Service Charter

What the Environmental Health Pollution Control Service does

One of the areas of activity within the Environmental Health Department is Pollution Control, where Hart has a responsibility to:

• inspect the district for nuisances such as noise, water or air pollution
• advise about aspects of pollution in the areas for which it has an enforcement role
• inspect premises for compliance with standards laid down by pollution law
• investigate complaints about pollution for which it has an enforcement role
• take formal action against offenders where other action is unsuccessful
• provide information to the public on request where environmental information is available
• review and assess the air quality in accordance to government guidelines
• inspect the district for contaminated land and take whatever action is necessary to bring the land up to an acceptable standard

We do not have powers to deal with all pollution matters; in particular, we have no control over noise from aircraft and road traffic, however we will be happy to advise you on these matters if you ask.

Our Standards

We undertake to:

• respond to complaints about nuisance within three working days, or immediately if it is agreed that there is imminent danger to personal safety
• respond within three working days of receipt of other requests for service, although for letters, which often contain more complex requests, we will respond within a maximum of ten working days
• approve satisfactory applications for authorised processes under the Environmental Protection Act within three months
• inspect authorised processes within the district in accordance with statutory guidance
• regularly monitor the district for nuisances
• listen to your problem and explain the possible courses of action. An appropriate course will be agreed with you.
• ensure that all complaints are, unless otherwise agreed, treated in confidence
• make visits or other arrangements at appropriate times to try to substantiate your complaint
• keep you informed about the progress of the investigation
• advise you of the outcome of the investigation and any action taken to resolve your request
• try to advise you of the options available to you if we are unable to help with your enquiry
• carry out surveys to discover the underlying needs of our customers

We always strive to provide a quality service.

To make a complaint or for advice regarding pollution control, please contact us, or register your details online using the link to the complaint form or request for information form to the right of this page.