Welsh Statutory Instruments
2007 No. 717 (W.63)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, WALES
The Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2007

Made
6 March 2007

Coming into force
15 March 2007

The National Assembly for Wales (“the National Assembly”), being designated(1) to exercise powers under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972(2) in relation to measures relating to the assessment and management of ambient air quality and compliance with air quality limit values, target values and objectives, makes the following Regulations:

PART 1General

Title, commencement and application

1.—(1) The title of these Regulations is the Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2007.

(2) These Regulations come into force on 15 March 2007.

(3) These Regulations apply in relation to Wales.

Definitions

2.—(1) In these Regulations—

“action plan” (“cynllun gweithredu”) means an action plan required by regulation 11;

“agglomeration” (“crynhoad”) has the meaning given in regulation 5(2);

“air quality standards” (“safonau ansawdd aer”) means limit values, target values and long-term objectives;

“alert threshold” (trothwy rhybuddio”) means an alert threshold set out in Schedule 3;

“ambient air” (“aer amgylchynol”) means outdoor air in the troposphere, excluding work places;

“assessment” (“asesu”) means any method used to measure, calculate, predict or estimate the concentration of a pollutant;

“attainment date” (dyddiad cyrhaeddiad”) means a date by which—

(a)
a limit value is required to be attained; or

(b)
a target value should be attained, insofar as this is possible;

“concentration” (“crynodiad”) means—

(a)
for pollutants other than Group B pollutants, the concentration of the relevant pollutant in ambient air; or

(b)
for Group B pollutants, the total content of the relevant pollutant in the PM10 fraction in ambient air,

and, in both cases, a reference to a concentration is to a concentration assessed by the National Assembly in accordance with these Regulations;

“Group A pollutants” (“llygryddion Grŵp A”) means benzene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, PM10 and sulphur dioxide;

“Group B pollutants” (“llygryddion Grŵp B”) means arsenic, benzo(a)pyrene, cadmium and nickel and their compounds;

“improvement plan” (“cynllun gwella”) means an improvement plan required by regulation 8;

“information threshold” (“trothwy gwybodaeth”) means the information threshold set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3;

“limit value” (“gwerth terfyn”) means a maximum permitted concentration of a Group A pollutant set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1;

“long-term objective” (“amcan hirdymor”) means a maximum concentration of ozone set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1;

“margin of tolerance” (“ffin goddefaint”) means an amount specified in Part 2 of Schedule 1 by which a limit value may be exceeded;

“oxides of nitrogen” (ocsidau nitrogen”) means the sum of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide added as parts per billion and expressed as nitrogen dioxide in microgrammes per cubic metre;

“ozone precursor substances” (rhagsylweddau osôn”) means substances which contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, as referred to by regulation 18(1);

“PM2·5” means particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 2.5μm aerodynamic diameter;

“PM10” means particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 10μm aerodynamic diameter, in relation to which, in the case of assessments of Group B pollutants, the inlet is defined in EN 12341;

“pollutant” (“llygrydd”) means—

(a)
any Group A pollutant;

(b)
any Group B pollutant;

(c)
ozone; or

(d)
any pollutant to which Part 3 of these Regulations applies;

“polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons” (“hydrocarbonau aromatig polysyclig”) means—

(a)
those compounds listed at regulation 19(2); and

(b)
any other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons the National Assembly chooses to monitor under regulation 19(1)(b);

“rural background station” (“gorsaf cefndir gwledig”) is to be interpreted in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 5;

“target value” (“gwerth targed”) means a maximum concentration of a Group B pollutant as set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1 or ozone as set out in Part 4 of that Schedule; and

“zone” (“parth”) means one of the parts of the territory into which the National Assembly has divided Wales under regulation 5(1) for the purposes of Part 2 of these Regulations; and references to a zone, unless the context indicates otherwise, include an agglomeration.

(2) Other words and expressions used in these Regulations have the same meaning as in the following Directives—

(a)Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management(3);

(b)Council Directive 1999/30/EC relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air(4);

(c)Directive 2000/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air(5);

(d)Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to ozone in ambient air(6); and

(e)Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air(7).

Designation of National Assembly for Wales

3.  The National Assembly is designated as the competent authority for the purposes of Article 3 (implementation and responsibilities) of Council Directive 96/62/EC.

PART 2Group A and Group B pollutants and ozone

CHAPTER 1Air quality standards

Preliminary and application

4.—(1) This Part applies in respect of the following pollutants—

(a)Group A pollutants;

(b)Group B pollutants; and

(c)ozone.

(2) The National Assembly must ensure that all measures taken under Chapter 2 or 3 of this Part—

(a)take into account an integrated approach to the protection of air, water and soil; and

(b)have no significant negative effects on—

(i)any other member State, or

(ii)any other part of the United Kingdom.

Zones and agglomerations

5.—(1) The National Assembly must, for the purposes of this Part, divide the territory of Wales into zones.

(2) A zone is to be classified as an agglomeration for the purposes of this Part where—

(a)it comprises a population in excess of 250,000 inhabitants; or

(b)in any other case, it has a population density per km2 for which the National Assembly considers that such a classification is justified.

(3) The National Assembly may establish different zones for different pollutants where it considers it appropriate.

Air quality standards

6.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), the following air quality standards specified in Schedule 1 are required to be attained within each zone—

(a)for Group A pollutants, the limit values set out in Part 1 of that Schedule;

(b)for Group B pollutants, the target values set out in Part 3 of that Schedule; and

(c)for ozone, the target values and long-term objectives set out in Part 4 of that Schedule.

(2) The attainment date for a limit or target value is—

(a)the attainment date specified for the relevant pollutant in Schedule 1; or

(b)where no attainment date is specified, the date on which these Regulations come into force.

(3) The long-term objectives are to be attained in the long term, to the extent these objectives are achievable through the measures required by regulation 7(3)(b).

(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.

CHAPTER 2Attainment of air quality standards

General attainment measures

7.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the National Assembly must take the necessary measures to ensure that, within each zone, concentrations of each pollutant attain the air quality standards required by regulation 6.

(2) The necessary measures in relation to Group B pollutants are—

(a)measures not entailing disproportionate costs; and

(b)insofar as concentrations of the relevant pollutants arise as a result of emissions from installations to which Council Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control(8) applies, the application of best available techniques to prevent pollution from those installations in accordance with article 3(a) of that Directive(9).

(3) The necessary measures in relation to ozone are measures the National Assembly considers to be—

(a)in the case of both the target values and long-term objectives, proportionate; and

(b)in the case of a long-term objectives, cost-effective.

Improvement plans

8.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of each zone in which—

(a)prior to the attainment date, concentrations of benzene or nitrogen dioxide exceed a limit value plus the applicable margin of tolerance; or

(b)concentrations of ozone exceed a target value.

