ASSEMBLY TO HEAR LATEST ON AIR QUALITY AND NOISE POLLUTION AROUND HEATHROW AIRPORT
Are existing measures to improve air quality and
mitigate problems with aircraft noise around Heathrow airport
effective, or should more be done?
The London Assembly Environment Committee will hold a meeting to
discuss environmental issues at the country's busiest airport with
a range of key organisations.
London Heathrow Airport (LHA) handles around 66 million
passengers each year and is surrounded by suburban housing,
business premises, open land and three large reservoirs. LHA's two
runways, five passenger terminals and one cargo terminal are owned
and managed by BAA.
Representatives of BAA, the Heathrow Association for the Control
of Aircraft Noise (HACAN), London borough of Hounslow, Transport
for London and an air quality consultancy will attend the meeting
to answer questions.
Murad Qureshi, chair of the London Assembly Environment
Committee, said: 'We have investigated air and noise pollution
around Heathrow extensively over the past six years to try to
ensure those responsible are keeping it in check. Poor air quality
can contribute to serious ill-health and premature death, while
noise pollution can have a negative effect on the lives of people
living and working close to Heathrow airport.'
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particles (PM10
and PM2.5) are the main air pollutants of concern
because of their potential harmful effects on health and the
environment. Greater London is one of 40 air quality zones that
failed to meet the 1 January 2010 deadline for complying with EU
limits for nitrogen dioxide.
It is anticipated that measures included in the Mayor's Air
Quality Strategy will make a significant difference in reducing
emissions of nitrogen oxides but, despite this, GLA modelling shows
areas around Heathrow will continue to exceed limits. Heathrow
airport is expected to publish its air quality strategy and action
plan for the next five years.
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