Air Quality

The Environment Act 1995 places a duty on us to periodically review and assess air quality within our area. There are key pollutants that should be considered, and they are set out in legislation. Each of the key pollutants has a standard that should not be breached. The standards (or objectives) have been set at levels based on current scientific information which are designed to protect health and the environment. The Air Quality Objectives are set out in the Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2010.

We submit regular air quality reports to Welsh Government on Carmarthenshire’s air quality. Further information on air quality reports can be downloaded from the DEFRA website. All Local Authorities in Wales update details about their monitoring locations and sampling results on the Welsh Air Quality Forum website.

We have identified that the key pollutant most relevant to Carmarthenshire is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂). The main source of NO₂ emissions in Carmarthenshire is road traffic. We have developed a monitoring network that follows some of our busiest roads and most congested streets.

We also continue to ensure residents can enjoy the County’s natural environment with updated walking trails and cycling routes as well as major new projects such as the new Tywi Vally Path, a scenic, multi-use route connecting Carmarthen and Llandeilo.

With financial support from Welsh Government’s Local Air Quality Management grant in both 2023 and 2024, the Council’s Environmental Health team have set up real time monitors providing data on nitrogen dioxide and particulates in the three air quality management areas.

Llandeilo

An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) was designated for part of Llandeilo in 2011.

Carmarthen

An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) was designated for a specific area of Carmarthen in August 2016.

Llanelli

An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) was designated for a specific area of Llanelli in August 2016.

Nitrogen Dioxide monitoring

We use diffusion tubes to carry out non-automatic (passive) monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide. Maps of the monitoring sites and annual mean results can be viewed in this section.

School Initiatives

Officers have been visiting local schools and together with pupils been delivering a range of initiatives and projects that highlight the health and wellbeing consequences of poor air quality.

Schemes have included access for 2,500 primary school pupils to the travel tracker, a fun way to encourage active travel to school with over 130,692 journeys recorded so far for the 2024/25 school year and an interactive pantomime that visited 20 schools investigating the causes and concerns of poor air quality and promoting sustainable travel.

After being alarmed by recent air quality data, the school Eco Council organised a focus week, encouraging schools and classes to research air quality issues and actions to improve it. They then presented their findings in ways that inspire positive changes in the school and wider community. Find out more about how pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Llandeilo, Richmond Park School, and Ysgol Ffwrnes participated in finding ways to improve air quality around their schools.

Environmental Permits

Certain processes that have a potential to release substances to air require a permit to operate.

Clean Air Day

To learn more about Clean Air Day, and how you can get involved, please visit the Clean Air Hub website.

Electric vehicle infrastructure

The uptake of electric vehicles will lead to improvements in air quality, as well as helping mitigate climate change through decarbonisation of transport.

Climate Change and Biodiversity

We play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity by implementing strategies to mitigate climate change, preserve natural habitats, and promote sustainable practices.