Air Quality

Hyndburn Borough Council is responsible for air quality in the Borough and has recently carried out a review and assessment of air quality in the area. The study found that air quality is generally good, meeting the standards set by the National Air Quality Strategy for NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) and SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide), with only a few exceedances of PM10 (particulate) levels. PM10’s (particulates) are formed from smoke, dirt and dust from factories and especially road traffic. Background levels in Hyndburn are all below 86% of the national standard.

Air pollutants can fall to the ground and contaminate land where they are emitted in high concentrations; levels today are monitored to ensure against this happening.

It is possible that air pollution from past industries could have contaminated land in Hyndburn to some extent. Research shows that burning fossil fuels can result in the dispersion of a wide range of heavy metals for example; however, pollutant levels fall-off rapidly with distance from the source.

For detailed and recent estimates of emissions to the atmosphere from UK sources and to search (by postcode) for local emissions, visit the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory website:

http://www.naei.org.uk/mapping/mapping_2001.php

Climate Change
 

Global warming is one of the biggest challenges to face the UK. The earth's climate changes naturally over time but the changes being seen in recent times are more dramatic and are thought to be due to human impacts.

Minimising green house gas emissions from industry is achieved through effective regulation.

In order to achieve long term sustainability, we need to set ourselves targets. The North West regional target is to produce 8.5% of our energy from renewable energy sources. As a region, we also aim to improve household energy efficiency by 30% by 2010.

To find out more about Climate Change in the North West and how we are preparing for it in the region, visit the webpages below:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/northwest/346910/346998/475043/?version=1&lang3=_e

Visit the Energy Saving Trust website, where practical solutions for households, small firms etc are offered which can save energy and deliver cleaner air:

http://www.est.org.uk/

Things that you can do to help in Hyndburn:

         Cut out one car journey per week

         Install energy efficient light bulbs and appliances

         Visit the Energy Saving Trust website and take advice