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Statutory Instruments

2001 No. 2315

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001

Made

25th June 2001

Laid before Parliament

28th June 2001

Coming into force

19th July 2001

The Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon her by subsection (2) of section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972( 1 ), being a Minister designated( 2 ) for the purpose of that subsection in relation to the control of air pollution, hereby makes the following Regulations:

Citation, commencement and extent

1. —(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 and shall come into force on 19th July 2001.

(2) With the exception of regulation 10 which shall apply to the whole of the United Kingdom, these Regulations shall apply to England only.

Definitions

2. In these Regulations—

agglomeration” means a zone with a population concentration in excess of 250,000 inhabitants, or, where the population concentration is 250,000 inhabitants or less, a population density per km 2 for which the Secretary of State considers that the need for ambient air to be assessed or managed is justified;

alert threshold” has the meaning given by regulation 8(2);

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

assessment” means any method used to measure, calculate, predict or estimate the level of a relevant pollutant in the ambient air;

fixed measurements” means measurements taken at fixed sites either continuously or by random sampling, the number of measurements being sufficiently large to enable the levels observed to be determined;

level” means the concentration of a relevant pollutant in ambient air;

limit value” has the meaning given in regulation 3(1);

lower assessment threshold” has the meaning given in regulation 5(5);

natural events” means volcanic eruptions, seismic activities, geothermal activities, wild-land fires, high-wind events or the atmospheric resuspension or transport of natural particles from dry regions;

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;

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

“PM 10 ” means particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 10 μm aerodynamic diameter;

relevant pollutants” means sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead;

upper assessment threshold” has the meaning given in regulation 5(5); and

zone” means a part of the territory of England shown on a map published by the Secretary of State on 19th January 2001, deposited at the offices of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE and displayed on the Department’s website at http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk .

Duty to ensure that ambient air quality is improved

3. —(1) The Secretary of State shall take the measures necessary to ensure that throughout England in each zone concentrations of relevant pollutants in ambient air, as assessed in accordance with regulations 4 to 7, do not exceed the limit values set out in Schedule 1 from the dates specified in that Schedule.

(2) The measures taken shall—

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

(b) not contravene Community legislation on the protection of safety and health of workers at work; and

(c) have no significant negative effects on the environment in the other Member States.

Assessment of ambient air quality

4. The Secretary of State shall ensure that ambient air quality is assessed in each zone in relation to each of the relevant pollutants in accordance with regulations 5 to 7.

Classification of zones

5. —(1) The Secretary of State shall classify each zone in relation to each of the relevant pollutants according to whether ambient air quality in that zone for that pollutant is required to be assessed by—

(a) measurements;

(b) a combination of measurements and modelling techniques; or

(c) by the sole use of modelling or objective estimation techniques.

(2) Measurements must be used to assess ambient air quality in relation to a relevant pollutant in a zone if—

(a) the zone is an agglomeration;

(b) the levels of that pollutant in the zone are between the relevant limit values and upper assessment thresholds; or

(c) the levels of that pollutant in the zone exceed the limit values for that pollutant.

(3) A combination of measurements and modelling techniques may be used to assess ambient air quality in any zone in relation to a relevant pollutant where the levels of that pollutant over a representative period are below the relevant upper assessment thresholds.

(4) Where the levels of a relevant pollutant in any zone over a representative period are below the relevant lower assessment thresholds, the sole use of modelling or objective estimation techniques for assessing levels of that pollutant is permissible unless—

(a) the zone is an agglomeration; and

(b) the pollutant being assessed is sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide.

(5) The upper and lower assessment thresholds for the relevant pollutants shall be determined in accordance with Schedule 2.

(6) Where a zone is classified in relation to a pollutant under paragraph (1)(a), modelling techniques may be used for supplementing the measurements taken in order to provide an adequate level of information on ambient air quality in relation to a relevant pollutant in a zone.

