08 February 2012The Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to regularly assess the air quality in their area for the key pollutants designated in the National Air Quality Strategy.
The strategy, first published in 1997, recommended maximum acceptable levels for key pollutants as well as target levels and dates for these to be achieved by. It was revised in January 2000 and in August 2002 new pollutants and tougher targets were introduced and a further Strategy has been adopted in 2009.
If any of these key pollutants are like to, or already exceed, any of the current targets in any areas in the Sevenoaks District where the publish is exposed to them, the District Council is required to designate an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for that location. The Government requires local authorities to produce an Action Plan for improving air quality in their area. Assessments are made every three years and may incorporate new pollutants and revised targets that lead to existing AQMA's being changed or new AQMAs being designated.
The current Air Quality Action Plan 2009 (
PDF File 2115KB file details), Appendix 1 ( PDF File 2675KB file details) and Appendix 2 ( PDF File 2370KB file details), published on 30th June 2009.
Progress Reports are required in the years between the three-yearly Updating and Screening Assessments (USAs) to ensure continuity in the Local Air Quality Management process. Although a Progress Report is regarded as an interim measure, if it identifies a risk of exceeding an Air Quality Objective, the local authority can bring forward the next round of Review and Assessment if necessary.
The 2009 USA identified two areas of potential exceedance and consultants have been engaged to undertake Detailed Assessments with these being scheduled for completion in the Autumn of 2012.
Also, extensions to existing AQMAs along the A25 have been identified. The existing AQMAs all arise from the heavy and at times, congested traffic that uses the road. To obtain continuity, it is proposed to join all the relevant AQMAs to form a single corridor along the length of the A25 in the District’s boundaries. The revised AQMA is scheduled to be in place by early 2012.
The District Council welcomes comments on the current Action Plan as well as the Air Quality 2011 Report working copy ( PDF File 619KB file details) and supporting documents Air Quality Table 9.1 actions 2011 ( PDF File 151KB file details) and Air Quality Progress Report 2011 - Appendix 2 ( PDF File 2675KB file details), please use the contact details given below:
Air Quality Action Plan Review
Environmental Protection Team
Sevenoaks District Council
Argyle Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1HG
Tel. 01732 227000
Email: airqualityconsultation@sevenoaks.gov.uk
