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Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland
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2002 No. 94

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002

  Made 8th March 2002 
  Coming into operation 1st May 2002 

The Department of the Environment, being a Department designated[1] for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972[2] in relation to measures relating to the control of pollution in ambient air, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by that section and of every other power enabling it in that behalf, hereby makes the following Regulations:

Citation and commencement
     1. These Regulations may be cited as the Air Quality Limit Values Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 and shall come into operation on 1st May 2002.

Definitions and interpretation
     2.  - (1) In these Regulations - 

    (2) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954[3] shall apply to these regulations as it applies to a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Duty to ensure that ambient air quality is improved
     3.  - (1) Northern Ireland departments shall take the measures necessary to ensure that throughout Northern Ireland 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 - 

Assessment of ambient air quality
     4. The Department 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 Department 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 - 

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

    (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 the pollutant over a representative period are below the relevant upper assessment thresholds.

    (4) Where the levels of a relevant pollutant in any zone 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 - 

    (5) The upper and lower assessment thresholds for the relevant pollutants are 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 classification of zones required by paragraph (1) shall include any zones which may be classified by the Department as exceeding limit values for - 

Review of classifications
     6.  - (1) The Department 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 Department shall also review the classification of any zone under regulation 5 in the event of significant changes in activities affecting ambient concentrations in the zone of any of the relevant pollutants.

Method of assessment of ambient air quality
     7.  - (1) The Department shall ensure that ambient air quality is assessed in each zone by following the specified 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 - 

    (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) the Department shall ensure that, in respect of a relevant pollutant, the minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement of concentrations 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) the Department shall ensure that, in respect of a relevant pollutant, the number of sampling points for fixed measurement of 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 - 

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

    (7) The Department shall ensure that - 

    (8) For zones which are classified under regulation 5(1)(b) or (c), the Department 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 the volume must be standardised at a temperature of 293°K and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.

Action plans
     8.  - (1) The Department, after consultation with other Northern Ireland departments, 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 occurrence.

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

Action to be taken where limit values are exceeded
     9.  - (1) The Department shall draw up a list of zones in which the levels of one or more of the relevant pollutants are higher than - 

    (2) The Department 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 Department, after consultation with other Northern Ireland departments, 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 the Department and those other Northern Ireland departments 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 than 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(7)(a), the Department 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 PM10 which are prepared in accordance with this regulation shall also have the aim of reducing concentrations of PM2.5.

    (8) For any zone designated under regulation 5(7)(b)(i), the Department 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(7)(b)(ii), the Department may provide that plans or programmes shall only be required where the limit values are exceeded owing to PM10 levels other than those caused by winter road sanding.

    (10) Where the level of a 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 originating in another Member State, the Department shall notify the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Zones where the levels are lower than the limit value
     10.  - (1) The Department shall draw up a list of zones in which the levels of the relevant pollutants are below the limit values.

    (2) Northern Ireland departments 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
     11.  - (1) The Department 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 concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter shall be updated - 

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

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

    (5) When an alert threshold is exceeded, the Department 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.

Revocation of Air Quality Standards Regulations (NI) 1990
     12.  - (1) The Air Quality Standards Regulations (NI) 1990[4] are hereby revoked as follows:

    (2) Regulation 3(1) (limit values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates) and Regulation 5 (limit values for lead in air) shall be revoked with effect from 1st January 2005.

    (3) Regulation 4 (measurement of sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates), 6 (measurement of lead in air), and 8 (measurement of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere) shall be revoked with effect from 1st May 2002.

    (4) Regulation 7 (limit value for nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere) shall be revoked with effect from 1st January 2010.



Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of the Environment on


8th March 2002.

L.S.


Dermot Nesbitt
Minister of the Environment


SCHEDULE 1
Regulations 3(1), 8(2), 9(1) and (3), 11(4) and (5)


Limit Values, Margins of Tolerance etc.




PART I

SULPHUR DIOXIDE

     1.1 Limit values for sulphur dioxide


     Averaging Period Limit Value Margin of tolerance [5] Date by which limit value is to be met
     1. 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 120 µg/m3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 µg/m3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005
     2. 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 None 1st January 2005
     3. Limit value for the protection of ecosystems

 Calendar year and winter (1st October to 31st March) 20 µg/m3 None 1st May 2002

     1.2 Alert threshold for sulphur dioxide
500 µg/m3 measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality over at least 100 km2 or an entire zone or agglomeration, whichever is the smaller.

