of

Exceedances Number of Hourly Exceedances

and Annual Mean Concentrations

1-hour mean 105ppb 18 2a 0 Annual mean 21ppb - 11ppb 3ppb Percentage Data Capture

Raw Data - - 99% 99% Valid Calibrated Data

- - 97% 69%

Note: a 2 exceedances in July 2006.

The statistics in Table 4.2 indicate that hourly mean concentrations of NO2 measured at the Richmond Hill monitoring stations did not exceed the objective concentration specified in Section 3.0. There were, however, two hourly exceedances of NO2 at the Quarterbridge station but this falls well below the 18 allowed number of exceedances of the 1 hour mean per year.

The annual mean concentration objective was not exceeded at either station with concentrations of 11ppb and 3ppb for Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill respectively. This is well below the annual mean objective concentration of 21ppb. Concentrations are generally higher at the Quarterbridge station because of the traffic in the vicinity of this station, which is a source of NOX gases; the NOX reacts with O3 to form NO2.

The monthly graphs for NO2 for Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill illustrate the hourly averages of NO2 plotted alongside the objective concentration. These graphs can be found at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml).

Site calibration visits and routine maintenance are responsible for some of the percentage data loss at both stations. Differences between the capture of raw data and calibrated data also occur when data which has been logged is negative in concentration and therefore considered to be invalid once calibration and data ratification has been carried out.



There is a reduction of 2% and 30% in valid data capture at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill stations respectively compared to raw data. The majority of the 30% loss at Richmond Hill is due to generally low concentrations of NO2 in the area of Richmond Hill resulting in negative values following calibration.

4.4 Particulate Matter less than 10µµµµm in diameter (PM10)

The hourly recorded averages for particulate matter less than 10µm in diameter (PM10) measured at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations have been converted into 24-hour mean and annual average values so as to allow comparison with the objective concentration for PM10 as specified in Section 3.0 of this report. Table 4.3 provides a summary of the statistical interpretation of the data.

A review of all PM10 data collected on behalf of the Isle of Man Government was carried out at the end of 2006. In June 2006, Defra published a report on the measurements of particulate matter (UK Equivalence Programme for Monitoring of Particulate Matter, Defra, 2006). The focus of the report was to compare different approaches to monitoring particulates e.g. BAM, TEOM and the level of accuracy against a known reference standard. With respect to the applicability of PM10 concentrations measured by the BAM, the report concluded that a correction factor of 1.211 needed to be applied to the raw BAM data to produce equivalent acceptable gravimetric PM10 concentrations. The correction factor is applied as follows:

BAM(corrected) = BAM(raw)/1.211

In accordance with this guidance, all PM10 data collected since June 2006 (inclusive) was adjusted using the new guidance. Before June 2006, the BAM data has been corrected in accordance with the previous advice issued by Defra in late 2005 whereby it was necessary to correct all of the Isle of Man’s PM10 monitoring data by a 19% reduction.

Table 4.3: Statistical Summary of Annual Particulate Matter (PM10) Monitoring Data

Quarterbridge Richmond Hill Statistic Objective

Concentration Allowed


Number of 24 Hour Mean Exceedances and Annual Mean

Concentrations 24-hour mean 50µgm-3 35 7a 2b Annual mean 40µgm-3 - 23µgm-3 14µgm-3 Percentage Data Capture


- - 99% 99%

Note: a 1 exceedance in January 2006; 1 exceedance in March 2006; 1 exceedance in April 2006; 2

exceedances in May 2006; 2 exceedances in October 2006. b 2 exceedances in May 2006.



The statistics in Table 4.3 indicate exceedances of the 24-hour mean objective concentration at both stations. Whilst there are exceedances of the objective throughout the year the total number of exceedances at both monitoring stations is below the 35 permitted within the Air Quality Strategy. The monthly graphs for PM10 for Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill can be found at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml).

The annual mean concentration achieved at Quarterbridge is 23µg/m3 and is 14µg/m3 at Richmond Hill. These are both below the annual mean objective concentration of 40µg/m3.

The statistics within Table 4.3 indicate a loss of 1% of measured raw data at both Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill during 2006. These losses are due to site calibration visits, tape changes and routine maintenance.

4.5 Particulate Matter less than 2.5µµµµm in diameter (PM2.5)

EPAQS has recognised that PM2.5 might better represent the toxic fraction of particulate air pollution. Although no objectives have been set to date, measured concentrations are considered here.