(2) Where paragraph (1)(a) applies, the National Assembly must prepare and implement an improvement plan in respect of the pollutant in question or, if the condition specified is met in relation to both pollutants, in respect of both those pollutants.

(3) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies, the National Assembly must prepare and implement an improvement plan in respect of ozone unless it considers that the target value would not be attainable through proportionate measures.

(4) An improvement plan must include the information specified in Schedule 2.

(5) Where an improvement plan is required to be prepared and implemented under both paragraphs (2) and (3), the National Assembly must, where it considers it appropriate, prepare and implement an integrated improvement plan covering all of the pollutants concerned.

(6) For the purposes of this regulation, an improvement plan may comprise either a plan or a programme which, in either case, must have the objective of attaining the limit or target value within the relevant zone by the attainment date for the pollutant in question.

Other improvement measures

9.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of each zone in which concentrations of—

(a)one or more Group B pollutants exceed the relevant target value; or

(b)ozone are equal to or below the target values, but exceed a long-term objective.

(2) Where paragraph (1)(a) applies, the National Assembly must—

(a)identify the cause of the pollution and the predominant sources of emissions; and

(b)in relation to the pollutants concerned, ensure that the measures required by regulation 7(2) are directed in particular at the sources of emissions identified.

(3) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies, the National Assembly must prepare and implement measures which it considers to be cost-effective with the aim of attaining the long-term objective.

(4) The National Assembly must ensure that the measures required in paragraph (3) are consistent with any improvement plan prepared for ozone under regulation 8(3).

CHAPTER 3Maintenance of air quality standards and action plans

Maintenance of air quality standards

10.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of each zone in which concentrations of—

(a)one or more Group A pollutants are below the relevant limit values;

(b)one or more Group B pollutants are below the relevant target values; or

(c)ozone meet the long-term objectives.

(2) Where sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (1) applies, the National Assembly must, in respect of each pollutant meeting the conditions set out in those sub-paragraphs, maintain compliance with the relevant limit or target values and endeavour to preserve the lowest concentration which it considers to be compatible with sustainable development.

(3) Where paragraph (1)(c) applies, the National Assembly must—

(a)ensure that concentrations are kept at or below the long-term objectives, insofar as the transboundary nature of ozone pollution, meteorological conditions and any other similar factors permit; and

(b)preserve through proportionate measures the lowest concentrations of ozone which it considers to be compatible with sustainable development and a high level of protection for the environment and human health.

Action plans

11.—(1) The National Assembly must, in accordance with,—

(a)paragraphs (2) to (4), prepare action plans; and

(b)paragraph (5), implement action plans.

(2) The action plans must 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 National Assembly considers there is a risk that any one of the following will be exceeded—

(a)a limit value;

(b)the alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide; or

(c)subject to paragraph (4), the alert threshold for ozone.

(3) The objectives of each action plan are to—

(a)reduce the risk that the relevant limit value or alert threshold will be exceeded; or

(b)where it is not possible to prevent the occurrence, limit its duration or severity.

(4) In relation to ozone, the obligation imposed by paragraph (1)(a) only applies insofar as, taking into account geographical, meteorological and economic conditions, the National Assembly considers there is significant potential for the objectives set out in paragraph (3) to be achieved.

(5) The National Assembly must, when it considers that the risks referred to in paragraph (2) arise within any zone, implement the measures indicated in the relevant action plans within the zone concerned to the extent it considers necessary in the circumstances of the particular case.

(6) Schedule 3 has effect in prescribing—

(a)alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, in Part 1 of that Schedule; and

(b)the alert threshold and information threshold for ozone, in Part 2 of that Schedule.

CHAPTER 4Assessment

Duty to assess air quality

12.  The National Assembly must assess the concentration of each pollutant within each zone in accordance with regulations 13 to 16.

Assessment methods

13.—(1) The National Assembly must assess concentrations of pollutants in accordance with the methods required or, in the case of Group A pollutants and Group B pollutants, permitted by this regulation.

(2) In relation to Group A pollutants and Group B pollutants in cases where—

(a)the assessment concerns a Group A pollutant within an agglomeration; or

(b)concentrations of a pollutant have exceeded the upper assessment threshold,

assessment is required to be by means of fixed measurement.

(3) In cases where paragraph (2) does not apply and, in the case of nitrogen dioxide, subject to regulation 15(7), the National Assembly may use the following assessment methods in relation to Group A pollutants and Group B pollutants—

(a)a combination of—

(i)fixed measurement, and

(ii)modelling techniques,

provided that concentrations of the relevant pollutant have, over a representative period, been below the upper assessment threshold; or

(b)the sole use of either modelling or objective estimation techniques, provided that—

(i)paragraph (4) does not apply, and

(ii)concentrations of the relevant pollutant have, over a representative period, been below the lower assessment threshold.

(4) The National Assembly must not use the methods referred to at paragraph (3)(b) to assess nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide within an agglomeration.

(5) For the purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3)—

(a)the upper and lower assessment thresholds are specified for Group A pollutants in Part 1 of Schedule 4 and for Group B pollutants in Part 2 of that Schedule; and

(b)the representative period is to be interpreted in accordance with Part 3 of that Schedule.

(6) The National Assembly must review the method by which Group A pollutants and Group B pollutants are assessed within each zone—

(a)in the event of significant changes in activities affecting concentrations of a pollutant within that zone; and

(b)in any event, at least once in every five years.

(7) The National Assembly must assess concentrations of ozone by fixed continuous measurement if, within the zone concerned, concentrations have exceeded a long-term objective during any of the previous five years of measurement.

(8) In cases where fewer than five years' data is available, the National Assembly may assess concentrations of ozone by combining the following—

(a)measurement campaigns of short duration at times and locations which it considers are likely to be typical of the highest pollution levels; and

(b)results from emission inventories and modelling.

Fixed measurement

14.—(1) This regulation applies in cases where, in relation to one or more pollutants, a zone is assessed in accordance with the methods referred to in regulation 13(2), (3)(a) or (7).

(2) Where a zone is assessed in accordance with regulation 13(2) or (3)(a), measurements of the relevant pollutant must, subject in the case of nitrogen dioxide to the requirements imposed by regulation 15(7) in respect of the assessments required by that regulation, be taken at fixed sites either continuously or by random sampling and the number of measurements must be sufficiently large to enable concentrations of the pollutant to be properly determined.

(3) Where a zone is assessed in accordance with regulation 13(2), the National Assembly may supplement information from sampling points for fixed measurement with information from modelling techniques where it considers this will provide an adequate level of information on ambient air quality.

