(The document as of February, 2008)

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Statutory Instruments

2007 No. 64

environmental protection

The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2007

Made

15th January 2007

Laid before Parliament

18 January 2007

Coming into force

15th February 2007

Contents

Go to Explanatory Note

The Secretary of State has been designated(1) for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972(2) in relation to the control of air pollution.

He makes the following Regulations under the powers conferred by that section:

PART 1 General

Citation, commencement and application

1. --(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2007 and come into force on 15th February 2007.

(2) These Regulations apply in England, except for regulations 29 and 32(1)(a) which extend to the United Kingdom(3).

Definitions

2. --(1) In these Regulations--

"action plan" means an action plan required by regulation 11;

"additional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons" means those organic compounds, other than benzo(a)pyrene and basic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are composed of at least two fused aromatic rings made entirely from carbon and hydrogen;

"agglomeration" has the meaning given in regulation 5(2);

"air quality standards" means limit values, target values, and long-term objectives;

"alert threshold" means an alert threshold set out in Schedule 3;

"ambient air" means outdoor air in the troposphere, excluding work places;

"assessment" (unless the context indicates otherwise) means any method used to measure, monitor, calculate, predict or estimate the concentration of a pollutant;

"attainment date" means the date (or, in the case of ozone, year) specified for the relevant air quality standard in Schedule 1;

"basic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons" means--

(a)

benzo(a)anthracene;

(b)

benzo(b)fluoranthene;

(c)

benzo(j)fluoranthene;

(d)

benzo(k)fluoranthene;

(e)

dibenz(a,h)anthracene; and

(f)

indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene;

"combined measurement" means an assessment of a Group A or Group B pollutant by means of a combination of fixed measurement and modelling techniques;

"concentration" 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 Secretary of State in accordance with these Regulations;

"fixed measurement" means measurement in accordance with regulation 14(1) for a Group A or Group B pollutant or regulation 14(3) for ozone;

"Group A pollutants" means benzene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, PM₁₀ and sulphur dioxide;

"Group B pollutants" means arsenic, benzo(a)pyrene, cadmium and nickel and their compounds;

"improvement plan" means an improvement plan required by regulation 8;

"information threshold" means the information threshold set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3;

"limit value" means a maximum concentration of a Group A pollutant set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1;

"long-term objective" means a maximum concentration of ozone set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1 which is to be achieved in the long term, in so far as this is possible through the measures required in relation to the long-term objective by regulation 7(3);

"lower assessment threshold" means the lower assessment threshold specified for the relevant pollutant in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 4;

"margin of tolerance" means an amount specified in Part 2 of Schedule 1 by which a limit value may be exceeded;

"oxides of 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" means substances which contribute to the formation of ground level ozone;

"PM_2..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 shall be as defined in CEN standard EN 12341: 1998(4);

"pollutant" means--

(a)

any Group A pollutant;

(b)

any Group B pollutant;

(c)

ozone; or

(d)

except in Part 2 of these Regulations, any pollutant to which Part 3 applies;

"polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons" mean--

(a)

the basic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and

(b)

any of the additional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons;

"rural background station" means a station referred to in the fourth row (rural background) of the table in Part 3 of Schedule 6;

"target value" means a maximum concentration of a Group B pollutant set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1 or ozone set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1;

"upper assessment threshold" means the upper assessment threshold specified for the relevant pollutant in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 4; and

"zone" means one of the parts of the territory into which the Secretary of State has divided England under regulation 5(1) for the purposes of Part 2 of these Regulations, and references to a zone shall (unless the context indicates otherwise) include an agglomeration.

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

(a) Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management(5);

(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(6);

(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(7);

(d) Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to ozone in ambient air(8); 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(9).

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.

PART 2 Group A and Group B pollutants and ozone

CHAPTER 1 Air 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 Secretary of State shall ensure that all measures taken under Chapters 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 effect on--

(i) any other member State; or

(ii) any other part of the United Kingdom.

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--

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

(b) in any other case, the Secretary of State determines that its population density per km² is sufficiently high to justify such a classification.

(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--

(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) Limit values--

(a) shall be attained by the attainment date specified for the limit value concerned; or

(b) apply when these Regulations come into force, if no attainment date is specified.

