Made | 15th January 2007 | ||
Laid before Parliament | 18 January 2007 | ||
Coming into force | 15th February 2007 |
1. | Citation, commencement and application |
2. | Definitions |
3. | Designation of Secretary of State |
4. | Preliminary and application |
5. | Zones and agglomerations |
6. | Air quality standards |
7. | General attainment measures |
8. | Improvement plans |
9. | Other improvement measures |
10. | Maintenance of air quality standards |
11. | Action plans |
12. | Duty to assess air quality |
13. | Assessment methods |
14. | Fixed and combined measurement |
15. | Sampling points |
16. | Other assessment requirements |
17. | Measurement of PM2.5 |
18. | Measurement of ozone precursor substances |
19. | Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
20. | Background monitoring |
21. | General requirements |
22. | Information regarding zones |
23. | Information on concentrations |
24. | Information on breach of alert or information threshold |
25. | Information on breach of air quality standards |
26. | Ozone annual report |
27. | Information on action and improvement plans |
28. | Public participation in improvement plans |
29. | Transboundary pollution |
30. | Power to give directions |
31. | Collation of information etc |
32. | Revocations |
SCHEDULE 1— | Air quality standards |
PART 1— | Limitvalues for Group A pollutants |
PART 2— | Margins of tolerance for benzene and nitrogen dioxide |
PART 3— | Target values for Group B pollutants |
PART 4— | Target values and long-term objectives for ozone |
SCHEDULE 2— | Information to be included in an Improvement Plan |
SCHEDULE 3— | Alert and information thresholds |
PART 1— | Alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide |
PART 2— | Alert and information thresholds for ozone |
SCHEDULE 4— | Assessment thresholds |
PART 1— | Assessment thresholds for Group A pollutants |
PART 2— | Assessment thresholds for Group B pollutants |
PART 3— | Determination of representative concentrations |
SCHEDULE 5— | Minimum number of sampling points |
PART 1— | Group A pollutants: human health based limit values and alert thresholds |
PART 2— | Group A pollutants: limit values for the protection of ecosystems or vegetation |
PART 3— | Group B pollutants |
PART 4— | Ozone |
PART 5— | Ozone: minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements for zones attaining the long-term objectives |
SCHEDULE 6— | Location of sampling points |
PART 1— | Macroscale siting for Group A pollutants |
PART 2— | Macroscale siting for Group B pollutants |
PART 3— | Macroscale siting for ozone |
PART 4— | Macroscale siting |
PART 5— | Documentation and review of site selection |
SCHEDULE 7— | Requirements for assessment methods other than fixed measurement |
PART 1— | Group A pollutants |
PART 2— | Group B pollutants |
PART 3— | Ozone and ozone precursor substances |
SCHEDULE 8— | Data quality objectives |
PART 1— | Group A pollutants and PM2.5 |
PART 2— | Group B pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and total gaseous mercury |
PART 3— | Ozone and nitrogen dioxide assessed at ozone sampling points |
SCHEDULE 9— | Reference methods |
PART 1— | Group A pollutants |
PART 2— | Group B pollutants in ambient air |
PART 3— | Ozone |
PART 4— | Other reference methods |
SCHEDULE 10— | Ozone precursor substances |
SCHEDULE 11— | Public information where alert or information thresholds are exceeded |
PART 1— | Alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide |
PART 2— | Alert and information thresholds for ozone |
SCHEDULE 12— | Collation of information and criteria for aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters |
PART 1— | Information to be submitted to the Commission |
PART 2— | Criteria for aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters |
and, in both cases, a reference to a concentration is to a concentration assessed by the Secretary of State in accordance with these Regulations;
(2) Other words and expressions used in these Regulations shall have the same meaning as in the following Directives—
Designation of Secretary of State
3.
The Secretary of State is designated as the competent authority for the purposes of article 3 (implementation and responsibilities) of Council Directive 96/62/EC.
(2) The Secretary of State shall ensure that all measures taken under Chapters 2 or 3 of this Part—
Zones and agglomerations
5.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall, for the purposes of this Part, divide the territory of England into zones.
(2) A zone shall be classified as an agglomeration for the purposes of this Part where—
(3) The Secretary of State may establish different zones for different pollutants where he considers this appropriate.
Air quality standards
6.
—(1) Schedule 1 prescribes the following air quality standards—
(2) Limit values—
(3) Target values shall be attained from the attainment date specified, in so far as this is possible.
(4) In the case of benzene and nitrogen dioxide, the margins of tolerance set out in Part 2 of Schedule 1 apply within the periods specified.
(3) In the case of ozone, the necessary measures are measures the Secretary of State considers to be proportionate and, in relation to the long-term objectives, cost effective.
Improvement plans
8.
—(1) This regulation applies in respect of each zone in which prior to the attainment date—
(2) Where paragraph (1)(a) applies, the Secretary of State shall prepare and implement an improvement plan for the pollutant in question or, where concentrations of both pollutants exceed the level referred to, a single improvement plan for both pollutants.
(3) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies, the Secretary of State shall prepare and implement an improvement plan in respect of ozone unless he considers that the target value would not be attainable through proportionate measures.
(4) An improvement plan shall include the information specified in Schedule 2.
(5) Where the Secretary of State is required to prepare and implement an improvement plan under both paragraphs (2) and (3) he shall, where he considers it appropriate, prepare and implement an integrated improvement plan covering all of the pollutants concerned.