(4) Where a zone is assessed in accordance with regulation 13(7), the National Assembly may supplement information from sampling points with information from modelling or indicative measurements provided that the conditions set out in regulation 15(6) are complied with.

Sampling points

15.—(1) Where the National Assembly assesses concentrations of a pollutant within a zone in accordance with the methods referred to at regulation 13(2), (3)(a) or (7) it must, in respect of each pollutant, ensure that—

(a)a minimum number of sampling points are established within each zone, in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (6); and

(b)each sampling point is located in accordance with the relevant Parts of Schedule 5.

(2) In cases where a zone is assessed in accordance with—

(a)regulation 13(2), and paragraph (3)(a) of this regulation does not apply; or

(b)regulation 13(7), and paragraph (4) of this regulation does not apply,

the minimum number of sampling points is specified in the relevant Parts of Schedule 6.

(3) Where a zone is assessed in accordance with—

(a)regulation 13(2) and, within that zone, the National Assembly supplements fixed measurements with modelling techniques in accordance with regulation 14(3); or

(b)regulation 13(3)(a),

the minimum number of sampling points required for each pollutant must be a number that the National Assembly determines is sufficient, taken together with the spatial resolution of the other techniques employed, for concentrations of the relevant pollutant to be established.

(4) Where a zone is assessed in accordance with regulation 13(7), the National Assembly may reduce the number of sampling points required under paragraph (2)(b) provided that the conditions set out in paragraphs (5) or (6) are met.

(5) In the case of zones where—

(a)five years of measurement have been carried out; and

(b)during each of those years, concentrations of ozone have been below the long-term objectives,

the National Assembly may determine the number of sampling points in accordance with Part 5 of Schedule 6.

(6) In the case of zones in which the National Assembly supplements the information obtained from sampling points for fixed measurement with information from modelling or indicative measurement in accordance with regulation 14(4), it may reduce the number of sampling points provided that—

(a)the modelling techniques adopted provide an adequate level of information for the assessment of air quality with regard to the—

(i)target values,

(ii)information threshold, and

(iii)alert threshold;

(b)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—

(i)at least one sampling point per two million inhabitants, or

(ii)one sampling point per 50,000 km2,

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, in accordance with paragraph (7).

(7) The National Assembly must ensure that—

(a)concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are assessed—

(i)at least at 50 per cent of the sampling points established for ozone in accordance with Part 4 of Schedule 6, or

(ii)where paragraph (6) applies, in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) of that paragraph;

and

(b)the measurement of nitrogen dioxide taken at these sampling points is continuous, except at rural background stations where other measurement methods may be used.

Other assessment requirements

16.—(1) When the National Assembly undertakes assessments as respects—

(a)Group A pollutants or Group B pollutants, by the methods other than fixed measurement which are permitted by regulation 13(3) or 14(3); or

(b)ozone, by methods other than fixed continuous measurement which are permitted by regulations 13(7) and 14(4),

it must 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 National Assembly must have regard to the relevant data quality objectives set out in Schedule 8.

(3) The National Assembly must undertake assessments in accordance with—

(a)the relevant reference methods required by Schedule 9; or

(b)any alternative reference methods, where it considers that the method in question gives equivalent results to the relevant method required by Schedule 9.

(4) Measurements of volume of benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, ozone and sulphur dioxide are to be standardised at a temperature of 293K and a pressure of 101.3 kPa.

PART 3Other pollutants and background monitoring

Measurement of PM2·5

17.—(1) The National Assembly must, in accordance with paragraph (2), install and operate measuring stations to supply representative data on concentrations of PM2·5.

(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), the National Assembly must—

(a)choose the number of measuring stations it considers necessary;

(b)insofar as possible, co-locate the measuring stations with any sampling points established for PM10 in accordance with regulation 15(1), or

(ii)in any other case, locate the measuring stations in accordance with the principles set out in Parts 1, 4 and 5 of Schedule 5 as they apply to PM10;

(c)use reference methods for sampling and measurement that it 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 National Assembly must, in accordance with paragraph (2), install and operate one or, if it considers it necessary, more measuring stations to supply data on concentrations of those ozone precursor substances set out in Schedule 10.

(2) The National Assembly must have regard to Schedule 10 in choosing the number and sites of measuring stations and their operation.

Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

19.—(1) The National Assembly must, in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (6), monitor concentrations of—

(a)those polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons listed in paragraph (2); and

(b)any other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, within the meaning of paragraph (7) that it may additionally choose to monitor.

(2) The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons required to be assessed by paragraph (1) comprise—

(a)benzo(a)anthracene;

(b)benzo(a)fluoranthene;

(c)benzo(b)fluoranthene;

(d)benzo(j)fluoranthene;

(e)benzo(k)fluoranthene;

(f)dibenz(a,h)anthracene; and

(g)indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.

(3) The monitoring required by paragraph (1) must take place at monitoring sites designated for this purpose by the National Assembly in accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5).

(4) Each monitoring site must—

(a)insofar as possible, be co-located with a sampling point established for benzo(a)pyrene under regulation 15(1); or

(b)in any other case, be located in accordance with Parts 2, 4 and 5 of Schedule 5.

(5) The total number of monitoring sites and their overall selection is to be such as the National Assembly considers necessary to ensure that the monitoring carried-out provides sufficient information to identify long-term trends and geographical variation in concentrations.

(6) Regulation 16(2) and (3) applies to the monitoring required by this regulation.

(7) For the purpose of paragraph (1)(b), “polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons” (“hydrocarbonau aromatig polysyclig”) means organic compounds, other than benzo(a)pyrene, which are composed of at least two fused aromatic rings made entirely from carbon and hydrogen.

Background monitoring

20.—(1) The National Assembly must, in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4), install and operate background sampling points to provide the measurements required by paragraph (2).

(2) The measurements required by this regulation are indicative measurements of—

(a)concentrations of—

(i)Group B pollutants,

(ii)polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and

(iii)total gaseous mercury as defined in paragraph (6);

and

(b)total deposition of—

(i)Group B pollutants within the PM10 fraction,

(ii)polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and

(iii)mercury.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the National Assembly must ensure that—

(a)at least one sampling point is installed for every 100,000 km2; and

(b)each sampling point is located in accordance with Parts 2, 4 and 5 of Schedule 5.

(4) Regulation 16(2) and (3) applies to the measurements required by this regulation.

(5) The National Assembly may—

(a)in addition to the indicative measurements required by paragraph (2), take further indicative measurements relating specifically to particulate and gaseous divalent mercury from the sampling points required to be installed by paragraph (1); and

(b)coordinate any measurements taken under this regulation with the European Monitoring and Evaluation of Pollutants monitoring strategy and measurement programme.

