Alderney
Regional Environmental Assessment of Renewable Energy:
Environmental Report
concentration to protect the public from chronic exposures to other pollutants typically
associated with nitrogen dioxide (States of Guernsey, 2012).
(Figures from Guernsey Facts and Figures 2009 (A-C) and 2012 (D))
Image 6.
Maximum annual levels of (A) ozone (O
3
), (B) particulates,
(C) sulphur dioxide (SO
2
) and (D) nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
) recorded on
Guernsey and the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards
In the past, airborne concentrations of lead (Pb) have been closely monitored and factored into
considerations of air quality on Guernsey; however, atmospheric levels have significantly
decreased since the quantity of lead was reduced in petrol and the subsequent introduction of
unleaded petrol (GREC, 2011). Consequently, atmospheric concentrations of lead on
Guernsey are generally well below the standard set by the European Commission (0.5 µ g m
-3
annual average). The chemical compounds benzene (C
6
H
6
) and 1,3-butadiene (C
4
H
6
) are
connected with emissions from motor vehicles, both of which have associated health risks.
Neither is typically monitored on Guernsey, but atmospheric concentrations are not considered
to be high (GREC, 2011).
Overall, air quality on Guernsey is considered to be good, with the primary source of pollutants
originating from road traffic. Through comparison, it is likely that the greatest source of
impurities on Alderney will also be linked to motor vehicles. However, given the relative size of
Alderney compared to Guernsey and, by analogy, the reduced total level of motor emissions, it
is likely that air quality on Alderney will be better than for Guernsey. Other sources of
pollutants on Alderney are the power station, located in the southwest, and aircraft traffic flying
to and from the island. It could be argued that an increased reliance upon renewable energy
A
B
C
D
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