Each council has responsibility for measuring the quality of ambient air to ensure that it meets required standards in relation to the concentration of a defined range of pollutants such as lead, nitrogen dioxide, benzene etc. The local authority is also required to keep a copy of any orders made under relevant legislation.

The council can declare any part of their area as an alarm notification area. Anyone who has an intruder alarm fitted to their property (business or residential) is required by law to nominate a key holder and notify the council of their details.

Residents and business may be given advice on what to do if they believe asbestos may be present in a building. Council inspectors may visit the premises to confirm the presence of asbestos and advise on procedures for removal and disposal.

Advice and information for developers and for the local community on risks of pollution from construction work. The local authority will monitor construction work to minimise pollution caused by noise, dust and other nuisances.

Management of contaminated land including a register which is available for public inspection

A local authority may carry out roadside vehicle emission checks in an effort to reduce pollution from road traffic. All vehicles which are stopped will be tested to see if their vehicle is emitting pollutants above the legal standard. Drivers of vehicles which fail the test may have to pay a fine.

The local authority has enforcement responsibility for illegally posted advertisements, leaflets etc on both council and privately owned property in the area. Each council provides information on how to report instances of flyposting.

The council has responsibility for acting on reports of flytipping to both remove the waste and to locate and prosecute the offenders. Where the waste is hazardous the council has a responsibility to ensure public safety until such time as the waste can be removed.

A local authority may enforce powers to deal with idling vehicles. If you idle your vehicle unnecessarily while stopped you could be faced with a fixed penalty ticket

Dealing with reports of incidents of light pollution

Complaints about excessive noise are investigated by the local authority who can take action if the noise is considered to be a statutory nuisance.

A permit is required by any business which could cause pollution or is involved in waste management. Permits for Part A(2) and Part B processes are issued by the local authority

In the event of justified complaint of statutory nuisance such as emissions of smoke, fumes or gases, dust, steam and smell a penalty notice will be served upon the person responsible by the local authority.

Working with the Environment Agency in a number of ways to prevent or control pollution. This is done by prompt reporting of incidents, ensuring that emissions from industries controlled by the Council are properly controlled and by preventing pollution of water by dealing with any contamination of land.

The local authority has a responsibility to monitor the quality of water in rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. This includes issues such as sewage treatment and disposal, bathing waters, dangerous substances, nitrates from agricultural sources, and economic instruments for water pollution.