Investment in air quality monitoring
Dudley Council is to invest £66,000 in upgrading the air quality monitoring network in the borough.
The investment, primarily financed with £53,000 of government grants, will see the replacement of analysers at two sites across the borough, in need of updating.
They will be installed in St James’ Road, Dudley, and on Wordsley High Street.
This new equipment will ensure the council can continue to accurately monitor air quality across the borough for pollutants including nitrogen dioxide and particulates now and into the future.
They will be used to calibrate the readings taken at a further 45 separate sites across the borough which measure the quantity of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major cause of air pollution and is predominantly generated by internal combustion engines of road vehicles.
The data collected will be used to determine future compliance with national air quality standards, which are currently under review by the Government.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:
We all know air pollution is bad for our health so it’s vital we monitor air quality across the borough so we can take action where required.
This new investment will ensure we have a robust monitoring network in place, which will be fit for purpose providing accurate readings now and into the future.
Dudley Council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the remaining £13,000 cost of the investment at their meeting on Thursday (Oct 28).