# CE2007263EN.01000101.xml

| 6.11.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 263/1 |
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6.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 263/1

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COMMON POSITION (EC) No 13/2007

COMMON POSITION

adopted by the Council on 25 June 2007

with a view to adopting Directive 2007/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

(2007/C 263 E/01)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

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Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

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Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

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Whereas:

| (1) | The Sixth Community Environment Action Programme adopted by Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 (4) establishes the need to reduce pollution to levels which minimise harmful effects on human health, paying particular attention to sensitive populations, and the environment as a whole, to improve the monitoring and assessment of air quality including the deposition of pollutants and to provide information to the public. |
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(1)

The Sixth Community Environment Action Programme adopted by Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 (4) establishes the need to reduce pollution to levels which minimise harmful effects on human health, paying particular attention to sensitive populations, and the environment as a whole, to improve the monitoring and assessment of air quality including the deposition of pollutants and to provide information to the public.

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| (2) | In order to protect human health and the environment as a whole, it is particularly important to combat emissions of pollutants at source and to identify and implement the most effective emission reduction measures at local, national and Community level. Therefore, emissions of harmful air pollutants should be avoided, prevented or reduced and appropriate objectives set for ambient air quality taking into account relevant World Health Organisation standards, guidelines and programmes. |
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(2)

In order to protect human health and the environment as a whole, it is particularly important to combat emissions of pollutants at source and to identify and implement the most effective emission reduction measures at local, national and Community level. Therefore, emissions of harmful air pollutants should be avoided, prevented or reduced and appropriate objectives set for ambient air quality taking into account relevant World Health Organisation standards, guidelines and programmes.

| (3) | Council Directive 96/62/EC of 27 September 1996 on ambient air quality assessment and management (5), Council Directive 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air (6), Directive 2000/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2000 relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air (7), Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2002 relating to ozone in ambient air (8) and Council Decision 97/101/EC of 27 January 1997 establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States (9) need to be substantially revised in order to incorporate the latest health and scientific developments and the experience of the Member States. In the interests of clarity, simplification and administrative efficiency it is therefore appropriate that those five acts be replaced by a single Directive and, where appropriate, by implementing measures. |
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(3)

Council Directive 96/62/EC of 27 September 1996 on ambient air quality assessment and management (5), Council Directive 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air (6), Directive 2000/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2000 relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air (7), Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2002 relating to ozone in ambient air (8) and Council Decision 97/101/EC of 27 January 1997 establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States (9) need to be substantially revised in order to incorporate the latest health and scientific developments and the experience of the Member States. In the interests of clarity, simplification and administrative efficiency it is therefore appropriate that those five acts be replaced by a single Directive and, where appropriate, by implementing measures.

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| (4) | Once sufficient experience has been gained in relation to the implementation of Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air (10) consideration may be given to the possibility of merging its provisions with those of this Directive. |
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(4)

Once sufficient experience has been gained in relation to the implementation of Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air (10) consideration may be given to the possibility of merging its provisions with those of this Directive.

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| (5) | A common approach to the assessment of ambient air quality should be followed according to common assessment criteria. When assessing ambient air quality, account should be taken of the size of populations and ecosystems exposed to air pollution. It is therefore appropriate to classify the territory of each Member State into zones or agglomerations reflecting the population density. |
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(5)

A common approach to the assessment of ambient air quality should be followed according to common assessment criteria. When assessing ambient air quality, account should be taken of the size of populations and ecosystems exposed to air pollution. It is therefore appropriate to classify the territory of each Member State into zones or agglomerations reflecting the population density.

| (6) | In order to ensure that the information collected on air pollution is sufficiently representative and comparable across the Community, it is important that standardised measurement techniques and common criteria for the number and location of measuring stations are used for the assessment of ambient air quality. Techniques other than measurements can be used to assess ambient air quality and it is therefore necessary to define criteria for the use and required accuracy of such techniques. |
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(6)

In order to ensure that the information collected on air pollution is sufficiently representative and comparable across the Community, it is important that standardised measurement techniques and common criteria for the number and location of measuring stations are used for the assessment of ambient air quality. Techniques other than measurements can be used to assess ambient air quality and it is therefore necessary to define criteria for the use and required accuracy of such techniques.

| (7) | Detailed measurements of fine particulate matter at rural background locations should be made in order to understand better the impacts of this pollutant and to develop appropriate policies. Such measurements should be made in a manner consistent with those of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP) set up under the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution approved by Council Decision 81/462/EEC of 11 June 1981 (11). |
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(7)

Detailed measurements of fine particulate matter at rural background locations should be made in order to understand better the impacts of this pollutant and to develop appropriate policies. Such measurements should be made in a manner consistent with those of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP) set up under the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution approved by Council Decision 81/462/EEC of 11 June 1981 (11).

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| (8) | Air quality status should be maintained where it is already good, or improved. Where the objectives for ambient air quality laid down in this Directive are not met, Member States should take action in order to comply with the limit values and critical levels, and where possible, to attain the target values and long-term objectives. |
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(8)

Air quality status should be maintained where it is already good, or improved. Where the objectives for ambient air quality laid down in this Directive are not met, Member States should take action in order to comply with the limit values and critical levels, and where possible, to attain the target values and long-term objectives.

| (9) | The risk posed by air pollution to vegetation and natural ecosystems is most important in places away from urban areas. The assessment of such risks and the compliance with critical levels for the protection of vegetation should therefore focus on places away from built-up areas. |
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(9)

The risk posed by air pollution to vegetation and natural ecosystems is most important in places away from urban areas. The assessment of such risks and the compliance with critical levels for the protection of vegetation should therefore focus on places away from built-up areas.

| (10) | Fine particulate matter (PM2,5) is responsible for significant negative impacts on human health. Further, there is as yet no identifiable threshold below which PM2,5 would not pose a risk. As such, this pollutant should not be regulated in the same way as other air pollutants. The approach should aim at a general reduction of concentrations in the urban background to ensure that large sections of the population benefit from improved air quality. However, to ensure a minimum degree of health protection everywhere, that approach should be combined with a limit value, which is to be preceded in a first stage by a target value. |
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(10)

Fine particulate matter (PM2,5) is responsible for significant negative impacts on human health. Further, there is as yet no identifiable threshold below which PM2,5 would not pose a risk. As such, this pollutant should not be regulated in the same way as other air pollutants. The approach should aim at a general reduction of concentrations in the urban background to ensure that large sections of the population benefit from improved air quality. However, to ensure a minimum degree of health protection everywhere, that approach should be combined with a limit value, which is to be preceded in a first stage by a target value.

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| (11) | The existing target values and long-term objectives of ensuring effective protection against harmful effects on human health and vegetation and ecosystems from exposure to ozone should remain unchanged. An alert threshold and an information threshold for ozone should be set for the protection of the general population and sensitive sections, respectively, from brief exposures to elevated ozone concentrations. Those thresholds should trigger the dissemination of information to the public on the risks of exposure and the implementation, if appropriate, of short-term measures to reduce ozone levels where the alert threshold is exceeded. |
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(11)

The existing target values and long-term objectives of ensuring effective protection against harmful effects on human health and vegetation and ecosystems from exposure to ozone should remain unchanged. An alert threshold and an information threshold for ozone should be set for the protection of the general population and sensitive sections, respectively, from brief exposures to elevated ozone concentrations. Those thresholds should trigger the dissemination of information to the public on the risks of exposure and the implementation, if appropriate, of short-term measures to reduce ozone levels where the alert threshold is exceeded.

| (12) | Ozone is a transboundary pollutant formed in the atmosphere from the emission of primary pollutants addressed by Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants (12). Progress towards the air quality targets and long term objectives for ozone set in this Directive should be determined by the targets and emission ceilings provided for in Directive 2001/81/EC and, if appropriate, by implementing air quality plans as provided for in this Directive. |
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(12)

Ozone is a transboundary pollutant formed in the atmosphere from the emission of primary pollutants addressed by Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants (12). Progress towards the air quality targets and long term objectives for ozone set in this Directive should be determined by the targets and emission ceilings provided for in Directive 2001/81/EC and, if appropriate, by implementing air quality plans as provided for in this Directive.

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| (13) | Fixed measurements should be mandatory in zones and agglomerations where the long-term objectives for ozone or the assessment thresholds for other pollutants are exceeded. Information from fixed measurements may be supplemented by modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements to enable point data to be interpreted in terms of geographical distribution of concentrations. The use of supplementary techniques of assessment should also allow for reduction of the required minimum number of fixed sampling points. |
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(13)

Fixed measurements should be mandatory in zones and agglomerations where the long-term objectives for ozone or the assessment thresholds for other pollutants are exceeded. Information from fixed measurements may be supplemented by modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements to enable point data to be interpreted in terms of geographical distribution of concentrations. The use of supplementary techniques of assessment should also allow for reduction of the required minimum number of fixed sampling points.

| (14) | Contributions from natural sources can be assessed but cannot be controlled. Therefore, where natural contributions to pollutants in ambient air can be determined with sufficient certainty, and where exceedances are due in whole or in part to these natural contributions, these may, under the conditions laid down in this Directive, be subtracted when assessing compliance with air quality limit values. Contributions to exceedances of particulate matter PM10 limit values attributable to winter-sanding or -salting of roads may also be subtracted when assessing compliance with air quality limit values provided that reasonable measures have been taken to lower concentrations. |
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(14)

Contributions from natural sources can be assessed but cannot be controlled. Therefore, where natural contributions to pollutants in ambient air can be determined with sufficient certainty, and where exceedances are due in whole or in part to these natural contributions, these may, under the conditions laid down in this Directive, be subtracted when assessing compliance with air quality limit values. Contributions to exceedances of particulate matter PM10 limit values attributable to winter-sanding or -salting of roads may also be subtracted when assessing compliance with air quality limit values provided that reasonable measures have been taken to lower concentrations.

