Sharjah: Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) will install air quality monitoring stations in the free zone to monitor air pollution levels round the clock. HFZA Director Saud Al Mazroui said the step is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

“We are installing this system to assess the extent of pollution, to evaluate our control options and provide data for air quality modelling,” he added.

“These ambient air quality monitoring networks are designed to address environmental and human health objectives and we are committed to preserving the environment.”

The system will also help in “identifying and managing risk or breach of norms by companies operating in the free zone”, the director said. The monitoring will assist in determining the daily trend of air pollutants and to assess the free zone’s compliance with air quality standards.

“It will also assist in evaluating the potential impact of the air pollutants on the environment and on the health of the free zone population and the general public. In addition, reliable and updated information on air pollution will be available to the general public,” he added.

“Our environmental team keeps a close watch on air quality at different sites within the [HFZA] and the priority monitoring is focused on the industrial and other sensitive areas.”