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Industrial Emissions Directive - Large Combustion PlantsArticle 32 of the industrial emissions Directive (2010/75/EC) provides for the establishment of a transitional national plan (TNP) for emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust for certain existing large combustion plants.Within the period 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2020, plants placed in the TNP will be exempt from the emission limit values (ELVs) which would otherwise apply under Article 30(2) of the Directive. But they will each need to comply with an annual 'ceiling' emission for each of the pollutants concerned. As participation in the TNP is optional, DEFRA, the Scottish Government and the other devolved administrations have released a letter to large combustion plant operators. This letter asks whether and on what basis operators wish the large combustion plant(s) under their control to be included in the United Kingdom's TNP and seeks responses as soon as possible (by the 8th of May at the latest). on 12/01/2012 New Daily Air Quality Index implementedThe changes announced on 7th December 2011 by Defra (see previous news item) have now been implemented on this website.Latest air quality data and bulletins will now present results according to the new DAQI which includes PM2.5 particle measurements for the first time. Details of how the new DAQI is used is now available. on 05/01/2012 Notification of Changes to the Air Quality IndexThe Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) was asked by Defra and the Devolved Administrations to review the Air Quality Index to ensure that it is fit for purpose given developments in the field of air quality. The current index has been in operation essentially unchanged for a period of around 12 years. COMEAP published the report Review of the UK Air Quality Index in June 2011. Defra and the Devolved Administrations have considered the report recommendations and will implement several changes, following consultation with index users. The implementation of the new index, to be renamed the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) is described in this letter. on 07/12/2011 Publication of the 2009 Scottish Air Quality Mapping ReportBACKGROUND NOx, NO2 AND PM10 MAPS FOR LAQM AND DMRB ASSESSMENTThe report summarising the 2009 Scotland-specific modelling methodology and the background air pollutant (NOX, NO2, and PM10) maps is available at: Technical Reports. Projected Scottish background maps for 2010, 2015, and 2020, were calculated from a base year of 2009. The maps were calculated using the 2008 NAEI and associated projections. These incorporate UEP37 energy projections current road traffic emission factors. Euro 5 and Euro 6 measures for LDVs and Euro VI measures for HDV were included in the projections. The total background concentrations of NOx, NO2, and PM10 at yearly intervals up to 2020 were calculated for Scotland. This data was derived to assist local authorities in support of review and assessment of local air quality as noted in Technical Guidance LAQM.TG09. The contributions of NOx and PM10 from emissions inventory sources were provided separately for the sources within and outside each 1 km x 1 km grid square. This is to enable individual sectors to be subtracted from the total background concentration if a more detailed local assessment is to be carried out for that sector. This should provide a robust approach, which avoids double counting. Sector maps were not available for NO2. However, the maps for NO2 do take account of current and expected changes in f-NO2 (the proportion of NOx emitted as primary NO2). FDMS and VCM-corrected TEOM measurements were used to calibrate the PM10 model. on 29/11/2011 Air Pollution in the UK 2010: UK's Annual Report to the CommissionThe UK's annual air quality compliance report for 2010 has recently been published by Defra and the Devolved Administrations. This report summarises the UK's 2010 submission on air quality under Directives 2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC to the EU Commission, presenting air quality modelling data and measurements from national air pollution monitoring networks. The submission and accompanying spreadsheet questionnaire can be found on the Commission's website.There is a summarised version of the report, "Air Pollution in the UK 2010 - Compliance Assessment Summary" and the full report, both of which can be downloaded in full from http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/index on 02/11/2011 Correction to Scottish background and roadside NO2 maps for 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2020It has been recently recognised that an error has been incorporated in the Scotland-specific modelling of background and roadside NO2 maps for 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2020 that were published on the Scottish Air Quality database in March 2011.Maps of estimated annual mean NO2 concentrations were calculated from modelled NOX concentrations using a calibrated version of the updated oxidant-partitioning model (Jenkins, 2004; Murrells et al., 2008). This model uses representative equations to account for the chemical coupling of NO, NO2, and O3 within the atmosphere. The modelled background and roadside NO2 concentration is calculated from background or roadside NOX concentration using a sixth order polynomial relationship of the form: NO2 = a[NOX] + a2[NOX]2 + a3[NOX]3 + … + ai[NOX]i x [OX]B + c , where: i = 6, NO2 = background or roadside NO2 concentration (ppb), [NOX] = background or roadside NOX concentration (ppb), [OX]B = background oxidant concentration (ppb), abc = coefficients. For the background NO2 model coefficients a1 and c are calculated by comparing the measured NOX