Pressure group refutes council criticisms of monitoring data

The Breathe Clean Air Group (BCAG) admitted that their use of diffusion tubes for monitoring air levels was ‘not top science’, but said it was the same method accepted as evidence by the Environment Agency when considering the Barton Renewable Energy Plant – approved on appeal by the Secretary of State.

BCAG was set up more than four years ago to oppose the creation of the plant - which they dubbed the 'Davyhulme Biomass Waste Incinerator' - and has since diversified to press for reductions in NO2.

Trafford Council this month said BCAG’s diffusion tube monitoring data was not an ‘accurate basis for the assessment for air quality’ in Trafford.

Responding, BCAG chairman Pete Klivert said: “We welcome dialogue with the council on air pollution. Indeed we have spoken with the three party leaders and the air pollution team who are keen to reduce air pollution.

“We are also very grateful to members of the planning committee for rejecting the Biomass Waste Incinerator.

“The use of diffusion tubes to measure nitrogen dioxide is not top science, but it was good enough for the Environment Agency when it accepted Peel Energy's evidence about air quality around the Davyhulme Biomass Waste Incinerator.

“We welcome Trafford Council's plan to monitor the full suite of air pollutants at a site closer to the M60 motorway.

“This site will be alongside a primary school, housing and close to the proposed Biomass Waste Incinerator.

“The two other monitoring sites are away from the motorway and of course give lower readings.

“However, the crucial question is, when is the Council going to take action to reduce air pollution?

“We stand by our claim that nitrogen dioxide air pollution is increasing.”

Trafford Council admit that the M60 ‘continues to have an adverse effect on air quality in the borough’ but say that driving down NO2 levels would require national and European target commitments.