Air Quality Standards Regulations for Wales
The Air Quality Standards (Wales) Regulations 2007(SI2007/717 and W.63) came into force 15th March and implement, in Wales, various European Directives relating to air quality. The Regulations require the attainment of air quality standards in respect of the concentration of various pollutants in ambient air (equivalent air quality regulations covering England came into force in February – see In Touch for February 2007).
The National Assembly for Wales is required to divide Wales into zones within which the necessary air quality management and assessment takes place. 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.
The National Assembly is required to take measures to ensure attainment of the relevant standards. In relation to benzene or nitrogen dioxide, where concentrations exceed the limit value plus the margin of tolerance specified, the National Assembly is required to prepare and implement an improvement plan. The National Assembly is also required to prepare and implement an improvement plan 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. Measures are also required 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.
The National Assembly is required to prepare and 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.
The full text of the Regulations is available from:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/wales/wsi2007/20070717e.htm
Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 03/04/07)