Local air quality management

• What is Local Air Quality Management?
• What happens when Air Quality Objectives are exceeded?
• Local Air Quality Management Timetable

What is Local Air Quality Management?

Under the Environment Act 1995, local authorities are required to review air quality in their areas approximately every 3 to 4 years. The government has set a number of health based air quality objectives for seven pollutants (based on expert medical advice).

Air Quality Reviews are undertaken in two stages:

• The first stage is an Updating and Screening Assessment which identifies those matters that may have changed since the last assessment was completed, and which may now require further assessment.  
• The second stage will be undertaken when an Updating and Screening Assessment has identified a risk that an air quality objective will be exceeded at a location.  The aim of the Detailed Assessment is to identify with reasonable certainty whether or not a likely exceedence will occur.

What happens when Air Quality Objectives are exceeded?

Where air quality objectives are not likely to be achieved local authorities are required to designate Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and produce an Action Plan to reduce pollution in those areas.  In addition, an annual Progress Report must be produced to provide a review and update on air quality issues, including information on developments that might affect air quality and the results of monitoring.

Local Air Quality Management Timetable

A timetable for local air quality management is available which indicates when Air Quality Review and Assessments, and Progress Reports are due.  Salford City Council has assessed air quality in Salford, details can be found on the Air Quality Review and Assessments in Salford page.

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009