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| (15) | Existing air quality limit values should remain unchanged. However, for nitrogen dioxide, benzene and particulate matter PM10, it should be possible to postpone the deadline for compliance or to obtain temporary exemption from the obligation to apply certain limit values in cases where, notwithstanding the implementation of appropriate pollution abatement measures, acute compliance problems exist in specific zones and agglomerations. Any postponement or temporary exemption for a given zone or agglomeration should be accompanied by a comprehensive plan to be assessed by the Commission to ensure compliance by the revised deadline. |
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(15)

Existing air quality limit values should remain unchanged. However, for nitrogen dioxide, benzene and particulate matter PM10, it should be possible to postpone the deadline for compliance or to obtain temporary exemption from the obligation to apply certain limit values in cases where, notwithstanding the implementation of appropriate pollution abatement measures, acute compliance problems exist in specific zones and agglomerations. Any postponement or temporary exemption for a given zone or agglomeration should be accompanied by a comprehensive plan to be assessed by the Commission to ensure compliance by the revised deadline.

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| (16) | Air quality plans should be developed for zones and agglomerations within which concentrations of pollutants in ambient air exceed the relevant air quality target values or limit values, plus any temporary margins of tolerance, where applicable. Air pollutants are emitted from many different sources and activities. To ensure coherence between different policies, such air quality plans should where feasible be consistent, and integrated with plans and programmes prepared pursuant to Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (13), Directive 2001/81/EC, and Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise (14). |
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(16)

Air quality plans should be developed for zones and agglomerations within which concentrations of pollutants in ambient air exceed the relevant air quality target values or limit values, plus any temporary margins of tolerance, where applicable. Air pollutants are emitted from many different sources and activities. To ensure coherence between different policies, such air quality plans should where feasible be consistent, and integrated with plans and programmes prepared pursuant to Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (13), Directive 2001/81/EC, and Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise (14).

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| (17) | Action plans should be drawn up indicating the measures to be taken in the short term where there is a risk of an exceedance of one or more alert thresholds in order to reduce that risk and to limit its duration. When the risk applies to one or more limit values or target values, Member States may, where appropriate, draw up such short-term action plans. In respect of ozone, such short-term action plans should take into account the provisions of Commission Decision 2004/279/EC of 19 March 2004 concerning guidance for implementation of Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to ozone in ambient air (15). |
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(17)

Action plans should be drawn up indicating the measures to be taken in the short term where there is a risk of an exceedance of one or more alert thresholds in order to reduce that risk and to limit its duration. When the risk applies to one or more limit values or target values, Member States may, where appropriate, draw up such short-term action plans. In respect of ozone, such short-term action plans should take into account the provisions of Commission Decision 2004/279/EC of 19 March 2004 concerning guidance for implementation of Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to ozone in ambient air (15).

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| (18) | Member States should consult with one another if, following significant pollution originating in another Member State, the level of a pollutant exceeds, or is likely to exceed, the relevant air quality objectives plus the margin of tolerance where applicable or, as the case may be, the alert threshold. The transboundary nature of specific pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter, may require coordination between neighbouring Member States in drawing up and implementing air quality plans and short-term action plans and in informing the public. Where appropriate, Member States should pursue cooperation with third countries, with particular emphasis on the early involvement of candidate countries. |
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(18)

Member States should consult with one another if, following significant pollution originating in another Member State, the level of a pollutant exceeds, or is likely to exceed, the relevant air quality objectives plus the margin of tolerance where applicable or, as the case may be, the alert threshold. The transboundary nature of specific pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter, may require coordination between neighbouring Member States in drawing up and implementing air quality plans and short-term action plans and in informing the public. Where appropriate, Member States should pursue cooperation with third countries, with particular emphasis on the early involvement of candidate countries.

| (19) | It is necessary for the Member States and the Commission to collect, exchange and disseminate air quality information in order to understand better the impacts of air pollution and develop appropriate policies. Up-to-date information on concentrations of all regulated pollutants in ambient air should also be readily available to the public. |
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(19)

It is necessary for the Member States and the Commission to collect, exchange and disseminate air quality information in order to understand better the impacts of air pollution and develop appropriate policies. Up-to-date information on concentrations of all regulated pollutants in ambient air should also be readily available to the public.

| (20) | In order to facilitate the handling and comparison of air quality information, data should be made available to the Commission in a standardised form. |
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(20)

In order to facilitate the handling and comparison of air quality information, data should be made available to the Commission in a standardised form.

| (21) | It is necessary to adapt procedures for data provision, assessment and reporting of air quality to enable electronic means and the internet to be used as the main tools to make information available, and so that such procedures are compatible with Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 14 March 2007 establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the European Community (Inspire) (16). |
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(21)

It is necessary to adapt procedures for data provision, assessment and reporting of air quality to enable electronic means and the internet to be used as the main tools to make information available, and so that such procedures are compatible with Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 14 March 2007 establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the European Community (Inspire) (16).

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| (22) | It is appropriate to provide for the possibility of adapting the criteria and techniques used for the assessment of the ambient air quality to scientific and technical progress and adapting thereto the information to be provided. |
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(22)

It is appropriate to provide for the possibility of adapting the criteria and techniques used for the assessment of the ambient air quality to scientific and technical progress and adapting thereto the information to be provided.

| (23) | Since the objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States by reason of the transboundary nature of air pollutants and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. |
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(23)

Since the objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States by reason of the transboundary nature of air pollutants and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.

| (24) | Member States should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this Directive and ensure that they are implemented. The penalties should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. |
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(24)

Member States should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this Directive and ensure that they are implemented. The penalties should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

| (25) | Certain provisions of the acts repealed by this Directive should remain in force in order to ensure the continuance of existing air quality limits for nitrogen dioxide until they are replaced from 1 January 2010, the continuance of air quality reporting provisions until new implementing measures are adopted, and the continuance of obligations relating to the preliminary assessments of air quality required under Directive 2004/107/EC. |
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(25)

Certain provisions of the acts repealed by this Directive should remain in force in order to ensure the continuance of existing air quality limits for nitrogen dioxide until they are replaced from 1 January 2010, the continuance of air quality reporting provisions until new implementing measures are adopted, and the continuance of obligations relating to the preliminary assessments of air quality required under Directive 2004/107/EC.

| (26) | The obligation to transpose this Directive into national law should be confined to those provisions which represent a substantive change as compared with the earlier Directives. |
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(26)

The obligation to transpose this Directive into national law should be confined to those provisions which represent a substantive change as compared with the earlier Directives.

| (27) | In accordance with paragraph 34 of the interinstitutional agreement on better lawmaking (17), Member States are encouraged to draw up, for themselves and in the interest of the Community, their own tables illustrating, as far as possible, the correlation between the Directive and the transposition measures, and to make them public. |
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(27)

In accordance with paragraph 34 of the interinstitutional agreement on better lawmaking (17), Member States are encouraged to draw up, for themselves and in the interest of the Community, their own tables illustrating, as far as possible, the correlation between the Directive and the transposition measures, and to make them public.

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| (28) | This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In particular, this Directive seeks to promote the integration into the policies of the Union of a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment in accordance with the principle of sustainable development as laid down in Article 37 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
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(28)

This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In particular, this Directive seeks to promote the integration into the policies of the Union of a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment in accordance with the principle of sustainable development as laid down in Article 37 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (29) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (18). |
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(29)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (18).

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| (30) | In particular, power should be conferred on the Commission to amend Annexes I to VI, Annexes VIII to X and Annex XV. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive, they should be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC. |
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(30)

In particular, power should be conferred on the Commission to amend Annexes I to VI, Annexes VIII to X and Annex XV. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive, they should be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC.

| (31) | The transposition clause requires Member States to ensure that the necessary urban background measurements are in place well in time to define the Average Exposure Indicator, in order to guarantee that the requirements related to the assessment of the National Exposure Reduction Target and to the calculation of the Average Exposure Indicator are met, |
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(31)

The transposition clause requires Member States to ensure that the necessary urban background measurements are in place well in time to define the Average Exposure Indicator, in order to guarantee that the requirements related to the assessment of the National Exposure Reduction Target and to the calculation of the Average Exposure Indicator are met,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

Subject matter

This Directive lays down measures aimed at the following:

| 1. | defining and establishing objectives for ambient air quality designed to avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole; |
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1.

defining and establishing objectives for ambient air quality designed to avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole;

| 2. | assessing the ambient air quality in Member States on the basis of common methods and criteria; |
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2.

assessing the ambient air quality in Member States on the basis of common methods and criteria;

| 3. | obtaining information on ambient air quality in order to help combat air pollution and nuisance and to monitor long-term trends and improvements resulting from national and Community measures; |
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3.

obtaining information on ambient air quality in order to help combat air pollution and nuisance and to monitor long-term trends and improvements resulting from national and Community measures;

| 4. | ensuring that such information on ambient air quality is made available to the public; |
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4.

ensuring that such information on ambient air quality is made available to the public;

| 5. | maintaining air quality where it is good and improving it in other cases; |
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5.

maintaining air quality where it is good and improving it in other cases;

| 6. | promoting increased cooperation between the Member States in reducing air pollution. |
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6.

promoting increased cooperation between the Member States in reducing air pollution.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive:

| 1. | ‘ambient air’ shall mean outdoor air in the troposphere, excluding workplaces as defined by Council Directive 89/654/EEC (19) where provisions concerning health and safety at work apply and to which members of the public do not have regular access; |
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1.

‘ambient air’ shall mean outdoor air in the troposphere, excluding workplaces as defined by Council Directive 89/654/EEC (19) where provisions concerning health and safety at work apply and to which members of the public do not have regular access;

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| 2. | ‘pollutant’ shall mean any substance present in ambient air and likely to have harmful effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole; |
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2.

