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Pollution

Pollution prevention refers to the avoidance or reduction of pollution of the atmosphere, water and soil, as well as the quantities of waste arising from industrial and agricultural installations in a bid to ensure a high level of environmental protection.

The EU Integrated Pollution and Prevention Control (IPPC) Directive aims to prevent/minimise pollution through a set of common rules for permitting and controlling industrial installations. This IPPC Directive imposes a requirement for industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential to have a permit which can only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met.

Polluter Pays Principle - Presumption that costs of environmental pollution should be recovered from those causing harm or giving rise to the risk.

While we usually think of pollution in terms of emissions, other types of pollution are important in the context of the urban environment:

Light pollution - Any form of artificial light which shines outside the area it needs to illuminate, including light that is directed above the horizontal into the night sky or which creates a danger by glare. Potential effects include impact on ecosystems, adverse health effects, interference with astronomical observations and energy waste.

Noise pollution - Refers to the generation of excessive noise in the environment surrounding a source, which is intrusive and causes disturbance to working conditions, communications, amenity, recreation or respite.

Regulatory update: Light pollution may be regarded as a 'nuisance' under common law, and is being added to the list of statutory nuisances in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Local authorities and people affected by light trespass will be able to take action, though there are specific exemptions for some transport and sports facilities. Defra is currently developing policies on neighbourhood noise and other forms of statutory nuisance (e.g. dust and smells/odours).

 

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