(6) An improvement plan may comprise either a plan or a programme which, in either case, shall have the objective of attaining—
Other improvement measures
9.
—(1) This regulation applies in respect of each zone in which—
(2) Where paragraph (1)(a) applies, the Secretary of State shall—
(3) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies, the Secretary of State shall prepare and implement measures which he considers to be cost-effective with the aim of attaining the long-term objective.
(4) The Secretary of State shall ensure that the measures required in paragraph (3) are consistent with the improvement plans prepared for ozone under regulation 8(3).
(2) Where sub-paragraphs (a) or (b) of paragraph (1) apply, the Secretary of State shall in respect of each pollutant meeting the conditions set out in those sub-paragraphs—
(3) Where paragraph (1)(c) applies, the Secretary of State shall—
Action plans
11.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall—
action plans.
(2) The action plans shall indicate the measures to be taken within any zone in the short term in order to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph (3) in the event of circumstances in which the Secretary of State considers there is a risk that any one of the following will be exceeded—
(3) The objectives of each action plan shall be—
(4) In relation to ozone, the obligation imposed by paragraph (1)(a) shall only apply in so far as, taking into account geographical, meteorological and economic conditions, the Secretary of State considers there is significant potential for the objectives set out in paragraph (3) to be achieved.
(5) When the Secretary of State considers that the risks referred to in paragraph (2) arise within a zone, he shall implement the measures indicated in the relevant action plans within that zone to the extent he considers necessary in the circumstances.
(6) In preparing and implementing any action plans for ozone, the Secretary of State shall have regard to Annexes I and II to the Commission Decision of 19 March 2004 concerning guidance for implementation of Directive 2002/3/EC[12].
(7) Schedule 3 has effect in prescribing—
(2) Where the zone concerned is the same as that established under the Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003[13] ("the 2003 Regulations"), the Secretary of State may continue to use the method by which concentrations of a Group A pollutant were assessed within that zone under the 2003 Regulations ("the 2003 method").
(3) Except where fixed measurement is required by paragraph (1) or he continues to use the 2003 method in accordance with paragraph (2), and, in the case of nitrogen dioxide, subject to the requirements imposed by regulation 15(7), the Secretary of State may assess concentrations of a Group A pollutant by any one of the following methods—
(4) The Secretary of State shall assess concentrations of a Group B pollutant by fixed measurement in any zone in which representative concentrations of that pollutant exceed the relevant upper assessment threshold.
(5) Except where fixed measurement is required by paragraph (4), the Secretary of State may assess concentrations of a Group B pollutant by one of the following methods—
(6) For the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (3) to (5), the Secretary of State shall determine the representative concentrations in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 4.
(7) The Secretary of State shall review the method by which concentrations of a Group A or Group B pollutant are assessed at least once every five years or earlier if there are significant changes in activities affecting concentrations of the relevant pollutant within the zone concerned.
(8) Where the Secretary of State continues to use the 2003 method, the date from which the period of review commences is the later of—
(9) The Secretary of State shall assess concentrations of ozone by fixed measurement if, within the zone concerned, concentrations have exceeded a long-term objective during any of the previous five years of measurement.
(10) Where fewer than five years' information on concentrations is available, the Secretary of State may assess concentrations of ozone by—
Fixed and combined measurement
14.
—(1) Where the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of a Group A or Group B pollutant by fixed measurement or by combined measurement he shall ensure that—
(2) Where the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of a Group A or Group B pollutant by fixed measurement, he may supplement information from sampling points for fixed measurement with information from modelling techniques in so far as he considers this will provide an adequate level of information on ambient air quality.
(3) Where the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of ozone by fixed measurement—
and
(b) he may supplement information from sampling points with information from modelling techniques or indicative measurements.
Sampling points
15.
—(1) Where the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of a Group A or Group B pollutant by fixed measurement he shall, except in cases falling within paragraph (2)(a), install the number of sampling points required for the zone in accordance with the relevant Part of Schedule 5.
(2) Where the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of a Group A or Group B pollutant by—
he shall install the number of sampling points he determines is sufficient, taken together with the spatial resolution of the other techniques employed, for concentrations of the relevant pollutant to be established within the zone concerned.
(3) The Secretary of State shall locate all sampling points for Group A and Group B pollutants in accordance with the requirements set out in the relevant Parts of Schedule 6.
(4) Where the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of ozone by fixed measurement he shall, except where paragraphs (5) or (6) apply, install the number of sampling points required for the zone in accordance with Part 4 of Schedule 5.
(5) In the case of zones where—
the Secretary of State may determine the number of sampling points in accordance with Part 5 of Schedule 5.
(6) In the case of zones in which the Secretary of State supplements the information obtained from sampling points for fixed measurement with information from modelling techniques or indicative measurement in accordance with regulation 14(3)(b), he may reduce the number of sampling points for ozone provided that—
(b) he considers that the number of sampling points to be installed and the spatial resolution of other techniques are sufficient for the concentration of ozone to be established and to enable the compilation of assessment results as specified in Part 3 of Schedule 7;
(c) the number of sampling points in each zone amounts to—
whichever produces the greater number of sampling points;
(d) each zone contains at least one sampling point; and
(e) concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are assessed at all remaining sampling points except rural background stations.
(7) The Secretary of State shall ensure that—
(8) The Secretary of State shall locate all sampling points for ozone in accordance with the requirements set out in the relevant Parts of Schedule 6.