(6) For the purpose of paragraph (2)(a)(iii), “total gaseous mercury” (“mercwri nwyol llwyr”) means—

(a)elemental mercury vapour (Hg0); and

(b)reactive gaseous mercury.

PART 4Public information and participation

General requirements

21.—(1) The National Assembly must ensure that—

(a)up-to-date information is made available to the public in accordance with this Part; and

(b)the public is given an opportunity to participate in the formulation of improvement plans in accordance with regulation 28.

(2) The National Assembly must ensure that the information to which this Part relates is—

(a)made available in a form that is clear, comprehensible and accessible;

(b)disseminated or published by the most appropriate means as it may determine, including (but not necessarily limited to) broadcast media, press, publications, information screens, the internet or other computer network sources; and

(c)up-dated—

(i)in accordance with a minimum frequency specified in these Regulations, or

(ii)in other cases, as soon as practicable.

(3) For the purposes of this Part, “the public” means natural or legal persons, including health-care bodies and other organisations having an interest in ambient air quality and representing the interests of sensitive populations, consumers and the environment.

Information regarding zones

22.  The National Assembly must make available—

(a)information identifying each zone and specifying which zones have been classified as agglomerations;

(b)the following lists of zones—

(i)zones which have attained all air quality standards,

(ii)zones which have not attained one or more of the air quality standards, in respect of which the list must specify the pollutants and air quality standards concerned;

(c)until 1 January 2010, a list of zones in which concentrations of benzene or nitrogen dioxide either—

(i)exceed a limit value plus the relevant margin of tolerance, or

(ii)are between a limit value and the relevant margin of tolerance,

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 concentrations of each pollutant are assessed within that zone in accordance with regulation 13.

Information on concentrations

23.—(1) The National Assembly must, in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3), make available information in respect of—

(a)concentrations of Group A pollutants;

(b)concentrations of Group B pollutants;

(c)concentrations of ozone; and

(d)insofar as assessed under Part 3 of these Regulations—

(i)concentrations of mercury, PM2·5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and

(ii)deposition rates of Group B pollutants, mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

(2) The information required to be made available by paragraph (1)(a) and, insofar as it relates to PM2·5, paragraph (1)(d)(i), must be updated as respects—

(a)benzene, as an average value over the last 12 months—

(i)at least on a three-monthly basis, and

(ii)where practicable, on a monthly basis;

(b)carbon monoxide, as a maximum running average over eight hours—

(i)at least on a daily basis, and

(ii)where practicable, on an hourly basis;

(c)lead, on a three-monthly basis; and

(d)nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, PM2·5 and PM10—

(i)at least on a daily basis, and

(ii)in the case of hourly values for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, where practicable, on an hourly basis.

(3) The information required to be made available by paragraph (1)(c) must be updated—

(a)at least on a daily basis; and

(b)where appropriate and practicable, on an hourly basis.

Information on breach of alert or information threshold

24.—(1) The National Assembly must, as soon as possible in each case, provide the information required by paragraphs (2) to (4) where—

(a)any of the following are exceeded—

(i)the alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide, or

(ii)the alert threshold or information threshold for ozone;

or

(b)it is predicted that the alert threshold or information threshold for ozone will be exceeded.

(2) Where paragraph (1)(a)(i) applies, the National Assembly must at least provide the information as set out at Part 1 of Schedule 11.

(3) Where paragraph (1)(a)(ii) applies, the National Assembly must at least provide the information as set out at Part 2 of Schedule 11.

(4) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies, the National Assembly must provide the information required by paragraph (3), insofar as it is practicable to do so.

(5) Where—

(a)both sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(a) apply; or

(b)both sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1) apply,

the National Assembly must combine the information required to be provided in relation to those sub-paragraphs by paragraphs (2) to (4) in a comprehensive format.

(6) Without prejudice to the generality of the obligation imposed by this regulation to provide information to the public, in cases where the alert threshold for ozone is exceeded or is predicted to be exceeded, the National Assembly must ensure that timely information is provided to all relevant health-care bodies.

Information on breach of air quality standards

25.—(1) The National Assembly must 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 National Assembly must—

(a)indicate the extent to which—

(i)any limit value has, or

(ii)the alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide have,

been exceeded over the relevant averaging periods set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 and Part 1 of Schedule 3 respectively; and

(b)provide a short assessment of these occurrences and their effects on health.

(3) For Group B pollutants, the National Assembly must—

(a)indicate any occasion during which any target value has been exceeded; and

(b)in relation to any such occurrences, provide at least the following information—

(i)the areas within each zone in which the target value was exceeded,

(ii)the cause of the occurrence and the predominant sources of emissions identified in accordance with regulation 9(2)(a),

(iii)a short assessment of the effect of the occurrence on overall compliance with the target value in the zone concerned,

(iv)the measures being taken counteract the excess concentration in accordance with regulation 9(2)(b), and

(v)the prospects for attainment of the target value in the area affected.

(4) For ozone, the National Assembly must—

(a)indicate any occasion during which concentrations have exceeded—

(i)the long-term objectives for the protection of human health,

(ii)the information threshold, or

(iii)the alert threshold;

and

(b)provide a short assessment of each occurrence, including its extent and its effects on health.

(5) The information required to be made available in paragraphs (2) and (4) must be updated in accordance with the timescales specified for those pollutants by regulation 23(2) and (3).

Ozone annual report

26.—(1) The National Assembly must produce an annual report in relation to ozone in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) The annual report must at least contain the following information—

(a)for human health, an indication of all occasions during which—

(i)the target value,

(ii)the long-term objective, or

(iii)the alert threshold,

has been exceeded;

(b)for vegetation, an indication of all occasions during which—

(i)the target value, or

(ii)the long-term objective,

has been exceeded; and

(c)in relation to both sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), a short assessment of the effects of each such occurrence.

(3) The information referred to in paragraph (2)(b) may include, where appropriate,—

(a)further information and assessments on forest protection, in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 12; and

(b)information on ozone precursor substances.

Information on action and improvement plans

27.—(1) The National Assembly must make available, and provide information on the implementation of, each action plan and improvement plan.

(2) Where regulation 11(4) applies, the National Assembly must make available the results of the investigations undertaken in the context of its considerations under that regulation, irrespective of whether it has prepared an action plan under regulation 11(1)(a).

Public participation in improvement plans

28.—(1) The National Assembly must consult the public where it proposes to prepare, modify or review an improvement plan.

(2) Where paragraph (1) applies, the National Assembly must—

(a)inform the public as to its proposal and any relevant background information; and

(b)specify the means by which the public can participate in the consultation process, including an address for responses and a reasonable timescale for the consultation.

(3) Where, following a consultation, the National Assembly takes a decision in relation to its proposal, it must inform the public and provide information as to the reasons and considerations on which its decision is based.

PART 5Final and miscellaneous provisions

Collation of information etc.

29.—(1) The National Assembly must 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 applies as respects ozone.

Revocations

30.  The Regulations set out in Schedule 13 are revoked in accordance with that Schedule.

Signed on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales under section 66(1) of the Government of Wales Act 1998(10)

D. Elis-Thomas
The Presiding Officer of the National Assembly
6 March 2007

Regulation 6

SCHEDULE 1Air quality standards

PART 1Limit values for Group A pollutants

Benzene

Averaging period
Limit value
Attainment date

Limit value for the protection of human health
Calendar year
5 μg/m3

1 January 2010

Carbon monoxide

For the purposes of this table, the maximum daily 8-hour mean concentration will be selected by examining 8-hour running averages, calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each 8-hour average so calculated will be assigned to the day on which it ends, i.e. the first calculation period for any one day will be the period from 17:00 on the previous day to 01:00 on that day; the last calculation period for any one day will be the period from 16:00 to 24:00 on that day.

Averaging period
Limit value

Limit value for the protection of human health
Maximum daily 8-hour mean
10 mg/m3

Lead

Averaging period
Limit value

Annual limit value for the protection of human health
Calendar year
0.5 μg/m3

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

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
1 January 2010

Annual limit value for the protection of human health
Calendar year
40 μg/m3 NO2
1 January 2010

Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation
Calendar year
30 μg/m3 NOx

PM10

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

Sulphur dioxide

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 (1 October to 31 March)
20 μg/m3

PART 2Margins of tolerance for benzene and nitrogen dioxide

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
31 December 2007
3 μg/m3

30 μg/m3

6 μg/m3

1 January 2008
31 December 2008
2 μg/m3

20 μg/m3

4 μg/m3

1 January 2009
31 December 2009
1 μg/m3

10 μg/m3

2 μg/m3

PART 3Target values for Group B pollutants

1.  The target values in the table below in each case relate to the total content of the relevant pollutant in the PM10 fraction averaged over one calendar year.

2.  The attainment date for each of these target values is 31 December 2012.

Pollutant
Target value

Arsenic
6 ng/m3

Benzo(a)pyrene
1 ng/m3

Cadmium
5 ng/m3

Nickel
20 ng/m3

PART 4Target values and long-term objectives for ozone

3.  In this Part—

(a)all values must be expressed in μg/m3;

(b)the volume must be standardised at the following conditions of temperature and pressure: 293K and 101.3kPa;

(c)the time must be specified in Central European Time;

(d)“AOT40” (expressed in (μg/m3) hours) means the sum of the difference between hourly concentrations greater than 80 μg/m3 (which equals 40 parts per billion) and 80 μg/m3 over a given period using only the 1 hour values measured between 8:00 and 20:00 Central European Time each day; and

(e)in order to be valid, the annual data on exceedances used to check compliance with the target values and long-term objectives below must meet the criteria set out in Part 2 of Schedule 12.

Target values

Parameter

Target value for 2010(1)

(1)
Compliance with target values will be assessed as of this value; that is, 2010 will be the first year the data for which is used in calculating compliance over three or five years, as appropriate.

(2)
The maximum daily 8-hour mean concentration will be selected by examining 8-hour running averages, calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each 8-hour average so calculated will be assigned to the day on which it ends; that is, the first calculation period for any one day will be the period from 17:00 on the previous day to 01:00 on that day; the last calculation period for any one day will be the period from 16:00 to 24:00 on the day.

(3)
If the three or five-year averages cannot be determined on the basis of a full and consecutive set of annual data, the minimum annual data required for checking compliance with the target values will be as follows: (i) for the target value for the protection of human health, valid data for one year, and (ii) for the target value for the protection of vegetation, valid data for three years.

Target value for the protection more of human health
Maximum daily 8-hour mean(2)

120 μg/m3 not to be exceeded on 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

Regulation 8(4)

SCHEDULE 2Information to be included in an Improvement Plan

1.  Localisation of excess pollution—

(a)region;

(b)city (map); and

(c)measuring station (map, geographical coordinates).

2.  General information—

(a)type of zone (city, industrial or rural area);

(b)estimate of the polluted area (km2) and of the population exposed to the pollution;

(c)useful climatic data;

(d)relevant data on topography; and

(e)sufficient information on the type of targets requiring protection in the zone.

3.  Responsible authorities (names and addresses of persons responsible for the development and implementation of improvement plans).

4.  Nature and assessment of pollution—

(a)concentrations observed over previous years (before the implementation of the improvement measures);

(b)concentrations measured since the beginning of the project; and

(c)techniques used for the assessment.

5.  Origin of pollution—

(a)list of the main emission sources responsible for pollution (map);

(b)total quantity of emissions from these sources (tonnes/year); and

(c)information on pollution imported from other regions.

6.  Analysis of the situation—

(a)details of those factors responsible for the excess (transport, including cross-border transport, formation); and

(b)details of possible measures for improvement of air quality.

7.  Details of those measures or projects for improvements which existed prior to 21 November 1996—

(a)local, regional, national and international measures; and

(b)observed effects of these measures.

8.  Details of those measures or projects adopted with a view to reducing pollution following 21 November 1996—

(a)listing and description of all the measures set out in the project;

(b)timetable for implementation; and

(c)estimate of the improvement of air quality planned and of the expected time required to attain these objectives.

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.

Regulation 11(6)

SCHEDULE 3Alert and information thresholds

PART 1Alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide

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 or agglomeration, whichever is the smaller

PART 2Alert and information thresholds for ozone

Parameter
Threshold

(1)
For the purposes of regulation 11 (action plans), exceedance of the 1-hour average in respect of the alert threshold is to be measured or predicted for three consecutive hours.

Alert threshold
1-hour average(1)

240 μg/m3

Information threshold
1-hour average
180 μg/m3

Regulation 13(5)

SCHEDULE 4Assessment thresholds

PART 1Assessment thresholds for Group A pollutants

Benzene

Annual average

Upper assessment threshold
70% of limit value (3.5 μg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
40% of limit value (2 μg/m3)

Carbon monoxide

Eight-hour average

Upper assessment threshold
70% of limit value (7 mg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
50% of limit value (5 mg/m3)

Lead

Annual average

Upper assessment threshold
70% of limit value (0.35 μg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
50% of limit value (0.25 μg/m3)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

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)

PM10

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)

Sulphur dioxide

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)

PART 2Assessment thresholds for Group B pollutants

Arsenic

Upper assessment threshold
60% of target value (3.6 ng/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
40% of target value (2.4 ng/m3)

Benzo(a)pyrene

Upper assessment threshold
60% of target value (0.6 ng/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
40% of target value (0.4 ng/m3)

Cadmium

Upper assessment threshold
60% of target value (3 ng/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
40% of target value (2 ng/m3)

Nickel

Upper assessment threshold
70% of target value (14 ng/m3)

Lower assessment threshold
50% of target value (10 ng/m3)

PART 3Determination of when assessment thresholds are exceeded

1.  Exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds must be determined on the basis of concentrations during the previous five years where sufficient data are available. An assessment threshold will be deemed to have been exceeded if it has been exceeded during at least three separate years out of the previous five years.

