Issues for Lancashire

The health and environment issues in Lancashire are much the same as those occurring Nationally. There are, however, issues that are specific to Lancashire.

Contaminated Land

Brownfield land is an issue for Lancashire owing to it’s industrial past. Former industrial sites, old railways, disused reservoirs and tips have left the county with a legacy of over 2400 hectares of derelict Brownfield land. This produces all the associated problems discussed in the National issues section.

Air Quality

Air quality is improving in Lancashire. There has been a significant reduction in Sulphur Dioxide levels, primarily due to the decline in coal burning in power stations and in homes, as well as cleaner car engines. The levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide in the county are now well within the national standards set by the National Air Quality Strategy.

However, although Nitrogen Dioxide levels have remained fairly constant in most locations, there is a risk of them rising as road traffic is the main producer of this pollutant. Traffic flows on major roads in Lancashire have increased by between 10 and 30% between 1990 and 2000.

It is important to note that air quality does vary across Lancashire, with coastal and rural areas generally showing the lowest levels and urban and industrial areas the highest.

Water Quality

Water quality in Lancashire has improved significantly, with the average contents of lead in drinking water falling by a third between 1991 and 2001.

The water quality in Lancashire is within current European standards.

Environmental Equity

There is a trend across Lancashire, which indicates that the most deprived areas of the county are exposed to the highest levels of pollution incidents, major air emissions, and have the least access to open space.

Access to the countryside is improving across Lancashire with the implementation of the Countryside Rights of Way Act.