Air Quality

 

The Government's Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the addendum to it, published in February 2003 set out a framework for air quality improvements, which includes a series of air quality objectives. National and international measures are likely to achieve these objectives in most locations, but where areas of poor air quality remain, local air quality management will be necessary. Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to periodically review and assess the current, and likely future, air quality in their area. The role of this process is to identify areas where it is unlikely that the air quality objectives will be achieved. These locations must be designated as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and subject to active management. There are 7 pollutants local authorities have to review and assess:

 

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Benzene (C6H6)

1,3-Butadiene (C4H6)

Lead (Pb)

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Particulate Matter Less Than 10m m In Diameter (PM10)

 

 

 

The latest air quality report for Richmondshire is the 2011 Air Quality Progress Report. The report concludes that there are no exceedances of the UK air quality objectives and there is no requirement to proceed to a detailed assessment or declare any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) within the Richmondshire area. Defra has accepted the report and conclusions.

The 2011 Progress report, Defra confirmation letter and Appraisal Report are available to view and/or download: