Ashfield District Council: Pollution control

Pollution control - Air

People are generally becoming more concerned about the air they breathe.

Whilst the quality of the air has significantly improved over the past 20 years with the establishment of smoke control areas across Ashfield, people now expect clean air to ensure a good quality of life.

UK Air Quality Strategy

Recognising these concerns, the Government now requires local authorities, such as Ashfield District Council, to manage local air quality. Objective concentrations (for the protection of health) to be met now, or in the future, have been set for the following seven air pollutants as part of the UK Air Quality Strategy.

Benzene
1,3-butadiene
Carbon monoxide
Lead
Nitrogen dioxide
Particles (PM₁₀), and
Sulphur dioxide

A standard has also been set for ozone, but as this pollutant requires control on a national and international basis, local authorities are not required to manage this air pollutant.

Ashfield District Council reviews and assessments of Air Quality

Monitoring carried out by the Council

In order to further this process the Council measures concentrations of air pollutants of concern in relevant areas of the District.

Explanation of the monitored pollutants

The Council publishes monitoring results periodically when data has been analysed and ratified. If you wish to receive a copy of the results please contact us.

Smoke Control and Bonfires

All of the Ashfield District is now a Smoke Control Area.

Smoke Control Areas are not smoke-free zones, but specifically concern smoke from chimneys not (as many people assume) from bonfires.

There is no byelaw prohibiting bonfires; however, there are a number of enforcement powers the council can use to control smoke from bonfires.

Further Information

For further information about these pollutants, monitoring carried out by the Council, or any other concerns you may have about air pollution, please contact Health and Housing reception on (01623) 457284.