(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.

CHAPTER 2 Attainment of air quality standards

General attainment measures

7. --(1) The Secretary of State shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the air quality standards in regulation 6 are attained.

(2) In the case of Group B pollutants, the necessary measures are--

(a) measures not entailing disproportionate costs; and

(b) in so far as concentrations of a relevant pollutant arise as a result of emissions from installations to which Council Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control(10) applies, the application of best available techniques to prevent pollution from those installations in accordance with that Directive(11).

(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--

(a) 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 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--

(a) the limit value, by the attainment date; or

(b) the target value, by 2010.

Other improvement measures

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

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

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

(2) Where paragraph (1)(a) applies, the Secretary of State shall--

(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 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).

CHAPTER 3 Maintenance of air quality standards and action plans

Maintenance of air quality standards

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

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

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

(c) concentrations of ozone meet the long-term objectives.

(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--

(a) maintain compliance with the relevant limit values or target values; and

(b) endeavour to maintain the lowest concentration which he considers to be compatible with sustainable development.

(3) Where paragraph (1)(c) applies, the Secretary of State shall--

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

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

Action plans

11. --(1) The Secretary of State shall--

(a) in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (4) and (6), prepare; and

(b) in accordance with paragraph (5) and (6), implement,

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--

(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 shall be--

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

(b) where it is not possible to prevent the relevant limit value or alert threshold being exceeded, to limit the duration or severity of the occurrence.

(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--

(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 4 Assessment

Duty to assess air quality

12.   The Secretary of State shall assess the concentration of each pollutant within each zone, in accordance with regulations 13 to 16.

Assessment methods

13. --(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of State shall assess concentrations of a Group A pollutant by fixed measurement where--

(a) the assessment takes place within an agglomeration; or

(b) in any other zone, representative concentrations of that pollutant exceed the relevant upper assessment threshold.

(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--

(a) fixed measurement;

(b) combined measurement; or

(c) the sole use of modelling or objective estimation techniques, provided that representative concentrations of the pollutant in the zone concerned are below the relevant lower assessment threshold.

(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--

(a) fixed measurement;

(b) combined measurement; or

(c) the sole use of modelling or objective estimation techniques, provided that representative concentrations of the pollutant in the zone concerned are below the relevant lower assessment threshold.

(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--

(a) the date the zone was classified under regulation 7(1) of the 2003 Regulations; or

(b) the date on which that classification was last reviewed under regulation 8 of those Regulations.

(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--

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

(b) results from emission inventories and modelling.

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--

(a) measurements of the relevant pollutant are taken at sampling points either continuously or by random sampling, subject, in the case of nitrogen dioxide, to the requirements imposed by regulation 15(7); and

(b) the number of measurements is sufficiently large to enable concentrations of that pollutant to be properly determined.

(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--

(a) he shall ensure that--

(i) the measurements are taken at fixed sites continuously; and

(ii) the number of measurements is sufficiently large to enable concentrations to be properly determined;

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--

(a) fixed measurement, in cases where he obtains information from modelling techniques under regulation 14(2); or

(b) combined measurement,

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--

(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 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--

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

(i) the target values;

(ii) the information threshold; and

(iii) the alert threshold;

(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--

(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.

(7) The Secretary of State shall ensure that--

(a) except where paragraph (6)(e) applies, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are assessed at least half of the number of sampling points required to be installed for ozone in accordance with Part 4 of Schedule 5; and

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

(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--

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

(b) any alternative reference methods, where he considers that the method in question is likely to give 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 shall be standardised at a temperature of 293K and a pressure of 101.3 kPa.

PART 3 Other pollutants and background monitoring

Measurement of PM_2.5

17. --(1) The Secretary of State shall install and operate measuring stations to supply representative data on concentrations of PM_2.5.

(2) The Secretary of State shall--

(a) determine the number of measuring stations he considers necessary;

(b) locate each measuring station--

(i) together with a sampling point for PM₁₀, where this is possible; or

(ii) in any other case, in accordance with the principles set out in Parts 1, 4 and 5 of Schedule 6 which are relevant to PM₁₀;

(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--

(a) generally, to Annex III of the Decision referred to in regulation 11(6); and

(b) in choosing the number and sites of the measuring stations and in their operation, to Schedule 10.

Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

19. --(1) The Secretary of State shall monitor concentrations of--

(a) basic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and

(b) any additional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which he decides should be monitored,

at monitoring sites designated by him for this purpose.

(2) The Secretary of State shall locate each monitoring site--

(a) together with a sampling point for benzo(a)pyrene, where this is possible; or

(b) in any other case, in accordance with those Parts of Schedule 6 relevant to Group B pollutants.

(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--

(a) concentrations of--

(i) Group B pollutants;

(ii) basic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and

(iii) total gaseous mercury;

and

(b) total deposition of--

(i) Group B pollutants, within the PM₁₀ fraction;

(ii) basic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and

(iii) mercury.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary of State shall 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 those Parts of Schedule 6 relevant to Group B pollutants.

(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--

(a) in addition to the indicative measurements referred to in paragraph (2), take further indicative measurements relating specifically to particulate and gaseous divalent mercury from the sampling points installed under 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" means--

(i) elemental mercury vapour (Hg⁰); and

(ii) reactive gaseous mercury.

PART 4 Public information and participation

General requirements

21. --(1) The Secretary of State shall--

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

(b) consult the public in accordance with regulation 28.

(2) The Secretary of State shall 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 he 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 this Part; or

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

(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--

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

(b) lists of--

(i) zones which have attained all air quality standards; and

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

(c) until 31st December 2009, 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 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--

(a) concentrations of Group A pollutants;

(b) concentrations of Group B pollutants;

(c) concentrations of ozone; and

(d) in so far as measured or monitored under Part 3 of these Regulations--

(i) concentrations of mercury, PM_2.5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and

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

(2) The information referred to in paragraph (1)(a) shall be updated in the cases of--

(a) benzene, as an average value over the preceding 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 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) shall be updated--

(a) at least on a daily basis; and

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

(4) The information required to be made available by paragraph (1)(d)(i) in respect of PM_2.5 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--

(a) the information set out in Part 1 of Schedule 11, when the alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide is exceeded; and

(b) the information set out in Part 2 of Schedule 11--

(i) when the alert threshold or information threshold for ozone is exceeded; and

(ii) in so far as practicable, when either threshold is predicted to be exceeded.

(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--

(a) any limit value, over the relevant averaging period set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1; or

(b) the alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide,

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

(3) For Group B pollutants, the Secretary of State shall--

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

(b) in relation to each occurrence, provide at least the following information--

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

(ii) the reasons for 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) details of the measures being directed at any identified sources of emissions in accordance with regulation 9(2)(b); and

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

(4) For ozone, the Secretary of State shall--

(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 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--

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

(i) the target value;

(ii) long-term objective; or

(iii) alert threshold,

has been exceeded;

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

(i) the target value; or

(ii) 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.

(2) The information referred to in paragraph (1)(b) may include, where appropriate--

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

(b) information on ozone precursor substances.

Information on action and improvement plans

27. --(1) The Secretary of State shall--

(a) make available; and

(b) provide information on the implementation of,

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--

(a) inform the public as to his proposal, any relevant background information and the right of the public to participate in the relevant decision making process;

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

(c) take account of the results of the consultation in making the relevant decision.

(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.

PART 5 Final and miscellaneous provisions

Transboundary pollution

29. --(1) For the purpose of this regulation, a transboundary pollution issue arises when--

(a) concentrations of any Group A pollutant within any part of the United Kingdom exceed, or are likely to exceed--

(i) except where sub-paragraph (ii) applies, a limit value;

(ii) in the case of benzene or nitrogen dioxide before 1st January 2010, a limit value plus the relevant margin of tolerance; or

(iii) in the case of nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide, the alert threshold,

as a result of significant pollution in another member State;

(b) concentrations of ozone in any part of the United Kingdom exceed--

(i) a target value; or

(ii) a long-term objective,

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--

(i) a target value; or

(ii) a long-term objective,

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----

(a) considers that a transboundary pollution issue has arisen affecting England;

