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There are many different types of pollution which affect
our environment and therefore the quality of our lives.
Air pollution
Air pollution in Kent has been acknowledged as a problem for a
number of years.
The quality of the air we breathe has an impact on our health as
well as the environment.
Pollution and congestion affect all of us, whether we walk,
cycle, use public transport or our cars.
Traffic is the fastest growing contributor to poor air quality
in the county.
In 1997 almost 50% of emissions of nitrogen oxides, a major
source of air pollution identified in the National Air Quality
Strategy, came from Kent's road traffic.
Traffic growth in the county exceeds the national rate. Since
1990 traffic flows in Kent have increased by 32% and further growth
is inevitable
Commuter trips are estimated to make up about 30% of daily
traffic concentrated over just a few hours and for short trips they
are a significant source of air pollution.
Waste
More and more waste is being produced in Kent every year.
This waste is buried in holes in the ground - holes that we are
rapidly running out of!
Kent residents (excluding Medway) currently produce nearly
760,000 tonnes of household waste each year.
This is enough to fill all 3 lanes of the M25 with refuse
lorries parked nose to tail.
Each household produces, on average 1.33 tonnes of waste every
year.
The 12 district and borough councils in Kent are responsible for
collections of this domestic waste from homes, and Kent County
Council is then responsible for arranging disposal of this
waste.
Medway Council as a unitary authority performs both these
functions in the Medway area. |