2.  Where fewer than five years' data are available, measurement campaigns of short duration during the period of the year and at locations likely to be typical of the highest concentrations may be combined with results obtained from emission inventories and modelling to determine exceedances of the upper and lower assessment thresholds.

Regulation 15(1)(b) Regulation 19(4)(b) Regulation 20(3)(b)

SCHEDULE 5Location of sampling points

PART 1Macroscale siting for Group A pollutants

Sampling points for the protection of human health

1.  Sampling points directed at the protection of human health should be sited to provide data on—

(a)the areas within zones where the highest concentrations occur to which the population is likely to be directly or indirectly exposed for a period which is significant in relation to the averaging period of the limit value; and

(b)concentrations in other areas within the zones which are representative of the exposure of the general population.

2.  Sampling points should in general be sited to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity. As a guideline, a sampling point should be sited 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 should also, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity.

4.  Account should 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 should be sited more than 20 km from agglomerations or more than 5 km from other built-up areas, industrial installations or motorways. As a guideline, a sampling point should be sited 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.

6.  Account should be taken of the need to assess air quality on islands.

PART 2Macroscale siting for Group B pollutants

7.  The sites of sampling points should be selected in such a way as to provide data on—

(a)the areas within zones where the population is likely to be directly or indirectly exposed to the highest concentrations averaged over a calendar year;

(b)concentrations in other areas within zones which are representative of the exposure of the general population;

(c)deposition rates representing the indirect exposure of the population through the food chain.

8.  Sampling points should in general be sited so as to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity. As a guideline, a sampling point should 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.

9.  Where the objective is to assess background levels the sampling site should not be influenced by agglomerations or industrial sites in its vicinity, i.e. sites closer than a few kilometres.

10.  Where contributions from industrial sources are to be assessed, at least one sampling point must be installed downwind of the source in the nearest residential area. Where the background concentration is not known, an additional sampling point must be situated within the main wind direction. In particular, where regulation 9(1)(a) applies, the sampling points should be sited such that the application of the measures referred to at regulation 7(2)(b) can be monitored.

11.  Sampling points should also, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity. Where appropriate, they should be co-located with sampling points for PM10.

PART 3Macroscale siting for ozone

12.  Sampling points for ozone must be located in accordance with the considerations set out in the following table—

Type of station
Objective of measurement
Representativeness(1)

Macroscale siting criteria

(1)
Sampling points should also, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity.

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)
Stations 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

13.  For rural and background stations, consideration should be given, where appropriate, to co-ordination with the monitoring requirements of Commission Regulation 1091/94(11) concerning protection of the Community’s forests against atmospheric pollution.

PART 4Microscale siting

14.  The following guidelines should be met as far as practicable—

(a)the flow around the inlet sampling probe should be unrestricted (and, for ozone sampling, free in an arc of at least 270°), without any obstructions affecting the airflow in the vicinity of the sampler (normally some metres away from buildings, balconies, trees and other obstacles by more than twice the height the obstacle protrudes above the sampler and at least 0.5 m from the nearest building in the case of sampling points representing air quality at the building line);

(b)in general, the inlet sampling point should be between 1.5 m (the breathing zone) and 4 m above the ground. Higher positions (up to 8 m) may be necessary in some circumstances and in wooded areas. Higher siting may also be appropriate if the station is representative of a large area;

(c)the inlet probe should 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 should be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust air to the sampler inlet is avoided;

(e)in relation to the location of traffic orientated samplers—

(i)for all pollutants, such sampling points should be at least 25 m from the edge of major junctions and at least 4 m from the centre of the nearest traffic lane,

(ii)for nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, inlets should be no more than 5 m from the kerbside, and

(iii)for PM10, lead, benzene and Group B pollutants, inlets should be sited so as to be representative of air quality near to the building line;

(f)for ozone, the inlet probe should be positioned well away from such sources as furnaces and incineration flues and more than 10 m from the nearest road, with distance increasing as a function of traffic intensity;

(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 should be applied as far as practicable.

15.  The following factors may also be taken into account—

(a)interfering sources;

(b)security;

(c)access;

(d)availability of electrical power and telephone communications;

(e)visibility of the site in relation to its surroundings;

(f)safety of public and operators;

(g)the desirability of co-locating sampling points for different pollutants;

(h)planning requirements.

PART 5

Documentation and review of site selection

16.  The site-selection procedures should be fully documented at the classification stage by such means as compass-point photographs of the surrounding area and a detailed map. Sites should be reviewed at regular intervals with repeated documentation to ensure that selection criteria remain valid over time.

17.  For ozone, this requires screening and interpretation of the monitoring data in the context of the meteorological and photochemical processes affecting the ozone concentrations measured at the respective site.

Regulation 15(2)

SCHEDULE 6Minimum number of sampling points

PART 1Group A pollutants: human health-based limit values and alert thresholds

1.  This Part sets out the minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement of Group A pollutants to assess compliance with limit values for the protection of human health and alert thresholds in zones where fixed measurement is the sole source of information.

Diffuse sources

Population of zone (thousands)
If concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold(1)

If 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

(1)
For NO2 and PM10 to include at least one urban-background station and one traffic-orientated station; this requirement also applies to benzene and carbon monoxide provided that it does not increase the number of sampling points.

0—249
1
1
not applicable

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 should be calculated taking into account emission densities, the likely distribution patterns of ambient-air pollution and the potential exposure of the population.

PART 2Group A pollutants: limit values for the protection of ecosystems or vegetation

3.  The Table below sets out the minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements to assess compliance with limit values for the protection of ecosystems or vegetation in zones other than agglomerations.

If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold
If maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds

1 station every 20,000 km2
1 station every 40,000 km2

4.  In island zones, the number of sampling points for fixed measurement should be calculated taking into account the likely distribution patterns of ambient-air pollution and the potential exposure of ecosystems or vegetation.

PART 3Group B pollutants

5.  This Part sets out the minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement of Group B pollutants to assess compliance with target values for the protection of human health in zones where fixed measurement is the sole source of information.

