Wave Dynamics GuidesConstruction Dust Assessments Explained
How construction dust is assessed using the IAQM guidance, how risk is rated and what goes into a dust management plan and dust monitoring.
In Short
A construction dust assessment rates the risk of dust from demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout affecting nearby people and ecology, using the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) method. The result decides what mitigation and monitoring go into the dust management plan.
- Four activities assessed: demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout.
- Risk depends on dust emission magnitude and sensitivity of the area.
- Covers dust soiling, human health (PM10) and ecological effects.
- Leads to a proportionate dust management plan and monitoring.
Why Assess Dust?
Construction dust is one of the most common causes of complaint from neighbours. Planning authorities ask for a dust assessment for larger developments, and its conclusions feed into the CEMP and planning conditions.
The IAQM Method
- Step 1: screen whether there are receptors close enough to need assessment.
- Step 2: rate the dust emission magnitude of each activity (small, medium or large) and the sensitivity of the surrounding area.
- Step 3: combine these into a risk of low, medium or high for each activity.
- Step 4: set site-specific mitigation proportionate to the risk.
- Step 5: confirm the residual effect with mitigation in place.
What Goes in a Dust Management Plan
The plan sets out practical controls such as water suppression, wheel washing, covering stockpiles and loads, speed limits, sweeping haul roads and positioning dusty activities away from receptors. It also sets out roles, inspections, complaint handling and monitoring.
Dust Monitoring
Monitoring can include dust deposition gauges, which collect settled dust over about a month, and real-time particulate monitors measuring PM10 and PM2.5 with alerts. Our dust and air quality monitoring service covers both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dust assessment needed for small sites?
Small sites far from receptors may screen out at step 1. Sites close to homes, schools or protected habitats usually need at least a proportionate assessment.
What is a typical dust deposition limit?
A commonly used guideline is 350 mg/m2/day averaged over about 30 days, but the limit applying to a site is set by its planning conditions or licence.
This guide gives general information and is not a substitute for project-specific advice. Requirements change, so always check the current regulations, guidance and your planning conditions. Ask our team about your project.
Jon Maguire (BSc Hons MIOA) brings over 8 years of expertise in acoustic consultancy, specialising in environmental acoustics with a focus on 3D modelling, assessments, and detailed design for industrial, commercial, and energy projects. He has lead noise assessments for key clients while thriving in multidisciplinary environments. Jon’s diplomatic communication skills are ideal for stakeholder consultation.
Jack is a Field Engineer at Wave Dynamics, supporting the delivery of environmental monitoring and acoustic consultancy services through detailed on-site fieldwork. He has hands-on experience in noise monitoring, vibration monitoring, and dust monitoring across a variety of infrastructure, construction, and environmental projects. Jack is involved in the setup, operation, and maintenance of monitoring equipment, ensuring accurate data collection in line with relevant standards and project requirements. He works closely with consultants and project teams, providing reliable field support that underpins high-quality assessments and reporting.
Aidan is the Director for all U.K Operations and has worked in multiple industries including for clients in the UK and internationally operating in the residential, industry, healthcare, education, and construction sectors.
