Pollution control - air quality

The reviews follow a three-year cycle, with an Updating and Screening Assessment (USA) in the first year and progress reports or detailed reviews and assessments in the following two years depending on the results of the USA.

Air pollution

We control certain industrial, polluting installations by issuing "Pollution Prevention and Control" permits. These permits are renewed annually. We monitor these installations so as to ensure that they comply with any emission controls.

We have a duty to investigate nuisance complaints and these include dust and smoke. It must be recognised that not all visible dust and / or smoke constitutes a nuisance and there will be many occasions when we cannot help.

The most common of these is the garden bonfire. Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering. Emissions from bonfires can have damaging health effects. They also prevent neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out. If used sensitively, the occasional bonfire should not cause a problem.

There are no specific bye-laws prohibiting bonfires. If you have a problem with a neighbour who regularly has bonfires, approach them and explain the problem. They may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more considerate in the future.

Pollution Control - Clean Air Act Approval

The Clean Air Act 1993, introduced a wide range of new regulations such as those which control smoke emissions and the height of chimneys serving industrial premises, and those relating to the content and composition of motor fuels. You will need approval from the council for chimneys serving furnaces which burn pulverised fuel, burn any other solid matter at a rate of 45.4 kg or more an hour or burn liquid or gas at a rate equivalent to 366.4kW.

For further information use the Contact Us procedure at the top of the page. Send your request or comments to the Environmental Health department.

• Pollution Prevention and Control

  Certain industrial processes and activities which have the potential to cause pollution are required to have an Environmental permit to operate.

• Air Quality in Christchurch

  Air quality within Christchurch is assessed against the National Air Quality Objectives. The council is required to review air quality across the borough each year and produce a report.

• Air quality in East Dorset

  Air quality across East Dorset is reviewed in accordance with a three year review and assessment timetable to check compliance with the National Air Quality Standards. The council is required to report annually on the air quality levels.

• Air quality in North Dorset

  Air quality across North Dorset is reviewed annually against the National Air Quality Standards set by the Government. See the reports of these reviews for air quality in North Dorset.

• Air quality in Purbeck

  Air quality across Purbeck is reviewed annually against the National Air Quality Standards set by the Government. The reports of these reviews for air quality in Purbeck can viewed here.

• Air Quality in West Dorset

  Air quality objectives have been set by the Government for the protection of health and councils must check air quality against these objectives once every three years. Where objectives are unlikely to be met, councils must designate Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA's) and draw up action plans to reach the objective which have been set for the following air pollutants: Benzene, 1,3 butadiene, fine particles (PM10), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead. This page provides residents and visitors with information concerning air quality in the district including the latest monitoring results, air quality reports and details of the air quality management areas.

• Air quality in Weymouth and Portland

  Air pollution can affect human health as well as to the natural environment and buildings. Air is made up from nitrogen, oxygen, argon and traces of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and other gases. This balance can be affected by our activities, and, when it is altered, the environment can then be considered to be 'polluted'.