to the ratio of the [NO2]obs/[NO2]calc, whilst for the roadside NO2 model coefficients a1, a2 and c are calculated by comparing the measured NOX to the ratio of the [NO2]obs/[NO2]calc. In both cases, these coefficients were incorrectly derived in the original Scotland-specific modelling published in March 2011. The coefficients have been revised and background and roadside NO2 concentrations for 2009 have subsequently been re-calculated and new maps prepared. Corrected maps of background NO2 concentrations for future years (2010, 2015, and 2020) have also been produced. All of the corrected maps are now available at: http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/maps.php?n_action=data The Scotland-specific background maps of NOx and PM10 published in March 2011 are not affected by this error. on 10/06/2011 Consultation on air quality plans to meet the EU Limit Values for Nitrogen Dioxide in ScotlandThe Scottish Government is seeking views on updated draft air quality plans that set out the action taken and being planned at UK, Scottish and local levels to meet the annual and hourly EU NO2 limit values in Scotland. These plans, along with air quality plans from England, Wales and Northern Ireland will form the basis of the UK notification to the European Commission in September seeking for those parts of the UK, where there is sufficient evidence, to postpone for up to five years from January 2010 the compliance date for the NO2 limit values.The plans have been drawn up with input from local authorities and other bodies with an interest. However it is important that they properly reflect the action being taken, so consultee input is welcome. The relevant documents for this consultation can be accessed via the link below: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/06/07111812/0 on 10/06/2011 Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano - Air quality and health impactsDuring the latest volcanic eruption there is intense interest on the possible UK air quality and resulting health impacts from the eruption and whether the volcanic ash plume is grounding in the UK.Three websites that will provide official reporting on air quality in the UK are: These sites use daily forecasts and near-real-time measurements of ground-level pollutants from locations across the UK as managed by AEA's air quality team. The published information is intended to inform people as to their exposure when they carry out their normal day-to-day activities. Reports over the comings days are expected to pick up and report on the grounding of Grimsvotn's ash plume in the UK. on 26/05/2011 Weekly Performance Checks of TEOM-FDMS’ in the SAQDFDMS analysers require substantial investment in ongoing QC and ratification to maximise high quality data and good data capture rates.The many instrument diagnostic parameters, together with the extensive network of analysers in the UK monitoring network, has significantly enhanced our ability to identify poor performance. Using the numerous parameters that TEOM FDMS' record along with analysis of regional volatile concentrations, we are able to quickly detect faults and notify the relevant authority to minimise any loss of data. Starting immediately AEA, as part of the SAQD contract, will be checking the performance of all TEOM FDMS' in the SAQD on a weekly basis. For more details please contact us at info@scottishairquality.co.uk. on 23/05/2011 Air Pollution Detectives launchedScottish Government, in partnership with Glow, Scotland's online education community and AEA, is pleased to announce the launch of our "Air Pollution Detectives" website today.The development is a fun introduction to air pollution and climate change issues aimed at the 8-11 year old age range but open to all! It was developed with feedback and input from children themselves and includes fun graphics, audio, quiz and worksheets. Please give it a try at http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/children By AEA on 09/05/2011 Publication of the Scottish Air Quality Database Brochure for 2010The Scottish Air Quality Database Brochure for 2010 has now been published. The brochure provides a summary of the latest air quality monitoring results for Scotland - together with an update on project progress including website improvements, air quality mapping and air quality trends. The brochure also includes information on the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano on the 20th March 2010. on 07/04/2011 Scottish Air Quality Grant Application LettersThe Scottish Government has recently invited Scottish Local Authorities to apply for air quality funding for 2011/12. The invitation comprises of three sections relating to:
in existing/potential Air Quality Management Areas as outlined in the respective letters, which can be downloaded below:
Wherever possible, Andrew Taylor of the Scottish Government would appreciate responses by the 7th March 2011. on 23/02/2011 OpenAir Data Analysis Tools on Air Quality in ScotlandOpenair provides free, open-source innovative data analysis tools in R; a free and open-source programming language designed for the analysis of data. The tools, documentation and other resources are available through the openair website. The powerful graphing capabilities of Openair have been applied here to allow complex and innovative analysis of current and archived air pollution data for Scotland to be readily undertaken. Currently this website provides a subset of the complete functionality of Openair, focussing on those tools that do not require met data in order to run. However the openair website contains a full description of all functions as well as downloads and guidance to help users apply the tools to their own data. on 30/11/2010 Changes to Local Authority Air Quality Management Support and Appraisal FunctionsLocal Air Quality Management (LAQM) support and report appraisal functions. Defra, the Devolved Administrations and the Greater London Authority (GLA) have appointed new contractors with effect from 1 December 2010, to coordinate and provide support on LAQM. The new provisions have been streamlined with the following main changes:
The following organisations have been appointed:
In view of the new contract, the Helpdesk contact details have changed and are now freephone. The new contact details are set out below. Local Air Quality Management Helpdesk Full details can be downloaded here. on 26/11/2010 Scottish PM10 and PM2.5 data during Guy Fawkes Night 2010 (Friday 5th November 2010)For the second year in a row, Scotland experienced cold wintry, still conditions during Guy Fawkes night. Throughout Scotland a peak in PM10 and PM2.5 was recorded during the evening of the 5th November. Though the pollution experienced this year was not high enough and long enough to cause any Moderate or High air pollution reports, the event can be easily seen across the whole Network (Figure 1). Figure 2 highlights a more limited selection of sites showing both a peak on the evening of 5th and peaks at some sites on subsequent evenings. By clicking here you can see the provisional data for every PM10 and PM2.5 analyser in the Scottish Network individually. Figure 3 shows the pollution event experienced by PM2.5 analysers across the network, clearly showing the peaks in PM2.5 data on the 5th November 2010 and subsequent evenings, at some sites. This year there was good data capture during this event. Through the Scottish air quality forum (www.scottishairquality.co.uk/forum), AEA advised LA’s not to change filters in FDMS analysers prior to bonfire night. November 5th is traditionally when the nation celebrates bonfire night with organised public and domestic Bonfires and Firework displays. These activities create increased emissions of Particulate Matter which, coupled with cold still weather, can cause air pollution to concentrate and linger, rather than disperse in more windy conditions. on 12/11/2010 Scottish Air Quality Discussion Forum launchedThe Scottish Government has launched the Scottish Air Quality Discussion Forum as part of the Scottish Air Quality Database and Website. The forum has been developed to increase awareness of air quality in Scotland and facilitate discussion in relation to newly released guidance, articles, studies, conferences and seminars. It is targeted at individuals and organisations with an interest in environmental protection, health, spatial planning and transport planning in Scotland. The forum will be updated periodically by the site administrator when relevant new material is identified. However, it is hoped that as the forum continues to develop, members of the forum will contribute to this process and upload appropriate comments and links whenever these arise. To join the forum please complete the registration process at: http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/forum/ on 13/10/2010 Publication of Scottish air quality modelling for 2008 and projected concentrations for 2010, 2015 and 2020 reportThe Scottish Government has published pollutant maps showing the modelled spatial NO2 and gravimetric PM10 concentrations in 2008. The maps show background air pollutant concentrations on a 1 x 1 km grid basis and roadside air pollutant concentrations for urban road links throughout Scotland. The maps are produced using air pollutant measurements from Scottish air quality monitoring sites and Scottish meteorology in order to best represent local conditions. Projected annual mean concentrations of PM10, NOX and NO2 for 2010, 2015 and 2020, from a base year of 2008, are also presented in the report. The report can be found at http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/reports.php on 15/09/2010 Publication of Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2008 and Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2010The Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2008 have now been published by Scottish Government. Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2008 provides the first release of Scottish greenhouse gas emissions estimates for 2008. Except where stated, the emissions figures shown in this release include an estimate of emissions from international aviation and shipping. The release also provides information on the performance against emission targets taking account of trading in carbon units. It can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/GHG08. In addition, information on Greenhouse Gas emissions for all the Devolved Administrations is also available in a separate report Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990 - 2008 is available at http://www.naei.org.uk/reports.php Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2010 has been published by the Scottish Government at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Environment/Publications. Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2010 aims to provide an easily accessible reference document which offers information on a wide range of environmental topics. Information and data for the Air Quality Statistics presented in the document has been obtained from the Scottish Air Quality website. on 08/09/2010 Publication of the Scottish Air Quality Database Annual Report for 2009The Scottish Air Quality Database Annual Report for 2009 has now been published. The report provides a summary of the latest ratified air quality monitoring results for Scotland - together with an update on project progress including QA/QC, website improvements, AQ mapping and meetings. For the first time, the report also includes information on:
on 02/09/2010 Publication of a review of the 1993 Clean Air Act for Scottish GovernmentAEA has undertaken a review of the 1993 Clean Air Act for Scottish Government. The report of this study is available here. The Clean Air Act was designed to control smoke emissions, primarily from coal fired industrial boilers and furnaces and, domestic appliances. However, the Act needs to be revised to provide suitable control for modern biomass boilers. The report reviews both interim measures which could be introduced, along with the more difficult technical investigations that will be required as part of a full review of the Act. The available tools for Local Authorities (and developers) to assess the possible air quality impacts of biomass boilers are also reviewed in the report. The findings of the study are summarised in a series of recommendations for consideration by The Scottish Government. on 30/06/2010 Local High PM10 ConcentrationsWe’ve noted some high PM10 concentrations measured at East Dunbartonshire Kirkintilloch AQM site in the last week. It is thought that this may be result of infra-structure construction activities being undertaken in close proximity to the monitoring site.The work is being carried out to the east of the site and is approximately 60 metres away. Meteorological data from the relevant periods last week suggest that the elevated PM10 measurements are probably not wind direction dependent and are therefore likely to be proximity related. on 17/05/2010 The Eyjafallajokull Volcanic Ash Cloud and its Effects on Scottish Air Quality - Update 6 May 2010The volcanic ash cloud from the Eyjafjallakull volcano once again grounded flights from Scottish airports on May 5th. on 06/05/2010 The Eyjafallajokull Volcanic Dust Cloud – UPDATE April 19th 2010A cloud of volcanic ash from the eruption of the Eyjafallajokull volcano in Iceland continues to affect UK airspace. This cloud of volcanic ash has grounded most flights from UK airports, due to the dangers to aircraft engines from the fine abrasive dust. Current 96 hour back trajectories continue to indicate that air arriving over the UK has originated from Iceland. Whilst the volcano continues to erupt the ash cloud is therefore likely to remain over the UK. For the moment there has been no measured impact on ground-level air pollutants monitored for the protection of human health. on 19/04/2010 The Eyjafallajokull Volcanic Dust Cloud and UK Air QualityCurrently there is a cloud of volcanic ash situated over the UK, caused by the eruption of the Eyjafallajokull volcano in Iceland. This cloud of volcanic ash has grounded most flights from UK airports, due to the dangers to aircraft engines from the fine abrasive dust. Current 96 hour back trajectory clearly indicate that air arriving over the UK has originated from Iceland. The air mass back trajectories agree closely with the graphics issued by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, VAAC, showing the plume’s location. This shows that the ash cloud originated over Iceland and then travelled eastward towards Scandinavia, before heading South West towards the UK. Currently the cloud of volcanic ash is estimated to be at an altitude of between 6 -11km; the likelihood of it grounding in the next 24 hours over the UK and its effect on ground level air quality is therefore expected to be minimal. Current PM10 concentrations are low as measured by AURN air monitoring stations. There is at the present time no apparent significant rise in PM10 levels due to the cloud. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise of any developments. on 15/04/2010 LAQM Review PublicationA review published today details the findings and subsequent recommendations of the In-House Policy Consultancy (IHPC) report into Local Air Quality Management (LAQM).The report was commissioned by Defra and the Devolved Administrations to assess the operation of local air quality management in the UK and to make recommendations with a view to: 1. Improving air quality outcomes. 2. Making better use of available LAQM resources. A Questionnaire Survey accompanies the review. The survey, also commissioned by Defra and the Devolved Administrations, was undertaken by the University of West of England and Air Quality Consultants. 239 local authority air quality practitioners submitted responses to the questionnaire, which drew out the strengths and weakness of the current system, as well as opportunities for improving it. The results of the survey are very much in line with the conclusions reached in the IHPC review. Defra, in conjunction with the Devolved Administrations, welcomes the review and questionnaire survey, and will be considering the recommendations. For more information, you can download the full reports from the Technical Reports page. on 18/03/2010 PM10 Pollution Event in Scotland 27 Feb - 4 March 2010During the period 28 Feb – 4 March 2010, thirteen air quality monitoring stations in Scotland recorded moderate or higher concentrations of PM10. However, only one of these stations was part of the UK national network (the Automatic Urban and Rural Network, AURN) and all others were local authority monitoring stations within the Scottish Air Quality Database (SAQD).This short report investigates the nature of this pollution event and why it was seen so widely across the Scottish Database stations but not so at the AURN stations. on 15/03/2010 NEW Emission Factor Toolkit, NOx to NO2 calculator, background maps and future-year projection factorsA number of changes have recently been made to the Local Air Quality Management tools available on the Scottish Air Quality website at http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/laqm.php?n_action=tools. The new tools should be used for new work. If work has already been started using the old set of tools, it is not necessary to go back and repeat the work unless the local authority believes that this would be appropriate. So long as models have been appropriately verified against local measurements, the updates to the tools should not invalidate work already carried out, even though precise results would be different. The changes are as follows:1) The Emission Factor Toolkit (EFT) has been updated to use the DfTs latest vehicle emission factors (published in 2009). This allows modellers to calculate vehicular emissions in line with the latest predictions. It is possible for users to incorporate the emissions that they calculate using the EFT into most dispersion models (but not screening tools such as DMRB). 2) The NOx to NO2 calculator has been updated. These changes take account of more recent predictions of oxidant levels across the UK and also use revised default values for primary NO2 (fNO2) (as shown within the spreadsheet). 3) The national maps of background air pollutant concentrations have been updated to take account of more recent emissions predictions and updated methods. A short report describing the principal changes between the two sets of maps is included on the website along with the maps. 4) The sector-removal tool for calculating sector-adjusted background nitrogen dioxide concentrations has been updated following changes to the background mapping methodology. 5) The future-year projection factors for roadside monitoring data contained in Box 2.1 of LAQM.TG(09) have been updated. All of these tools can only be applied to data from the year 2008 onward. A FAQ on modelling conditions prior to 2008 will follow soon. If local authorities require any help or clarification they should contact the Review and Assessment Helpdesk. on 12/02/2010 Scottish Local Authority Mapping ReportA short report (available here) has been prepared describing an investigation into the possible implications if 4 example Scottish Local Authorities had used the Scotland Specific PM10 background pollution concentration maps for their recent Updating and Screening Reports. The report shows that any differences would generally have been quite small. The Scotland Specific maps were also prepared as part of the Scottish Air Quality Database project and are available here.on 03/02/2010 Scottish Government Consultation on CAFE Directive TranspositionThe purpose of this consultation is to invite comments on the transposition into Scots law of Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Please click here to view the documents and respond.on 29/01/2010 Low Graphics Version of Air Quality in ScotlandThe Air Quality in Scotland website is rich in information and user-friendly graphics. Whilst this is great for most people, it can be a problem for those who do not have access to a fast internet connection.In order to make the site more accessible, we have therefore launched a fully functional but reduced graphics version for improved download speed. The low graphics pages can be switched on or off from within the site, or accessed directly from http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/low/index.php on 26/01/2010 Glasgow Christmas MarketAir pollution in the MODERATE band has been observed at the Glasgow Centre monitoring site this week. This increase in pollution levels is likely due to generators and cooking activities associated with the Christmas Market in St Enoch square and construction work close to the site.on 09/12/2009 Keep in touch with Scottish Air Quality whilst on the moveA new Mobile Web air quality service has been launched today by Scottish Government. It provides a simplified version of this web site for display on most modern mobile phones and PDAs with web browsing capability. The service also allows you to save your current location for personalised instant access to the latest air quality measurements and forecasts.on 20/11/2009 Revised PM10 Air Quality Index for Reference Equivalent DataIn the UK over the last two years and more, there has been a steady replacement of old TEOM PM10 monitors with reference equivalent instruments. This has happened both in the national monitoring networks for European Directive compliance, and at the regional and local level for local air quality management purposes.The current PM10 air quality index for reporting real-time public information from TEOM monitors is not directly transferable to other reference equivalent monitors and therefore requires updating. The results of the PM10 equivalence programme (carried out between November 2004 and January 2006) have been analysed to develop an equation relating old TEOM data to reference equivalent monitors as follows: Reference equivalent PM10 = TEOM x 1.3 - 2.2494 On this basis the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) have agreed the air quality index for PM10 and breakpoints for “Low”, “Moderate”, “High” or “Very High” pollution can be assigned to old TEOMs or reference equivalent data. For further details of the background to this and proposed changes please see the attached short paper here. on 04/08/2009 Two new reports publishedTwo important technical reports are published on behalf of Scottish Government:1. A report on the results of a gravimetric particulate monitoring study carried out across Scotland between late 2006 and early 2008. 2. 