Decision:
A
verbal update was provided to members.
Minutes:
The Head of Planning and Public Protection advised members that the intention was for the report to be available in advance of this Scrutiny Committee meeting, but, despite the efforts of officers and appointed consultants this has not been possible. With the agreement of the Chair, a verbal update will be provided and the report will be available at the next scrutiny committee meeting. The Cabinet consideration of this report will be moved to 2nd October.
A verbal update was provided to members.
Officers advised members that legislation requires the local authority to produce an Air Quality Action Plan where there are designated Local Air Quality Management Areas such as Margam / Taibach. The current Air Quality Action Plan has been in place since 2012, to deal with particulate matter, PM10 and the plan and the process requires periodic review. The report being brought to cabinet will ask members to agree for officers to go out for consultation and engagement on the draft action plan.
The draft Air Quality Action Plan has been prepared with assistance from Ricardo, the Authority’s Air Quality Consultants. Ricardo have worked on analysis and annual data reviews for air quality. It was highlighted that the Action Plan will include a summary of the current air quality in Neath Port Talbot, it will identify the air quality priorities and ultimately present priority actions to improve air quality going forward. A steering group has already been established, members include Health Board, Highways, Natural Resources Wales and Public Health Wales. The steering group have contributed to the draft action plan and as part of the consultation process, will be re consulted for formal comments, along with other consultees. A report will be brought to scrutiny in September, providing a summary and legislative context, and highlighting what cabinet will be asked to consider and note.
The Chair thanked officers for the verbal update.
Members referred to a news report that 50mph zones on motorways, had not affected levels of pollution and the restricted limit had been removed in some parts of England. Members questioned whether the restricted 50mph area from Port Talbot to LLandarcy had impacted on pollution levels
Officers confirmed that the 50mph restriction on the M4 was imposed by Welsh Government for air quality reasons. Reports have been undertaken by Air Quality Control Consultants into the implementation and effect, but it is uncertain if this information has been published yet. Officers can signpost members to information on the Welsh Government website around this. Officers confirmed that it is an area of interest, monitoring has been undertaken with low-cost air quality sensors in air quality areas around the motorway. This work is due to be reviewed. It was noted that some of the sensors have not been reliable in terms of data capture, but some analysis can be undertaken. Welsh Government grant money has been received in relation to a nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube study to measure air quality. Real time data will not be available, but results are expected within 18 months and will be feedback to Welsh Government.
The Head of Planning and Public Protection advised members that the Draft Air Quality Action Plan is a technical report in nature, it would be useful if members could advise officers in advance of any questions, so it can be ensured that information is available to answer members questions appropriately.