We would like to thank residents who took the time to respond to our Air Quality consultation earlier in the year.
The ambitious Air Quality Action Plan 2020 - 2025 was discussed at the Council meeting on 2 July 2020. The plan was approved at that meeting, therefore work can now begin with partners such as Essex County Council, transport providers and businesses to improve air quality for residents and raise health awareness. The plan includes actions to improve air quality such as cleaner transport and clean air walking and cycling routes. The Air Quality Action Plan Measures sets out the actions being considered.
The plan has been developed as part of the legal requirement on all local authorities to work towards air quality objectives under the Environment Act. All of the national Air Quality Strategy objectives are currently being met in the District, other than for Nitrogen Dioxide targets for Market Hill, Maldon.
The Council has a legal duty to monitor air quality as this can have an impact on health and the environment.
We are a member of the Essex Air Quality Consortium which consists of all Local Authorities in Essex, Essex County Council, the Environment Agency, London Stansted Airport and the University of Essex. The group meets regularly to provide assistance and share experience and best practice to carry out their duties to promote improvements in air quality related issues.
We report on the assessment of air quality in the area and the measurement data is held on the Essex Air Consortium website at Essex Air - Maldon. General information is available at Essex Air and you can also view our current annual status report.
Air Quality Reports
- Draft Air Quality Action Plan
- Detailed Modeling of NO2 at Market Hill 10 January 2020
- Detailed Modeling of NO2 at Market Hill 22 October 2019
- Detailed Modeling of NO2 at Market Hill 22 May 2019
- 2020 Annual Status Report
- 2019 Annual Status Report
- 2018 Annual Status Report
Health and Air Quality
Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. Generally, if you are young and in a good state of health, moderate air pollution levels are unlikely to have any serious short-term effects. However, elevated levels and/or long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions affecting human health. This mainly affects the respiratory and inflammatory systems but is also recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. More information on health and air quality.
Wood Burning – Are you ready to burn?
Open fires and wood-burning stoves have risen in popularity in recent years and may be an additional form of heating, an attractive feature or the sole heat source. Some people are unaware that use in the home increases domestic exposure to air pollutants and makes a significant contribution to our national emissions of airborne particulates. These are inhaled and transported around the body where they can become lodged in the heart, brain and other organs.
While we will never be able to eliminate all airborne particulates, there are simple steps that households can take to limit emissions both indoors and out that will make a big difference. So what can you do? More information on Wood Burning
The Council has a legal duty to monitor air quality as this can have an impact on health and the environment.
We are a member of the Essex Air Quality Consortium which consists of all Local Authorities in Essex, Essex County Council, the Environment Agency, London Stansted Airport and the University of Essex. The group meets regularly to provide assistance and share experience and best practice to carry out their duties to promote improvements in air quality related issues.