Under the Environment Act (1995), local authorities are obliged to periodically review and assess air quality within their boundaries, and identify areas where there are likely to be exceedences of the national air quality objectives. Where the air quality objectives are exceeded, the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), and develop an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) which sets out what they are going to do to work towards achieving the objectives. This process is known as Local Air Quality Management (LAQM).
The review and assessment process is undertaken using a phased approach, with local authorities only undertaking what is necessary out of the following, dependent on their local air quality:
- Updating and Screening Assessment
- Detailed Assessment
- Progress Report
- Further Assessment
Air Quality Assessments Ltd can help at all stages of the review and assessment process. If you would like assistance in preparing your LAQM review and assessment reports, please contact us.