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Air Quality
Local authorities have a duty to monitor the air quality in their district under the Environment Act 1995.
The council is required under this law to carry out regular reviews and assessments of air quality in North Hertfordshire against standards and objectives set out by the National Air Quality Strategy.
If it is found that the standards and objectives are unlikely to be met in a particular location, the council must declare that location an Air Quality Management Area. An action plan would then be planned and implemented to tackle the problem.
In North Hertfordshire we have not declared any Air Quality Management Areas.
What do we do?
The Environmental Protection team monitors Nitrogen Dioxide at 30 sites across the district using a network of passive diffusion tubes.
The council also maintains a mobile Air Quality Monitoring Station, currently located in Breachwood Green where it provides important environmental data relating to London Luton Airport. The monitoring station continuously measures levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and particles in the air known as PM10.
Where can I find out more?
North Hertfordshire District Council participates in the Herts & Beds Air Pollution Monitoring Network. Together with the Environmental Research Group at Kings College London, the Network maintains a website which provides residents of the two counties with comprehensive information concerning the quality of air in the region.
By visiting the website for Herts & Beds Air Pollution Monitoring Network, you can access current pollution levels as well as a host of other information including local authority reports and diffusion tube locations.
The Environmental Protection team can be contacted via the Customer Service Centre on 01462 474000, at service@north-herts.gov.uk or at;
Environmental Protection Team
North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Herts
SG6 3JF