Smoke pollution

Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment operational in Salford needs to meet the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1993. This act prohibits (subject to some exemptions) the emission of dark and black smoke from chimneys serving industrial plant and boilers.

Notification and chimney height approval

Before installing a furnace in a building, you must inform the local authority by using the form at the bottom of this page.

The furnace must be capable of operating continuously - without emitting smoke - when burning fuel for which it was designed. There are also requirements to install grit and dust arrestment that must be approved by the local authority if burning pulverised fuel, burning at a rate of 45.4kg/hr or at a rate equivalent to 366.4 kw per hour.

Such furnaces also need chimney height approval, which can also be obtained by completing the form at the bottom of this page.

Exempt appliances

In addition, the majority of Salford is a Smoke Control Area and as such, it is an offence to emit smoke from a chimney, unless the smoke is caused by the use of an 'authorised fuel' which is listed in regulations.

Appliances that can be used within a smoke control area are defined in Smoke control (Exempted Fireplaces) Orders. It is important to note, that although you may be using an exempt appliance, to ensure compliance you must also burn the fuel for which it has been exempted and in the manner described in the exemption order.

However there is other legislation, such as the Environmental Permitting Regulations that needs to be taken into account if burning waste. Further guidance can be obtained from the DEFRA website.

Bonfires

In addition, it is an offence, subject to certain exemptions, to emit dark smoke from industrial or trade premises. This would include any premises which are being used for a trade, e.g. domestic premises where work is being undertaken.

Unless proved otherwise, an emission of dark smoke is deemed to have taken place if there is evidence that material has been burned that would be likely to emit dark smoke.

This means that action can be taken for night time burnings of for example tyres. An offence under this section of the Act may result in a fine not exceeding £20,000.