(7) The Secretary of State may also designate a zone classified under this regulation in relation to a relevant pollutant as follows.

(8) Where the relevant pollutant is sulphur dioxide, the zone may be designated under this paragraph( 3 ) if the limit values are exceeded in the zone owing to concentrations of sulphur dioxide in ambient air due to natural sources.

(9) Where the relevant pollutant is PM 10 , the zone may be designated—

(a) under this sub-paragraph( 4 ) if due to natural events concentations of PM 10 in the ambient air are significantly in excess of normal background levels from natural sources;

(b) under this sub-paragraph( 5 ) if due to the resuspension of particulates following the winter sanding of roads concentrations of PM 10 in the ambient air are significantly in excess of normal background levels from natural sources.

Review of classifications

6. —(1) The Secretary of State shall review the classification of each zone under regulation 5 at least once in every five years in accordance with Part II of Schedule 2.

(2) The Secretary of State shall also review the classification of any zone under regulation 5 in the event of significant changes in activities affecting ambient concentrations in that zone of any of the relevant pollutants.

(3) In this paragraph, ‘classification’ includes any designation under regulation 5(7) to (9).

Method of assessment of ambient air quality

7. —(1) The Secretary of State shall ensure that ambient air quality is assessed in each zone by following the appropriate method for each relevant pollutant in accordance with its current classification.

(2) Where a zone is classified under regulation 5(1)(a) or (b) in relation to a relevant pollutant

(a) measurements of that pollutant must be taken at fixed sites either continuously or by random sampling; and

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

(3) Schedule 3 shall have effect for the purposes of determining the location of sampling points for the relevant pollutants.

(4) For each zone classified under regulation 5(1)(a) in relation to a relevant pollutant, the Secretary of State shall ensure that the minimum number of fixed sampling points determined in accordance with Schedule 4 is used for sampling the concentrations of that pollutant in that zone.

(5) For each zone classified under regulation 5(1)(b) in relation to a relevant pollutant, the Secretary of State shall ensure that the number of fixed sampling points used for sampling that pollutant in that zone, and the spatial resolution of other techniques, shall be sufficient for the concentrations of that pollutant to be established in accordance with Part I of Schedule 3 and Part I of Schedule 5.

(6) Reference methods for—

(a) the analysis of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen;

(b) the sampling and analysis of lead; and

(c) the sampling and measurement of PM 10 ,

are set out in Schedule 6 and these methods must be used unless other methods are used which the Secretary of State considers can be demonstrated to give equivalent results.

(7) The Secretary of State shall ensure that—

(a) measuring stations to supply representative data on concentrations of PM 2.5 are installed and operated using methods for the sampling and measurement of PM 2.5 that she considers suitable; and

(b) sampling points for PM 2.5 are, where possible, co-located with sampling points for PM 10 .

(8) For zones which are classified under regulation 5(1)(b) or (c), the Secretary of State shall ensure that the information set out in Part II of Schedule 5 is compiled.

(9) For sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen measurements of volume must be standardised at a temperature of 293°K and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.

Action plans

8. —(1) The Secretary of State shall draw up action plans indicating the measures to be taken in the short term where there is any risk of the limit values for any of the relevant pollutants, or the alert thresholds for sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide, being exceeded, in order to reduce that risk and to limit the duration of such an occurence.

(2) The alert threshold for sulphur dioxide is set out in paragraph 1.2 of Part I of Schedule 1 and the alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide is set out in paragraph 2.2 of Part II of Schedule 1.

Action to be taken where limit values are exceeded

9. —(1) The Secretary of State shall draw up a list of zones in which the levels of one or more of the relevant pollutants are higher than—

(a) in a case where there is no margin of tolerance shown in Schedule 1 in relation to a limit value, the limit value;

(b) in any other case, the limit value plus the margin of tolerance shown in Schedule 1.

(2) The Secretary of State shall draw up a list of zones in which the levels of one or more of the relevant pollutants are between the limit value and the limit value plus any margin of tolerance.