‘pollutant’ shall mean any substance present in ambient air and likely to have harmful effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole;

| 3. | ‘level’ shall mean the concentration of a pollutant in ambient air or the deposition thereof on surfaces in a given time; |
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3.

‘level’ shall mean the concentration of a pollutant in ambient air or the deposition thereof on surfaces in a given time;

| 4. | ‘assessment’ shall mean any method used to measure, calculate, predict or estimate levels; |
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4.

‘assessment’ shall mean any method used to measure, calculate, predict or estimate levels;

| 5. | ‘limit value’ shall mean a level fixed on the basis of scientific knowledge, with the aim of avoiding, preventing or reducing harmful effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole, to be attained within a given period and not to be exceeded once attained; |
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5.

‘limit value’ shall mean a level fixed on the basis of scientific knowledge, with the aim of avoiding, preventing or reducing harmful effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole, to be attained within a given period and not to be exceeded once attained;

| 6. | ‘critical level’ shall mean a level fixed on the basis of scientific knowledge, above which direct adverse effects may occur on some receptors, such as trees, other plants or natural ecosystems but not on humans; |
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6.

‘critical level’ shall mean a level fixed on the basis of scientific knowledge, above which direct adverse effects may occur on some receptors, such as trees, other plants or natural ecosystems but not on humans;

| 7. | ‘margin of tolerance’ shall mean the percentage of the limit value by which that value may be exceeded subject to the conditions laid down in this Directive; |
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7.

‘margin of tolerance’ shall mean the percentage of the limit value by which that value may be exceeded subject to the conditions laid down in this Directive;

| 8. | ‘air quality plans’ shall mean plans that set out measures in order to attain the limit values or target values; |
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8.

‘air quality plans’ shall mean plans that set out measures in order to attain the limit values or target values;

| 9. | ‘target value’ shall mean a level fixed with the aim of avoiding, preventing or reducing harmful effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole, to be attained where possible over a given period; |
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9.

‘target value’ shall mean a level fixed with the aim of avoiding, preventing or reducing harmful effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole, to be attained where possible over a given period;

| 10. | ‘alert threshold’ shall mean a level beyond which there is a risk to human health from brief exposure for the population as a whole and at which immediate steps are to be taken by the Member States; |
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10.

‘alert threshold’ shall mean a level beyond which there is a risk to human health from brief exposure for the population as a whole and at which immediate steps are to be taken by the Member States;

| 11. | ‘information threshold’ shall mean a level beyond which there is a risk to human health from brief exposure for particularly sensitive sections of the population and for which immediate and appropriate information is necessary; |
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11.

‘information threshold’ shall mean a level beyond which there is a risk to human health from brief exposure for particularly sensitive sections of the population and for which immediate and appropriate information is necessary;

| 12. | ‘upper assessment threshold’ shall mean a level below which a combination of fixed measurements and modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements may be used to assess ambient air quality; |
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12.

‘upper assessment threshold’ shall mean a level below which a combination of fixed measurements and modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements may be used to assess ambient air quality;

| 13. | ‘lower assessment threshold’ shall mean a level below which modelling or objective-estimation techniques alone may be used to assess ambient air quality; |
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13.

‘lower assessment threshold’ shall mean a level below which modelling or objective-estimation techniques alone may be used to assess ambient air quality;

| 14. | ‘long-term objective’ shall mean a level to be attained in the long term, save where not achievable through proportionate measures, with the aim of providing effective protection of human health and the environment; |
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14.

‘long-term objective’ shall mean a level to be attained in the long term, save where not achievable through proportionate measures, with the aim of providing effective protection of human health and the environment;

| 15. | ‘contributions from natural sources’ shall mean emissions of pollutants not caused directly or indirectly by human activities, including natural events such as volcanic eruptions, seismic activities, geothermal activities, wild-land fires, high-wind events, sea sprays or the atmospheric re-suspension or transport of natural particles from dry regions; |
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15.

‘contributions from natural sources’ shall mean emissions of pollutants not caused directly or indirectly by human activities, including natural events such as volcanic eruptions, seismic activities, geothermal activities, wild-land fires, high-wind events, sea sprays or the atmospheric re-suspension or transport of natural particles from dry regions;

| 16. | ‘zone’ shall mean part of the territory of a Member State, as delimited by that Member State for the purposes of air quality assessment and management; |
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16.

‘zone’ shall mean part of the territory of a Member State, as delimited by that Member State for the purposes of air quality assessment and management;

| 17. | ‘agglomeration’ shall mean a zone that is a conurbation with a population in excess of 250 000 inhabitants or, where the population is 250 000 inhabitants or less, with a given population density per km2 to be established by the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

17.

‘agglomeration’ shall mean a zone that is a conurbation with a population in excess of 250 000 inhabitants or, where the population is 250 000 inhabitants or less, with a given population density per km2 to be established by the Member States;

2

| 18. | ‘PM10’ shall mean particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet as defined in the reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10, EN 12341, with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 10 μm aerodynamic diameter; |
| --- | --- |

18.

‘PM10’ shall mean particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet as defined in the reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10, EN 12341, with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 10 μm aerodynamic diameter;

10

10

| 19. | ‘PM2,5’ shall mean particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet as defined in the reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM2,5, EN 14907, with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 2,5 μm aerodynamic diameter; |
| --- | --- |

19.

‘PM2,5’ shall mean particulate matter which passes through a size-selective inlet as defined in the reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM2,5, EN 14907, with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 2,5 μm aerodynamic diameter;

2,5

2,5

| 20. | ‘average exposure indicator’ shall mean an average level determined on the basis of measurements at urban background locations throughout the territory of a Member State and which reflects population exposure. It is used to calculate the national exposure reduction target; |
| --- | --- |

20.

‘average exposure indicator’ shall mean an average level determined on the basis of measurements at urban background locations throughout the territory of a Member State and which reflects population exposure. It is used to calculate the national exposure reduction target;

| 21. | ‘national exposure reduction target’ shall mean a percentage reduction of the average exposure of the population of a Member State set for the reference year with the aim of reducing harmful effects on human health, to be attained where possible over a given period; |
| --- | --- |

21.

‘national exposure reduction target’ shall mean a percentage reduction of the average exposure of the population of a Member State set for the reference year with the aim of reducing harmful effects on human health, to be attained where possible over a given period;

| 22. | ‘urban background locations’ shall mean places in urban areas where levels are representative of the exposure of the general urban population; |
| --- | --- |

22.

‘urban background locations’ shall mean places in urban areas where levels are representative of the exposure of the general urban population;

| 23. | ‘oxides of nitrogen’ shall mean the sum of the volume mixing ratio (ppbv) of nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide) and nitrogen dioxide expressed in units of mass concentration of nitrogen dioxide (μg/m3); |
| --- | --- |

23.

‘oxides of nitrogen’ shall mean the sum of the volume mixing ratio (ppbv) of nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide) and nitrogen dioxide expressed in units of mass concentration of nitrogen dioxide (μg/m3);

v

3

| 24. | ‘fixed measurements’ shall mean measurements taken at fixed sites, either continuously or by random sampling, to determine the levels in accordance with the relevant data quality objectives; |
| --- | --- |

24.

‘fixed measurements’ shall mean measurements taken at fixed sites, either continuously or by random sampling, to determine the levels in accordance with the relevant data quality objectives;

| 25. | ‘indicative measurements’ shall mean measurements which meet data quality objectives that are less strict than those required for fixed measurements; |
| --- | --- |

25.

‘indicative measurements’ shall mean measurements which meet data quality objectives that are less strict than those required for fixed measurements;

| 26. | ‘volatile organic compounds’ (VOC) shall mean organic compounds from anthropogenic and biogenic sources, other than methane, that are capable of producing photochemical oxidants by reactions with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight; |
| --- | --- |

26.

‘volatile organic compounds’ (VOC) shall mean organic compounds from anthropogenic and biogenic sources, other than methane, that are capable of producing photochemical oxidants by reactions with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight;

| 27. | ‘ozone precursor substances’ means substances which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, some of which are listed in Annex X. |
| --- | --- |

27.

‘ozone precursor substances’ means substances which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, some of which are listed in Annex X.

Article 3

Responsibilities

Member States shall designate at the appropriate levels the competent authorities and bodies responsible for the following:

| (a) | assessment of ambient air quality; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

assessment of ambient air quality;

| (b) | approval of measurement systems (methods, equipment, networks and laboratories); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

approval of measurement systems (methods, equipment, networks and laboratories);

| (c) | ensuring the accuracy of measurements; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

ensuring the accuracy of measurements;

| (d) | analysis of assessment methods; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

analysis of assessment methods;

| (e) | coordination on their territory if Community-wide quality assurance programmes are being organised by the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

coordination on their territory if Community-wide quality assurance programmes are being organised by the Commission;

| (f) | cooperation with the other Member States and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

cooperation with the other Member States and the Commission.

Where relevant, the competent authorities and bodies shall comply with Section C of Annex I.

Article 4

Establishment of zones and agglomerations

Member States shall establish zones and agglomerations throughout their territory. Air quality assessment and air quality management shall be carried out in all zones and agglomerations.

CHAPTER II

ASSESSMENT OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY

SECTION 1

Assessment of ambient air quality in relation to sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, lead, benzene and carbon monoxide

Article 5

Assessment regime

1.   The upper and lower assessment thresholds specified in Section A of Annex II shall apply to sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5), lead, benzene and carbon monoxide.

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Each zone and agglomeration shall be classified in relation to those assessment thresholds.

2.   The classification referred to in paragraph 1 shall be reviewed at least every five years in accordance with the procedure laid down in Section B of Annex II.

However, classifications shall be reviewed more frequently in the event of significant changes in activities relevant to the ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or, where relevant, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10, PM2,5), lead, benzene or carbon monoxide.

