Local Air Quality Management: Air Quality Management Areas

Adur District Council: Review and Assessment Summary

Air Quality Management Area Declared (2005)

Adur District Council declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in December 2005. The air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO2 in 2005), were predicted as likely to be exceeded in two areas of the Adur District. The objective for nitrogen dioxide is an annual average of 40 μg/m3. The estimated levels in the High Street, Shoreham and Old Shoreham Road, Southwick were predicted to be between 42 – 46 μg/m3.

The boundaries of the AQMA are based upon computer models and monitoring results, but is also drawn according to existing geographical features to provide easily understandable maps. The two Adur AQMAs are shown in the following link document: (Adur D.C. 2005 AQMA consultation pdf).

For further information on Adur District Councils 2005 AQMA's, please select the following link:(Adur D.C. Air Quality Reports).

Air Quality Review & Assessment

Stage 1

The first Stage Review and Assessment in Adur district was completed in December 1998. The methodology adopted is that set out in the guidance provided by the Government.

Seven pollutants were assessed; carbon monoxide, lead, 1,3 butadiene, benzene, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PM10). Each pollutant was assessed against the objectives set out in the Air Quality Regulations 2000. These Regulations set objectives for each pollutant that should not be exceeded by a specific date. The Review and Assessment procedure is a robust and transparent procedure that attempts to predict whether or not any of the objectives are at risk of being exceeded by a specified date, at locations where members of the public are regularly present.

The results of the Assessment indicate that no objective set for the seven pollutants will be exceeded. This does not mean that we can be complacent. Predicted concentrations of several of the pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide and PM10, will be close to the targets in the Air Quality Regulations 2000.

The highest concentrations are close to the larger roads that cross the district. These predicted high concentrations are as much as a consequence of high background levels of nitrogen dioxide and PM10, due to the volume of traffic in the south-east and pollution originating further afield in continental Europe, than local sources of air pollution.

To ensure that the concentrations of these pollutants do not exceed the specified targets it would be prudent for Adur District Council, working in partnership with the community and other agencies, to develop and adopt a strategy that attempts to at least maintain the status quo.

Given that predicted concentrations are close to the air quality targets the nitrogen dioxide monitoring network is to be extended. Whilst further consideration will be given to the monitoring of lead and PM10 in and around the area of Shoreham Port. Information provided from these initiatives will be of assistance when air quality is next assessed in 2003.

Click here for more details from the local authority website .

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