Local Air Quality Management

Reading Borough Council is required to follow the Govenment's system of Local Air Quality Management (LAQM).

There are three main stages to the LAQM approach

Stage 1:  Review and Assessment

Local Authorities (LA) are required to undertake an initial screening process reviewing sources of pollution to find out if whether the statutory air quality objectives for each of the main pollutants (Benzene, 1,3 butadiene, Carbon monoxide, lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Particles & Sulphur dioxide) are likely to be met on time.

Stage 2:  Designation of Air Quality management Areas (AQMS)

If the initial assessment shows that one or more or the air quality objectives are unlikley to be met on time the Council must declare an AQMA and carry out a more detailed survey using simple monitoring and modelling techniques

Stage 3:  Action Plans

The Council is then required to draw up a plan setting out what action it will take to meet the objectives.

Article		Description
	Local Air Quality Management	The staged approach to LAQM