DEFA promises 'short-term' air monitoring

Testing not a priority though says Boot

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot has promised his department will test the Island's air quality after concerns were raised in Tynwald yesterday (21 Feb).

North Douglas MHK Ralph Peake had quizzed him on whether DEFA has considered using nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes to collect air quality data.

The department had used the devices, which measure monthly levels at a site, from 1997 until 2009, but stopped after no significant problems were identified.

Mr Boot says short-term testing will take place within the next four to six weeks, but long-term monitoring is costly, and a low priority. 

Concentrated levels of pollution at some sites are inevitable according to the Minister, who says the focus should be on long term solutions.  

Government does have a climate mitigation strategy in place with targets for 2050, although Mr Boot had previously admitted this may be difficult to adhere to.  

Currently the Island has no adopted standards to measure air pollution.

During the discussion in the Court, Middle member Bill Shimmins expressed his frustration with Mr Boot's comments: