Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC): Related air quality and regulatory systems
Local Air Quality Management Areas
Local authorities have statutory duties for local air quality management (LAQM) under the Environment Act 1995. They are required to carry out regular reviews and assessments of air quality in their area against standards and objectives in the national Air Quality Strategy and which have been prescribed in regulations for the purpose of LAQM. Where it is found these are unlikely to be met, authorities must designate air quality management areas (AQMAs) and prepare and implement remedial action plans to tackle the problem.
Find out more about local air quality management.
Obviously the presence of industrial activities at any location will impact upon the air quality at that location (and in some cases beyond).
It is important to understand that whilst both the EP Regulations relating to Part B and Part A(2) industrial activities and the Air Quality Strategy regulations are regulated by the local authorities and impact upon air quality generally, the regulations themselves are different and are separate policy areas.
Statutory nuisance
Where an industrial activity does not need a permit because is not caught by the PPC element of Environmental Permitting (due to its size or the activity is not “listed” in the Environmental Permitting Regulations), the public can still pursue a noise or smell being emitted from an industrial installation.
Local authorities have a duty to investigate complaints of noise or odour emitted from premises and being prejudicial to health or a nuisance under Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Please see:
Waste Management
A new regime under the Environmental Permitting Regulations came into force in England and Wales on 6 April 2008. This streamlined and combined Waste Management Licensing and PPC to create a single environmental permit with a common approach to permit applications, maintenance, surrender and enforcement. Further information can be found on the waste permitting web page.
More information can also be found on the Environment Agency website at the address below or calling 08708 506 506.
- Waste management on the Environment Agency website
Page last modified: 7 April 2008