Clean Air Act Approval
To protect against
high concentrations of air pollutants at ground level, which could
create health effects, the Clean Air Act 1993 allows Local
Authorities to control the height of chimneys serving industrial
processes.
Under section 14 of the Act, unless the height of
the chimney has been approved by the local authority and any
conditions attached to approval adhered to, it is an offence to
cause or knowingly permit a furnace to be used to:
- burn pulverised fuel
- burn at a rate of 45.4 kg or more an hour any
other solid matter or
- burn at a rate equivalent to 366.4 kW or more
any liquid or gaseous matter
The theory behind this is to ensure that
emissions from chimneys exit at high levels to aid dispersion and
dilution and limit the process of gravity from bringing high
concentrations of grit, dust, soot and gases down to ground
level.
Applications for chimney height approval always
contain technical data and calculations to
support the overall height applied for and Local Authorities will
ensure that information is correct before granting an approval. The
Local Authority may also attach conditions to approvals.
In addition provisions are also contained within
legislation dealing with prescribed processes under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Pollution Prevention and
Control Regulations 2000; details of these processes in Tendring
District Council can be found under Authorised
Processes.
For information on
Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers including companies
registered in the Tendring area please use the link below:
-
Cooling Towers and
Evaporative Condensers
For further advice and guidance on applications
for chimney height approval please contact:
Environmental Services
Email:
environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address:
Environmental Services, Council Offices, Weeley, Clacton-on-Sea,
Essex CO16 9AJ
Telephone: 01255 686767
Some advice will vary from authority to authority
so, if you do not live in the Tendring district, it is advisable to
contact your own local authority. To find out who your local
authority is, you can check your Council Tax bill or enter your
postcode on the DirectGov - the Government information
website
www.direct.gov.uk
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