Pollution is defined as 'releases to air, land or water which may be harmful to human health'.

The term ' Pollution' also includes pollution caused by noise, heat, vibrations or light.

In England and Wales three regimes address polluting or potentially polluting emissions;-

• Emissions from certain industrial and commercial processes are subject to the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 and its 'Permit' system. This is regulated by the Environment Agency (for large 'Part A1' installations and activities) and by Local Authorities (for smaller 'Part A2' and 'Part B' installations and activities).
• Certain types of smoke pollution are subject to the Clean Air Act 1993, also enforced by local authorities.
• Pollution from most other sources is potentially subject to Statutory Nuisance legislation, and must be 'prejudicial to health or a nuisance', for action to be taken. The legislation is enforced by Local Authorities (the 'Council').

On 6 April 2006, the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 added a new section to the definitions of Statutory Nuisances within the Environmental Protection Act 1990:  Sec 79(1)(fb) - "Artificial light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance"

In the case of Nottingham City Council the Noise & Pollution Control Team is responsible for the regulation of Part A2 and Part B installations and activities, and the investigation and enforcement of clean air and nuisance legislation.  The Noise & Pollution Control  Team also has responsibility for contaminated land issues with regard to planning applications, and also the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Pollution of rivers and lakes is dealt with by the Environment Agency.

Click here for Noise & Pollution Control contact details.

Click here for Noise & Pollution Control Customer Contract.

Page revised 28 March 2007 GES