Air pollution targets were exceeded in a large residential area of Neath Port Talbot for a total of 46 days in 2023, as reported in the draft proposals for a new air quality action plan. The plan aims to improve air quality in the Neath Port Talbot area between 2024 and 2029, ensuring daily pollution targets are met. The local authority has designed these plans and is seeking public consultation after approval at a recent council meeting in October 2024.
The report detailed that while areas along the M4 corridor met air quality targets, some parts exceeded limits in 2023. Specifically, an Air Quality Management Area declared for Margam-Taibach, covering the residential area between the Tata steelworks site and the M4 motorway, saw an exceedance of the daily mean PM10 concentrations on 46 days in 2023, surpassing the air quality objective allowance.
Historically, Port Talbot has faced high levels of PM10 pollution due to its industrial nature. The action plan includes monitoring the area, implementing environmental strategies, and considering the replacement of Tata steel’s blast furnaces with an electric arc furnace to reduce emissions. Other initiatives involve developing electric vehicle infrastructure, traffic management, deploying electric buses, and promoting low emission transport to improve air quality and reduce pollutants.
The plan will undergo an annual review for progress assessment, with the final version expected for council approval later in 2024 along with consultation feedback. The focus is on enhancing air quality in Port Talbot while addressing pollution concerns comprehensively.