Other assessment requirements
16.
—(1) When the Secretary of State undertakes assessments by methods other than fixed measurement, he shall comply with the requirements of the relevant Part of Schedule 7 when using those other methods.
(2) When conducting any assessment under this Chapter, the Secretary of State shall have regard to the relevant data quality objectives set out in Schedule 8.
(3) The Secretary of State shall undertake assessments in accordance with—
(4) Measurements of volume of benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, ozone and sulphur dioxide shall be standardised at a temperature of 293K and a pressure of 101.3 kPa.
(c) use reference methods for sampling and measurement that he considers suitable; and
(d) have regard to the data quality objectives set out in Part 1 of Schedule 8.
Measurement of ozone precursor substances
18.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall install and operate one or, if he considers it necessary, more measuring stations, to supply data on concentrations of the ozone precursor substances set out in Schedule 10.
(2) When complying with paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall have regard—
Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
19.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall monitor concentrations of—
at monitoring sites designated by him for this purpose.
(2) The Secretary of State shall locate each monitoring site—
(3) The total number of monitoring sites and their overall selection shall be such as the Secretary of State considers necessary to ensure that the monitoring provides sufficient information to identify long-term trends and geographical variation in the concentration of each polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
(4) Regulation 16(2) and (3) shall apply to the monitoring required by this regulation as if such monitoring were an assessment under Chapter 4 of Part 2.
Background monitoring
20.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall install and operate background sampling points to provide the measurements referred to in paragraph (2).
(2) The measurements are indicative measurements of—
and
(b) total deposition of—
(3) For the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary of State shall ensure that—
(4) Regulation 16(2) and (3) shall apply to the taking of the measurements referred to in paragraph (2) as if the taking of these measurements were an assessment under Chapter 4 of Part 2.
(5) The Secretary of State may—
(6) For the purpose of paragraph (2)(a)(iii), "total gaseous mercury" means—
(2) The Secretary of State shall ensure that the information to which this Part relates is—
(3) For the purposes of this Part, "the public" includes health-care bodies and other organisations having an interest in ambient air quality or representing the interests of sensitive people or the environment.
Information regarding zones
22.
The Secretary of State shall make available—
(c) until 31st December 2009, a list of zones in which concentrations of benzene or nitrogen dioxide either—
specifying, in both cases, the pollutant and limit values for which this is the case; and
(d) a list classifying each zone in relation to the method by which the Secretary of State assesses concentrations of each Group A and Group B pollutant within that zone in accordance with regulation 13.
Information on concentrations
23.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall make available information in respect of—
(2) The information referred to in paragraph (1)(a) shall be updated in the cases of—
(b) carbon monoxide, as a maximum running average over eight hours—
(c) lead, on a three monthly basis; and
(d) nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and PM10—
(3) The information required to be made available by paragraph (1)(c) shall be updated—
(4) The information required to be made available by paragraph (1)(d)(i) in respect of PM2subdot;5 shall be updated at least on a daily basis.
Information on breach of alert or information threshold
24.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall, as soon as possible in each case, make available—
(2) In cases where the Secretary of State makes information available under both sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1), he shall combine the information in a comprehensive format.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the obligation imposed by this regulation, in cases where the alert threshold for ozone is exceeded or is predicted to be exceeded, the Secretary of State shall ensure that timely information is provided to health-care bodies.
Information on breach of air quality standards
25.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall provide the information required by paragraphs (2) to (5) in respect of each of the pollutants to which those paragraphs relate.
(2) For Group A pollutants, the Secretary of State shall indicate the extent to which the following have been exceeded—
and provide a short assessment of these occurrences and their effects on health.
(3) For Group B pollutants, the Secretary of State shall—
(4) For ozone, the Secretary of State shall—
and
(b) provide a short assessment of each occurrence, including its extent and its effects on health.
(5) The Secretary of State shall update the information referred to in paragraphs (2) and (4) in accordance with the timescales specified for the pollutants in question by regulation 23(2) and (3).
Ozone annual report
26.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall produce an annual report in relation to ozone containing the following information—
has been exceeded;
(b) for vegetation, an indication of all occasions during which—
has been exceeded; and
(c) in relation to both sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), a short assessment of the effects of each such occurrence.
(2) The information referred to in paragraph (1)(b) may include, where appropriate—
Information on action and improvement plans
27.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall—
each action plan and improvement plan.
(2) Where regulation 11(4) applies, the Secretary of State shall make available the results of the investigations undertaken in the context of his considerations under that regulation, irrespective of whether he has prepared an action plan under regulation 11(1)(a).
Public participation in improvement plans
28.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall consult the public where he proposes to prepare, modify or review an improvement plan.
(2) Where paragraph (1) applies, the Secretary of State shall—
(3) Where, following a consultation, the Secretary of State takes a decision in relation to his proposal, he shall inform the public and provide information as to the reasons and considerations on which his decision is based as well as information as to the public participation process.
as a result of significant pollution in another member State;
(b) concentrations of ozone in any part of the United Kingdom exceed—
and a significant part of the cause of this is the emission of ozone precursor substances in another member State; or
(c) concentrations of ozone in another member State exceed—
and a significant part of the cause of this is the emission of ozone precursor substances in the United Kingdom.
(2) It shall be the duty of the relevant administration to notify the Secretary of State of any transboundary pollution issue affecting Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland as applicable.
