Why are we doing this?

Residents Case - Overview

For the past ten years Port Talbot has consistently failed to meet EC air quality limits for Particulate matter under 10 microns called Pm10. This harmful pollution contains amongst other things trace elements of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and other carcinogenic products of combustion. Pm10 is fine enough to pass through the lung tissues into the body. It damages the heart, respiratory system and reduces life expectancy.

Port Talbot has a designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), which SHOULD restrict developments that increase further air pollution. We have had to challenge the planning decision by the Government for a 350MW biomass power station because we believe the law does not allow for increases in pollution where EC statutory limits for air quality are not being met. These statutory limits were transcribed into law by the Welsh Assembly in July 2007.

Pm10 is a scheduled Category 1 pollutant. This means that in law its harmful effects cannot be offset against so called 'benefits to the community. What benefits?