Air quality monitoring

Local Air Quality Management

The air quality in the district has been monitored for many years and has been compared to international standards, and to known levels of pollution that can cause health effects. The findings have shown that as a largely rural area the district suffers less from pollution than the national average. Guidance from the government sets out a process for local authorities to undertake a review and assessment of local air quality to make sure that the air quality within each region is within the recommended levels as laid down by the air quality regulations.
 
With increasing car usage and industrial processes it is important that the council continues to monitor pollution levels to ensure that they are kept to a minimum. Air quality is monitored at various sites in the district using passive diffusion tubes. The following air pollutants are monitored:
 
Nitrogen Oxides – produced by the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and their products) and emitted primarily through power generation, heating and motor vehicles. In high concentration this gas is an irritant to the throat and lungs.
 
Sulphur Dioxide and Smoke Particles – this form of pollution is associated with the burning of fossil fuels and is generated by both industrial organisations and domestic premises when coal was used to heat the majority of households. These pollutants can cause irritation to the throat and lungs.
 
We are required under the Environment Act 1995 to review and assess the quality of air within the district against national air quality standards and objectives. Where we believe that UK air quality objectives will not be met and members of the public are affected we are required to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
 
Local Air Quality Reports
 
The following reports have been prepared as part of Forest of Dean District Council's statutory requirement under part IV of the Environment Act 1995.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
If you want more general information on the national air quality strategy visit the Defra website.
 
For more information contact the Environmental Protection and Licensing Team on 01594 812429 or email environmental.health@fdean.gov.uk