(3) Subject to paragraphs (6), (8) and (9), the Secretary of State shall draw up for each zone listed under paragraph (1) a plan or programme for attaining the limit values for the pollutants in question within the time limits specified in Schedule 1 and shall ensure that the plan or programme is implemented.

(4) The plan or programme shall at least include the information listed in Schedule 7.

(5) Where in any zone the level of more that one pollutant is higher than the limit values, an integrated plan covering all the pollutants in question shall be prepared.

(6) For any zone designated under regulation 5(8), the Secretary of State may provide that plans or programmes shall only be required under this regulation where the limit values are exceeded owing to man-made emissions.

(7) Plans or programmes for PM 10 which are prepared in accordance with this regulation shall also have the aim of reducing concentrations of PM 2.5 .

(8) For any zone designated under regulation 5(9)(a), the Secretary of State may provide that plans or programmes shall only be required where the limit values are exceeded owing to causes other than natural events.

(9) For any zone designated under regulation 5(9)(b), the Secretary of State may provide that plans or programmes shall only be required where the limit values are exceeded owing to PM 10 levels other than those caused by winter road sanding.

Consultations with other Member States of the European Union

10. —(1) For the purpose of this regulation, a transboundary pollution issue arises when in any part of the United Kingdom the level of a relevant pollutant exceeds, or is likely to exceed, the limit value plus the margin of tolerance or, as the case may be, the alert threshold following significant pollution in another Member State of the European Union.

(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.

(3) The Secretary of State shall consult any other Member State directly concerned with a pollution issue with a view to finding a solution to that issue—

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

(b) on receiving a notification under paragraph (2); or

(c) on being notified by any other Member State that the limit value or alert threshold for any relevant pollutant may be exceeded in that Member State as a result of pollution originating in any part of the United Kingdom.

(4) In any case which appears to her to affect Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland respectively, 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 she proposes to take.

(5) The Commission may be present at any consultations conducted under paragraph (3).

(6) In this regulation, ‘relevant administration’ means—

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

(b) Scottish Ministers for matters affecting Scotland; and

(c) Northern Ireland Ministers for matters affecting Northern Ireland.

Extension of power to give directions relating to air quality

11. —(1) For the purposes of the implementation of any obligations of the United Kingdom under Council Directive ambient air quality assessment and management( 6 ) and Council Directive limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air( 7 )—

(a) the Secretary of State shall have the same power to give directions to local authorities in Greater London and the Mayor of London; and

(b) the Mayor of London shall have the same power to give directions to local authorities in Greater London,

as the Secretary of State has under section 85(5) of the Environment Act 1995( 8 ) in relation to local authorities in England outside Greater London.

(2) The provisions of subsections (6), (6A) 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 that section, and in the case of subsection (7) as if the Mayor of London were a local authority.

Zones where the levels are lower than the limit value

12. —(1) The Secretary of State shall draw up a list of zones in which the levels of the relevant pollutants are below the limit values.

(2) The Secretary of State shall ensure that the levels of the relevant pollutants in these zones are maintained below the limit values and shall endeavour to preserve the best ambient air quality compatible with sustainable development.

Public information

13. —(1) The Secretary of State shall ensure that up-to-date information on ambient concentrations of each of the relevant pollutants is routinely made available to the public.

(2) Information on ambient concentations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter shall be updated—

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

(b) in all other cases, as a minimum on a daily basis.

(3) Information on ambient concentrations of lead shall be updated on a three-monthly basis.

(4) Information made available under paragraph (1) shall include—

(a) an indication of the extent to which limit values and alert thresholds for relevant pollutants have been exceeded over the averaging periods specified in Schedule 1; and

(b) a short assessment of those exceedances and their effects on health.

(5) When an alert threshold is exceeded, the Secretary of State shall ensure that the necessary steps are taken to inform the public, and the information made available shall as a minimum include the information specified in paragraphs 1.3 of Part I and 2.3 of Part II of Schedule 1.

