Air Quality

The Portland ERF will improve air quality across the majority of the area as the provision of shore power will mean that diesel generators currently used to power vessels at Portland Port will not be required. These diesel generators currently produce unabated particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

Analysis by Dorset Council’s independent technical adviser (Tetra Tech) confirmed to the Council that: that the analysis was “considered to be robust, competent and sufficient to determine that there is not expected to be a significant adverse impact as a result of the application site…”.

“...it is considered that the planning application should not be refused on the grounds of potential impact upon air quality”.

The Environment Agency has also confirmed directly to Dorset Council that the air quality assessment provided is acceptable for permit determination.

The UK Health and Security Agency (previously Public Health England) confirmed to Dorset Council that it “has no significant concerns regarding the risk to the health of the local population from the proposed development”.

Additional analysis, requested by Dorset Council to establish the air quality benefits of shore power, showed:

For particulate matter there is a net benefit associated with the Portland ERF, because the emissions from on-vessel generators which will not be released are higher than the controlled level of emissions from the project.

For nitrogen dioxide there is a net benefit for the majority of the area. Where there is an increase, this is very low representing an increase of 0.22% against the current levels on land.

For sulphur dioxide there is a net benefit for the majority of the area. Where there is an increase, this is again very low representing an increase of 2.5% against the current levels on land.

Read Powerfuel Portland's ERF Proposal Summary document here.