Dover District Council is lifting the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) at the Eastern Docks relating to levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) from shipping at the Port of Dover - the revocation of the AQMA takes effect from Friday (1 August 2014).
The AQMA at the Eastern Docks was set up in June 2002 after air quality monitoring showed levels of SO2 higher than Government objectives. The AQMA was declared following public consultation.
Since 2002, and following changes in EU Directives, sulphur emissions from ferries using the Port of Dover have reduced. Data collected by DDC shows that recorded SO2 levels have not been over Government objectives since 2006. This was reported to DEFRA, and the Council stopped monitoring sulphur dioxide levels at the docks in January 2013. Further reductions in sulphur content in fuels are proposed to be implemented from 1 January 2015.
For more information on air quality monitoring in Dover District visit the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/Environment/Environmental-Health/Home.aspx or see the Kent Air website at www.kentair.org.uk.