(6) Information to be made available to the public under this regulation shall include the map mentioned in the definition of “zone” in regulation 2 and action plans, plans and programmes prepared under regulations 8 and 9 respectively.

(7) For the purposes of this regulation, the public includes, but is not limited to, health care bodies and organisations having an interest in ambient air quality and representing the interests of sensitive populations, consumers and the environment.

(8) Information made available under this regulation shall be clear, comprehensible and accessible.

Revocations of Air Quality Standards Regulations 1989 and transitional provisions

14. —(1)The Air Quality Standards Regulations 1989( 9 ), insofar as they apply to England, are hereby revoked as follows.

(2)Regulation 2(1) (limit values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates) and regulation 4(1) (limit value for lead in air) shall be revoked with effect from 1st January 2005.

(3) Regulations 3 (measurement of sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates), 5 (measurement of lead in air) and 7 (measurement of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere) shall be revoked.

(4)Regulation 6 (limit value for nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere) shall be revoked with effect from 1st January 2010.

(5) From 19th July 2001 until 1st January 2005, if the methods prescribed by these regulations for the assessment of suspended particulate matter are used for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with Annex IV Directive limit values and guide values for suspended particulates( 10 ), the data so collected shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.2.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Michael Meacher

Minister of State

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

25th June 2001

Regulations 3(1), 8(2), 9(1) and (3), 13(4) and (5)

SCHEDULE 1 LIMIT VALUES, MARGINS OF TOLERANCE ETC.

PART I SULPHUR DIOXIDE

Limit values for sulphur dioxide

1.1

Averaging period Limit value Margin of tolerance( 11 ) Date by which limit value is to be met

1. Hourly limit value for the protection of human health

1 hour 350 μg/m 3 , not to be exceeded more than 24 times a calendar year 120 μg/m 3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 μg/m 3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005

2. Daily limit value for the protection of human health

24 hours 125 μg/m 3 , not to be exceeded more than 3 times a calendar year None 1st January 2005

3. Limit value for the protection of ecosystems

Calendar year and winter (1st October to 31st March) 20 μg/m 3 None 19th July 2001

Alert threshold for sulphur dioxide

1.2 500 μg/m 3 measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality over at least 100 km 2 or an entire zone, whichever is the smaller.

Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert threshold for sulphur dioxide is exceeded

1.3 Details to be made available to the public should include at least:

PART II NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO 2 ) AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO x )

Limit values for nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

2.1

Averaging period Limit value Margin of tolerance Date by which limit value is to be met

1. Hourly limit value for the protection of human health

1 hour 200 μg/m 3 NO 2 , not to be exceeded more than 18 times a calendar year 90 μg/m 3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 μg/m 3 by 1st January 2010 1st January 2010

2. Annual limit value for the protection of human health

Calendar year 40 μg/m 3 NO 2 18 μg/m 3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 μg/m 3 by 1st January 2010 1st January 2010

3. Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation

Calendar year 30 μg/m 3 NO x None 19th July 2001

Alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide

2.2 400 μg/m 3 measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality over at least 100 km 2 or an entire zone or agglomeration, whichever is the smaller.

Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide is exceeded

2.3 Details to be made available to the public should include at least:

PART III PARTICULATE MATTER (PM 10 )

Averaging period Limit value Margin of tolerance Date by which limit value is to be met

1. 24-hour limit value for the protection of human health

24 hours 50 μg/m 3 PM 10 , not to be exceeded more than 35 times a calendar year 20 μg/m 3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 μg/m 3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005

2. Annual limit value for the protection of human health

Calendar year 40 μ g/m 3 PM 10 6.4 μg/m 3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 μg/m 3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005

