The first round of Local Air Quality Management Review and Assessments is now complete and many Local Authorities have declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and are developing Action Plans to ensure compliance with the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS) objectives by the relevant future year. Many Local Authorities did not need to declare an AQMA, but subsequent to the recent Updating and Screening Assessments completed in April 2003, may require to undertake Detailed Assessments or prepare annual Progress Reports by April 2004. This may involve an examination of current monitoring activities, detailed modelling and a review of air quality management techniques available to improve the situation.

Similarly, industrial operators require advice on air quality monitoring, abatement technology, legislation review and advice, air dispersion modelling studies, odour impact assessments and assistance with PPC applications.

BMT Cordah Ltd has an established Air Quality Unit with a team of experienced staff in the field of air quality management. The Air Quality Unit has been involved with 13 Scottish Local Authorities throughout the Review and Assessment Process. The main tasks have been preparing emission inventories, undertaking detailed dispersion modelling, review and planning of monitoring regimes, liaising with operators, local authorities and regulators and managing stakeholder consultation processes. In most cases BMT Cordah compiled the reports which were submitted to the Scottish Executive and other statutory consultees. We can offer a systematic approach to the LAQM process and work in close collaboration with the individual local authorities.

BMT Cordah offers a focused service in the UK and internationally on all aspects of air pollution to clients wishing to confront the challenges of environmental management and regulatory compliance.

For the past 15 years BMT Cordah has provided introductory and advanced Air Quality training courses to SEPA, the body in Scotland charged with regulating Air Pollution.