Frequently Asked Questions

Pollutants and Hazardous Substances

What is Wrexham County Borough Council doing about air pollution ?

What is the Air Pollution like in Wrexham County Borough Council ?

What is the Council's policy on contaminated land ?

What is asbestos cement ?

Advice and precautions to follow when dealing with asbestos cement.

I have some asbestos cement to dispose of, where can I take it ?

Please also see further information about Health & Safety and Environmental Services >>

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What is WCBC doing about air pollution?

Wrexham County Borough Council has recently completed its Progress Report on Air Quality within the Borough Council.  The report considered the seven pollutants identified in the national air quality following pollutants: 1, 3 – Butadiene, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Nitrogen Dioxide.  Particulates and Sulphur Dioxide.  The Council maintains awareness of existing industrial process within the County Borough and any proposed new ones and therefore is able to conduct the correct monitoring in the relevant areas.  Wrexham County Borough Council is part of a nation wide air quality monitoring network and maintains a monitoring on Victoria Road on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Further information about air quality monitoring currently taking place in the County Borough can be found on the air quality section of this website. Details of the nationwide monitoring network can be found at www.welshairquality.co.uk (link to external website)

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What is the air pollution like in Wrexham County Borough?

The Progress Report recently completed by the Council determined that the air continues to remain of a good quality.  None of the seven pollutants identified in the national air quality strategy breached their permitted levels. 

Because the council is committed to a proactive air quality monitoring programme, the air in the County Borough is fit to breathe.

Further information about air quality monitoring currently taking place in the County Borough can be found on the air quality section of this website.

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What is the Council's policy on contaminated land.

The Council is committed to implementing the Contaminated Land (Wales) Regulations 2001.  Under these Regulations there is a strict definition of contaminated land.  The Housing and Public Protection Department are looking for all the potentially contaminated sites in the County Borough.  These will then be prioritised and assessed and if necessary gradually cleaned up by those responsible.  This process will take a number of years to complete since there are a lot of sites to assess, some in much more detail than others.  Not all of the sites will need to be cleaned up since they may not be harmful to public health or the environment.  Further information about contaminated land can be found on the contaminated land section of this website.

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What is Asbestos Cement?

Asbestos cement generally contains up to 15% asbestos fibres bound in a cement matrix. The cement can be cast to form various products including roofing sheets, boiler flues, rainwater goods, soffits and water tanks. Because the fibres are firmly bound in the cement matrix they will only be released if the material is subject to significant disturbance, such as drilling, sanding or sawing.

Advice and Precautions to follow when dealing with asbestos cement.

• If the asbestos cement product is in good repair and in good condition then it is best to leave it alone.

• Indoor surfaces of asbestos cement sheets, such as undersides of roofing sheets or inside garage walls can be painted with alkali resistant paint such as PVA emulsion. This will help to seal the surface of the product and protect it from abrasion. NEVER SAND, DRILL OR SAW ASBESTOS CEMENT PRODUCTS AS THIS WILL RELEASE THE FIBRES.

• As a householder it is safe to remove asbestos cement products if this can be done without damaging the items. YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE ASBESTOS LAGGING, SPRAY COATINGS OR INSULATION BOARD.

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How do I dispose of asbestos cement?

Asbestos cement can be disposed of free of charge by householders at the Bryn Lane Household Recycling Centre where there is a designated skip.

If as a householder, you intend to transport asbestos cement waste in your own vehicle, you do not need to be a registered carrier provided that it is your own waste.

However, you should take the following steps to ensure that asbestos does not contaminate your car:

• Spray sheets of asbestos cement with water.

• Double wrap or double bag the asbestos cement with heavy duty polythene.

• Ensure the wrapping is secured with tape.

• Make sure vehicle occupants do not have access to the asbestos waste.

Asbestos Do's and Dont's

• Don't panic if you think you have asbestos in your home - it's usually only a problem if it's disturbed.
• Do treat asbestos with respect.
• Don't drill, saw or disturb materials that contain asbestos.
• Do seek advice if you think you've got a problem with asbestos in your home.

This information should be used as a guide only. If in doubt as to the type of asbestos product you may have you can telephone for general guidance. Officers from the council cannot, however, take samples of or test for asbestos; you would need to engage a specialist contractor, at your expense, for these services.

Wrexham County Borough Council cannot be held responsible for any asbestos removal that you may carry out in your own home.