10

2,5

Article 6

Assessment criteria

1.   Member States shall assess ambient air quality with respect to the pollutants referred to in Article 5 in all their zones and agglomerations, in accordance with the criteria laid down in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of this Article and in accordance with the criteria laid down in Annex III.

2.   In all zones and agglomerations where the level of pollutants referred to in paragraph 1 exceeds the upper assessment threshold established for those pollutants, fixed measurements shall be used to assess the ambient air quality. Those fixed measurements may be supplemented by modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements to provide adequate information on the spatial distribution of the ambient air quality.

3.   In all zones and agglomerations where the level of pollutants referred to in paragraph 1 is below the upper assessment threshold established for those pollutants, a combination of fixed measurements and modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements may be used to assess the ambient air quality.

4.   In all zones and agglomerations where the level of pollutants referred to in paragraph 1 is below the lower assessment threshold established for those pollutants, modelling techniques or objective-estimation techniques or both shall be sufficient for the assessment of the ambient air quality.

5.   In addition to the assessments referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4, measurements shall be made, at rural background locations away from significant sources of air pollution, for the purposes of providing, as a minimum, information on the total mass concentration and the chemical speciation concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2,5) on an annual average basis and shall be conducted using the following criteria:

2,5

| (a) | one sampling point shall be installed every 100 000 km2; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

one sampling point shall be installed every 100 000 km2;

2

| (b) | each Member State shall set up at least one measuring station or may, by agreement with adjoining Member States, set up one or several common measuring stations, covering the relevant neighbouring zones, to achieve the necessary spatial resolution; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

each Member State shall set up at least one measuring station or may, by agreement with adjoining Member States, set up one or several common measuring stations, covering the relevant neighbouring zones, to achieve the necessary spatial resolution;

| (c) | where appropriate, monitoring shall be coordinated with the monitoring strategy and measurement programme of the Cooperative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

where appropriate, monitoring shall be coordinated with the monitoring strategy and measurement programme of the Cooperative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP);

| (d) | Sections A and C of Annex I shall apply in relation to the data quality objectives for mass concentration measurements of particulate matter and Annex IV shall apply in its entirety. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Sections A and C of Annex I shall apply in relation to the data quality objectives for mass concentration measurements of particulate matter and Annex IV shall apply in its entirety.

Member States shall inform the Commission of the measurement methods used in the measurement of the chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM2,5).

2,5

Article 7

Sampling points

1.   The location of sampling points for the measurement of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10, PM2,5), lead, benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air shall be determined using the criteria listed in Annex III.

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2,5

2.   In each zone or agglomeration where fixed measurements are the sole source of information for assessing air quality, the number of sampling points for each relevant pollutant shall not be less than the minimum number of sampling points specified in Section A of Annex V.

3.   For zones and agglomerations within which information from fixed measurement sampling points is supplemented by information from modelling and/or indicative measurement, the total number of sampling points specified in Section A of Annex V may be reduced by up to 50 %, provided that the following conditions are met:

| (a) | the supplementary methods provide sufficient information for the assessment of air quality with regard to limit values or alert thresholds, as well as adequate information for the public; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the supplementary methods provide sufficient information for the assessment of air quality with regard to limit values or alert thresholds, as well as adequate information for the public;

| (b) | the number of sampling points to be installed and the spatial resolution of other techniques are sufficient for the concentration of the relevant pollutant to be established in accordance with the data quality objectives specified in Section A of Annex I and enable assessment results to meet the criteria specified in Section B of Annex I. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the number of sampling points to be installed and the spatial resolution of other techniques are sufficient for the concentration of the relevant pollutant to be established in accordance with the data quality objectives specified in Section A of Annex I and enable assessment results to meet the criteria specified in Section B of Annex I.

The results of modelling and/or indicative measurement shall be taken into account for the assessment of air quality with respect to the limit values.

Article 8

Reference measurement methods

1.   Member States shall apply the reference measurement methods and criteria specified in Section A and Section C of Annex VI.

2.   Other measurement methods may be used subject to the conditions set out in Section B of Annex VI.

SECTION 2

Assessment of ambient air quality in relation to ozone

Article 9

Assessment criteria

1.   Where, in a zone or agglomeration, concentrations of ozone have exceeded the long-term objectives specified in Section C of Annex VII during any of the previous five years of measurement, fixed measurements shall be taken.

2.   Where fewer than five years' data are available, Member States may, for the purposes of determining whether the long-term objectives referred to in paragraph 1 have been exceeded during those five years, combine the results from measurement campaigns of short duration carried out when and where levels are likely to be at their highest, with the results obtained from emission inventories and modelling.

Article 10

Sampling points

1.   The siting of sampling points for the measurement of ozone shall be determined using the criteria set out in Annex VIII.

2.   The sampling points for fixed measurements of ozone in each zone or agglomeration within which measurement is the sole source of information for assessing air quality shall not be less than the minimum number of sampling points specified in Section A of Annex IX.

3.   For zones and agglomerations within which information from sampling points for fixed measurements is supplemented by information from modelling and/or indicative measurements, the number of sampling points specified in Section A of Annex IX may be reduced provided that the following conditions are met:

| (a) | the supplementary methods provide sufficient information for the assessment of air quality with regard to target values, long-term objectives, information and alert thresholds; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the supplementary methods provide sufficient information for the assessment of air quality with regard to target values, long-term objectives, information and alert thresholds;

| (b) | 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 in accordance with the data quality objectives specified in Section A of Annex I and enable assessment results to meet the criteria specified in Section B of Annex I; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

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 in accordance with the data quality objectives specified in Section A of Annex I and enable assessment results to meet the criteria specified in Section B of Annex I;

| (c) | the number of sampling points in each zone or agglomeration amounts to at least one sampling point per two million inhabitants or one sampling point per 50 000 km2, whichever produces the greater number of sampling points, but must not be less than one sampling point in each zone or agglomeration; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the number of sampling points in each zone or agglomeration amounts to at least one sampling point per two million inhabitants or one sampling point per 50 000 km2, whichever produces the greater number of sampling points, but must not be less than one sampling point in each zone or agglomeration;

2

| (d) | nitrogen dioxide is measured at all remaining sampling points except at rural background stations as referred to in Section A of Annex VIII. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

nitrogen dioxide is measured at all remaining sampling points except at rural background stations as referred to in Section A of Annex VIII.

The results of modelling and/or indicative measurement shall be taken into account for the assessment of air quality with respect to the target values.

4.   Nitrogen dioxide shall be measured at a minimum of 50 % of the ozone sampling points required under Section A of Annex IX. That measurement shall be continuous except at rural background stations, as referred to in Section A of Annex VIII, where other measurement methods may be used.

5.   In zones and agglomerations where, during each of the previous five years of measurement, concentrations are below the long-term objectives, the number of sampling points for fixed measurements shall be determined in accordance with Section B of Annex IX.

6.   Each Member State shall ensure that at least one sampling point is installed and operated in its territory to supply data on concentrations of the ozone precursor substances listed in Annex X. Each Member State shall choose the number and siting of the stations at which ozone precursor substances are to be measured, taking into account the objectives and methods laid down in Annex X.

Article 11

Reference measurement methods

1.   Member States shall apply the reference method for measurement of ozone, set out in point 8 of Section A of Annex VI. Other measuring methods may be used subject to the conditions set out in Section B of Annex VI.

2.   Each Member State shall inform the Commission of the methods it uses to sample and measure VOC, as listed in Annex X.

CHAPTER III

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Article 12

Requirements where levels are lower than the limit values

In zones and agglomerations where the levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, PM10, PM2,5, lead, benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air are below the respective limit values specified in Annexes XI and XIV, Member States shall maintain the levels of those pollutants below the limit values and shall endeavour to preserve the best ambient air quality, compatible with sustainable development.

10

2,5

Article 13

Limit values and alert thresholds for the protection of human health

1.   Member States shall ensure that, throughout their zones and agglomerations, levels of sulphur dioxide, PM10, lead, and carbon monoxide in ambient air do not exceed the limit values laid down in Annex XI.

10

In respect of nitrogen dioxide and benzene, the limit values specified in Annex XI may not be exceeded from the dates specified therein.

Compliance with these requirements shall be assessed in accordance with Annex III.

The margins of tolerance laid down in Annex XI shall apply in accordance with Article 22(3) and Article 23(1).

2.   The alert thresholds for concentrations of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in ambient air shall be those laid down in Section A of Annex XII.

Article 14

Critical levels

1.   Member States shall ensure compliance with the critical levels specified in Annex XIII as assessed in accordance with Section A of Annex III.

2.   Where fixed measurements are the sole source of information for assessing air quality, the number of sampling points shall not be less than the minimum number specified in Section C of Annex V. Where that information is supplemented by indicative measurements or modelling, the minimum number of sampling points may be reduced by up to 50 % so long as the assessed concentrations of the relevant pollutant can be established in accordance with the data quality objectives specified in Section A of Annex I.

Article 15

National PM2,5 exposure reduction target for the protection of human health

2,5

1.   Member States shall take all necessary measures not entailing disproportionate costs to reduce exposure to PM2,5 with a view to attaining the national exposure reduction target laid down in Section B of Annex XIV by the year specified therein.

2,5

2.   The average exposure indicator for PM2,5 shall be assessed in accordance with Section A of Annex XIV.

2,5

3.   Each Member State shall, in accordance with Annex III, ensure that the distribution and the number of sampling points on which the average exposure indicator for PM2,5 is based reflect the general population exposure adequately. The number of sampling points shall be no less than that determined by application of Section B of Annex V.

2,5

Article 16

PM2,5 target value and limit value for the protection of human health

2,5

1.   Member States shall take all necessary measures not entailing disproportionate costs to ensure that concentrations of PM2,5 in ambient air do not exceed the target value laid down in Section C of Annex XIV as from the date specified therein.