The hourly recorded averages for particulate matter of less than 2.5µm in diameter (PM2.5), measured at the Quarterbridge monitoring station, were converted to 24-hour averages. These are represented in graphs, which can be found at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml).

A 100% data capture rate was achieved for raw data and 99% for valid data during 2006 at the Quarterbridge Station. The 1% raw data loss can be attributed to periods when services and BAM tape changes were undertaken.

4.6 Carbon Monoxide (CO)

The hourly recorded averages for CO, measured at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations, have been converted into running 8-hour mean values to allow a comparison with the objective concentration and calculate the number of exceedances. Table 4.4 provides a summary of the statistical interpretation of the data.

Table 4.4: Statistical Summary of Annual Carbon Monoxide (CO) Monitoring Data


Allowed Number of

Exceedances Number of Exceedances

Running 8-hour mean

10ppm 0 0 0

Percentage Data Capture


- - 93% 98%



The statistics in Table 4.4 indicate that the running 8-hour mean concentrations of CO measured at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations do not exceed the objective concentration of 10ppm.

The graphs contained at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml) graphically present the running 8-hour means of CO plotted alongside the objective concentration.

Both monitoring stations have a high proportion of captured raw data for CO (99% at both stations). There are lower percentages of valid data at both stations compared to captured data, where 6% and 1% of data is lost at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill respectively. Most of the data loss is due to activities such as calibration and routine maintenance at both stations.

A further cause of data loss at both stations is due to negative measurements of CO after the calibration factor has been applied. This occurs mostly in small patches occasionally at both stations throughout the year and is due to generally low levels of ambient concentrations of CO in the areas around the monitoring stations at these times.

4.7 Ozone (O3)

The hourly recorded averages for O3 measured at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations have been converted into running 8-hour mean. Exceedances of the daily maximum 8-hour running mean are reported. Table 4.5 provides a summary of the statistical interpretation of the data.

Table 4.5: Statistical Summary of Annual Ozone (O3) Monitoring Data


Allowed Number of

Exceedances Number of Exceedances

Daily maximum of the running 8-hour mean

50ppm 10 18a 70b

Percentage Data Capture


- - 95% 98%

Note: a 8 exceedances in April 2006; 3 exceedances in May 2006; 1 exceedance in June 2006; 6

exceedances in July 2006. b 1 exceedance in February 2006; 9 exceedances in March 2006; 20 exceedances in April 2006; 12

exceedances in May 2006; 11 exceedances in June 2006; 14 exceedances in July 2006; 3 exceedances in September 2006.

Eighteen exceedances of the ozone objective were measured at the Quarterbridge monitoring station and seventy at Richmond Hill during 2006. In both cases, there are exceedances of the ten allowed by the Air Quality Strategy.



The graphs at the Isle of Man’s air quality website (http://www.gov.im/dlge/enviro/protection/air.xml) graphically present the running 8-hour means of O3 plotted alongside the 50ppm daily exceedance objective concentration.

Ozone, a secondary pollutant, is not emitted directly from any source but is formed in the atmosphere, predominantly by the photochemical reactions with NOX and hydrocarbons. Due to the formation of ozone in sunlight, exceedances may be more likely during summer months. However, they also occur at other times in the year. This may be due to meteorological conditions as well as the availability of suitable reactant pollutants.

There are higher concentrations, and more exceedances, at Richmond Hill compared to Quarterbridge. This is probably due to the rural nature of the site. Ozone reacts with NOX to produce NO2. If there is not very much NOX then O3 will remain in the atmosphere. Rural sites tend to have low levels of NOX, as is the case at the Richmond Hill site where there is little passing traffic, a source of NOX gases. In comparison the Quarterbridge site, which is more urban, has higher levels of NOX and consequently lower levels of O3 due to the reaction.

Eighteen exceedances of the ozone objective were measured at the Quarterbridge monitoring station and seventy at Richmond Hill during 2006. Although there are exceedances of the ten allowed by the Air Quality Strategy in both cases, the numbers of exceedances are comparable to those recorded in England in 2006. For example, automatic monitoring stations located at Blackpool Marton, Southend-on-Sea, Weybourne and Wicken Fen measured 49, 60, 78 and 96 exceedances of the ozone objective respectively in 2006 (Ref. 3).