PART IV LEAD

Averaging period Limit value Margin of tolerance Date by which limit value is to be met
Annual limit value for the protection of human health Calendar year 0.5 μg/m 3 0.4 μg/m 3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 μg/m 3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005

Regulations 5(5) and 6(1)

SCHEDULE 2 UPPER AND LOWER ASSESSMENT THRESHOLDS AND EXCEEDANCES

PART I Upper and lower assessment thresholds

The following upper and lower assessment thresholds will apply:

(a)

SULPHUR DIOXIDE

Health protection Ecosystem protection
Upper assessment threshold 60% of 24-hour limit value (75 μg/m 3 ), not to be exceeded more than 3 times in any calendar year 60% of winter limit value (12 μg/m 3 )
Lower assessment threshold 40% of 24-hour limit value (50 μg/m 3 ), not to be exceeded more than 3 times in any calendar year 40% of winter limit value (8 μg/m 3 )

(b)

NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN

Hourly limit value for the protection of human health (NO 2 ) Annual limit value for the protection of human health (NO 2 ) Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation (NO x )
Upper assessment value 70% of limit value (140 μg/m 3 ), not to be exceeded more than 18 times in any calendar year 80% of limit value (32 μg/m 3 ) 80% of limit value (24 μg/m 3 )
Lower assessment value 50% of limit value (100 μg/m 3 ), not to be exceeded more than 18 times in any calendar year 65% of limit value (26 μg/m 3 ) 65% of limit value (19.5 μg/m 3 )

(c)

PARTICULATE MATTER

24-hour average Annual average
Upper assessment threshold 60% of limit value (30 μg/m 3 ), not to be exceeded more than seven times in any calendar year 70% of limit value (14 μg/m 3 )
Lower assessment threshold 40% of limit value (20 μg/m 3 ), not to be exceeded more than seven times in any calendar year 50% of limit value (10 μg/m 3 )

(d)

LEAD

Annual average
Upper assessment threshold 70% of limit value (0.35 μg/m 3 )
Lower assessment threshold 50% of limit value (0.25 μg/m 3 )

PART II Determination of exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds

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 during those five years the total number of exceedances of the numerical concentration of the threshold is more than three times the number of exceedances allowed each year.

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 pollution levels may be combined with results obtained from emisson inventories and modelling to determine exceedances of the upper and lower assessment thresholds.

Regulations 7(3) and 7(5)

SCHEDULE 3 LOCATION OF SAMPLING POINTS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER AND LEAD IN AMBIENT AIR

The following considerations will apply to fixed measurement.

PART I Macroscale siting

(a) Protection of human health

Sampling points directed at the protection of human health should be sited:

(i) to provide data on 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(s);

(ii) to provide data on levels in other areas within the zones which are representative of the exposure of the general population.

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.

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

Account should be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands, where that is necessary for the protection of human health.

(b) Protection of ecosystems and vegetation

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 km 2 . 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 should be taken of the need to assess air quality on islands.

PART II Microscale siting

The following guidelines should be met as far as practicable:

The following factors may also be taken into account:

PART III Documentation and review of site selection

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.

Regulation 7(4)

SCHEDULE 4 CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM NUMBERS OF SAMPLING POINTS FOR FIXED MEASUREMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF RELEVANT POLLUTANTS IN AMBIENT AIR

PART I Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement 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

(a) Diffuse sources

Population of zone (thousands) If concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold If maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds For SO 2 and NO 2 in agglomerations where maximum concentrations are below the lower assessment thresholds
0 –250 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 10 5 3
For NO 2 and particulate matter: to include at least one urban-background station and one traffic-orientated station

(b) Point sources

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 II 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
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.
1 station every 20,000 km 2 1 station every 40,000 km 2

Regulation 7(5) and (8)

SCHEDULE 5 DATA-QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND COMPILATION OF RESULTS OF AIR-QUALITY ASSESSMENT

PART I Data-quality objectives

The following data-quality objectives 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.

Suphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen Particulate matter and lead
Continuous measurement

Accuracy

15% 25%

Minimum data capture

90% 90%
Indicative measurement

Accuracy

25% 50%

Minimum data capture

90% 90%

Minimum time coverage

14% (One measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year.) 14% (One measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year.)
Modelling

Accuracy:

  • Hourly averages

50%–60%
  • Daily averages

50%
  • Annual averages

30% 50%
Objective estimation

Accuracy:

75% 100%

The accuracy of the measurement is defined as laid down in the ‘ Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty of Measurements ’ (ISO 1993)( 12 ) or in ISO 5725-1 ‘ Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results ’ (ISO 1994)( 13 ). The percentages in the table are given for individual measurements averaged, over the period considered, by the limit value, for a 95% confidence interval (bias + two times the standard deviation). The accuracy for continuous measurements should be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the appropriate limit value.

The accuracy for modelling and objective estimation is defined as the maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels, over the period considered by the limit value, without taking account the timing of the events.

The requirements for minimum data capture and time coverage do not include losses of data due to the regular calibration or the normal maintenance of the instrumentation.

The Secretary of State may allow for random measurements to be made instead of continuous measurements for particulate matter and lead by methods for which accuracy within the 95% confidence interval with respect to continuous monitoring has been demonstrated to be within 10%. Random sampling must be spread evenly over the year.

PART II Results of air quality assessment

The following information should be compiled for zones within which sources other than measurement are employed to supplement information from measurement or as the sole means of air quality assessment:

Where possible maps shall be compiled showing concentration distributions within each zone.

Regulation 7(6)

SCHEDULE 6 REFERENCE METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER (PM 1 0 AND PM 2 . 5 ) AND LEAD

PART I Reference method for the analysis of sulphur dioxide

ISO/FDIS 10498 (Standard in draft) Ambient air—determination of sulphur dioxide—ultraviolet fluorescence method( 14 ).

PART II Reference method for the analysis of nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

ISO 7996: 1985 Ambient air—determination of the mass concentrations of nitrogen oxides—chemiluminescence method( 15 ).

PART IIIA Reference method for the sampling of lead

The reference method for the sampling of lead will be that described in the Annex to Directive 16 ) until such time as the limit value in Schedule 1 to these Regulations is to be met, when the reference method will be that for PM 10 specified in Part IV of this Schedule.

PART IIIB Reference method for the analysis of lead

ISO 9855: 1993 Ambient air—Determination of the particulate lead content of aerosols collected in filters. Atomic absorption spectroscopy method( 17 ).

PART IV Reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM 10

The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM 10 will be that described in EN 12341 ‘ Air Quality—Field Test Procedure to Demonstrate Reference Equivalence of Sampling Methods for the PM 10 fraction of particulate matter ’( 18 ). The measurement principle is based on the collection on a filter of the PM 10 fraction of ambient particulate matter and the gravimetric mass determination.

Regulation 9(4)

SCHEDULE 7 INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PLAN OR PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVEMENT OF AIR QUALITY

1. Localisation of excess pollution

2. General information

3. Responsible authorities

4. Nature and assessment of pollution

5. Origin of pollution

6. Analysis of the situation

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

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

9. Details of the measures or projects planned or being researched for the long term.

10. List of the publications, documents, work etc used to supplement information requested in this Schedule.

( 1 )

1972 c. 68 .

( 2 )

S.I. 1988/785 .

( 3 )

See regulation 9(6).

( 4 )

See regulation 9(8).

( 5 )

See regulation 9(9).

( 6 )

OJ No. L296, 22.11.1996, p. 55.

( 7 )

OJ No. L163, 29.6.1999, p.41.

( 8 )

1995 c. 25 ; section 85 was amended by the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29) , section 367.

( 9 )

S.I. 1989/317 , amended by S.I. 1995/3146 .

( 10 )

OJ L 229, 30.8.1980, p. 30.