2,5

2.   Member States shall ensure that concentrations of PM2,5 in ambient air do not exceed the limit value laid down in Section D of Annex XIV throughout their zones and agglomerations as from the date specified therein. Compliance with this requirement shall be assessed in accordance with Annex III.

2,5

3.   The margin of tolerance laid down in Section D of Annex XIV shall apply in accordance with Article 23(1).

Article 17

Requirements in zones and agglomerations where ozone concentrations exceed the target values and long-term objectives

1.   Member States shall take all necessary measures not entailing disproportionate costs to ensure that the target values and long-term objectives are attained.

2.   For zones and agglomerations in which a target value is exceeded, Member States shall ensure that the programme prepared pursuant to Article 6 of Directive 2001/81/EC and, if appropriate, an air quality plan is implemented in order to attain the target values, save where not achievable through measures not entailing disproportionate costs, as from the date specified in Section B of Annex VII.

3.   For zones and agglomerations in which the levels of ozone in ambient air are higher than the long-term objectives but below, or equal to, the target values, Member States shall prepare and implement cost-effective measures with the aim of achieving the long-term objectives. Those measures shall, at least, be consistent with all the air quality plans and the programme referred to in paragraph 2.

Article 18

Requirements in zones and agglomerations where ozone concentrations meet the long-term objectives

In zones and agglomerations in which ozone levels meet the long-term objectives, Member States shall, in so far as factors including the transboundary nature of ozone pollution and meteorological conditions permit, maintain those levels below the long-term objectives and shall preserve through proportionate measures the best ambient air quality compatible with sustainable development and a high level of environmental and human health protection.

Article 19

Measures required in the event of information or alert thresholds being exceeded

Where the information threshold specified in Annex XII or any of the alert thresholds laid down therein is exceeded, Member States shall take the necessary steps to inform the public by means of radio, television, newspapers or the Internet.

Member States shall also forward to the Commission, on a provisional basis, information concerning the levels recorded and the duration of the periods during which the alert threshold or information threshold was exceeded.

Article 20

Contributions from natural sources

1.   Member States shall transmit to the Commission, for a given year, lists of zones and agglomerations where exceedances of limit values for a given pollutant are attributable to natural sources. Member States shall provide information on concentrations and sources and the evidence demonstrating that the exceedances are attributable to natural sources.

2.   Where the Commission has been informed of an exceedance attributable to natural sources in accordance with paragraph 1, that exceedance shall not be considered as an exceedance for the purposes of this Directive.

3.   The Commission shall by ... (20) publish guidelines for demonstration and subtraction of exceedances attributable to natural sources.

20

Article 21

Exceedances attributable to winter-sanding or -salting of roads

1.   Member States may designate zones or agglomerations within which limit values for PM10 are exceeded in ambient air due to the re-suspension of particulates following winter-sanding or -salting of roads.

10

2.   Member States shall send the Commission lists of any such zones or agglomerations together with information on concentrations and sources of PM10 therein.

10

3.   When informing the Commission in accordance with Article 27, Member States shall provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate that any exceedances are due to re-suspended particulates and that reasonable measures have been taken to lower the concentrations.

4.   Without prejudice to Article 20, in the case of zones and agglomerations referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, Member States need to establish the air quality plan provided for in Article 23 only insofar as exceedances are attributable to PM10 sources other than winter-sanding or -salting of roads.

10

5.   The Commission shall publish guidelines for determination of contributions from the re-suspension of particulates following winter-sanding or -salting of roads by ... (20).

20

Article 22

Postponement of attainment deadlines and exemption from the obligation to apply certain limit values

1.   Where, in a given zone or agglomeration, conformity with the limit values for nitrogen dioxide or benzene cannot be achieved by the deadlines specified in Annex XI, a Member State may postpone those deadlines by a maximum of five years for that particular zone or agglomeration, on condition that an air quality plan is established in accordance with Article 23 for the zone or agglomeration to which the postponement would apply; such air quality plan shall be supplemented by the information listed in Section B of Annex XV related to the pollutants concerned and shall demonstrate how conformity will be achieved with the limit values before the new deadline.

2.   Where, in a given zone or agglomeration, conformity with the limit values for PM10 as specified in Annex XI cannot be achieved because of site-specific dispersion characteristics, adverse climatic conditions or transboundary contributions, Member States shall be exempt from the obligation to apply those limit values until ... (21) provided that the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 are fulfilled.

10

21

3.   Where a Member State applies paragraphs 1 or 2, it shall ensure that the limit value for each pollutant is not exceeded by more than the maximum margin of tolerance specified in Annex XI for each of the pollutants concerned.

4.   Member States shall notify the Commission where, in their view, paragraphs 1 or 2 are applicable, and shall communicate the air quality plan referred to in paragraph 1 including all relevant information necessary for the Commission to assess whether or not the relevant conditions are satisfied. In its assessment, the Commission shall take into account estimated effects of measures that have been taken by the Member States as well as estimated effects of Community measures.

Where the Commission has raised no objections within nine months of receipt of that notification, the relevant conditions for the application of paragraphs 1 or 2 shall be deemed to be satisfied.

If objections are raised, the Commission may require Member States to adjust or provide new air quality plans.

CHAPTER IV

PLANS

Article 23

Air quality plans

1.   Where, in given zones or agglomerations, the levels of pollutants in ambient air exceed any limit value or target value, plus any relevant margin of tolerance in each case, Member States shall ensure that air quality plans are established for those zones and agglomerations in order to achieve the related limit value or target value specified in Annexes XI and XIV.

In the event of exceedances of those limit values for which the attainment deadline is already expired, the air quality plan shall set out appropriate measures, so that the exceedance period can be kept as short as possible.

Those plans shall incorporate at least the information listed in Section A of Annex XV and be communicated to the Commission without delay, but no later than two years after the end of the year the first exceedance was observed.

Where air quality plans must be prepared or implemented in respect of several pollutants, Member States shall, where appropriate, prepare and implement integrated air quality plans covering all pollutants concerned.

2.   Member States shall, to the extent feasible, ensure consistency with other plans required under Directive 2001/80/EC, Directive 2001/81/EC or Directive 2002/49/EC in order to achieve the relevant environmental objectives.

Article 24

Short-term action plans

1.   Where, in a given zone or agglomeration, there is a risk that the levels of pollutants will exceed one or more of the alert thresholds specified in Annex XII, Member States shall draw up action plans indicating the measures to be taken in the short term in order to reduce the risk or duration of such an exceedance. Where this risk applies to one or more limit values or target values specified in Annexes VII, XI and XIV, Member States may, where appropriate, draw up such short-term action plans.

However, where there is a risk that the alert threshold for ozone specified in Section B of Annex XII will be exceeded, Member States shall only draw up such short-term action plans when in their opinion there is a significant potential, taking into account national geographical, meteorological and economic conditions, to reduce the risk, duration or severity of such an exceedance. When drawing up such a short-term action plan Member States shall take account of Decision 2004/279/EC.

2.   The short-term action plans referred to in paragraph 1 may, depending on the individual case, provide for measures to control and, where necessary, suspend activities, including motor-vehicle traffic, which contribute to the risk of the respective limit values or target values or alert threshold being exceeded. Those action plans may also include effective measures in relation to the use of industrial plants or products.

3.   When Member States have drawn up a short-term action plan, they shall make available to the public and to appropriate organisations such as environmental organisations, consumer organisations, organisations representing the interests of sensitive population groups and other relevant health-care bodies both the results of their investigations on the feasibility and the content of specific short-term action plans as well as information on the implementation of these plans.

4.   For the first time before ... (20) and at regular intervals thereafter, the Commission shall publish examples of best practices for the drawing-up of short-term action plans.

20

Article 25

Transboundary air pollution

1.   Where any alert threshold, limit value or target value plus any relevant margin of tolerance or long-term objective is exceeded due to significant transboundary transport of air pollutants or their precursors, the Member States concerned shall cooperate and, where appropriate, draw up joint activities, such as the preparation of joint or coordinated air quality plans pursuant to Article 23 in order to remove such exceedances through the application of appropriate but proportionate measures.

2.   The Commission shall be invited to be present and to assist in any cooperation referred to in paragraph 1. Where appropriate, the Commission shall, taking into account the reports established pursuant to Article 9 of Directive 2001/81/EC, consider whether further action should be taken at Community level in order to reduce precursor emissions responsible for transboundary pollution.

3.   Member States shall, if appropriate pursuant to Article 24, prepare and implement joint short-term action plans covering neighbouring zones in other Member States. Member States shall ensure that neighbouring zones in other Member States which have developed short-term action plans receive all appropriate information.

4.   Where the information threshold or alert thresholds are exceeded in zones or agglomerations close to national borders, information shall be provided as soon as possible to the competent authorities in the neighbouring Member States concerned. That information shall also be made available to the public.

5.   In drawing up plans as provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3 and in informing the public as referred to in paragraph 4, Member States shall, where appropriate, endeavour to pursue cooperation with third countries, and in particular with candidate countries.

CHAPTER V

INFORMATION AND REPORTING

Article 26

Public information

1.   Member States shall ensure that the public as well as appropriate organisations such as environmental organisations, consumer organisations, organisations representing the interests of sensitive populations and other relevant health-care bodies are informed, adequately and in good time, of the following:

| (a) | ambient air quality in accordance with Annex XVI; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

ambient air quality in accordance with Annex XVI;

| (b) | any postponement decisions pursuant to Article 22(1); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

any postponement decisions pursuant to Article 22(1);

| (c) | any exemptions pursuant to Article 22(2); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

any exemptions pursuant to Article 22(2);

| (d) | air quality plans as provided for in Article 22(1) and Article 23 and programmes referred to in Article 17(2). |
| --- | --- |

(d)

air quality plans as provided for in Article 22(1) and Article 23 and programmes referred to in Article 17(2).

