 |  | Project-related Consulting Particulate Matter, Halle |
Trial on the particulate matter-binding effect of Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) to combat fine dust in Halle (Saale) from 15/9 to presumably 10/10/2008
According to research by the Environmental Protection Agency, there is the danger that the limit value for particulate matter is exceeded in Halle (Saale) at several locations. Affected particularly thereby continues to be the area Riebeckplatz/Merseburger Straße.
All affected locations are characterised by high traffic density. For the most part, high-density housing and construction adds significantly to this. A large proportion of particulate matter comes from exhaust emissions and the constant swirling of dust particles that have settled on the roads.
If there is a risk of the legally stipulated daily average for particulate matter PM10 of 50 µg/m3 being exceeded more than 35 times in the calendar year, an action plan should be established in accordance with Section 47, Article 2 of the Federal Ambient Pollution Control Act. Measures should be specified in the action plan that must be suitable for reducing the risk of exceeding the average or shortening the time that the average is exceeded. The Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt is responsible for establishing action plans. The rural and urban districts are responsible for implementing the measures contained in action plans.
Halle has had an action plan since 2006. This contains, amongst other things, the measure consisting in a regular wide-ranging wet cleaning of the affected area in the Merseburger Straße, which has been the problem for several years. The aim of this measure is the reduction of the particulate matter caused by swirling. Trials in other cities (e.g. Berlin and Bremen) have shown that this measure only results in an apparent improvement of the particulate matter situation.
More effective measures must be sought. Both the State of Saxony-Anhalt and the city of Halle take this task very seriously.
From September 15 to presumably October 10, 2008, the City of Halle (Saale) will therefore start a trial to combat particulate matter with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), assisted by the Saxony-Anhalt Regional Office for Environmental Protection (LAU).
The CMA product being used is ICE & DUST-AWAY, which is being provided free of charge for the trial by RAW Handel und Beratungs GmbH on the initiative of a citizen of the City of Halle (Saale), Mr Helmut Gobsch. RAW exclusively represents in Germany the Danish CMA producer NORDISK ALUMINAT A/S and has been active in the field of particulate matter as part of project-related consultation throughout Germany for several months.
As described by the manufacturer, ICE & DUST-AWAY is a solution of calcium and magnesium acetate. It is an environmentally friendly de-icing agent for winter clearance and it is also suitable for binding particulate matter.
LAU, Halle police department, Halle Waste Disposal Service (Stadtwirtschaft GmbH), Halle public transport network (Halleschen Verkehrs AG) and DEKRA actively support the City Halle in the extensive preparations and the trial itself.
During the specified period, the Halle Waste Disposal Service (Stadtwirtschaft GmbH) applies the CMA to the Merseburger Straße (section between the Riebeckplatz and the crossing Pfännerhöhe/Raffineriestraße) every 48 hours at night. The measure of the action plan “Speed 30” continues during the trial. CMA has a slightly vinegary odour, which can be perceived by residents, motorists and pedestrians. This odour does not pose any health risks. CMA does not cause any corrosion damage to vehicles.
After October 10, 2008 the LAU will conduct comparison measurements for at least four further weeks. The report on the trial will thus not be available before the end of the year 2008. After the trial has finished, information about the results will be published and a decision will be made about the suitability of CMA for reducing particulate matter.
Links to the topic Particulate Matter
(1) 
http://www.env-it.de/luftdaten/map.fwd?comp=PM1
(2) http://www.hlug.de/medien/luft/komponenten/staub/pm10.htm
(3) http://www.wdr.de/themen/verkehr/1/saubere_luft/061220.jhtml
(4) http://oesterreich.orf.at/kaernten/stories/105199/
(5) http://www.halle.de/index.asp?MenuID=3139&SubPage=8
Particulate Matter PDF (160 KB)
Driving restrictions during high concentrations of particulate matter enforceable, 27/9/2007
Decision by the Federal Administrative Court of Leipzig
http://www.tagesschau.de/multimedia/video/...