(b) receives notification from the relevant administration under paragraph (2); or

(c) is notified by any other member State that--

(i) concentrations of any Group A pollutant within that member State exceed, or are likely to exceed, the levels specified in paragraph (1)(a) as a result of significant pollution in the United Kingdom; or

(ii) paragraph (1)(c) applies in relation to that member 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--

(a) ensure that any action plans prepared under regulation 11(1)(a) in relation to ozone cover the relevant neighbouring areas affected in both--

(i) Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; and

(ii) the member State concerned,

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--

(a) in so far as possible, the joint plans and programmes required by paragraph (5) include the information specified in Schedule 2 for improvement plans; and

(b) any other member State concerned is provided with the information which is required to be made available in relation to action and improvement plans in accordance with the Directives referred to in regulation 2(2)(a) to (d).

(8) The Secretary of State shall ensure that where concentrations of ozone exceed--

(a) the information threshold; or

(b) the alert threshold,

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--

(a) inform the relevant administration of any notification made under paragraph (3)(c); and

(b) consult the relevant administration about any action which he proposes to take.

(11) In this regulation, "relevant administration" means--

(a) the National Assembly for Wales for matters affecting Wales;

(b) the Scottish Ministers for matters affecting Scotland; and

(c) the Department of the Environment for matters affecting Northern Ireland.

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--

(a) local authorities in Greater London; and

(b) the Mayor of London,

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--

(a) The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003(15); and

(b) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004(16).

(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

Regulation 6

SCHEDULE 1 Air quality standards

PART 1 Limit 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	1st January 2010

Carbon monoxide

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

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 (1st October to 31st March)	20 μg/m³

PART 2 Margins 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	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

PART 3 Target values for Group B pollutants

1.   The target values in the following table 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 31st December 2012.

Pollutant	Target value
Arsenic	6 ng/m3
Benzo(a)pyrene	1 ng/m3
Cadmium	5 ng/m3
Nickel	20 ng/m3

PART 4 Target values and long-term objectives for ozone

3.   In this Part--

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

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

(c) the time shall 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 shall meet the criteria set out in Part 2 of Schedule 12.

Target values

The attainment date for the target values set out in the following table is 2010, with compliance assessed over the periods indicated for each target value in the table.

(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 shall be selected by examining 8-hour running averages, calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each 8-hour average so calculated shall be assigned to the day on which it ends, that is, the first calculation period for any one day shall 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 shall 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.
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

Regulation 8(4)Regulation 29(7)(a)

SCHEDULE 2 Information 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 21st November 1996--

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

(b) observed effects of these measures.

8.   Details of those measures or projects adopted with a view to reducing pollution following 21st 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(7)

SCHEDULE 3 Alert and information thresholds

PART 1 Alert 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, whichever is the smaller

PART 2 Alert and information thresholds for ozone

(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.
	Parameter	Threshold
Alert threshold	1 hour average(1)	240 μg/m³
Information threshold	1 hour average	180 μg/m³

Regulation 13(6)

SCHEDULE 4 Assessment thresholds

PART 1 Assessment 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 2 Assessment 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 3 Determination of representative concentrations

1.   The representative concentration of the relevant pollutant shall be determined on the basis of concentrations during the previous five years where sufficient data are available. The upper 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. Similarly, the lower assessment threshold will be deemed to have been equalled or exceeded if it has been equally or 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), (4) and (5)

SCHEDULE 5 Minimum number of sampling points

PART 1 Group 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

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

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

3.   The following table 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.

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

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

PART 3 Group 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 in zones where fixed measurement is the sole source of information.

Diffuse sources

(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.
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.

PART 4 Ozone

7.   The minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement of ozone to assess compliance with the target values, long-term objectives and information and alert thresholds where continuous measurement is the sole source of information is set out in the following table--

(1) At least 1 station in suburban areas, where the highest exposure of the population is likely to occur. In agglomerations at least 50% of the stations shall be located in suburban areas.
(2) 1 station per 25,000 km² for complex terrain is recommended by Directive 2002/3/EC.
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

PART 5 Ozone: minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements for zones attaining the long-term objectives

8.   In cases where zones attain the long-term objectives, the number of sampling points for ozone shall, in combination with other means of supplementary assessment such as air quality modelling and co-located nitrogen dioxide measurements, be sufficient to examine the trend of ozone pollution and check compliance with the long-term objectives.