     1.3 Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert threshold for sulphur dioxide is exceeded
Details to be made available to the public should include at least:

    
  • the date, hour and place of the occurrence and the reasons for the occurrence, where known;

        
  • any forecasts of:



    PART II

    NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NOx)

         2.1 Limit values for nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen


         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/m3, NO2 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a calendar year 90 µg/m3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 µg/m3 by 1st January 2010 1st January 2010
         2. Annual limit value for the protection of human health

    		 Calendar year 40 µg/m3 NO2 18 µg/m3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 µg/m3 by 1st January 2010 1st January 2010
         3. Annual limit value for the protection of vegetation

    		 Calendar year 30 µg/m3 NOx None 1st May 2002

         2.2 Alert threshold for 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.

         2.3 Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide is exceeded
    Details to be made available to the public should include at least:

        
  • the date, hour and place of the occurrence and the reasons for the occurrence, where known;

        
  • any forecasts of:



    PART III

    PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10)

         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/m3 PM10 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a calendar year 20 µg/m3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 µg/m3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005
         2. Annual limit value for the protection of human health

    		 Calendar year 40 µg/m3 PM10 6.4 µg/m3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 µg/m3 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/m3 0.4 µg/m3 on 19th July 2001, reducing on 1st January of each following year by equal annual amounts to reach 0 µg/m3 by 1st January 2005 1st January 2005



    SCHEDULE 2
    Regulations 5(5) and 6(1)


    Upper and Lower Assessment Thresholds and Exceedances.




    PART I

    UPPER AND LOWER ASSESSMENT THRESHOLDS

    The following upper and lower assessment thresholds will apply:



    PART II

    DETERMINATION OF EXCEEDANCES OF UPPER AND LOWER 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 it has been exceeded during at least three separate years out of those previous five years.

    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 emission inventories and modelling to determine exceedances of the upper and lower assessment thresholds.



    SCHEDULE 3
    Regulation 7(3) and (5)


    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



    PART II

    MICROSCALE SITING

    The following guidelines should be met as far as practicable:

        
  • the flow around the inlet sampling probe should be unrestricted without any obstructions affecting the airflow in the vicinity of the sampler (normally 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);

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

        
  • the inlet probe should not be positioned in the immediate vicinity of sources in order to avoid the direct intake of emissions unmixed with ambient air;

        
  • the sampler's exhaust outlet should be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust air to the sampler inlet is avoided;

    The following factors may also be taken into account:

        

  • interfering sources;

        
  • security;

        
  • access;

        
  • availability of electrical power and telephone communications;

        
  • visibility of the site in relation to its surroundings;

        
  • safety of public and operators;

        
  • the desirability of co-locating sampling points for different pollutants;

        
  • planning requirements.



    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.



    SCHEDULE 4
    Regulation 7(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 AND AGGLOMERATIONS WHERE FIXED MEASUREMENT IS THE SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION



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

    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.



    SCHEDULE 5
    Regulation 7(5) and (8)


    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.

         Sulphur 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)[    7] or in ISO 5725-1 "Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results" (ISO 1994)[8]. 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 of 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 Department 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 or agglomerations within which sources other than measurement are employed to supplement information from measurement or as the sole means of air quality assessment:

         -  a description of assessment activities carried out;

         -  the specific methods used, with references to descriptions of the method;

         -  the sources of data and information;

         -  a description of results, including accuracies and, in particular, the extent of any area or, if relevant, the length of road within the zone or agglomeration over which concentrations exceed limit value(s) or, as may be, limit value(s) plus applicable margin(s) of tolerance and of any area within which concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold or the lower assessment threshold;

         -  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.

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



    SCHEDULE 6
    Regulation 7(6)


    Reference Methods for Assessment of Concentrations of Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen, Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) 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[    9].



    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[    10].



    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 82/884/EEC[    11] 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 PM10 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[    12].



    PART IV

    REFERENCE METHOD FOR THE SAMPLING AND MEASUREMENT OF PM10

    The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10 will be that described in EN 12341 "Air Quality - Field Test Procedure to Demonstrate Reference Equivalence of Sampling Methods for the PM10 fraction of particulate matter"[    13]. The measurement principle is based on the collection on a filter of the PM10 fraction of ambient particulate matter and the gravimetric mass determination.



    SCHEDULE 7
    Regulation 9(4)


    Information to be included in the Plan or Programme for Improvement of Air Quality.


         1. Localization of excess pollution


         -  region

         -  city (map)

         -  measuring station (map, geographical coordinates);

         2. General information


         -  type of zone (city, industrial or rural area)

         -  estimate of the polluted area (km2) and of the populations exposed to the pollution

         -  useful climatic data

         -  relevant data on topography

         -  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


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

         -  concentrations measured since the beginning of the project

         -  techniques used for the assessment.

         5. Origin of pollution


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

         -  total quantity of emissions from these sources (tonnes/year)

         -  information on pollution imported from other regions.

