DUST AT SHERFORD DURING THE DRY WEATHER AND DROUGHT
Large parts of England, including Devon, are currently experiencing drought conditions, with the Environment Agency reporting exceptionally low rainfall and high temperatures across the region. These conditions have dried out ground and when combined with windy weather, this can lead to dust being generated.
We recognise that the recent hot, dry weather at Sherford has made dust more difficult to control, and understand the concern and inconvenience this may have caused. We take this matter seriously and are committed to managing it carefully. However, we are also mindful that the region is in a period of drought, and are using water responsibly as part of our approach.
What is being done at Sherford
- A range of dust suppression measures are in place and are being applied consistently across the site.
- Consortium areas – roads, public spaces, and land being prepared for development are managed by the Sherford Consortium. Two tractors and water bowsers are deployed full-time to dampen down these areas.
- Housebuilder parcels and plots – on land under development by individual housebuilders, teams use water cubes, transported by forklift, to douse areas where dust may be generated.
- Hydroseeding – where earthworks have taken place, the Consortium has hydroseeded bare areas. This process establishes grass and planting quickly. The mixture is designed to retain moisture, and a binding element helps hold seed and soil together, reducing the risk of erosion and further dust.
How dust is monitored
Dust levels are monitored on an ongoing basis. Air quality is monitored routinely via four stations around the site, measuring particulate matter and supplying regular readings. An experienced environmental health and safety manager is also on site daily.
Over the last month, only one reading has exceeded expected levels. Given the exceptionally dry conditions being experienced across the country, this indicates that the mitigation measures in place are having an effect.
Getting in touch
We continue to keep suppression measures under review, particularly during periods of dry weather. Anyone with concerns about dust at Sherford can contact us at info@sherford.uk.
