Analysis Reveals Poor Air Quality in Davyhulme

The BCAG wanted to qualify the extent to which the air quality in Davyhulme is already polluted.  We are located in an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) where reducing pollutants is a key concern.  We had seen documents on Trafford Council website which raised our concerns that the air quality was not good.  So, we decided to test for a wider range of pollutants (all of which could be emitted legally by BREP), using more sophisticated and accurate methods and we were left stunned at the results.

The investigation found that the air quality in Davyhulme:

· is 38 times over the limit for 1,3 Butadiene (This pollutant is associated with cancers, birth defects, kidney damage)

· is over the limit for oxides of Nitrogen (These can cause lung irritation and in children, respiratory illness)

· is over the limit for PM2.5s (Associated with heart and lung disease and cancers)

· unusually contains all 12 heavy metals, including Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Thallium as well as Mercury.  BREP will legally emit up to 655kg per year of these pollutants (using official Peel Energy Figures), which will increase the levels even further.

· is close to exceeding the limits for Carbon Monoxide and Arsenic.

The detail behind each of these statements is contained in the report.  Unbelievably, a similar study has not been conducted by anyone else involved in the application. The report also outlines how much BREP will legally be allowed to contribute to these levels.  These substances will be emitted approximately 500m from the nearest houses and the densely populated areas of Davyhulme, Urmston, Flixton, Stretford and Eccles.  It is also anticipated that the emissions will travel across most of Greater Manchester.

Also highlighted in the report are other local, industrial developments which have already been passed and will also legally emit huge quantities (but a narrower range) of pollutants.  These include:

· A methane plant on the same site as BREP

· 5 biogas engines and a flare stack on the adjacent site at United Utilities

We are exceptionally concerned about the range of existing pollutants in our existing air quality and the impacts these will already produce.  Therefore, we cannot accept an incinerator which will pollute our air even further and may cause additional health risk to ourselves and our children.

To receive a copy of the full report please click here.