Aggregate Industries, a leading building materials supplier, has made a ground-breaking investment of over £350,000 to combat air pollution at the Horn Lane Goods Yard in Acton, London. This site, once identified as one of the UK’s most polluted areas, is now benefiting from advanced dust suppression and air quality improvement measures.
A Proactive Approach to Air Quality
With research indicating that poor air quality contributes to 40,000 premature deaths annually, Horn Lane’s high levels of PM10 particulate matter – a key pollutant – placed it under intense scrutiny. Recognizing the urgency, Aggregate Industries took decisive steps to address the issue.
As part of its commitment to improving air quality, the company implemented a voluntary programme of enhancements at its Acton Depot, a hub that handles over half a million tonnes of rail-delivered aggregates annually and recycles used ballast for London Underground.
Key Measures for Dust Suppression and Pollution Control
Aggregate Industries collaborated with the Environment Agency, Ealing Council, and local residents to introduce a series of impactful measures, including:
- Enhanced Dust Suppression System: Improved water sprays now provide better coverage of aggregate stockpiles and roadways, minimising dust emissions.
- Upgraded Air Quality Monitoring: Real-time air quality data streaming and live monitoring ensure proactive responses to pollution levels.
- New Wheel Wash Installation: Ensures all delivery vehicle tyres are cleaned before leaving the site, reducing dust carried onto public roads.
- Roadway Cleaning Equipment: A tractor and bowser with high-pressure jets and a directional water spray gun provide targeted dust suppression and thorough cleaning.
- Site Infrastructure Upgrades: Improved drainage and surfacing aid in dust management and prevention.
Achieving Results
These measures have significantly reduced PM10 pollution levels, enabling the Acton depot to meet Air Quality Objectives for the third consecutive year in 2017. Notably, there was also a decline in the number of days with PM10 concentrations exceeding 50 μg/m³.
Commitment to Sustainability
Dan Stevenson, Area Operations Manager at Aggregate Industries, shared:
“The environmental benefits of the use of the railways to provide construction materials essential to London’s economic wellbeing are well documented. However, it’s no secret that the poor level of air quality in the UK, particularly in urban areas like London, is a massive concern to local residents’ health and wellbeing. It’s something that we feel very passionate about and in order to tackle the problem head on, since 2013 we’ve proactively looked at ways to slash airborne emissions at our Horn Lane depot in Acton.
“We’re delighted at the fantastic progress the time, money and resources we have invested have achieved in improving air quality in recent years. However, the journey does not end here and we will continue to monitor particulate matter at Horn Lane, along with our other sites, and continue to seek opportunities to further minimise it.”
Leading the Way in Dust Suppression
Aggregate Industries’ initiative sets a benchmark for tackling air pollution in heavily urbanised areas. Through innovative dust suppression technologies and sustainable practices, the company continues to demonstrate its dedication to improving air quality and supporting healthier communities.