         6. Analysis of the situation


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

         -  details of possible measures for improvement of air quality.

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


         -  local, regional, national, international measures

         -  observed effects of these measures.

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


         -  listing and description of all the measures set out in the project

         -  timetable for implementation

         -  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, work etc. used to supplement information requested in this Schedule.



    EXPLANATORY NOTE

    (This note is not part of the Regulations.)


    These regulations are made in the implementation in Northern Ireland of European Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management, and European Council Directive 99/30/EC relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead ("the relevant pollutants" in ambient air).

    Regulation 3 places a duty upon any relevant government department to ensure that in each zone in Northern Ireland concentrations of relevant pollutants do not exceed the limit values. The limit values for each pollutant, and the date by which they are to be met, are set out in Schedule 1.

    Regulation 4 requires the Department of the Environment ("the Department") to assess ambient air quality in each zone in accordance with regulations 5 to 7.

    Regulation 5 requires the Department to classify each zone in relation to each of the relevant pollutants in accordance with the method required to assess air quality in that zone. Regulation 5 together with Schedule 2 provide for the determination of upper and lower assessment thresholds for each relevant pollutant, and regulation 5 sets out the requirements for measurement or other assessment of air quality depending on pollution levels in relation to the thresholds.

    Regulation 6 places a duty on the Department to review the classification of zones every five years or in the event of significant changes affecting levels of any of the relevant pollutants.

    Regulation 7 requires the Department to ensure that specified methods are used for assessing air quality for each pollutant in each zone. Schedule 3 sets out how sampling points for the relevant pollutants are to be determined. Schedule 4 sets out criteria for the minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements to assess compliance with limit values in zones where that is the only source of information, and with limit values for the protection of ecosystems or vegetation in certain other zones. Schedule 5 makes provision for data quality objectives for the required accuracy of assessment methods, and for compilation of the results of air quality assessment. Schedule 6 prescribes reference methods for the analysis, sampling or measurement of the relevant pollutants. Regulation 7 places a duty on the Department to ensure that measuring stations supply data on concentrations of PM2.5 particulate matter.

    Regulation 8 requires the Department to draw up, after consultation with other relevant government departments, action plans indicating measures to be taken in the short term where there is a risk that limit values for any of the relevant pollutants, or alert thresholds for sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide, will be exceeded. The alert thresholds for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are set out in Schedule 1.

    Regulation 9 requires the Department to draw up lists of zones where the levels of one or more of the relevant pollutants is above the limit value, or between the limit value and any margin of tolerance shown in Schedule 1. For such zones, the regulation places a duty on the Department to draw up, after consultation with other relevant government departments, a plan or programme, which must contain at least the information set out in Schedule 7 (including the location and origin of the pollution, the responsible authorities and the measures taken to deal with the pollution). Such relevant departments are obliged by the regulation to implement the plan or programme.

    Regulation 10 requires the Department to list zones where levels of the relevant pollutants are below limit values. The regulation also places a duty on the Department and other relevant government departments to ensure that levels of these pollutants are maintained below the limit values, and to endeavour to preserve the best ambient air quality, compatible with sustainable development.

    Regulation 11 requires the Department to ensure that up-to-date information on ambient concentrations of each of the relevant pollutants is routinely made available to the public. It prescribes the frequency and content of such information. Where alert thresholds for sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide are exceeded, further information, set out Schedule 1 must be provided (this includes details of the place and time of the occurrence, forecasts, and precautions to be taken by sensitive populations).

    Regulation 12 revokes for Northern Ireland and at different dates parts of the Air Quality Standards Regulations (NI) 1990 giving effect to limit values for the relevant pollutants in earlier directives.

    Notes:

     [1] S.I. 1988/785back

    [2] 1972 c. 68back

    [3] 1954 c. 33 (N.I.)back

    [4] S.R. 1990 No. 145back

    [5] 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.back

    [6] The upper and lower assessment thresholds for PM10 are based on the following indicative limit values for 1 January 2010, which will be reviewed in the light of further information on health and environmental effects, technical feasibility and experience in the application of the existing "Stage 1" limit valuesback

    [7] 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 4ALback

    [8] 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 4ALback

    [9] 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.back

    [10] 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.back

    [11] 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.back

    [12] O.J. L378, 31.12.1982, p. 15back

    [13] European Standards Institute "CEN" publication reference BSEN 12341, obtainable from the British Standards Institute "BSI" as for footnote aboveback


    ISBN 0 33794205 6


      © Crown copyright 2002

    Prepared 22 March 2002

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    URL: http://www.bailii.org/nie/legis/num_reg/2002/20020094.html