( 11 )

The figures for margins of tolerance for each of the relevant pollutants given in this Schedule are calculated from those given in Annexes I to IV to Directive 99/30/EC .

( 12 )

Copies of these International Standards Organisation publications can be purchased from the British Standards Institution ‘ BSI ’ sales department either by telephone on 020-8996-9001 or by post from the BSI, Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

( 13 )

Copies of these International Standards Organisation publications can be purchased from the British Standards Institution ‘ BSI ’ sales department either by telephone on 020-8996-9001 or by post from the BSI, Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

( 14 )

Copies of these International Standards Organisation publications can be purchased from the British Standards Institution ‘ BSI ’ sales department either by telephone on 020-8996-9001 or by post from the BSI, Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

( 15 )

Copies of these International Standards Organisation publications can be purchased from the British Standards Institution ‘ BSI ’ sales department either by telephone on 020-8996-9001 or by post from the BSI, Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

( 16 )

OJ L378, 31.12.1982, p. 15.

( 17 )

Copies of these International Standards Organisation publications can be purchased from the British Standards Institution ‘ BSI ’ sales department either by telephone on 020-8996-9001 or by post from the BSI, Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

( 18 )

European Standards Institute ‘ CEN ’ publication reference BSEN 12341, obtainable from the British Standards Institute ‘ BSI ’ as for footnote (17) above.

Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format.
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 (2001/2315)

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Status of this instrument

footnotecommentarytransitional and savingsin force statusrelated provisionsgeo extentinsert/omitsource countin force adj
Defined TermSection/ArticleIDScope of Application
agglomerationreg. 2.agglomerat_rttRDuS
alert thresholdreg. 2.alert_thre_rtAFH5I
ambient airreg. 2.ambient_ai_rtnrMBL
assessmentreg. 2.assessment_rttUn2T
classificationreg. 6.classifica_rtGZjPY
fixed measurementsreg. 2.fixed_meas_rtjlFmD
Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty of Measurementspara PART I of SCHEDULE 5Guide_to_t_rtxsYhZ
levelreg. 2.level_rt5aVUQ
limit valuereg. 2.limit_valu_rtZ40Jo
lower assessment thresholdreg. 2.lower_asse_rt5xx4J
natural eventsreg. 2.natural_ev_rt5uHbk
oxides of nitrogenreg. 2.oxides_of__rt8dAA9
relevant administrationreg. 10.relevant_a_rtP6LNQ
relevant pollutantsreg. 2.relevant_p_rtGKb9I
upper assessment thresholdreg. 2.upper_asse_rtfmUQc
zonereg. 2.zone_rtL346x
Changes that affect Made by
Sort descending by Changed Legislation Sort descending by Year and Number Changed Provision Type of effect Sort descending by Affecting Legislation Title Sort descending by Year and Number Affecting Provision Sort descending by Changes made to website text Note
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 rev (E) The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003 2003 No. 2121 reg 17(1) Sch 10 Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 reg 2 defn(s) am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (2) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 reg 2A added (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (3) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 reg 7 rev in pt & am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) reg 2(4) (5) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 reg 11 am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (6) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 reg 13 am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (7) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 1 Pts V VI added (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (8) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 2 Pt I am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (9) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 2 Pt II am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (10) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 3 heading subst (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) reg 2(11)(a) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 3 Pt II am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) reg 2(11)(b) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 4 Pt I para (a) am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (12) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 5 Pt I am (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) (13) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 6 heading subst (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) reg 2(14)(a) Not yet
The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 2001 No. 2315 Sch 6 Pts V VI added (10.1.2003) The Air Quality Limit Values (Amendment) Regulations 2002 2002 No. 3117 reg 2(1) reg 2(14)(b) Not yet

Status of changes to instrument text

The list includes made instruments, both those in force and those yet to come into force. Typically, instruments that are not yet in force (hence their changes are not incorporated into the text above) are indicated by description 'not yet' in the changes made column.