The information shall be made available free of charge by means of any easily accessible media including the Internet or any other appropriate means of telecommunication, and shall take into account the provisions laid down in Directive 2007/2/EC.

2.   Member States shall make available to the public annual reports for all pollutants covered by this Directive.

Those reports shall summarise the levels exceeding limit values, target values, long-term objectives, information thresholds and alert thresholds, for the relevant averaging periods. That information shall be combined with a summary assessment of the effects of those exceedances. The reports may include, where appropriate, further information and assessments on forest protection as well as information on other pollutants for which monitoring provisions are specified in this Directive, such as, inter alia, selected non-regulated ozone precursor substances as listed in Section B of Annex X.

inter alia

3.   Member States shall inform the public of the competent authority or body designated in relation to the tasks referred to in Article 3.

Article 27

Transmission of information and reporting

1.   Member States shall ensure that information on ambient air quality is made available to the Commission within the required timescale as determined by the implementing measures referred to in Article 28(2).

2.   In any event, for the specific purpose of assessing compliance with the limit values and critical levels and the attainment of target values, such information shall be made available to the Commission no later than nine months after the end of each year and shall include:

| (a) | the changes made in that year to the list and delimitation of zones and agglomerations established under Article 4; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the changes made in that year to the list and delimitation of zones and agglomerations established under Article 4;

| (b) | the list of zones and agglomerations in which the levels of one or more pollutants are higher than the limit values plus the margin of tolerance where applicable or higher than target values or critical levels; and for these zones and agglomerations:






  (i) | levels assessed and, if relevant, the dates and periods when such levels were observed; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

the list of zones and agglomerations in which the levels of one or more pollutants are higher than the limit values plus the margin of tolerance where applicable or higher than target values or critical levels; and for these zones and agglomerations:

(i)

levels assessed and, if relevant, the dates and periods when such levels were observed;

| (ii) | if appropriate, an assessment on contributions from natural sources and from re-suspension of particulates following winter-sanding or -salting of roads to the levels assessed, as declared to the Commission under Articles 20 and 21. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

if appropriate, an assessment on contributions from natural sources and from re-suspension of particulates following winter-sanding or -salting of roads to the levels assessed, as declared to the Commission under Articles 20 and 21.

3.   Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply to information collected as from the beginning of the second calendar year after the entry into force of the implementing measures referred to in Article 28(2).

Article 28

Implementing measures

1.   The measures designed to amend the non-essential elements of this Directive, namely Annexes I to VI, Annexes VIII to X and Annex XV, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 29(3).

However, the amendments may not have the effect of directly or indirectly modifying either of the following:

| (a) | the limit values, exposure reduction targets, critical levels, target values, information or alert thresholds or long-term objectives specified in Annex VII and Annexes XI to XIV; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the limit values, exposure reduction targets, critical levels, target values, information or alert thresholds or long-term objectives specified in Annex VII and Annexes XI to XIV;

| (b) | dates for the compliance with any of the parameters referred to in point (a). |
| --- | --- |

(b)

dates for the compliance with any of the parameters referred to in point (a).

2.   The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 29(2), determine the additional information to be made available by Member States pursuant to Article 27 as well as the timescales in which such information is to be communicated.

The Commission shall also identify ways of streamlining the way data are reported and the reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 29(2).

3.   The Commission shall draw up guidelines for the agreements on setting up common measuring stations as referred to in Article 6(5).

4.   The Commission shall publish guidance on the demonstration of equivalence referred to in Section B of Annex VI.

CHAPTER VI

COMMITTEE, TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 29

Committee

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, ‘the Ambient Air Quality Committee’.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a(1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

Article 30

Penalties

Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

Article 31

Repeal and transitional provisions

1.   Directives 96/62/EC, 1999/30/EC, 2000/69/EC, and 2002/3/EC are repealed as from ... (20), without prejudice to the obligations on the Member States relating to time-limits for transposition or application of those Directives.

20

However, the following Articles shall remain in force:

| (a) | Article 5 of Directive 96/62/EC until 31 December 2010; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Article 5 of Directive 96/62/EC until 31 December 2010;

| (b) | Article 11(1) of Directive 96/62/EC and Article 10(1), (2) and (3) of Directive 2002/3/EC until the end of the second calendar year following the entry into force of the implementing measures referred to in Article 28(2) of this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Article 11(1) of Directive 96/62/EC and Article 10(1), (2) and (3) of Directive 2002/3/EC until the end of the second calendar year following the entry into force of the implementing measures referred to in Article 28(2) of this Directive;

| (c) | Article 9(3) and (4) of Directive 1999/30/EC until 31 December 2009. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Article 9(3) and (4) of Directive 1999/30/EC until 31 December 2009.

2.   References made to the repealed Directives shall be construed as being made to this Directive and should be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex XVII.

3.   Decision 97/101/EC is repealed with effect from the end of the second calendar year following the entry into force of the implementing measures referred to in Article 28(2) of this Directive.

Article 32

Review

In 2013 the Commission shall review the provisions related to PM2,5 and, as appropriate, other pollutants, and shall present a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council.

2,5

As regards PM2,5, the review shall be undertaken with a view to establishing a legally binding exposure reduction obligation in order to replace the national exposure reduction target laid down in Article 15, taking into account, inter alia, the following elements:

2,5

inter alia

| — | latest scientific information from WHO and other relevant organisations, |
| --- | --- |

—

latest scientific information from WHO and other relevant organisations,

| — | air quality situations and reduction potentials in the Member States, |
| --- | --- |

—

air quality situations and reduction potentials in the Member States,

| — | the revision of Directive 2001/81/EC, |
| --- | --- |

—

the revision of Directive 2001/81/EC,

| — | progress made in implementing Community reduction measures for air pollutants. |
| --- | --- |

—

progress made in implementing Community reduction measures for air pollutants.

As part of the review, the Commission shall also prepare a report on the experience on monitoring of PM10 and PM2,5, taking into account technical progress in automatic measuring techniques. If appropriate, new reference methods for the measurement of PM10 and PM2,5 shall be proposed.

10

2,5

10

2,5

Article 33

Transposition

1.   Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive before ... (20).

20

When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.

2.   However, Member States shall ensure that a sufficient number of urban background measurement stations of PM2,5 necessary for the calculation of the Average Exposure Indicator, in accordance with Section B of Annex V, is established by 1 January 2008 or, at the latest, by 1 January 2009, in order to comply with the timeframe and the conditions indicated in Section A of Annex XIV.

2,5

3.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

Article 34

This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

Article 35

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at ...,

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 195, 18.8.2006, p. 84.

1

(2)  OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 1.

2

(3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 26 September 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 25 June and Position of the European Parliament of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  OJ L 296, 21.11.1996, p. 55. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

5

(6)  OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 41. Directive as amended by Commission Decision 2001/744/EC (OJ L 278, 23.10.2001, p. 35).

6

(7)  OJ L 313, 13.12.2000, p. 12.

7

(8)  OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14.

8

(9)  OJ L 35, 5.2.1997, p. 14. Decision as amended by Commission Decision 2001/752/EC (OJ L 282, 26.10.2001, p. 69).

9

(10)  OJ L 23, 26.1.2005, p. 3.

10

(11)  OJ L 171, 27.6.1981, p. 11.

11

(12)  OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 22. Directive as last amended by Council Directive 2006/105/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 368).

12

(13)  OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC.

13

(14)  OJ L 189, 18.7.2002, p. 12.

14

(15)  OJ L 87, 25.3.2004, p. 50.

15

(16)  OJ L ...

16

(17)  OJ C 321, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

17

(18)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

18

(19)  OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 1.

19

(20)  Two years after the date of entry into force of this Directive.

20

(21)  Three years after the date of entry into force of this Directive.

21

---

ANNEX I

Data quality objectives

A.   Data quality objectives for ambient air quality assessment

| | Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide | Benzene | Particulate matter (PM10/PM2,5) and lead | Ozone and related NO and NO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Fixed measurements (1) |
| Uncertainty | 15 % | 25 % | 25 % | 15 % |
| Minimum data capture | 90 % | 90 % | 90 % | 90 % during summer
  75 % during winter |
| Minimum time coverage: | | | | |
| — | urban background and traffic |

Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide

Benzene

Particulate matter (PM10/PM2,5) and lead

Ozone and related NO and NO2

Fixed measurements (1)

Uncertainty

15 %

25 %

25 %

15 %

Minimum data capture

90 %

90 %

90 %

90 % during summer

75 % during winter

Minimum time coverage:

—

urban background and traffic

—

35 % (2)

—

—

| — | industrial sites |
| --- | --- |

—

industrial sites

—

90 %

—

—

Indicative measurements

Uncertainty

25 %

30 %

50 %

30 %

Minimum data capture

90 %

90 %

90 %

90 %

Minimum time coverage

14 % (4)

14 % (3)

14 % (4)

> 10 % during summer

Modelling uncertainty:

Hourly

50 %

—

—

50 %

Eight-hour averages

50 %

—

—

50 %

Daily averages

50 %

—

not yet defined

—

Annual averages

30 %

50 %

50 %

—

Objective estimation

Uncertainty

75 %

100 %

100 %

75 %

The uncertainty (expressed at a 95 % confidence level) of the assessment methods will be evaluated in accordance with the principles of the CEN Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (ENV 13005-1999), the methodology of ISO 5725:1994 and the guidance provided in the CEN report ‘Air Quality — Approach to Uncertainty Estimation for Ambient Air Reference Measurement Methods’ (CR 14377:2002E). The percentages for uncertainty in the above table are given for individual measurements averaged over the period considered by the limit value (or target value in the case of ozone), for a 95 % confidence interval. The uncertainty for the fixed measurements shall be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the appropriate limit value (or target value in the case of ozone).