2008 annual report for the Scottish AQ Database project. Providing a summary of latest ratified monitoring results - together with an update on project progress including QA/QC, website improvements, AQ mapping and meetings. on 15/06/2009 Update to the VCM web portalA small error in the model equation has been identified and was corrected on 28th April 2009. This error concerned the temperature and pressure correction applied to the reported TEOM concentrations. This resulted in an underestimation of the TEOMVCM concentration of approximately 4% at background locations; an analysis of the impact of this error on the 2007 AURN measurements can be seen here.Concentrations calculated using the VCM before this date should therefore be recalculated. To help with this process the correction xls spreadsheets that have been generated using the VCM Web Portal have been regenerated and can be downloaded from www.volatile-correction-model.info/FinishedCorrections.aspx Unfortunately, the details for all the corrections made are not available to us, specifically, if you made more than one correction in a visit to the web portal then only the last correction made will have been saved. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. This error affects the application of the VCM to TEOM measurements through the VCM web portal. It does not affect the underlying basis of the VCM and its proven equivalence to the EU reference method. on 06/05/2009 Widespread Increase in Particulate Concentrations 17th - 21st March 2009Analysis of this recent air pollution episode is provided in the following short report, available for download here.on 20/04/2009 SEPA Launches Revamped Scottish Pollutants Release InventoryOn 26 January 2009 the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) introduced a new search engine to the Scottish Pollutants Release Inventory (SPRI).The SPRI now has a new user-friendly search facility and map-based access (using Geographical Information Systems) to help find the companies in your area who are regulated by SEPA. The new search engine allows you to search by company details, pollutant, waste transfers, post code, map and local authority area. The SPRI provides specific information on emissions and waste transfers to the Scottish environment by these regulated companies. It helps to inform communities on local issues, energy use and climate change. It also promotes communication between communities, SEPA and the regulated companies. Details for the year 2007 are available on the new search engine. To read SEPA’s press release on the new search engine, visit: www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/news/environment_regulation_tool_re.aspx To go straight to the SPRI database, visit: www.sepa.org.uk/air/process_industry_regulation/pollutant_release_inventory.aspx on 26/02/2009 Revised Technical Guidance to local authorities on improving air qualityRevised guidance has now been released to all local authorities on managing air quality. Local Authorities will find these documents helpful in assessing and implementing measures to improve air quality in their area. All Local Authorities have a duty to manage air quality under the Environment Act 1995. The revised guidance documents can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/local/guidance/index.htm.Updated tools for LAQM purposes can be found at www.airquality.co.uk/archive/laqm/tools.php. on 19/02/2009 New Scottish Policy Guidance for Local Air Quality ManagementThis guidance is issued by the Scottish Ministers to help local authorities with their local air quality management duties under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995.The fourth round of local authority review and assessment commences in April 2009. This policy guidance and the accompanying technical guidance (TG (09)) are the primary guidance documents to which local authorities should have regard when carrying out this work. The guidance replaces the LAQM policy guidance and the progress report guidance published in 2003 and the guidance on further (or stage 4) assessment published in 2001. For further information please see: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/waste-and-pollution/Pollution-1/16215/6116 on 16/02/2009 Local Air Quality Management Training DayThe Scottish Government will be hosting a Local Air Quality Management training day on 13 February 2009. The day will be run by the University of the West of England and Air Quality Consultants and will consider the revised policy and technical guidance and the new web based reporting system.Anyone interested in attending should complete the application form (click on link below) and return it to the address indicated as soon as possible, and no later than 6 February 2009. on 11/12/2008 Strategic Environmental Assessment GuidenceDo local authorities need to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment for air quality action plans?When considering whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required for an air quality action plan, local authorities should in the first instance refer to paragraph 6.13 in the draft revised Local Air Quality Management policy guidance which is currently out for consultation: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Pollution/16215/8 As the environmental effects of implementing an action plan are likely to be greater than minimum, a local authority can expect to have to prepare a screening report, which summarises the likely environmental effects of implementing the action plan. This report would then be submitted to the Consultation Authorities seeking their views and opinions on the likely environmental effects. on 22/08/2008 Particle Pollution from Major Fire Incident - 8 July 2008There was a major fire incident on the evening of Tuesday July 8th in Glasgow. Pollutant concentrations recorded at the nearby air monitoring stations have been analysed and are presented here as provisional results.on 14/07/2008 Readers and ViewersSome of the files on this site may be in a format that your computer can't read however, you can download Readers and Viewers for the following document types below. Please note the download links open in a new window.
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