Pollution and air quality
Air quality monitoring
We monitor local air quality around the clock using a range of sophisticated automatic analysers as well as a network of simpler diffusion tubes.
You can view current and historical air quality levels, download data and access air quality forecasts on our newly launched Cheshire West Air website.
We operate six real time stations which automatically monitor pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulates as well as weather data. The monitoring stations are classed as either roadside or industrial sites and are located at:
- Boughton, Chester
- Bus Interchange, Chester
- School Lane, Elton
- Langdale Way, Frodsham
- Park Road, Thornton-le-Moors
- Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port
These can be viewed on the Cheshire West Air website via the link above. The levels of air pollution are assessed annually in our Local Air Quality Management reports.
We have been using diffusion tubes for many years to monitor air pollution. We currently use over 80 tubes to measure the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at a range of locations across the borough. They are play an important role in our monitoring regime as they can be fixed to lamp-posts and building facades close to the source of pollution. The tubes are sent to the laboratory for analysis on a monthly cycle.
Locations of the tubes and the results can be viewed on the Cheshire West Air website. The levels of air pollution are assessed annually in our Local Air Quality Management reports.
Data management
An independent data management specialist collects readings automatically from the analysers several times a day. Provisional data on this website is then updated daily. Thorough quality control checks are applied to the data each year to ensure its accuracy.
The results from the air quality monitoring campaign have proved very useful for local air quality management and form a key part of the consultation process for the future development of housing, industry, roads and commerce within the area.
