We have a dedicated specialist Team dealing with a number of pollution matters as well as supporting other teams in more technical or scientific investigations. More general information on nuisances is available through the
environmental health links and below is a summary of the work of the Scientific Services Team:
Air Quality is monitored continuously in several places in the Borough and has led to the declaration of an
Air Quality Management Area which includes part of the Borough, and the Air Quality Action Plan is currently being developed. Most of the Borough is included in the
Smoke Control Area which means that coal and logs should not be burnt in the home.
Contaminated Land is now considered on all new housing developments and we hold a large amount of information which is available to developers or anyone intending to buy a house in the area. There is a charge for Land Searches which varies according to the size of the site and the information requested. A
Contaminated Land Strategy has been published and is currently being revised.
Swimming Pool Water is monitored regularly at a number of school pools and leisure centres, and this is also a service we are happy to offer to private householders or schools. Further details on the charges can be obtained by contacting the Scientific Services Team
Drinking Water is no longer monitored routinely by us, as the Water companies themselves carry out a great deal of testing themselves and provide the results to us. We are able to provide a testing service for Private Water Supplies and to assist with complying with the new Regulations.
Asbestos is a subject of great concern to many people and the dangers are well known. Asbestos in workplaces is the responsibility of whichever Authority enforces the Health & Safety at Work Act, and we provide a facility at
Waldo Road for the disposal of some of the least dangerous types. Information is available on
asbestos commonly found in the home and the safe way of dealing with it.