The uncertainty for modelling is defined as the maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels for 90 % of individual monitoring points, over the period considered, by the limit value (or target value in the case of ozone), without taking into account the timing of the events. The uncertainty for modelling shall be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the appropriate limit value (or target value in the case of ozone). The fixed measurements that have to be selected for comparison with modelling results shall be representative of the scale covered by the model.

The uncertainty for objective estimation is defined as the maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels, over the period considered, by the limit value (or target value in the case of ozone), without taking into 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.

B.   Results of air quality assessment

The following information shall 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, |
| --- | --- |

—

a description of assessment activities carried out,

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

—

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

| — | the sources of data and information, |
| --- | --- |

—

the sources of data and information,

| — | a description of results, including uncertainties and, in particular, the extent of any area or, if relevant, the length of road within the zone or agglomeration over which concentrations exceed any limit value, target value or long-term objective plus margin of tolerance, if applicable, and of any area within which concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold or the lower assessment threshold, |
| --- | --- |

—

a description of results, including uncertainties and, in particular, the extent of any area or, if relevant, the length of road within the zone or agglomeration over which concentrations exceed any limit value, target value or long-term objective plus margin of tolerance, if applicable, and of any area within which concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold or the lower assessment threshold,

| — | the population potentially exposed to levels in excess of any limit value for protection of human health. |
| --- | --- |

—

the population potentially exposed to levels in excess of any limit value for protection of human health.

C.   Quality assurance for ambient air quality assessment: data validation

| 1. | To ensure accuracy of measurements and compliance with the data quality objectives laid down in Section A, the appropriate competent authorities and bodies designated pursuant to Article 3 shall ensure the following:






  — | that all measurements undertaken in relation to the assessment of ambient air quality pursuant to Articles 6 and 9 are traceable in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 5.6.2.2. of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005, |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

To ensure accuracy of measurements and compliance with the data quality objectives laid down in Section A, the appropriate competent authorities and bodies designated pursuant to Article 3 shall ensure the following:

—

that all measurements undertaken in relation to the assessment of ambient air quality pursuant to Articles 6 and 9 are traceable in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 5.6.2.2. of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005,

| — | that institutions operating networks and individual stations have an established quality assurance and quality control system which provides for regular maintenance to assure the accuracy of measuring devices, |
| --- | --- |

—

that institutions operating networks and individual stations have an established quality assurance and quality control system which provides for regular maintenance to assure the accuracy of measuring devices,

| — | that a quality assurance/quality control process is established for the process of data collection and reporting and that institutions appointed for this task actively participate in the related Community-wide quality assurance programmes, |
| --- | --- |

—

that a quality assurance/quality control process is established for the process of data collection and reporting and that institutions appointed for this task actively participate in the related Community-wide quality assurance programmes,

| — | that the national laboratories, when appointed by the appropriate competent authority or body designated pursuant to Article 3, that are taking part in Community-wide intercomparisons covering pollutants regulated in this Directive, are accredited according to EN/ISO 17025 by 2010 for the reference methods referred to in Annex VI. These laboratories shall be involved in the coordination on Member States territory of the Community wide quality assurance programmes to be organized by the Commission and shall also coordinate, on the national level, the appropriate realization of reference methods and the demonstration of equivalence of non-reference methods. |
| --- | --- |

—

that the national laboratories, when appointed by the appropriate competent authority or body designated pursuant to Article 3, that are taking part in Community-wide intercomparisons covering pollutants regulated in this Directive, are accredited according to EN/ISO 17025 by 2010 for the reference methods referred to in Annex VI. These laboratories shall be involved in the coordination on Member States territory of the Community wide quality assurance programmes to be organized by the Commission and shall also coordinate, on the national level, the appropriate realization of reference methods and the demonstration of equivalence of non-reference methods.

| 2. | All reported data under Article 27 shall be deemed to be valid except data flagged as provisional. |
| --- | --- |

2.

All reported data under Article 27 shall be deemed to be valid except data flagged as provisional.

---

(1)  Member States may apply random measurements instead of continuous measurements for benzene, lead and particulate matter if they can demonstrate to the Commission that the uncertainty, including the uncertainty due to random sampling, meets the quality objective of 25 % and the time coverage is still larger than the minimum time coverage for indicative measurements. Random sampling must be evenly distributed over the year in order to avoid skewing of results. The uncertainty due to random sampling may be determined by the procedure laid down in ISO 11222 (2002) ‘Air Quality — Determination of the Uncertainty of the Time Average of Air Quality Measurements’. If random measurements are used to assess the requirements of the PM10 limit value, the 90,4 percentile (to be lower than or equal to 50 μg/m3) should be evaluated instead of the number of exceedances, which is highly influenced by data coverage.

(2)  Distributed over the year to be representative of various conditions for climate and traffic.

(3)  One day's measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or 8 weeks evenly distributed over the year.

(4)  One measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or 8 weeks evenly distributed over the year.

---

ANNEX II

Determination of requirements for assessment of concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5), lead, benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air within a zone or agglomeration

A.   Upper and lower assessment thresholds

The following upper and lower assessment thresholds will apply:

1.   Sulphur dioxide

| | Health protection | Vegetation 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 critical level (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 critical level (8 μg/m3) |

Health protection

Vegetation 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 critical level (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 critical level (8 μg/m3)

2.   Nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

| | Hourly limit value for the protection of human health (NO2) | Annual limit value for the protection of human health (NO2) | Annual critical level for the protection of vegetation and natural ecosystems (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 critical level (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 critical level (19,5 μg/m3) |

Hourly limit value for the protection of human health (NO2)

Annual limit value for the protection of human health (NO2)

Annual critical level for the protection of vegetation and natural ecosystems (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 critical level (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 critical level (19,5 μg/m3)

3.   Particulate matter (PM10/PM2,5)

| | 24-hour average PM10 | Annual average PM10 | Annual average PM2,5
   (1) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Upper assessment threshold | 70 % of limit value (35 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times in any calendar year) | 70 % of limit value (28 μg/m3) | 70 % of limit value (17 μg/m3) |
| Lower assessment threshold | 50 % of limit value (25 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times in any calendar year) | 50 % of limit value (20 μg/m3) | 50 % of limit value (12 μg/m3) |

24-hour average PM10

Annual average PM10

Annual average PM2,5
   (1)

Upper assessment threshold

70 % of limit value (35 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times in any calendar year)

70 % of limit value (28 μg/m3)

70 % of limit value (17 μg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold

50 % of limit value (25 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times in any calendar year)

50 % of limit value (20 μg/m3)

50 % of limit value (12 μg/m3)

4.   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) |

Annual average

Upper assessment threshold

70 % of limit value (0,35 μg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold

50 % of limit value (0,25 μg/m3)

5.   Benzene

| | Annual average |
| --- | --- |
| Upper assessment threshold | 70 % of limit value (3,5 μg/m3) |
| Lower assessment threshold | 40 % of limit value (2 μg/m3) |

Annual average

Upper assessment threshold

70 % of limit value (3,5 μg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold

40 % of limit value (2 μg/m3)

6.   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) |

Eight-hour average

Upper assessment threshold

70 % of limit value (7 mg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold

50 % of limit value (5 mg/m3)

B.   Determination of exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds

Exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds shall be determined on the basis of concentrations during the previous five years where sufficient data are available. An assessment threshold shall 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, Member States may combine measurement campaigns of short duration during the period of the year and at locations likely to be typical of the highest pollution levels with results obtained from information from emission inventories and modelling to determine exceedances of the upper and lower assessment thresholds.

---

(1)  The upper assessment threshold and the lower assessment threshold for PM2,5 do not apply to the measurements to assess compliance with the PM2,5 exposure reduction target for the protection of human health.

---

ANNEX III

Assessment of ambient air quality and location of sampling points for the measurement of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5), lead, benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air

A.   General

Ambient air quality shall be assessed in all zones and agglomerations in accordance with the following criteria:

| 1. | Ambient air quality shall be assessed at all locations except those listed in paragraph 2, in accordance with the criteria established by Sections B and C for the location of sampling points for fixed measurement. The principles established by Sections B and C shall also apply in so far as they are relevant in identifying the specific locations in which concentration of the relevant pollutants are established where ambient air quality is assessed by indicative measurement or modelling. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Ambient air quality shall be assessed at all locations except those listed in paragraph 2, in accordance with the criteria established by Sections B and C for the location of sampling points for fixed measurement. The principles established by Sections B and C shall also apply in so far as they are relevant in identifying the specific locations in which concentration of the relevant pollutants are established where ambient air quality is assessed by indicative measurement or modelling.

| 2. | Compliance with the limit values directed at the protection of human health shall not be assessed at the following locations:






  (a) | any locations situated within areas where members of the public do not have access and there is no fixed habitation; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Compliance with the limit values directed at the protection of human health shall not be assessed at the following locations:

(a)

any locations situated within areas where members of the public do not have access and there is no fixed habitation;

| (b) | on the carriageway of roads; and on the central reservations of roads except where there is normally pedestrian access to the central reservation. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

on the carriageway of roads; and on the central reservations of roads except where there is normally pedestrian access to the central reservation.

