Air time!

Suffolk Coastal wants to hear from you. In a message from the council they said:

"We’re encouraging local people to have their say on our 2017 annual report about the District’s air quality that has recently been approved by the Government. 

The Council’s Annual Status Report is now produced every year and provides a public facing update on air quality across the entire district.  The report includes monitoring data for 2016 and details progress on actions to improve air quality both within our 2 designated Air Quality Management Areas (Woodbridge and Stratford St. Andrew), and across the district as a whole. 

The Report confirms that across the district our air quality remains generally good, with just these two very specific areas of concern. 

The problem in both areas relates to the pollutant nitrogen dioxide which is an irritant of the respiratory system and can adversely affect people’s health - particularly those who, for example, have existing heart or lung conditions or breathing problems.

“The really good news is that our monitoring reveals that the nitrogen dioxide levels within the Woodbridge AQMA have reduced in recent times to below the standard set by the Government for the third year running,” explained Cllr Carol Poulter, Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Green Environment.

“This trend also continues to be seen within and around the revoked AQMA at Felixstowe due to considerable emissions reduction projects being undertaken by the Port of Felixstowe.”

The main measure within our draft Action Plan for the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) at Stratford St. Andrew (to move the Southern speed limit change further south out of the village) was completed by Suffolk County Council in December 2017.  We will wait to see the results of monitoring for 2018 in order to determine its effectiveness in reducing nitrogen dioxide concentrations within the AQMA.

The Air Quality pages on our website have recently undergone a revamp, making them easier to read and navigate and to include lots of additional information, such as how you can get help reduce emissions.  To visit our new site, go to;

http://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/environmental-protection/air-quality/ 

There is a whole new section on Wood Burning with advice on how to get the most out of your open fire or wood burning stove whilst keeping emissions to a minimum.  It includes information on the ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’ initiative, backed by Defra, which identifies dry or seasoned wood that is ready for use and will produce fewer harmful emissions such as particulates.

The Annual Status Report Consultation can be viewed on the new website at;

http://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-consultations/open-consultations/ Alternatively, hard copies can be viewed at Customer Services in Woodbridge and Felixstowe libraries.

Comments can be emailed to environment@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or sent to:

Environmental Protection, East Suffolk House, Station Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT.

We may not be able to reply directly to every consultation response, but be assured all comments received will be taken into account. 

The final deadline for comments is Monday 19 March 2018."