(3) When the Secretary of State——
he shall consult any member State directly concerned on any remedial action.
(4) In the case of a transboundary pollution issue to which paragraph (1)(b) or (c) applies, where the Secretary of State considers that attaining the relevant target value or long-term objective in the United Kingdom or the member State concerned, as the case may be, is reasonably achievable through proportionate measures, he shall take the action prescribed in paragraph (5).
(5) Where paragraph (4) applies, the Secretary of State shall, in consultation with any relevant administration concerned, co-operate with the member State concerned in preparing joint plans and programmes with the objective of attaining the target value or long-term objective in the United Kingdom or the other member State as the case may be.
(6) Where paragraph (4) applies, the Secretary of State shall—
as the case may be; and
(b) take such steps as he considers appropriate to ensure that any action plans drawn up by a relevant administration under article 7 of the Directive referred to at regulation 2(2)(d) cover such neighbouring areas.
(7) Where paragraphs (5) or (6) apply, the Secretary of State shall ensure that—
(8) The Secretary of State shall ensure that where concentrations of ozone exceed—
in any zone close to the border with another member State, full information of this occurrence is provided promptly to the competent authorities of the other member State concerned, in order to facilitate the provision of information to the public in that member State.
(9) In discharging his obligations under this regulation, the Secretary of State shall, where appropriate, seek to co-operate with any other countries concerned, not being member States.
(10) In any case which appears to him to affect Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State shall—
(11) In this regulation, "relevant administration" means—
Power to give directions
30.
—(1) This regulation applies for the purposes of the implementation of any obligations of the United Kingdom under the Directives referred to at regulation 2(2)(a), (b) and (c).
(2) Where paragraph (1) applies, the Secretary of State shall have the same power to give directions under these Regulations to—
as the Secretary of State has under section 85(5)(a) of the Environment Act 1995[14] in relation to local authorities outside Greater London.
(3) The provisions of subsections (6) and (7) of section 85 of the Environment Act 1995 shall apply to directions given under this regulation as they apply to directions given under section 85(5)(a), and, in the case of paragraph (2)(b) of this regulation, as if the Mayor of London were a local authority.
Collation of information etc
31.
—(1) The Secretary of State shall ensure that the information specified in Part 1 of Schedule 12 is obtained and collated.
(2) The criteria for aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters specified in Part 2 of Schedule 12 shall apply in the case of ozone.
Revocations
32.
—(1) The following Regulations are revoked—
(2) Regulation 6 of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 1989[17] is revoked from, and including, 1st January 2010.
Ben Bradshaw
Minister of State Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
15th January 2007
Averaging period | Limit value | Attainment date | |
Limit value for the protection of human health | Calendar year | 5 µg/m³ | 1st January 2010 |
Averaging period | Limit value | |
Limit value for the protection of human health | Maximum daily 8-hour mean | 10 mg/m³ |
Averaging period | Limit value | |
Annual limit value for the protection of human health | Calendar year | 0.5 µg/m³ |
Averaging period | Limit value | Attainment date | |
Hourly limit value for the protection of human health | 1 hour | 200 µg/m³ NO2, not to be exceeded more than 18 times a calendar year | 1st January 2010 |
Annual limit value for the protection of human health | Calendar year | 40 µg/m³ NO2 | 1st January 2010 |
Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation | Calendar year | 30 µg/m³ NOx |
Averaging period | Limit value | |
24-hour limit value for the protection of human health | 24 hours | 50 µg/m³ PM10, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a calendar year |
Annual limit value for the protection of human health | Calendar year | 40 µg/m³ PM10 |
Averaging period | Limit value | |
Hourly limit value for the protection of human health | 1 hour | 350 µg/m³, not to be exceeded more than 24 times a calendar year |
Daily limit value for the protection of human health | 24 hours | 125 µg/m³, not to be exceeded more than 3 times a calendar year |
Limit value for the protection of ecosystems | Calendar year and winter (1st October to 31st March) | 20 µg/m³ |
Start of period during which the margin applies | End of period during which the margin applies | Benzene |
Nitrogen dioxide (hourly limit value for the protection of human health) |
Nitrogen dioxide (annual limit value for the protection of human health) |
Coming into force of these Regulations | 31st December 2007 | 3 µg/m³ | 30 µg/m³ | 6 µg/m³ |
1st January 2008 | 31st December 2008 | 2 µg/m³ | 20 µg/m³ | 4 µg/m³ |
1st January 2009 | 31st December 2009 | 1 µg/m³ | 10 µg/m³ | 2 µg/m³ |
Pollutant | Target value |
Arsenic | 6 ng/m³ |
Benzo(a)pyrene | 1 ng/m³ |
Cadmium | 5 ng/m³ |
Nickel | 20 ng/m³ |
Column header | Parameter | Target value and assessment(¹) |
Target value for the protection of human health | Maximum daily 8 hour mean(²) | 120 µg/m³ not to be exceeded on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years(³) |
Target value for the protection of vegetation | AOT 40, calculated from 1 hour values from May to July | 18,000 µg/m³.h averaged over five years(³) |
Long-term objectives
Parameter | Long-term objective | |
Long-term objective for the protection of human health | Maximum daily 8 hour mean within a calendar year | 120 µg/m³ |
Long-term objective for the protection of vegetation | AOT40, calculated from 1 hour values from May to July | 6,000 µg/m³.h |
2.
General information—
3.