9.   The number of stations located in agglomerations and other zones may be reduced to one-third of the number specified in the Table in Part 4. Where information from fixed measurement stations is the sole source of information, at least one monitoring station shall be kept. If, in zones where there is supplementary assessment, the result of this is that a zone has no remaining station, adequate assessment of concentrations of ozone against long-term objectives shall be ensured through co-ordination with the number of stations in neighbouring zones.

10.   The number of rural background stations shall be 1 per 100,000 km².

Regulation 15(3) and (8)Regulation 19(2)(b)Regulation 20(3)(b)

SCHEDULE 6 Location of sampling points

PART 1 Macroscale siting for Group A pollutants

Sampling points for the protection of human health

1.   Sampling points directed at the protection of human health shall 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 relevant limit value; and

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

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.

PART 2 Macroscale siting for Group B pollutants

6.   The sites of sampling points shall 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.

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 PM₁₀.

PART 3 Macroscale siting for ozone

11.   Sampling points for ozone shall be located in accordance with the considerations set out in the following table--

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

PART 4 Microscale siting

13.   The following guidelines shall be met as far as practicable--

(a) the flow around the inlet sampling probe shall 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--

(i) in the case of Group A and Group B pollutants, the inlet sampling probe shall normally be some metres away from buildings, balconies, trees and other obstacles and at least 0.5 m from the nearest building in the case of sampling points representing air quality at the building line; and

(ii) in the case of ozone, the inlet sampling probe shall be away from buildings, balconies, trees and other obstacles by more than twice the height the obstacle protrudes above the sampler;

(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--

(i) sampling points shall 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 shall be no more than 5 m from the kerbside; and

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

(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--

(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

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

16.   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(6)(b)Regulation 16(1)

SCHEDULE 7 Requirements for assessment methods other than fixed measurement

PART 1 Group A pollutants

1.   The following information shall be compiled for zones within which sources other than fixed measurement are employed to supplement information from fixed measurement or as the sole means of air quality assessment--

(a) a description of assessment activities carried out;

(b) the specific methods used, with references to descriptions of the method;

(c) the sources of data and information;

(d) a description of results, including information relating to--

(i) accuracies;

(ii) in particular, the extent of any area or, if relevant, the length of road within the zone over which concentrations exceed the limit value or, as may be, the limit value plus applicable margin of tolerance; and

(iii) any area within which concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold or the lower assessment threshold; and

(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.

PART 2 Group B pollutants

Requirements for air quality models

3.   Where an air quality model is used for assessment, references to descriptions of the model and information on the uncertainty shall be compiled. The uncertainty for modelling is defined as the maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels, over a full year, without taking into account the timing of the events.

Requirements for objective estimation techniques

4.   Where objective estimation techniques are used, the uncertainty shall not exceed 100%.

Standardisation

5.   For substances to be analysed in the PM₁₀ fraction, the sampling volume shall refer to ambient conditions.

PART 3 Ozone and ozone precursor substances

6.   The following information shall be compiled for zones within which sources other than fixed measurement are employed to supplement information from measurement--

(a) a description of the assessment activities carried out;

(b) specific methods used, with references to descriptions of the method;

(c) sources of data and information;

(d) a description of results, including uncertainties and, in particular, the extent of any area within the zone over which concentrations exceed long-term objectives or target values; and

(e) for the long-term objective and target value for the protection of human health, the population potentially exposed to concentrations in excess of the threshold.

7.   The Secretary of State shall ensure that maps are compiled showing concentration distributions within each zone.

Regulation 16(2)Regulation 17(2)(d)

SCHEDULE 8 Data quality objectives

PART 1 Group A pollutants and PM_2.5

Group A pollutants (other than benzene and carbon monoxide) and PM_2.5

1.   The data-quality objectives set out in the following table, for the required accuracy of assessment methods, of minimum time coverage and of data capture of measurement are laid down to guide quality assurance programmes--

	Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitro