Local air quality management

Taunton Deane Borough Council recognises the inseparable link between air quality and human health. The nature of air pollution has changed dramatically over the last fifty years, from the Smogs of the 1950's to the current major concern of traffic related pollution.

In order to protect the environment and our health, the amount of pollution in the atmosphere must be maintained below specific levels. The National Air Quality Strategy sets objectives for eight main air pollutants to protect health. Local authorities are tasked with carrying out local air quality reviews and, where they indicate that the objectives will not be met, the Local Authority is required to designate an Air Quality Management Area. Further work is then required to ensure compliance by the date's specified in the Regulations.

Under local air quality management (LAQM), local authorities will work towards achieving the objectives for seven of these pollutants, but not that for ozone. Ozone production is affected by pollutants often produced outside the UK and it is, therefore, not possible to control at a local level.

Useful information

Monitoring methods and reports
The pollutants we monitor
National air quality strategy

Downloadable documents

Air Quality 1st Stage Review and Assessment 1999 (hard copy available)
Air Quality 2nd Stage Review and Assessment 2000 (hard copy available)

All air quality documents are available to view on the downloadable forms and publication web page.

Contact

The Environmental Protection Team would be pleased to hear from anyone who has a question, comment, or suggestion about any aspect of the service. You can contact us by any of the following means:

Visit
The Council Offices at The Deane House in Belvedere Road. As the Officers spend much their time-out of the office, it is advisable to make an appointment.

Post
The Environmental Protection Team
The Deane House
Belvedere Road
Taunton
TA1 1HE

Email: environmental.protection@tauntondeane.gov.uk
Tel: 01823 356339