Responsible authorities (names and addresses of persons responsible for the development and implementation of improvement plans).
4.
Nature and assessment of pollution—
5.
Origin of pollution—
6.
Analysis of the situation—
7.
Details of those measures or projects for improvements which existed prior to 21st November 1996—
8.
Details of those measures or projects adopted with a view to reducing pollution following 21st November 1996—
9.
Details of the measures or projects planned or being researched for the long term.
10.
List of the publications, documents, and work used to supplement information required by this Schedule.
Nitrogen dioxide | 400 µg/m³ measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality over at least 100 km² or an entire zone or agglomeration, whichever is the smaller |
Sulphur dioxide | 500 µg/m³ measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality over at least 100 km² or an entire zone, whichever is the smaller |
Parameter | Threshold | |
Alert threshold | 1 hour average(¹) | 240 µg/m³ |
Information threshold | 1 hour average | 180 µg/m³ |
Annual average | |
Upper assessment threshold | 70% of limit value (3.5 µg/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 40% of limit value (2 µg/m³) |
Eight-hour average | |
Upper assessment threshold | 70% of limit value (7 mg/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 50% of limit value (5 mg/m³) |
Annual average | |
Upper assessment threshold | 70% of limit value (0.35 µg/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 50% of limit value (0.25 µg/m³) |
Hourly limit value for the protection of human health (NO2) | Annual limit value for the protection of human health (NO2) | Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation (NOx) | |
Upper assessment threshold | 70% of limit value (140 µg/m³), not to be exceeded more than 18 times in any calendar year | 80% of limit value (32 µg/m³) | 80% of limit value (24 µg/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 50% of limit value (100 µg/m³), not to be exceeded more than 18 times in any calendar year | 65% of limit value (26 µg/m³) | 65% of limit value (19.5 µg/m³) |
24-hour average | Annual average | |
Upper assessment threshold | 60% of limit value (30 µg/m³), not to be exceeded more than 7 times in any calendar year | 70% of limit value (14 µg/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 40% of limit value (20 µg/m³), not to be exceeded more than 7 times in any calendar year | 50% of limit value (10 µg/m³) |
Health protection | Ecosystem protection | |
Upper assessment threshold | 60% of 24-hour limit value (75 µg/m³), not to be exceeded more than 3 times in any calendar year | 60% of winter limit value (12 µg/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 40% of 24-hour limit value (50 µg/m³), not to be exceeded more than 3 times in any calendar year | 40% of winter limit value (8 µg/m³) |
Upper assessment threshold | 60% of target value (3.6 ng/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 40% of target value (2.4 ng/m³) |
Upper assessment threshold | 60% of target value (0.6 ng/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 40% of target value (0.4 ng/m³) |
Upper assessment threshold | 60% of target value (3 ng/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 40% of target value (2 ng/m³) |
Upper assessment threshold | 70% of target value (14 ng/m³) |
Lower assessment threshold | 50% of target value (10 ng/m³) |
Population of zone (thousands) | Where concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold(¹) | Where maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds | For nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide in agglomerations where maximum concentrations are below the lower assessment thresholds |
0–249 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
250–499 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
500–749 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
750–999 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
1,000–1,499 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
1,500–1,999 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
2,000–2,749 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
2,750–3,749 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
3,750–4,749 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
4,750–5,999 | 9 | 4 | 2 |
6,000 or more | 10 | 5 | 3 |
Point sources
2.
For the assessment of pollution in the vicinity of point sources, the number of sampling points for fixed measurement shall be calculated taking into account emission densities, the likely distribution patterns of ambient-air pollution and the potential exposure of the population.
Where maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold | Where maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds |
1 station every 20,000 km² | 1 station every 40,000 km² |
Population of zone (thousands) | Where maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold(¹) | Where maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds | ||
Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel | Benzo(a)pyrene |
Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel |
Benzo(a)pyrene | |
0–749 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
750–1999 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
2000–3749 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
3750–4749 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
4750–5999 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
6000 or more | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
Point sources
6.
For the assessment of pollution in the vicinity of point sources, the number of sampling points for fixed measurement shall be determined taking into account emission densities, the likely distribution patterns of ambient air pollution and potential exposure of the population. The sampling points shall be sited such that the application of the measures referred to in regulation 7(2)(b) can be monitored.
Population of zone (thousands) | Agglomerations (urban and suburban)(¹) | Other zones (suburban and rural)(¹) | Rural background |
0–249 | 1 | 1 | 1 station/50,000 km² as an average density over all zones in England(²) |
250–499 | 1 | 2 | |
500–999 | 2 | 2 | |
1,000–1,499 | 3 | 3 | |
1,500–1,999 | 3 | 4 | |
2,000–2,749 | 4 | 5 | |
2,750–3,749 | 5 | 6 | |
3,750 or more | 1 additional station per 2 million inhabitants | 1 additional station per 2 million inhabitants |
2.
Sampling points shall in general be sited to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity. Where possible, the Secretary of State shall locate sampling points so as to be representative of air quality in a surrounding area of no less than 200 m² at traffic-orientated sites and of several square kilometres at urban-background sites.
3.
Sampling points shall also, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity.
4.
Account shall be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands, where that is necessary for the protection of human health.
Protection of ecosystems and vegetation
5.
