Pollution

Environmental information regulations: The Environmental Information Regulations or Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 set out enforceable regulations that govern the public's right to access environmental information held by public authorities including local authorities. Environmental information covered by the regulations includes the state of the air, atmosphere, water, soil, land, landscape, as well as factors affecting the above elements such as substances, energy, noise, radiation or waste, emissions, discharges into the environment.

Pollution control - air handling units: Ventilation and air-conditioning systems which are poorly installed or maintained may be a health risk to the public. The local authority can provide advice and guidance on all aspects of installation and can require that detailed plans are submitted for inspection prior to installation of new units. This particularly applies to catering establishments.

Pollution control - air quality: Each council has responsibility for measuring the quality of ambient air to ensure that it meets required standards in relation to the concentration of a defined range of pollutants such as lead, nitrogen dioxide, benzene etc. The local authority is also required to keep a copy of any orders made under the Clean Air Act 1993: Part III s18-22, Sch.1 (plus related Regulations and Orders under the Act). This information is available from www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk

Pollution control - asbestos: Residents and business may be given advice on what to do if they believe asbestos may be present in a building. Council inspectors may visit the premises to confirm the presence of asbestos and advise on procedures for removal and disposal.

Pollution control - clean air act approval: The Clean Air Act, 1993 details regulations such as those which control smoke emissions and the height of chimneys and those relating to the content and composition of motor fuels. The local authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Act.

Pollution control - construction information and advice: Advice and information for developers and for the local community on risks of pollution from construction work. The local authority will monitor construction work to minimise pollution caused by noise, dust and other nuisances.

Pollution control - contaminated land: The Environmental Protection Act 1990: Part IIA s78R(1); s78B(3); s78G(3) and the Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000: Article 14 oblige local authorities to maintain a register of contaminated land which is available for public inspection.

Pollution control - hazardous substances: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 were introduced to control exposure to all substances hazardous to health arising from work activities. The local authority usually has responsibility for ensuring that these regulations are adhered to by catering establishments, offices and shops. The HSE is generally responsible for manufacturing premises.

Pollution control - inspection and regulation: Inspection and regulation of premises where Part B processes which have the potential to cause air pollution are undertaken. These include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, furniture manufacture and unloading of petrol.

Pollution control - noise: Complaints about excessive noise are investigated by the local authority who can take action if the noise is considered to be a statutory nuisance.

Pollution control - nuisances: In the event of justified complaint of statutory nuisance such as emissions of smoke, fumes or gases, dust, steam and smell is justified, a penalty notice will be served upon the person responsible by the local authority.

Pollution control - water: Working with the Environment Agency in a number of ways to prevent or control pollution. This is done by prompt reporting of incidents, ensuring that emissions from industries controlled by the Council are properly controlled and by preventing pollution of water by dealing with any contamination of land.