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. Members of the public have the right to comment on all
applications for permits; these will be advertised in the local
papers under the public notice section. 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. The last review in 2001
identified that the main source of pollution in the Braintree
District is the A12. However 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.