Sampling points targeted at the protection of ecosystems or vegetation shall be sited more than 20 km from agglomerations or more than 5 km from other built-up areas, industrial installations or motorways. Where possible, the Secretary of State shall locate sampling points so as to be representative of air quality in a surrounding area of at least 1000 km². A sampling point may be sited at a lesser distance or to be representative of air quality in a less extended area, taking account of geographical conditions. Account shall be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands.
7.
Sampling points shall in general be sited so as to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity. Where possible, the Secretary of State shall locate sampling points so as to be representative of air quality in surrounding areas of no less than 200 m² at traffic-orientated sites, at least 250 m × 250 m at industrial sites, where feasible, and several square kilometres at urban-background sites.
8.
Where the objective is to assess background levels the sampling site shall not be influenced by agglomerations or industrial sites in its vicinity, i.e. sites closer than a few kilometres (as the Secretary of State may determine in light of the circumstances of each case).
9.
Where contributions from industrial sources are to be assessed, at least one sampling point shall be installed downwind of the source in the nearest residential area. Where the background concentration is not known, an additional sampling point shall be situated within the main wind direction. In particular in cases falling within regulation 9(1)(a), the sampling points shall be sited such that the application of the measures referred to at regulation 7(2)(b) can be monitored.
10.
Sampling points shall also, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity. Where appropriate they shall be co-located with sampling points for PM1sub0;.
Type of station | Objective of measurement | Representativeness(¹) | Macroscale siting criteria |
Urban | Protection of human health: to assess the exposure of the urban population to ozone, i.e. where the population density and ozone concentration are relatively high and representative of the exposure of the general population | A few km² | Away from the influence of local emissions such as traffic, petrol stations etc; vented locations where the urban population to well mixed levels can be measured; locations such as residential and commercial areas of cities, parks (away from the trees), big streets or squares with very little or no traffic open areas characteristic of education, sports or recreation facilities |
Suburban | Protection of human health and vegetation: to assess the exposure of the population and vegetation located in the outskirts of the agglomeration, where the highest ozone levels, to which the population and vegetation is likely to be directly or indirectly exposed, occur | Some tens of km² |
At a certain distance from the area of maximum emissions, downwind following the main wind direction during conditions favourable to ozone formation; where population, sensitive crops or natural ecosystems located in the outer fringe of an agglomeration are exposed to high ozone levels; where appropriate, some sub urban stations also upwind of the area of maximum emissions, in order to determine the regional background levels of ozone |
Rural | Protection of human health and vegetation: to assess the exposure of population, crops and natural ecosystems to sub-regional scale ozone concentrations | Sub-regional levels (a few km²) | Stations can be located in small settlements and/or areas with natural ecosystems, forests or crops; representative for ozone away from the influence of immediate local emissions such as industrial installations and roads; at open area sites, but not on higher mountain-tops |
Rural background | Protection of vegetation and human health: to assess the exposure of crops and natural ecosystems to regional-scale ozone concentrations as well as exposure of the populations | Regional/national/continental levels (1,000 to 10,000 km²) | Station located in areas with lower population density, e.g. with natural ecosystems, forests, far removed from urban and industrial areas and away from local emissions; avoid locations which are subject to locally enhanced formation of near-ground inversion conditions, also summits of higher mountains; coastal sites with pronounced diurnal wind cycles of local character are not recommended by Directive 2002/3/EC |
12.
For rural and rural background stations, consideration shall be given, where appropriate, to co-ordination with the monitoring requirements of Commission Regulation 1091/94[18] concerning protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution.
(b) in general, the inlet sampling point shall be between 1.5 m (the breathing zone) and 4 m above the ground. However, higher positions (up to 8 m) may be necessary in some circumstances and (for ozone sampling) in wooded areas. Higher siting may also be appropriate if the station is representative of a large area;
(c) the inlet probe shall not be positioned in the immediate vicinity of sources in order to avoid the direct intake of emissions unmixed with ambient air;
(d) the sampler's exhaust outlet shall be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust air to the sampler inlet is avoided;
(e) in relation to the location of traffic orientated samplers for Group A and Group B pollutants—
(f) for ozone, the inlet probe shall be positioned well away from such sources as furnaces and incineration flues and more than 10m from the nearest road, with distance increasing as a function of traffic intensity; and
(g) for deposition measurements in rural background areas as respects Group B pollutants and other pollutants falling within regulations 19 and 20, the European Monitoring and Evaluation of Pollutants guidelines and criteria shall be applied as far as practicable.
14.
The following factors may also be taken into account—
(e) for limit values the object of which is the protection of human health, the population potentially exposed to concentrations in excess of the limit value.
2.
Where possible maps shall be compiled showing concentration distributions within each zone.
7.
The Secretary of State shall ensure that maps are compiled showing concentration distributions within each zone.
Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen | Lead, PM2.5 and PM10 | |
Continuous measurement | ||
Accuracy | 15% | 25% |
Minimum data capture | 90% | 90% |
Indicative measurement | ||
Accuracy | 25% | 50% |
Minimum data capture | 90% | 90% |
Minimum time coverage | 14% (One measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year) | 14% (One measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year) |
Modelling | ||
Accuracy: | ||
Hourly averages | 50% –60% | |
Daily averages | 50% | |
Annual averages | 30% | 50% |
Objective estimation | ||
Accuracy | 75% | 100% |
Benzene | Carbon monoxide | |
Fixed measurements | ||
Uncertainty | 25% | 15% |
Minimum data capture | 90% | 90% |
Minimum time coverage | 35% urban background and traffic sites (distributed over the year to be representative of various conditions for climate and traffic); 90% industrial sites | |
Indicative measurements | ||
Uncertainty | 30% | 25% |
Minimum data capture | 90% | 90% |
Minimum time coverage | 14% (one day's measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year) | 14% (one measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year) |
Modelling | ||
Uncertainty: | ||
Eight-hour averages | 50% | |
Annual averages | 50% | |
Objective estimation | ||
Uncertainty | 100% | 75% |
Benzo(a)pyrene | Arsenic, cadmium and nickel | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and total gaseous mercury | Total deposition | |
Uncertainty | ||||
Fixed and indicative measurements | 50% | 40% | 50% | 70% |
Modelling | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% |
Minimum data capture | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% |
Minimum time coverage | ||||
Fixed measurements | 33% | 50% | ||
Indicative measurements(¹) | 14% | 14% | 14% | 33% |
12.
The uncertainty (expressed at a 95 % confidence level) of the methods used for the assessment of ambient air concentrations shall be evaluated in accordance with the CEN Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (ENV 13005-1999)[20], the methodology of ISO 5725:1994, and the guidance provided in the CEN Report, ‘Air quality — Approach to uncertainty estimation for ambient air reference measurement methods' (CR 14377:2002E). The percentages for uncertainty in the table in paragraph 11 are given for individual measurements, which are averaged over typical sampling times, for a 95 % confidence interval. The uncertainty of the measurements shall be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the appropriate target value. Fixed and indicative measurements shall be evenly distributed over the year in order to avoid skewing of results.
13.
The requirements for minimum data capture and time coverage do not include losses of data due to regular calibration or normal maintenance of the instrumentation. Twenty-four-hour sampling is required for the measurement of benzo(a)pyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. With care, individual samples taken over a period of up to one month may be combined and analysed as a composite sample, provided the method ensures that the samples are stable for that period. The three congeners benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene may be difficult to resolve analytically in which case they may be reported as sum. The Secretary of State shall endeavour, in so far as practicable, to undertake twenty-four hour sampling for the measurement of arsenic, cadmium and nickel concentrations. Sampling shall be spread evenly over the weekdays and the year. For the measurement of deposition rates, the Secretary of State shall endeavour, in so far as practicable, to obtain monthly or weekly samples throughout the year.
14.
The Secretary of State may allow for use of wet only instead of bulk sampling if it can be demonstrated that the difference between them is within 10 % . Deposition rates shall generally be given as µg/m² per day.
15.
The Secretary of State may apply a minimum time coverage lower than indicated in the table, but not lower than 14 % for fixed measurements and 6 % for indicative measurements provided that he is satisfied that it can be demonstrated that the 95 % expanded uncertainty for the annual mean, calculated from the data quality objectives in the table according to ISO 11222:2002 — ‘Determination of the uncertainty of the time average of air quality measurements' will be met.
For ozone, NO and NO2 assessed at ozone sampling points | |
Continuous fixed measurement | |
Uncertainty of individual measurements | 15% |
Minimum data capture | 90% during summer; 75% during winter |
Indicative measurement | |
Uncertainty of individual measurements | 30% |
Minimum data capture | 90% |
Minimum time coverage | >10% during summer |
Modelling | |
Uncertainty: | |
1 hour averages (daytime) | 50% |
8 hours daily maximum | 50% |
Objective estimation | |
Uncertainty | 75% |
Reference method | |
Sampling and measurement of benzene | EN 14662: 2005, Parts 1, 2 and 3 ‘Ambient air quality - Standard method for measurement of benzene concentrations' |
Analysis of carbon monoxide | EN 14626: 2005 "Ambient air quality – Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of carbon monoxide by nondispersive infrared spectroscopy" |
Sampling of lead | The same reference method as for PM10 |
Analysis of lead | ISO 9855: 1993 Ambient air — Determination of the particulate lead content of aerosols collected in filters. Atomic absorption spectroscopy method |
Analysis of nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen | ISO 7996: 1985 Ambient air — determination of the mass concentrations of nitrogen oxides — chemiluminescence method |
Sampling and measurement of PM10 | EN 12341: 1998 "Air Quality — Field Test Procedure to Demonstrate Reference Equivalence of Sampling Methods for the PM10 fraction of particulate matter" . The measurement principle is based on the collection on a filter of the PM10 fraction of ambient particulate matter and the gravimetric mass determination |
Analysis of sulphur dioxide | ISO/FDIS 10498 (Standard in draft) Ambient air — determination of sulphur dioxide — ultraviolet fluorescence method |
Reference method | |
Sampling of Group B pollutants other than benzo(a)pyrene | The same method as for sampling and measurement of PM10 |
Analysis of Group B pollutants other than benzo(a)pyrene | EN 14902: 2005 "Ambient air quality – Standard method for the measurement of Pb, Cd, As and NI in the PM10 fraction of suspended particulate matter" |
Benzo(a)pyrene concentrations | A method based on manual PM10 sampling equivalent to EN 12341 |
Reference method | |
Measurement of ozone | EN 14625: 2005 "Ambient air quality – Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of ozone by ultraviolet photometry" |
Reference method | |
Sampling and analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air | A method based on manual PM10 sampling equivalent to EN 12341 |
Sampling and analysis of mercury in ambient air | An automated method based on Atomic Absorption Spectrometry or Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry |
Sampling and analysis of the deposition of Group B pollutants, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons | A method based on the exposition of cylindrical deposit gauges with standardised dimensions |
Ethane | 1-Butene | Isoprene | Ethyl benzene |
Ethylene | trans-2-Butene | n-Hexane | m+p-Xylene |
Acetylene | cis-2-Butene | i-Hexane | o-Xylene |
Propane | 1.3-Butadiene | n-Heptane | 1,2,4-Trimeth. benzene |
Propene | n-Pentane | n-Octane | 1,2,3-Trimeth. benzene |
n-Butane | i-Pentane | i-Octane | 1,3,5-Trimeth. benzene |
i-Butane | 1-Pentene | Benzene | Formaldehyde |
2-Pentene | Toluene | Total non-methane hydrocarbons |
(c) the type of population potentially sensitive to the occurrence; and
(d) the precautions to be taken by the sensitive population concerned.
