Find out how we measure, monitor and report on air quality to ensure it meets legal standards, and how you can help improve air quality.
Good air quality is essential for our health, quality of life and the environment. We therefore monitor air quality across North Yorkshire to make sure it meets UK Air Quality Objectives, and if there are any problems with air quality we understand where this is happening.
Air quality reports
We have a legal duty to monitor key pollutants across North Yorkshire and report on it each year to the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This report is called the Annual Status Report. The report provides details of how we will improve air quality and any progress that has been made.
In areas where the National Air Quality Objectives set by the government are not being met, we declare these as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). We currently have two AQMAs; one area exceeds the annual target for nitrogen dioxide due to traffic emissions, and one area for exceeding particulate matter (PM 10 - small particles) due to domestic heating.
Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) are produced for each AQMA which show how we will tackle air pollution and improve the air quality in these areas. The action plans are updated and sent to DEFRA at least every five years. The AQAP will be updated to take account of revocation of some AQMA’s.
when driving switch off your engine when stationary, and if possible, choose to drive electric vehicles
avoid burning garden waste, especially green or damp waste, as it produces smoke - this can be composted or taken to our household waste recycling centres
take household waste, such as old furniture or building materials, to one of our household waste recycling centres rather than burn it
Smoke control areas
There are several smoke control areas within North Yorkshire. These areas have restrictions on producing smoke from domestic chimneys and require you to burn authorised fuel or use certain appliances.