Diffuse sources

Population of zone (thousands)
If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold(1)

If maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds

Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel
Benzo(a) pyrene
Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel
Benzo(a)pyrene

(1)
To include at least one urban-background station and for benzo(a)pyrene also one traffic-oriented station provided this does not increase the number of sampling points.

0—749
1
1
1
1

750—1,999
2
2
1
1

2,000—3,749
2
3
1
1

3,750—4,749
3
4
2
2

4,750—5,999
4
5
2
2

=10% during summer

Modelling

Uncertainty

1 hour averages (daytime)
50%

8 hours daily maximum
50%

Objective estimation

Uncertainty
75%

17.  The uncertainty (on a 95% confidence interval) of the measurement methods must be evaluated in accordance with the principles laid down in the “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty of Measurements” (ISO 1993) or the methodology in ISO 5725-1 “Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results” (ISO 1994) or equivalent. The percentages for uncertainty in the table are given for individual measurements, averaged over the period for calculating target values and long-term objectives, for a 95% confidence interval. The uncertainty for continuous fixed measurements should be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the concentration used for the appropriate threshold.

18.  The uncertainty for modelling and objective estimation means the maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels, over the period for calculating the appropriate threshold, without taking into account the timing of events.

19.  “Time coverage”(“yr amser a gwmpesir”) means the percentage of time considered for settling the threshold value during which the pollutant is measured.

20.  “Data capture” (“y data a gipir”) means the ratio of the time for which the instrument produces valid data, to the time for which the statistical parameter or aggregated value is to be calculated.

Regulation 16(3)(a) Regulation 19(6) Regulation 20(4)

SCHEDULE 9Reference methods

PART 1Group A pollutants

Reference method

Sampling and analysis of benzene
A pumped sampling method on a sorbent cartridge followed by gas chromatographic determination

Analysis of carbon monoxide

A non-dispersive infra-red spectrometric (NDIR) method

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

The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10 is that described in EN 12341 “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

PART 2Group B pollutants in ambient air

Reference method

Sampling and analysis of Group B pollutants other than benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air
A method based on manual PM10 sampling equivalent to EN 12341, followed by digestion of the samples and analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry or ICP Mass Spectrometry

Benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in ambient air
A method based on manual PM10 sampling equivalent to EN 12341

PART 3Ozone

Reference method

Analysis of ozone

UV photometric method (ISO FDIS 13964 or equivalent)

Calibration of ozone instruments
The Reference UV photometer method (ISO FDIS 13964, VDI 2468, B1.6 or equivalent)

PART 4Other reference methods

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

Regulation 18

SCHEDULE 10Ozone precursor substances

Objectives

1.  The main objectives of measurements of ozone precursor substances are to analyse any trend in ozone precursors, to check the efficiency of emission reduction strategies, to check the consistency of emission inventories and to help attribute emission sources to pollution concentration.

2.  An additional aim is to support the understanding of ozone formation and precursor dispersion processes, as well as the application of photochemical models.

Substances

3.  Measurements of ozone precursor substances must include at least nitrogen oxides, and appropriate volatile organic compounds. For the purposes of this Schedule, “volatile organic compounds” means all organic compounds from anthropogenic and biogenic sources, other than methane, that are capable of producing photochemical oxidants by reaction with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight.

4.  A list of volatile organic compounds recommended for measurement by Directive 2002/3/EC(14) is given in the table below—

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

Reference methods

5.  The reference method for the analysis of oxides of nitrogen is ISO 7996:1985, Ambient air — determination of the mass concentrations of nitrogen oxides — chemiluminescence method.

Monitoring sites

6.  Measurements should be taken in particular in urban and suburban areas at any monitoring site considered appropriate with regard to the monitoring objectives in this Schedule.

Regulation 24(2) and (3)

SCHEDULE 11Public information where alert or information thresholds are exceeded

PART 1Alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide

1.  In cases where the alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide are exceeded, the information to be made available to the public should include at least—

(a)the date, hour and place of the occurrence and the reasons for the occurrence, where known;

(b)any forecasts of—

(i)changes in concentration (improvement, stabilisation or deterioration), together with the reasons for those changes,

(ii)the geographical area concerned, and

(iii)the duration of the occurrence;

(c)the type of population potentially sensitive to the occurrence; and

(d)the precautions to be taken by the sensitive population concerned.

PART 2Alert and information thresholds for ozone

2.  In cases where either the information threshold or the alert threshold for ozone—

(a)is exceeded; or

(b)is predicted to be exceeded,

the details set out in paragraphs 3 to 6 must, as a minimum, be made available to the public on a sufficiently large scale.

3.  Information on any observed exceedance—

(a)the location or area of the exceedance;

(b)the type of threshold exceeded (information threshold or alert threshold);

(c)the time at which the exceedance began and its duration; and

(d)the highest 1-hour and 8-hour mean concentration.

4.  Forecast for the following afternoon, day or days—

(a)the geographical area of expected exceedances of an information threshold or alert threshold; and

(b)the expected change in pollution, that is, improvement, stabilisation or deterioration.

5.  Information on the type of population concerned, possible health effects and recommended conduct—

(a)information on population groups at risk;

(b)description of likely symptoms;

(c)recommended precautions to be taken by the population concerned; and

(d)where to find further information.

6.  Information provided under this Schedule must also include—

(a)information on preventive action to reduce pollution or exposure to it;

(b)an indication of main source sectors; and

(c)recommendations for action to reduce emissions.

Regulation 29

SCHEDULE 12Collation of information and criteria for aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters

PART 1Information to be submitted to the Commission

1.  The following information on ozone concentrations must be obtained and collated—

Type of station
Level
Averaging /accumulation time
Provisional data for each month from April to September
Report for each year

(1)
Maximum daily 8-hour mean.

(2)
In this table, “AOT40” has the same meaning as in paragraph 3(d) of Part 4 of Schedule 1.

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) = 20,000 μg/m3.h
1 hour, accumulated from April to September

Value

Materials
Any
40 μg/m3
1 year

Value

2.  The National Assembly must also ensure that the following information is collated—

(a)for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and the sums of ozone and nitrogen dioxide (added as parts per billion and expressed in μg/m3 ozone) the maximum, 99.9th, 98th and 50th percentiles and annual average and number of valid data from hourly series; and

(b)the maximum, 98th and 50th percentile and annual average from a series of daily 8-hour ozone maxima.

3.  Data compiled in monthly reports will be considered provisional and must be updated where necessary in subsequent submissions.

PART 2Criteria for aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters

4.  In this Part, percentiles are to be calculated using the method specified in Council Decision 97/101/EC(15) establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within member States.