the details set out in paragraphs 3 to 6 shall, as a minimum, be made available to the public on a sufficiently large scale.
3.
Information on any observed exceedance—
4.
Forecast for the following afternoon, day or days—
5.
Information on the type of population concerned, possible health effects and recommended conduct in particular—
6.
Information provided under this Schedule shall also include—
Type of station | Level | Averaging/accumulation time | Provisional data for each month from April to September | Report for each year | |
Information threshold | Any | 180µg/m³ | 1 hour | For each day with any exceedance: date, total hours of, exceedance, maximum 1 hour ozone and related NO2 values when required; | For each day with any exceedance: date, total hours of exceedance, maximum 1 hour ozone and related NO2 values, when required |
monthly 1 hour maximum ozone | |||||
Alert threshold | Any | 240µg/m³ | 1 hour | For each day with any exceedance: date, total hours of exceedance, maximum 1 hour ozone and related NO2 values, when required | For each day with any exceedance: date, total hours of exceedance, maximum 1 hour ozone and related NO2 values, when required |
Health protection | Any | 120µg/m³ | 8 hours | For each day with any exceedance: date, 8 hours maximum(¹) | For each day with any exceedance: date, 8 hours maximum(¹) |
Vegetation protection | Suburban, rural, rural background | AOT40(²) = 6,000 µg/m³.h | 1 hour, accumulated from May to June | Value | |
Forest protection | Suburban, rural, rural background | AOT40(²) = 20,000µg/m³.h | 1 hour, accumulated from April to September | Value | |
Materials | Any | 40 µg/m³ | 1 year | Value |
2.
The Secretary of State shall also ensure that the following information is collated—
3.
Data compiled in monthly reports shall be considered provisional and shall be updated where necessary in subsequent submissions.
Parameter | Required proportion of valid data |
1 hour values | 75% (45 minutes) |
8 hour values | 75% of values (6 hours) |
Maximum daily 8 hours mean from hourly running 8 hours averages | 75% of the hourly running 8 hour averages (18 8 hours averages per day) |
AOT40(¹) | 90% of the 1 hour values over the time period defined for calculating the AOT40 value(²) |
Annual mean | 75% of the 1 hour values over summer (April to September) and winter (January to March, October to December) seasons separately |
Number of exceedances and maximum values per month | 90% of the daily maximum 8 hours mean value (27 available daily values per month) 90% of the 1 hour values between 8:00 and 20:00 Central European Time |
Number of exceedances and maximum values per year | Five out of six summer months over the summer season (April to September) |
[3] In relation to Scotland, the Secretary of State relies on section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 (c.46); in relation to Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State relies on section 23(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c.47); in relation to Wales, the Secretary of State relies on article 2(3) of the European Communities (Designation) (No 3) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/2812).back
[4] This standard is issued by the European Committee for Standardisation (36 rue de Stassart, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium).back
[5] OJ No L 296, 21.11.96, p.55.back
[6] OJ No L 163, 29.06.99, p.41, as amended by Commission Decision 2001/744/EC, OJ No L 278, 23.10.01, p.35.back
[7] OJ No L 313, 13.12.00, p.12.back
[8] OJ No L 67, 09.03.02, p.14.back
[9] OJ No L 23, 26.01.05, p.3.back
[10] OJ No L 257, 10.10.96, p.26.back
[11] The Directive is implemented by the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/1973 as amended by S.I. 2001/503, S.I. 2002/275, S.I. 2002/1702, S.I. 2003/1699, S.I. 2003/3296, S.I. 2004/3276, S.I. 2005/1448 and S.I. 2006/2311).back
[12] OJ No L 87, 25.03.04, p.50.back
[13] S.I. 2003/2121 amended by S.I. 2004/2888.back
[14] 1995 c.25; section 85 was amended by section 367 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c.29) and by S.I. 2001/3719.back
[15] S.I. 2003/2121 amended by S.I. 2004/2888.back
[17] S.I. 1989/317 amended by S.I. 1995/3146 in relation to regulation 6.back
[18] OJ No L 125, 18.05.94, p.1.back
[19] Copies of International Standards Organisation publications may be purchased from the British Standards Institution ("BSI") Sales Department either by telephone (0208 996 9001) or by post from the BSI, Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL, http://www.bsi-global.com.back
[20] European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) publication (copies may be obtained from CEN at 36, Rue de Stassart, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium http://www.cenorm.be).back
[21] OJ L 35, 05.02.97, p.14.back