Agenda item

To receive a presentation from the Environmental Health Manager regarding air quality.

Peter Carey, Environmental Health Manager and David Carr gave a verbal presentation regarding air quality.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item 44 minutes, 38 seconds

Presentation by Peter Carey, Environmental Health Manager and David Carr dealt with technical matters:

Thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the committee with their presentation:

·                     Explained public health issue, legal requirements by local authorities;

·                     How monitoring was carried out and pollution levels in Hitchin;

·                     The two air quality management areas and the action plan;

AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH:

·                     World Health Organisation recognised this was a huge issue worldwide;

·                     Government therefore developed an air quality strategy in 1990’s;

·                     In UK air quality had a huge impact on life expectancy and implications and costs on health with higher pollution in England;

·                     Air pollution impacted on climate change, environment and biodiversity;

·                     Smoking was biggest killer over 80,000 in 2011 (figures were out of date);

·                     Figure for air pollution surprising; 2^nd highest issue other than other public health issues e.g. alcohol, obesity and road traffic accidents;

HEALTH EFFECTS:

·                     Particles: dust/microscopic pollutants and nitrogen dioxide;

·                     Both cause respiratory illness in addition to other effects;

·                     Air quality objectives UK – identifies PM10 deposit with an aerodynamic of 10?m and 2.5?m which affects air and the further concerns of infiltration into the respiratory system.  PM 2.5 infiltrated lungs even further and caused further issues;

·                     Dust and soil erosion, farming activities and emissions from road vehicles, internal combustion engines – diesel identified as possible carcinogen;

·                     Saharan dust;

·                     Hitchin affected due to M1/A1;

LEGAL DUTY:

·                     There was a duty to review air quality;

·                     Where objectives were not being, the International Air Quality Strategy set out the objectives of the different pollutants;

·                     Where they were not met, they were legally obliged to designate an Air Quality Management Bureau which gave the reason and NHDC was responsible for development of action plan;

·                     Other agencies were liaised with regarding actions needed to be taken – Liaised with Hertfordshire County Council, Highways Agency and communities;

·                     Consultations required for development of action plan;

METHOD OF MONITORING:

·                     Three Moorhens roundabout – very accurate and extensive data recorded and the only one in the district. 

·                     Properties on south side Stevenage Road monitored as close to highway;

·                     Large green box contained particulate monitor and nitrogen dioxide monitor - two analysers which measured different air samples from the same area – PM10 and PM 2.5 particles.  Air cooler unit contained in the smaller box on the side;

·                     Slimline box contained nitrogen dioxide analyser located further down the road;

Diffusion tube also measured nitrogen dioxide but cheaper and less accurate result (+/- 20%).  If over 41g/µg/m³ – DEFRA recommended a detailed study per area to back up the data from the diffusion tube;

·                     Results were published on website and link on Council website to view pollution levels, trends and historical data – live data (3 hours behind);

·                     Spikes in readings were due to either faulty analysers or natural spikes in readings;

·                     London data shown to demonstrate difference to Hitchin;

·                     Some areas below air quality objective which was good;

·                     Location of sites reviewed across district by looking at trends on the diffusion tubes.  Many factors taken into consideration – including concerns raised by public;

ACTION PLAN:

·                     Planning policy to raise the profile of air policy and ensure protections and air quality assessment on the relevant schemes;

·                     Publicity and raising awareness – everyone had a part to play and actions could be taken for positive impact;

·                     Electric vehicles reduce air pollution;

·                     Government grant to install charging points;

·                     EcoStar  Project – not funded at present but planned for future to enable businesses to take action to reduce emissions;

·                     Air pollution alert scheme – people can sign up and get text alerts;

In response to question from Councillor Clare Billing:

·                     Emissions worse in the morning, afternoon/evening rush hour;

·                     Measures to ease traffic were needed and liaison with Hertfordshire County Council was ongoing;

·                     Public Health input vital;

Comment from Councillor Judi Billing:

·                     Departments in Councils not working together and they in turn needed to work with communities;

The Chairman thanked Peter Carey and David Carr for their presentation.