Activities such as routine maintenance and calibration are responsible for 1% loss of data at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill stations. On May 29th 2006, the O3 analyser failed at the Quarterbridge station resulting in loss of several days of data hence the percentage of raw data collected at the Quarterbridge station is less than the percentage of raw data collected at Richmond Hill.



5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Tables 5.1 and 5.2 present a summary of the statistics generated from the data for Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations respectively. These statistics can be compared directly with the adopted Isle of Man Air Quality Objective concentrations and allowed exceedances. Table 5.3 presents a statistical summary of air quality monitoring data for 2006 for the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations.

Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide concentrations are all below their objectives.

The 24-hour mean PM10 concentrations have been measured over the 50 µgm-3 objective on 7 occasions at Quarterbridge and 2 occasions at Richmond Hill. The number of exceedances as set by the Air Quality Strategy is 35 permitted exceedances a year. The Air Quality Objective for the year for PM10 has been achieved at both the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill stations. The annual mean for PM10 has not exceeded the objective concentration of 40µgm-3 at either Quarterbridge (23µgm-3) or Richmond Hill (14µgm-3).

The daily exceedance of the running 8-hour mean ozone objective at both the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill stations has been exceeded in 2006. There are 18 and 70 exceedances of the objective concentration of 50ppb at Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill respectively in 2006. The allowed number of exceedances for ozone is 10 per year. These exceedances are comparable to the exceedances measured at several monitoring stations in England and is considered to be due to the rural nature of the monitoring stations on the Isle of Man, particularly the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station. In conclusion, there were only two exceedances of the air quality objectives at the Quarterbridge and Richmond Hill monitoring stations during 2006, with both stations exceeding the running 8-hour mean ozone objective.



Table 5.1: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data at Quarterbridge 1 January to 31 December 2006





Comments Annual Mean (Where

Applicable)

Carbon monoxide


0 0 -

105ppb 1 hour mean 18 2 2 exceedances in July 2006 - Nitrogen dioxide 21ppb Annual mean - - 11ppb

50µgm-3 24 hour mean 35 7 1 exceedance in January 2006; 1 exceedance in March 2006; 1 exceedance in April 2006; 2 exceedances in May 2006; 2 exceedances in October 2006.

- PM10

40µgm-3 Annual mean - - 23µgm-3 132ppb 1 hour mean 24 0 - 47ppb 24 hour mean 3 0 -

Sulphur dioxide

100ppb 15 minute mean

35 0 -


10 18 8 exceedances in April 2006; 3 exceedances in May 2006; 1 exceedance in June 2006; 6 exceedances in July 2006.

-

PM2.5a N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Note: a No Air Quality Strategy Objective Concentration available, therefore reference period as for PM10.



Table 5.2: Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data at Richmond Hill 1 January to 31 December 2006





Comment Annual Mean (Where

Applicable)

Carbon monoxide


0 0 -

105ppb 1 hour mean 18 0 - Nitrogen dioxide 21ppb Annual mean - - 3ppb

50µgm-3 24 hour mean 35 2

2 exceedances in May 2006. - PM10

40µgm-3 Annual mean - - 14µgm-3 132ppb 1 hour mean 24 0 - 47ppb 24 hour mean 3 0 -

Sulphur dioxide

100ppb 15 minute

mean 35 0

-


10 70 1 exceedance in February 2006; 9 exceedances in March 2006; 20 exceedances in April 2006; 12 exceedances in May 2006; 11 exceedances in June 2006; 14 exceedances in July 2006; 3 exceedances in September 2006.

-



Table 5.3 Statistical Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Data - 1 January to 31 December 2006

Pollutant

Unit Statistic Quarterbridge Richmond Hill Reference

Sulphur dioxide ppb 15-minute mean (99.9th percentile value)

11.0 12.8 100ppb as a 99.9th percentile

Nitrogen dioxide ppb a) Hourly mean (maximum value) b) Annual mean

a) 162.6 b) 10.9

a) 28.2 b) 3.0

a) 105ppb as a maximum hourly mean value b) 21ppb as an annual mean

Particulate matter (<10µm)

µgm-3 a) 24-hour running mean (99th percentile value) b) Percentile at which 50µgm-3 standard achieved

a) 56.1 b) 96th

a) 45.2 b) 98th

a) 50µgm-3 as a 99th percentile

Carbon monoxide ppm 8-hour running mean

(maximum value) 1.44 0.56 10ppm as maximum

Ozone ppb 8-hour running mean (97th percentile)

52.8 69.4 50ppb as a 97th percentile



6.0 REFERENCES

1. Richmond Hill Energy from Waste Plant - Environmental Assessment: Volume 3 (2): The Technical Appendices: Review of Air Quality Monitoring Data. December 1998. Hyder Consulting.

2. Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in partnership with the Scottish Executive, The National Assembly for Wales and the department of the Environment in Northern Ireland. The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Working Together for Clean Air. January 2000.

3. UK Air Quality Archive (http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive/data_and_statistics.php).



7.0 GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

CO Carbon monoxide Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DLGE Isle of Man Government Department of Local Government

and the Environment EPAQS Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards NO Nitric Oxide NO2 Nitrogen dioxide NOX Oxides of nitrogen O3 Ozone PM2.5 Particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (1 µm = 1 millionth of a metre) PM10 Particulate matter less than 10 µm in diameter ppm Parts per million by volume ppb Parts per billion by volume SO2 Sulphur dioxide TSP Total suspended particulate matter µµµµgm-3 Micrograms per cubic metre, i.e. 1 µg/m3 = 1 millionth of a

gram in every cubic metre of air UK DETR United Kingdom Department of the Environment, Transport

and the Regions (now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Defra)



APPENDICES



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Appendix A Figures and Locations of the Quarterbridge Monitoring Station



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Figure A1 Quarterbridge Monitoring Station

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Figure A2 Inside the Quarterbridge Monitoring Station



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Figure A3 Location of the Quarterbridge Monitoring Station (indicated by circle)

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Appendix B Figures and Locations of the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station



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Figure B1 Richmond Hill Monitoring Station

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Figure B2 Inside the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station



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Figure B3 Location of the Richmond Hill Monitoring Station (as indicated by the circle)

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Appendix C Calendar – 2006



Appendix D Calibration and Maintenance Record



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05/01/06 Routine span/zero check. Filter change and BAP tape checked.

Routine span/zero check. Filter change and BAP tape checked. Marcus Spry

16/01/06 Filter change and BAM tape check. Marcus Spry

27/01/06 Filter change and BAM tape change. Filter change and BAM tape check. Marcus Spry

14/02/06 Routine Span/Zero check. BAM tape checked, and filters changed.

Routine Span/Zero check. BAM tape and filters changed.

Marcus Spry

01/03/06 Routine Span/Zero check. BAM tapes checked and filters changed.

Marcus Spry

03/03/06 Routine Span/Zero check. BAM tape checked and filters changed.

Marcus Spry

14/03/06 Enviro Technology Service. BAM nozzles cleaned and flows adjusted, PM10 head replaced, SO2 source re-peaked, all analysers calibrated.

Gordon Gledhill

15-16/03/06 NOx checked for reported spike, nothing found. BAM nozzle cleaned. All analysers calibrated.

Gordon Gledhill


10/04/06 Power Failure at QB AQM site. MEA called out to check cause of outage, and power restored. Gap in data for several hours.

CO Monitor showing low flow warning – Engineer currently on site at QB to check BAM has been asked to investigate.

Marcus Spry

11/04/06 Span/Zero check carried out once instruments had reset. Engineer checked CO analyser – fault appears to have been an airlock in the

Marcus Spry



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bench (which has now been cleared). BAM tapes and filters changed.

12/04/06 Routine Span/Zero check. BAM tape and filters changed.

Marcus Spry

21/04/06 Filter change and BAM tape checked. Marcus Spry

28/04/06 Daily CO calibration cylinder delivered. Cylinder replaced and fitted. Leaks checked for and pressure set.

Cylinder Data – Spectraseal CO

Cylinder No 183036

Nominal Conc 40 PPM

Certified Conc 40.7 PPM

Certificate Date 29/03/06

Cylinder Use by date 29/03/09

Daily CO calibration cylinder delivered. Cylinder replaced and fitted. Leaks checked for and pressure set.

Cylinder Data – Spectraseal CO

Cylinder No 183004

Nominal Conc 40 PPM

Certified Conc 40.1 PPM

Certificate Date 29/03/06

Cylinder Use By 29/03/09

Marcus Spry

02/05/06 Daily CO cylinder checked for leaks during diffusion tube changing.

