Air quality management

Description

The Welsh Government (WG) has responsibility for managing and improving air quality in Wales. This includes the implementation of suitable policies and measures that work towards improving the air pollution climate within Wales to minimise, as far as possible, impacts of atmospheric pollutants upon the health of people and the environment in Wales. In addition such measures, aim to work towards full compliance with statutory requirements for a range of air pollutants set at the European and national levels. A key aspect of this management role is for the Welsh Government to compile a database of air quality monitoring activity in Wales and to be able to interrogate this to draw out key findings, messages and statistics. This database constitutes a key evidence base from which fit-for-purpose air quality policies and measures can be developed. The primary role for the database has been to ratify, collate and analyse air quality monitoring data from all of the 22 local authority jurisdictions in Wales. The database is also linked to a public website (www.welshairquality.co.uk) through which the air quality monitoring data and other information are disseminated publicly. However, recent years the purpose of the database has evolved to provide an interactive support function for the Welsh Air Quality Forum (WAQF) in order that they can fulfil their objectives. It is now proposed to set up a further 3 year contract, with potential 2 year extension, to develop and operate the database. The aims of this project are: — To compile a database of air quality monitoring activity in Wales and to be able to interrogate this to draw out key findings, messages and statistics; — To develop and operate a website containing comprehensive information about air quality in Wales; — To facilitate the WAQF activities and fulfil Welsh Minister obligations for reporting and publicising information; — To produce technical reports to inform air quality policy and management in Wales.