This method was developed within a study conducted in the IJmond. The method specifically involves mapping the most important local sources of air pollution. By mapping these sources, the province can choose the most effective measures to improve air quality. Previously, more general national data was used, and local sources were less sharply taken into account. This method was gained from a study specifically conducted in areas with high air pollution. 

Jeroen Olthof, deputy for Healthy Living Environment and Environment: “The province embraces this new method to visualize the sources of nitrogen and particulate matter. The results from that study confirm that we are on the right track with all the actions the province is already taking, such as tightening the permitting of factories and helping entrepreneurs apply for subsidies from the national government for switching to cleaner vehicles.” 

As expected, the industry is the largest source of pollution. Other sectors in the top 10 also contribute, but to a much lesser extent. These include fireplaces and fireworks, mobile sources such as machinery and tools in construction, road traffic, and shipping. The report indicates that measures, such as tightening permit regulations for companies and encouraging the use of clean mobile tools, are necessary to improve air quality. 

The report specifically mentions several measures as effective: adjusting permit regulations for Tata Steel, encouraging the use of shore power for shipping, replacing heating boilers with hybrid heat pumps, and creating smoke-free living environments. These measures can help reduce the emissions of harmful substances such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, and improve air quality in the IJmond region.  

Clean Air Agreement 

This research was conducted within the framework of the Clean Air Agreement Opens an external link. The province wants a healthy environment for all residents. Therefore, in 2020, the province signed the Clean Air Agreement. Through this agreement, the province works together with the national government, other provinces, and municipalities to make the air cleaner. The goal is to ensure that the air becomes 50% cleaner than in 2016.  

Next Steps 

The Province of North Holland uses the source method from this report. The industry emerges as the main local source of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. For this reason, the province will adjust the environmental permit for Tata Steel during the renewal in 2026.  

The IJmond municipalities have already used the interim results of the report in the renewal of the Healthy Living Environment Program IJmond 2021-2025. This program includes measures such as encouraging clean shipping Opens an external link. In it, the Environmental Service IJmond ensures that ships use more shore power instead of diesel generators and that they emit less soot.  

Read the full report (pdf).