Ambient air monitoring at shale gas sites: framework for design of adaptive monitoring regimes
A framework for designing ambient air quality monitoring programmes at shale gas sites.
Applies to England
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This project has developed a framework for designing ambient air quality monitoring programmes at shale gas sites. The Environment Agency regulates these sites in England and issues permits that may require operators to monitor local air quality. A framework is needed so the monitoring is auditable, consistent, proportionate to risks and costs, and adjustable for changes.
A structured approach to the design of monitoring can help to detect, investigate and improve adverse air quality impacts from shale gas sites. It can also help to make monitoring efficient and effective, so that costs to industry are justified, and public confidence in regulation is upheld. If monitoring is planned systematically, time, effort and uncertainty can be saved when permits are agreed between industry and regulators like the Environment Agency.