EMISSIONS and air quality in the vicinity of the Biomass UK facility in Barry Docks is to be assessed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council as of next month.

Two units will be installed at locations near to the incinerator plant next month, where they will continuously sample the air for a range of different emissions.

Data collected from the units will be fed back to the council automatically every hour where they will then be assessed.

Though the results obtained from the monitors cannot be directly linked to the Biomass plant, they will examine the general air quality in the area around this facility and this data will then be compared to national air quality standards.

Following a short testing period, to ensure the equipment is operating effectively, the council will make the air quality information available via its Shared Regulatory Services website, and will also provide explanations of what exactly is being monitored.

The council had announced on Friday (March 16) that the facility was now "fully operational," however they have subsequently clarified that this is not yet the case.

Cllr Jonathan Bird, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “I am fully aware of the strong local feeling on the subject of the gasification plant and fears that its operation may be cause for health concern.

“While we not aware of any emissions that are of public health concern, these air monitoring units will allow us to closely observe the air quality in Barry.

“The results of this monitoring will then be made available to the public, which should provide reassurance to those who have voiced worries on this matter.”