Environmental Scientifics Group works closely with the Environment Agency on Air Quality in Major Incidents

Tuesday 09 February 2010

Environmental Scientifics Group works closely with the Environment Agency on Air Quality in Major Incidents

Following the explosions and fires at the Buncefield oil storage and transfer depot in December 2005 (“the Buncefield incident”), the Major Incident Investigation Board recommended the co-ordination of air quality modelling and monitoring data in major air pollution incidents.

As a result, the Environment Agency has been working together with several other Government agencies* to achieve this, through the creation of a multi-agency national Air Quality Cell (AQC).

The AQC’s new air monitoring and improved modelling capability will be used in all major chemical air pollution incidents. It is already partially operating using interim arrangements and will be fully operational by April 2010.

As an established supplier to the Environment Agency, Environmental Scientifics Group (ESG), was selected to participate in the AQC through a tender process. The company will ultimately be responsible for responding to call-outs and monitoring air quality in the South East region and is currently prepared to respond to incidents in any part of England and Wales, as part of the interim arrangements.

Environmental Scientifics Group is the UK’s leading environmental compliance company, offering an unrivalled range of technical expertise and accredited services – including environmental monitoring and consultancy for air quality. This expertise together with the opening of the company’s new Romford office in May 2009 means it is well placed to be the ideal AQC partner for the South East. Today, an ESG team would aim to be on site to a major incident in London within 30 minutes. This allows ESG to commence the air quality monitoring and analysis necessary to provide vital information as quickly as possible, helping to reduce any potential risk to local residents from the incident.
 

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