Daily CO cylinder checked for leaks during diffusion tube changing.

Marcus Spry

03/05/06 Routine Span/zero check. BAM tape checked and filters changed. Daily CO given final initial check – pressure stable (i.e. no leaks).

Marcus Spry

05/05/06 Routine Span/Zero check. BAM tape checked and filters changed. Daily CO given final check, as with QB, no leaks.

Marcus Spry

19/05/06 Compound locked. Filter change and BAM tape check Marcus Spry



��

22/05/06 Compound lockout reported to J Smith as S Renton unavailable.

Marcus Spry

29/05/06 QB O3 instrument failure – ‘Photo Ref Warning’ Displayed – Envirotech informed and investigating.

Marcus Spry

31/05/06 Tape and filter change. Filter change. Marcus Spry

12/06/06 – 15/06/06

6 Monthly check by Envirotech, Engineer on site to carry out service over this period.

6 Monthly check by Envirotech. Engineer on site to carry out service over this period.

Marcus Spry

16/06/06 Span/Zero check. Tape snapped on PM10 analyser (broken the night before according to the data). Tape replaced on both instruments.

Marcus Spry

22/06/06 Span/Zero check. BAM tape checked and filters changed.

Marcus Spry

03/07/06 Span Zero Check. Filters changed and BAM tapes checked (ca 75% left). Marcus Spry

07/07/06 Span/Zero check. BAM tape and filters changed.

Marcus Spry

10/07/06 Envirotech engineer onsite to fix NOx analyser fault. Stuart Robinson

14/07/06 Envirotech engineer onsite to fix NOx analyser fault.

Envirotech engineer onsite to fix SO2 analyser fault. Filters changed. Julian Clarke

27/07/06 Envirotech engineer onsite to fix SO2 analyser fault.

Stuart Robinson

02/08/06 Envirotech engineer onsite to replace SO2 PMT cooler.

Marcus Spry



��

03/08/06 Routine Span zero check. Filter changed. BAM tape at 20% - replace next week (no spares to hand).

Marcus Spry

04/08/06 Routine Span/Zero check. Filters changed and BAM tape checked.

Marcus Spry

14/08/06 Filter and BAM tape change. Marcus Spry

04-05/09/06 Envirotech Service engineer onsite for 3 monthly service. Marcus Spry

06-07/09/06 Envirotech Service engineer onsite for 3 monthly service. BAM tape changed.

Marcus Spry

20/09/06 Filters changed. Marcus Spry

25/09/06 Span/Zero check. Filters changed and BAM tape checked. Marcus Spry

29/09/06 Span/Zero check. Filters changed and BAM tape checked.

Marcus Spry

18/10/06 Span/Zero check. Filters changed and BAM tape checked.

Marcus Spry

20/10/06 Span/Zero check. Filter and BAM tape change. Marcus Spry

03/11/06 Span/Zero check. Filter change and BAM tape checked. Marcus Spry

07/11/06 Span/Zero Check. Filter and BAM tape changed. Next change due Jan 07.

Marcus Spry

08/11/06 Comms failure on O3 monitor – comms reset and working again.

Marcus Spry



��

14/11/06 Check on PM2.5 analyser. Filter change. Marcus Spry

28/11/06 BAM tape change. Next change due Feb 07. Marcus Spry

01/12/06 Span/Zero check. Filters changed and BAM tape checked. Marcus Spry

04/12/06 Span/Zero check. Filters changed and BAM tape checked. O3 analyser showing flow warning (reported to S Gilchrist at ET – appears to be a failure of the monitoring sensor, rather than the instrument itself).

Marcus Spry




Appendix E Schedule of Tasks 2006 and 2007



HYDER CONSULTING COMPANY SYSTEM

TITLE : ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA -

1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2006 QUARTERBRIDGE AND RICHMOND HILL

MONITORING STATIONS REPORT CLIENT : DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND

THE ENVIRONMENT, ISLE OF MAN ISSUE AND REVISION RECORD Project No. : NE70376 Report No. : 0052-NE70376-NHR-01-2006AnnualReportVol1-F.doc Revision No. : 01 Date : April 2007 Originator : ............................................................ Hannah Beswick Checked by : ............................................................ Andrew Bean Approved by : ............................................................ Andrew Saunders Description : Draft�

isle of man government review of air quality monitoring ... · review of air quality monitoring...

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