The Environment Agency deals with major polluting industries like power stations and chemical plants. Councils control air pollution from smaller polluting processes, for example, foundries, printing works and car resprayers. These processes must have a permit to operate. The permit sets out standards and conditions, which regulate the operation of the process to minimise the amount of pollution discharged.

Processes under this Council's control are regularly monitored to ensure they are complying with the required national standards and where they are not the Council can take enforcement action.

Councils must hold a public register, which holds all the permits, which have been issued to local companies. The register will show what standards the companies must meet to minimise pollution. Applications for larger processes are consulted on and members of the public have the right to comment on these applications for permits. The Public Register is held at the Environmental Services Department, Causeway House, Braintree.

Dark Smoke

Dark Smoke is an offence, under the Clean Air Act 1993, from burning industrial or trade wastes and may result in a fine and a criminal record! Dark smoke is created by burning plastics, oil, roofing felt foam etc. And is toxic to the environment and individuals. Businesses should have proper trade waste agreements for disposal.

Air Quality

The Council has a duty to Review and Assess air quality within it's district. The results of the review and assessment are available to members of the public. See www.essexair.org.uk. At the current time, no air quality management areas have been declared as no areas were found to exceed air quality limits for lead, particulate, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, benzene, sulphur dioxide and 1-3 butadiene which are all the chemicals which need to be considered.

If you require advice or further information, you cancontact us:

By Phone: 01376 551414 ext 2223

By Fax: 01376 557767

By Email - envprotection@braintree.gov.uk