5.  The following criteria are to be used for checking validity when aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters—

Parameter
Required proportion of valid data

(1)
In cases where all possible measured data are not available, the following factor must be used to calculate AOT40 values: AOT40 (estimate) = AOT40 measured × (total possible number of hours ÷ number of measured hourly values). The reference in this formula to the total possible number of hours is to the hours within the time period of AOT40 definition (that is, 8:00 to 20:00 Central European Time from 1 May to 31 July each year, for vegetation protection and from 1 April to 30 September each year for forest protection).

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 per day)

AOT40
90% of the 1-hour values over the time period defined for calculating the AOT40 value(1)

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)

Regulation 30

SCHEDULE 13Revocations

Regulations revoked
Reference
With effect from

(1)
as amended by S.I. 2005/1157 (W.74).

(2)
Regulation 6 of S.I. 1989/317 has been revoked, insofar as it applies in relation to Wales, by regulation 13(2) of S.I. 2002/3183 (W.299) from the date specified in the third column of the above table, with the effect that the revocation will not have taken effect by the time S.I. 2002/3183 (W.299) is itself revoked.

(3)
as amended by S.I. 1995/3146 in relation to regulation 6.

The Air Quality Limit Values (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
S.I. 2005/1157 (W.74)

15 March 2007

The Air Quality (Ozone) (Wales) Regulations 2003
S.I. 2003/1848 (W.198)

15 March 2007

The Air Quality Limit Values (Wales) Regulations 2002
S.I. 2002/3183 (W.299)(1)

15 March 2007

Regulation 6 of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 1989(2), insofar as it applies in relation to Wales
S.I. 1989/317(3)

1 January 2010

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations apply in relation to Wales.
These Regulations—
(a)implement Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management (OJ No. L 296, 21.11.96, p.55);
(b)implement Council Directive 1999/30/EC relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air (OJ No. L 163, 29.06.99, p.41);
(c)implement Directive 2000/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air (OJ No. L 313, 13.12.00, p.12);
(d)implement Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to ozone in ambient air (OJ No. L 67, 09.03.02, p.14);
(e)implement Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air (OJ No. L 23, 26.01.05, p.3);
(f)incorporate requirements imposed by Commission Decision 2001/744/EC amending Annex V to Council Directive 1999/30/EC (OJ No. L 278, 23.10.01, p.35) and Directive 2003/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for public participation in respect of the drawing-up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Council Directives 85/337/EEC and 96/61/EC (OJ No. L 156, 25.06.03, p.17); and
(g)replace regulation 6 of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/317), the Air Quality Limit Values (Wales) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3183) (W.299), the Air Quality (Ozone) (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1848) (W.198) and the Air Quality Limit Values (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1157) (W.74), all of which are revoked by regulation 30 of, and Schedule 13 to, these Regulations.
Part 1 of these Regulations includes regulation 3, which designates the National Assembly for Wales (“the National Assembly”) as the competent authority for the purposes of article 3 (implementation and responsibilities) of Council Directive 96/62/EC.
Part 2 of these Regulations requires the attainment of air quality standards in respect of the concentration of various pollutants in ambient air.
For the purposes of Part 2, the National Assembly is required to divide Wales into zones within which the necessary air quality management and assessment takes place (regulation 5).
In accordance with regulation 6, limit values are imposed for “Group A” pollutants (benzene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10) and sulphur dioxide); target values are imposed for “Group B” pollutants (the content of arsenic, benzo(a)pyrene, cadmium and nickel, or their compounds, within the PM10 fraction); and target values and long-term objectives are imposed for ozone.
Chapter 2 of Part 2 sets out the measures the National Assembly is required to take in order to ensure attainment of the relevant standards. The measures ordinarily required are those set out in regulation 7. In relation to benzene or nitrogen dioxide, where concentrations exceed the limit value plus the margin of tolerance specified, the National Assembly is required by regulation 8(2) to prepare and implement an improvement plan. The National Assembly is also required to prepare and implement an improvement plan by regulation 8(3) in cases where concentrations of ozone exceed the target value unless the National Assembly considers that the target value would not be attainable through proportionate measures. Finally, regulation 9 requires the National Assembly to take the measures specified in that regulation in cases where concentrations of Group B pollutants exceed the relevant target value or in cases where concentrations of ozone comply with the target value but exceed a long-term objective.
Regulation 10 requires the National Assembly to maintain compliance with the limit values and target values and, as far as the factors specified in that regulation permit, the long-term objective for ozone.
Regulation 11 requires the National Assembly to prepare and, to the extent it considers necessary, implement action plans which indicate the measures to be taken in cases where there is a risk that any limit value or the alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide will be exceeded. The National Assembly is also required to consider the preparation of action plans where there is a risk that the alert threshold for ozone will be exceeded.
Regulation 12 requires the National Assembly to assess the concentration of Group A pollutants, Group B pollutants and ozone within each zone.
Regulations 13 to 16 prescribe the assessment methods which are required or permitted (as the case may be) and the detailed requirements in relation to each method (for instance, requirements as to sampling points for fixed measurement).
In Part 3 of these Regulations, regulations 17 to 19 require the National Assembly to monitor or measure, respectively, PM2·5, ozone precursor substances and certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Regulation 20 requires the taking of indicative measurements of the concentration and deposition of Group B pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and mercury.
In Part 4 of these Regulations, regulations 21 to 25 require the National Assembly to disseminate up-to-date information to the public, including organisations representing relevant public interests. Regulation 26 requires the production of an annual report for ozone and regulation 27 requires action and improvement plans, and information as to their implementation, to be made available. Regulation 28 requires the National Assembly to ensure that the public can contribute to the development, modification and review of improvement plans.
In Part 5 of these Regulations, regulation 29 requires the National Assembly to obtain and collate data and regulation 30 provides for the repeal of Regulations that are superseded by these Regulations.


(1)
S.I. 2000/2812.

(2)
1972 c. 68.

(3)
OJ No L 296, 21.11.96, p.55.

(4)
OJ No L 163, 29.06.99, p.41.

(5)
OJ No L 313, 13.12.00, p.12.

(6)
OJ No L 67, 09.03.02, p.14.

(7)
OJ No L 23, 26.01.05, p.3.

(8)
OJ No L 257, 10.10.96, p.26.

(9)
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, 2002/275, 2002/1702, 2003/1699, 2003/3296, 2004/3276, 2005/1448 and 2006/2802 (W.241)).

(10)
1998 c. 38.

(11)
OJ No L 125, 18.05.94, p.1.

(12)
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

(13)
European Committee for Standardisation (“CEN”) publication; the address of CEN is 36, Rue de Stassart, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium http://www.cenorm.be

(14)
A full reference for this Directive is given at regulation 2(2)(d).

(15)
OJ L 35, 05.02.97, p.14.