Guernsey Press

Tougher air pollution rules are proposed

DARK SMOKE emissions could be banned and bonfires restricted to just dry garden waste in a bid to improve air quality in the island.

Published

The air pollution section of the 2004 Environmental Pollution Law has been lodged with the States for discussion.

Environmental health and pollution regulation director Val Cameron said the new rules were needed.

'Detailed research has shown that when air pollution levels rise, there are increased admissions to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital of people who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma,' she said.

'Poor air quality impacts on the quality of life of islanders and therefore on States budgets for treatment services.'

The new standards would be consistent with UK rules and the new legislation would allow the States to control the nature, volume and intensity of pollutants released into or present in the air.

Environmental Health has been monitoring air quality in the island for 24 years and overall it is very good.

While nowhere exceeded English standards, stricter Scottish rules were broken, with nitrogen dioxide exceeding the guide in Fountain Street, Bulwer Avenue and the Bridge area.

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