Memorandum submitted by the London Borough of Hounslow (PBR08003)
1. Introduction1.1. The London Borough of Hounslow is situated immediately to the east of Heathrow Airport, which remains the busiest international airport in the world. The airport at one time or another currently affects nearly all of the 214,000 residents of Hounslow by causing, directly or indirectly: - · Noise from aircraft in the air or on the ground. · Poor air quality mainly caused by transport emissions from vehicles passing through the borough, many of which are going to and from Heathrow. 2. Environmental Standards - Some Examples2.1. The effects of excessive noise levels and poor air quality are well documented by the World Health Organisation[1] and others. The WHO suggests a variety of noise targets, to be achieved over a period of time, for example, noise levels in a bedroom should be no greater than 35 dB(A). There are also noise standards for the construction of buildings, for example British Standard 8233[2] and Building Bulletin 93 (Noise and Schools). The latter specifies that noise in a standard classroom should be no greater than 35 dB(A). 2.2. The noise levels within many of the bedrooms within the borough are above the 35 dB(A) standard and many of the school classrooms also exceed this level. 2.3. The effects of poor air quality are also well known. The Government's Air Quality Strategy[3] reiterates the mandatory standards included in the European Union Air Quality Daughter Directive[4] for example by the year 2010 the ambient annual average level of nitrogen dioxide should be below 40 micrograms per cubic metre. 2.4. The Council has already designated the borough an "Air Quality Management Area"[5] because the aforementioned air quality standard is not being achieved. The United Kingdom may become the subject of European Union infraction proceedings because of this. 2.5. Whilst not the subject of this paper, expanding the airport will make the existing air quality and noise situation worse. 3. Mitigation3.1. Noise
3.1.1. The economic downturn has lead to a reduction in development across the whole construction sector. This has or will inevitably lead to a loss of jobs in the building business and in the associated supply chain. 3.1.2. Mitigating the effects of aviation pollution would maintain and create many thousands of jobs in this sector. 3.1.3. Noise related projects that the Council would wish to see undertaken include · All classrooms in Hounslow schools to be compliant with the criteria within Building Bulletin 93 (noise) and Building Bulletin 101 (ventilation). · All public buildings (including places of worship) insulated and ventilated to current standards · All domestic premises insulated to comply with BS8233 3.2. Air Quality and Carbon Dioxide - Positive Alternatives3.2.1. Improving surface transport in the Heathrow area would lead to improved local air quality. Local schemes for example the introduction of guided bus (see Fastway[6] scheme around Gatwick) have proven to be an economic viable alternative to the private car, leading to air quality improvements. 3.2.2. Nationally, the Council is of the view that implementation of a high-speed rail scheme, connecting into Heathrow would have significant environmental benefits. Local air quality would be improved and the scheme would help the Government achive its carbon dioxide emission target as the need for the majority of internal flights would be removed. The Council supports the High Speed North proposal that is being promoted by the 2M group of local authorities[7]. Unlike comparable proposals High Speed north would link UK cities (including Glasgow and Edinburgh) to Europe with, in many cases, a travelling time of less than four hours. 3.2.3. Both of the above examples would provide significant levels off employment and environmental improvement. They would provide such a boost to the transport system that the United Kingdom businesses would become more competitive, further improving the economy. 3.3. Air Quality and Carbon Dioxide - Improving Emissions from Vehicles3.3.1. It is evident that the UK motor vehicle manufacturing industry is in decline due to the economic down turn. To encourage the uptake of newer vehicles grants could be offered to take older vehicles of the road. This would reduce both operational carbon dioxide emissions and improve local air quality. 4. Research and Development in the Aviation Industry4.1. Reduction of emissions at source is the most cost effective and efficient way of reducing pollution. Academic research in collaboration with the industry and other stakeholders is vital. Implementation of technology developed as part of this type of programme will preserve and possibly create jobs. Research programmes such as OMEGA[8] must be maintained for the good of local residents, the industry and the environment.
13 January 2009
[1] Guidelines for Community Noise edited by Birgitta Berglund , Thomas Lindvall, Dietrich H Schwela, World Health Organisation 1999 [2] Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. Code of practice BS 8233, 1999 [3] The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Defra 2007 [4] Directive 2008/50/Ec Of The European Parliament And Of The Council Of 21 May 2008 On Ambient Air Quality And Cleaner Air For Europe [5] Air Quality Management Area Declared by Order LB Hounslow 6th March 2006 [6] http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/roads-and-transport/public-transport/fastway/ [7] http://www.2mgroup.org.uk/ [8] http://www.omega.mmu.ac.uk/ |