Atmospheric Pollution and Air Quality Regulation of Industry
As emissions from industry can significantly affect air quality several control regimes are in place including the following:
- LAPC (Local Air Pollution Control)
- LAPPC (Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control)
- IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control)
- LA-IPPC (Local Authority Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control)
The Environment Agency regulates the larger industries, which are known as Part A or A1 installations, under the IPPC regime. Local authorities regulate smaller industries which are known as Part B processes or installations and Part A2 installations, under the LAPC, LAPPC AND LA-IPPC regimes.
As part of this regime local authorities 'authorise' or 'permit' all Part B and A2 processes or installations within their area. Each process or installation is regularly inspected by Officers of the Public Health Department to ensure that the conditions of their authorisation or permit are being complied with. An application form is available from the Department or by downloading an Application Form for Permit.pdf [115k].
Emissions of gases fumes dusts and odours from these processes or installations are monitored to ensure compliance and to prevent illegal emissions of smoke and invisible pollutants from entering the atmosphere.
We also deal with complaints about nuisances caused by air borne discharges from commercial premises with processes, boilers and waste incinerators as well as dusts etc from construction and similar sites.
Bonfires
Domestic and industrial bonfires must be controlled. If dark smoke is emitted there is the likelihood of legal action being taken against those causing the fires. Such fires can result in nuisance due to foul odours as well as smutting to adjoining properties. Consequently as well as us taking action there is the possibility of civil action if damage is caused by particulates being deposited. Where fires are causing a nuisance please contact us for advice on (01685) 725402 or 725179.
Air Quality
Air Quality is presently monitored at various locations throughout the Borough for nitrogen dioxide emissions relating mainly to vehicle exhaust discharges, to ensure pollution levels for these gases are not at a level which could damage health or the environment. This monitoring of nitrogen dioxide is part of a national programme with all monitoring results held on a national database for the Welsh Air Quality Forum. For more information: www.welshairquality.co.uk
As well as monitoring air quality the Council has a statutory duty to periodically review and assess the air quality in its area.
The Environment Act 1995 introduced a system of Local Air Quality Management for the UK to ensure pollutant concentrations are at safe levels. The pollutants of concern are: carbon monoxide, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, lead, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particles.
The First and Second Reviews were completed at the end of 1998 and 2000 respectively. These found that the risk of the air quality objectives being exceeded in this area was negligible and therefore unnecessary for the Authority to proceed to declaring an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
In February 2004 an Updating and Screening Assessment was completed which reviewed the present and predicted air quality within Merthyr Tydfil and an Executive Summary is available of our Updating and Screening Assessment. Executive Summary.pdf [13k] This assessment illustrated that it is unlikely that the air quality objectives will be exceeded in this area.
Following on from the Updating and Screening Assessment published in February 2004, those Local Authorities which did not identify the need for a Detailed Assessment published a Progress Report in 2004 and 2005. These reports did not identify any significant changes in air quality within the Borough. An Executive Summary is available of our 2005 Progress Report. Air Quality Progress Report 2005 Executive Summary.pdf [12K]
An Updating and Screening Assessment will be produced in April 2006 with further Progress reports due annually thereafter.
Where standards are not met the Authority must designate an Air Quality Management Area which would require action plans to be drawn up to bring the standards back to specified limits. This has not been required in Merthyr Tydfil at present.
Air Quality Web Links:
Background Radiation Monitoring
Air radiation levels area also measured as part of a national monitoring network to provide a baseline of background readings used in the event of any nuclear incident worldwide.
Complaints and Advice
Complaints and requests for service should be made by visiting the Public Health Department at the Civic Centre or by the following:
Address: Public Health Department, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AN.
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