28 May 2013
The Minister for Planning and Environment and the Minister for Health and Social Services are to launch a joint initiative aimed at safeguarding air quality in Jersey.
The joint Jersey Air Quality Strategy provides a framework for ensuring that the high standard of ambient (outdoor) air quality, in Jersey, is maintained and improved, while the detailed project plan sets out the tasks, actions and timetable for monitoring and reporting on air quality.
The good air quality enjoyed by Jersey residents is largely due to the location of the Island and the prevailing weather conditions, together with a limited impact from industrial and manufacturing processes.
The air quality monitoring programme, run by the Health Protection Service, demonstrates that pollution levels are already below thresholds of concern to human health and the environment, and the Strategy has been designed to safeguard this positive situation.
Monitoring suggests that the greatest proportion of air pollution in Jersey is from road traffic. Monitoring stations provide information on these transport pollutants at key congestion points. The results demonstrate that the air quality in Jersey can be categorised as good, in comparison with UK standards.
There are a small number of industrial sources which have been identified as potential point sources (linked to a specific location) of emissions. These include the Jersey Electricity plc power station and the Island’s crematorium. Emissions from the ‘Energy from Waste’ plant at La Collette are strictly controlled within the licence and reporting requirements, which reflect the European Waste Incineration Directive (WID).
Deputy Rob Duhamel, the Minister for Planning and Environment said "Air quality is an important factor in protecting both human health, and the environment. The way we move to and from the Island, the way that we travel around during the day, the way we heat and cool our work and living spaces and the choices we make in procurement of goods and services all have an impact on air quality. I welcome this strategy and look forward to working in close partnership with the Minister for Health and Social Services on its implementation."
Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Anne Pryke said “I am delighted that the joint Air Quality Strategy has come to fruition. The quality of the air we breathe can have a major impact on our health, and the actions outlined in the plan will help to improve the health and well being of all Islanders. I am very keen to see this strategy develop, and my department will be working in conjunction with other departments across the States to ensure that the objectives are delivered.”
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