New Air Quality Regulations
The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2007 (SI 2007 No.64) were laid before Parliament on 18 January 2007, and enter into force on 15th February 2007.
These Regulations replace the Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2121 amended by S.I. 2004/2888). These Regulations apply in England, with the exception of regulation 29 (transboundary pollution) which applies throughout the United Kingdom as does regulation 32(1)(a) (for the purpose of the revocation of the Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003). Key points of the Regulations are detailed below.
- Part 2 of the Regulations requires the attainment of air quality standards in respect of the concentration of various pollutants in ambient air.
- 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, and their compounds, within the PM10 fraction).
- Target values and long-term objectives are imposed for ozone (all these values are detailed in Schedule 1).
- Chapter 2 of Part 2 sets out the measures the Secretary of State is required to take in order to ensure attainment of the relevant standards including improvement plans relating to benzene, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone.
- Part 3 requires the Secretary of State to measure or monitor PM2.5, ozone precursor substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and mercury.
- Part 4 includes requirements for information to be made available to the public, such as an annual report for ozone and progress towards achieving action and improvement plans.
- Part 5 imposes requirements in relation to transboundary pollution involving Group A pollutants and ozone.
The full text of the Regulations is available from: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20070064.htm
Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 06/02/07)