Duty
Local authorities are required under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 to periodically review and assess the air quality in their area in line with guidance issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Present and likely future quality of the air is compared to the National Air Quality Objectives, in particular for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Where exceedances of these objectives are identified in areas of public exposure, an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) must be declared.
Monitoring
The Council maintains a monitoring network that records average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. There are 10 monitoring sites at locations in Saltford (as shown by the blue triangles on the map).
The average nitrogen dioxide concentration at The Crown diffusion tube location on the Bath Road exceeded the National Air Quality Objective for nitrogen dioxide (40μg/m³ as an annual average) at 44 in 2010. As a result, Bath and North East Somerset Council must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
AQMA Area
The map shows possible boundaries of the proposed Air Quality Management Area. The boundary is open to judgement and can include areas that don’t exceed the air quality objectives, but may be relevant in terms of measures that will help air quality objectives to be met in the areas of exceedance.
Solutions and the Process
There are a number of potential solutions that will be explored at a later date when the ‘Air Quality Action Plan’ is drawn up - 12 to 18 months following declaration of the Air Quality Management Area.
We Want to Know What You Think
We are seeking your views on the extent of the Air Quality Management Area.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire or send a letter or email.
Please respond to:
Bath & North East Somerset Council
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental Services
FREEPOST (BA1458)
Bath
BA1 1ZZ
Tel: 01225 477557
Email: environmental_monitoring@bathnes.gov.uk
Please return this form or any other correspondence by Friday 17th February 2012.
This document can be made available in a range of languages, large print, braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats from 01225 477495.