Environmental service group invests in ambient air monitoring capability

AES (Analytical Environmental Services), one of the UK’s leading environmental

companies, is to launch a new ambient air and noise monitoring service, adding

to its already extensive range of sampling and analysis services.

Part of the Northumbrian Water Group, now known as Ondeo Services UK plc, AES

provides a wide range of UKAS accredited inorganic and organic chemical analysis

for contaminated land, water and air samples. Other services include its specialist

dioxin and furan analysis, legionella risk assessments and effluent treatment

evaluations.

Wider environment

The company already offers a comprehensive air monitoring service which measures

stack emissions for a range of customers including municipal incinerators and

industrial sites, however the new service will measure air quality in the wider

environment.

The move comes as the company looks to expand its range of services to meet

the increasing demand from both local authorities and industries who are required

to comply with European air quality legislation such as the IPPC (Integrated

Pollution Prevention & Control) regulations.

Ambient air monitoring involves the sampling and analysis of air to check levels

of pollution from substances such as benzene and lead from vehicle exhausts

and particulates and unpleasant odours from industry. The new service will also

measure noise pollution.

Serving local authorities

John Allan, Laboratory Director at AES said: “We expect demand for the

new service to be greatest from local authorities who have to comply with the

UK Air Quality Strategy, as well as from the landfill and waste management business,

environmental consultants and government agencies.”

He continued: “Attaining good quality, reliable air quality data is vital

to businesses and local authorities in fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.

“Our new ambient air service will provide a comprehensive and cost effective

facility for our customers, delivered by fully trained, experienced and accredited

air quality scientists. It will complement our already extensive range of environmental

sampling and analysis and we look forward to building on our successful track

record.”

AES employs over 200 professionals based at its laboratories in the North East,

Midlands and South East of England. In addition to Northumbrian Water, the company’s

biggest customer, others include Castle Cement, the Environment Agency, Entec,

Degremont and a number of local authorities and universities throughout the

country.