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The primary aim of the Environmental Health Department within this function is to prevent and control environmental pollution.
The main areas of work include:
- Air Quality Control/Management
- Noise Control
- Radiation Monitoring
- Waste and Contaminated Land
- Complaint Investigation
- Provision of Information
Air Quality
Standards for air quality have been established by the Government in the Air Quality Regulations (NI) 2003. Emission levels are set for a number of pollutants. Since 1997 Banbridge District Council has monitored pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, particulates and sulphur dioxide at various locations throughout the District. Pollutant sources of particular interest include road traffic and domestic fuel combustion. The Council is also required to assess air quality to identify existing and potential areas of concern. The first round of this process has been completed and none of the standards have been exceeded. A Local Air Quality Strategy, which lays out action plans for maintaining good air quality in the District, is under development and will be launched in the Autumn of 2005. The Council published its Local Air Quality Management Strategy 2006-2010 in March 2006.
Pollution Control
Emissions from certain industrial activities and installations are controlled by Banbridge District Council under the Local Air Pollution Prevention and Control regime. Under the system of regulation prescribed activities and installations can only operate under a permit which lays down operating conditions to ensure compliance with emission control standards. A public register of businesses regulated by the Council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is maintained by the Environmental Health Department and is available to the public. The Council also has powers under the Clean Air (NI) Order 1981 and the Public Health Acts to deal with polluting activities not otherwise regulated. This would include emission of dark smoke from industrial or trade premises and smoke nuisance to a neighbourhood arising from burning activities at any premises.
Noise Control
Noise can arise from a wide range of sources including domestic, industrial, commercial, places of entertainment and construction sites. Under the Pollution Control and Local Government (NI) Order 1978 the Council has powers to deal with noise which constitutes a statutory nuisance i.e. a nuisance in law. In order to establish if a statutory nuisance exists a number of factors are taken into account. These include loudness, frequency, duration and the time of day the noise occurs. A noise which may be irritating may not necessarily be a nuisance under law.
All complaints are investigated in accordance with the Council’s complaint procedure. If a complaint involves neighbours it is always advisable to attempt to resolve the matter amicably before involving the Council. Where further action is required a formal investigation may be initiated to ascertain if a nuisance exists. Noise from premises such as night clubs, pubs etc. is controlled by conditions laid down in their entertainment license issued by Banbridge District Council. In relation to noise from construction sites, Banbridge District Council may insist certain operating conditions are implemented including type of equipment used, hours of operation and permitted noise levels.
Information Leaflets
You can view or download information leaflets about how to deal with noise disturbances and smoke nuisance by selecting the links below or from under 'Publications'.
Radiation Monitoring
Banbridge District Council is a member of the Local Authority Radiation Network (LARnet) responsible for co-ordinating radioactivity monitoring throughout the United Kingdom. The Council participates in a comprehensive monitoring and sampling program. Background levels of gamma radiation are measured to enable changes in levels to be detected in the event of a radiation incident. In the event of a radiation incident emergencies would be addressed under a National Response Plan.
Waste and Contaminated Land
The illegal disposal of waste on land not licensed for that purpose is dealt with by the Waste and Contaminated Land Branch of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The Council has powers to require the land owner to take steps to deal with waste deposited. Complaints should be made initially to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency for further investigation.
Contact:
Theresa Mallon - Environmental Health Lead Officer
Environmental Health Department, Banbridge District Council, The Gatelodge, Linenhall Street, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3EG
T: 028 4066 0606
F: 028 4066 0651
E: theresa.mallon@banbridge.gov.uk
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