B.   Macroscale siting of sampling points

1.   Protection of human health

| (a) | Sampling points directed at the protection of human health shall be sited in such a way as to provide data on the following:






  — | the areas within zones and agglomerations 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); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

Sampling points directed at the protection of human health shall be sited in such a way as to provide data on the following:

—

the areas within zones and agglomerations 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);

| — | levels in other areas within the zones and agglomerations which are representative of the exposure of the general population. |
| --- | --- |

—

levels in other areas within the zones and agglomerations which are representative of the exposure of the general population.

| (b) | Sampling points shall in general be sited in such a way as to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity, which means that a sampling point must be sited in such a way that the air sampled is representative of air quality for a street segment no less than 100 m length at traffic-orientated sites and at least 250 m × 250 m at industrial sites, where feasible. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Sampling points shall in general be sited in such a way as to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity, which means that a sampling point must be sited in such a way that the air sampled is representative of air quality for a street segment no less than 100 m length at traffic-orientated sites and at least 250 m × 250 m at industrial sites, where feasible.

| (c) | Urban background locations shall be located so that their pollution level is influenced by the integrated contribution from all sources upwind of the station. The pollution level should not be dominated by a single source unless such a situation is typical for a larger urban area. Those sampling points shall, as a general rule, be representative for several square kilometres. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Urban background locations shall be located so that their pollution level is influenced by the integrated contribution from all sources upwind of the station. The pollution level should not be dominated by a single source unless such a situation is typical for a larger urban area. Those sampling points shall, as a general rule, be representative for several square kilometres.

| (d) | Where the objective is to assess rural background levels, the sampling point shall not be influenced by agglomerations or industrial sites in its vicinity, i.e. sites closer than five kilometres. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Where the objective is to assess rural background levels, the sampling point shall not be influenced by agglomerations or industrial sites in its vicinity, i.e. sites closer than five kilometres.

| (e) | 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. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

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.

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

(f)

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

| (g) | Account shall be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands where that is necessary for the protection of human health. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

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

2.   Protection of vegetation and natural ecosystems

Sampling points targeted at the protection of vegetation and natural ecosystems shall be sited more than 20 km away from agglomerations or more than 5 km away from other built-up areas, industrial installations or motorways or major roads with traffic counts of more than 50 000 vehicles per day, which means that a sampling point must be sited in such a way that the air sampled is representative of air quality in a surrounding area of at least 1 000 km2. A Member State may provide for a sampling point to be sited at a lesser distance or to be representative of air quality in a less extended area, taking account of geographical conditions or of the opportunities to protect particularly vulnerable areas.

Account shall be taken of the need to assess air quality on islands.

C.   Microscale siting of sampling points

Insofar as is practicable, the following shall apply:

| — | the flow around the inlet sampling probe shall be unrestricted (free in an arc of at least 270°) 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), |
| --- | --- |

—

the flow around the inlet sampling probe shall be unrestricted (free in an arc of at least 270°) 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 shall 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, |
| --- | --- |

—

in general, the inlet sampling point shall 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 shall not be positioned in the immediate vicinity of sources in order to avoid the direct intake of emissions unmixed with ambient air, |
| --- | --- |

—

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,

| — | the sampler's exhaust outlet shall be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust air to the sampler inlet is avoided, |
| --- | --- |

—

the sampler's exhaust outlet shall be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust air to the sampler inlet is avoided,

| — | for all pollutants, traffic-orientated sampling probes shall be at least 25 m from the edge of major junctions and no more than 10 m from the kerbside. |
| --- | --- |

—

for all pollutants, traffic-orientated sampling probes shall be at least 25 m from the edge of major junctions and no more than 10 m from the kerbside.

The following factors may also be taken into account:

| — | interfering sources, |
| --- | --- |

—

interfering sources,

| — | security, |
| --- | --- |

—

security,

| — | access, |
| --- | --- |

—

access,

| — | availability of electrical power and telephone communications, |
| --- | --- |

—

availability of electrical power and telephone communications,

| — | visibility of the site in relation to its surroundings, |
| --- | --- |

—

visibility of the site in relation to its surroundings,

| — | safety of the public and operators, |
| --- | --- |

—

safety of the public and operators,

| — | the desirability of co-locating sampling points for different pollutants, |
| --- | --- |

—

the desirability of co-locating sampling points for different pollutants,

| — | planning requirements. |
| --- | --- |

—

planning requirements.

D.   Documentation and review of site selection

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.

---

ANNEX IV

Measurements at rural background locations irrespective of concentration

A.   Objectives

The main objectives of such measurements are to ensure that adequate information is made available on levels in the background. This information is essential to judge the enhanced levels in more polluted areas (such as urban background, industry related locations, traffic related locations), assess the possible contribution from long-range transport of air pollutants, support source apportionment analysis and for the understanding of specific pollutants such as particulate matter. It is also essential for the increased use of modelling also in urban areas.

B.   Substances

Measurement of PM2,5 must include at least the total mass concentration and concentrations of appropriate compounds to characterise its chemical composition. At least the list of chemical species given below shall be included.

| SO4
  2- | Na+ | NH4
  - | Ca2+ | elemental carbon (EC) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NO3
  - | K+ | Cl- | Mg2+ | organic carbon (OC) |

SO4
  2-

Na+

NH4
  +

Ca2+

elemental carbon (EC)

NO3
  -

K+

Cl-

Mg2+

organic carbon (OC)

C.   Siting

Measurements should be taken in particular in rural background areas in accordance with parts A, B, and C of Annex III.

---

ANNEX V

Criteria for determining minimum numbers of sampling points for fixed measurement of concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10, PM2,5), lead, benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air

A.   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

1.   Diffuse sources

| Population of agglomeration or zone
  (thousands) | If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold (1) | If maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pollutants except PM | PM (2) (sum of PM10 and PM2,5) | Pollutants except PM | PM (2) (sum of PM10 and PM2,5) |
| 0-249 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 250-499 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 500-749 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 750-999 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 000-1 499 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 500-1 999 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 000-2 749 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 4 |
| 2 750-3 749 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 4 |
| 3 750-4 749 | 8 | 11 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 750-5 999 | 9 | 13 | 4 | 6 |
| ≥ 6 000 | 10 | 15 | 4 | 7 |

Population of agglomeration or zone

(thousands)

If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold (1)

If maximum concentrations are between the upper and lower assessment thresholds

Pollutants except PM

PM (2) (sum of PM10 and PM2,5)

Pollutants except PM

PM (2) (sum of PM10 and PM2,5)

0-249

1

2

1

1

250-499

2

3

1

2

500-749

2

3

1

2

750-999

3

4

1

2

1 000-1 499

4

6

2

3

1 500-1 999

5

7

2

3

2 000-2 749

6

8

3

4

2 750-3 749

7

10

3

4

3 750-4 749

8

11

3

6

4 750-5 999

9

13

4

6

≥ 6 000

10

15

4

7

2.   Point sources

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.

B.   Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement to assess compliance with the PM2,5 exposure reduction target for the protection of human health

One sampling point per million inhabitants summed over agglomerations and additional urban areas in excess of 100 000 inhabitants shall be operated for this purpose. Those sampling points may coincide with sampling points under Section A.

C.   Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements to assess compliance with critical levels for the protection of vegetation in zones other than agglomerations

| If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold | If maximum concentrations are between upper and lower assessment threshold |
| --- | --- |
| 1 station every 20 000 km2 | 1 station every 40 000 km2 |

If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold

If maximum concentrations are between upper and lower assessment threshold

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 vegetation.

---

(1)  For nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, benzene and carbon monoxide: to include at least one urban background monitoring station and one traffic-orientated station provided this does not increase the number of sampling points. For these pollutants, the total number of urban-background stations and the total number of traffic oriented stations in a Member State required under Section A(1) shall not differ by more than a factor of 2. Sampling points with exceedances of the limit value for PM10 within the last three years shall be maintained.

(2)  Where PM2,5 and PM10 are measured in accordance with Article 8 at the same monitoring station, these shall count as two separate sampling points. The total number of PM2,5 and PM10 sampling points in a Member State required under Section A(1) shall not differ by more than a factor of 2, and the number of PM2,5 sampling points in the urban background of agglomerations and urban areas shall meet the requirements under Section B of Annex V.

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ANNEX VI

Reference methods for assessment of concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5), lead, benzene, carbon monoxide, and ozone

A.   Reference measurement methods

1.   Reference method for the measurement of sulphur dioxide

The reference method for the measurement of sulphur dioxide is that described in EN 14212:2005 ‘Ambient air quality — Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of sulphur dioxide by ultraviolet fluorescence’.

2.   Reference method for the measurement of nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

The reference method for the measurement of nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen is that described in EN 14211:2005 ‘Ambient air quality — Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide by chemiluminescence’.

3.   Reference method for the sampling and measurement of lead

The reference method for the sampling of lead is that described in Section A(4) of this Annex. The reference method for the measurement of lead is that described in EN 14902:2005 ‘Standard method for measurement of Pb/Cd/As/Ni in the PM10 fraction of suspended particulate matter’.

4.   Reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10

The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10 is that described in EN 12341:1999 ‘Air Quality — Determination of the PM10 fraction of suspended particulate matter — Reference method and field test procedure to demonstrate reference equivalence of measurement methods’.

5.   Reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM2,5

The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM2,5 is that described in EN 14907:2005 ‘Standard gravimetric measurement method for the determination of the PM2,5 mass fraction of suspended particulate matter’.

6.   Reference method for the sampling and measurement of benzene

The reference method for the measurement of benzene is that described in EN 14662:2005, parts 1, 2 and 3 ‘Ambient air quality — Standard method for measurement of benzene concentrations’.

7.   Reference method for the measurement of carbon monoxide

The reference method for the measurement of carbon monoxide is that described in EN 14626:2005 ‘Ambient air quality — Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of carbon monoxide by non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy’.

8.   Reference method for measurement of ozone

The reference method for the measurement of ozone is that described in EN 14625:2005 ‘Ambient air quality — Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of ozone by ultraviolet photometry’.

B.   Demonstration of equivalence

| 1. | A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives results equivalent to any of the methods referred to in Section A or, in the case of particulate matter, any other method which the Member State concerned can demonstrate displays a consistent relationship to the reference method. In that event the results achieved by that method must be corrected to produce results equivalent to those that would have been achieved by using the reference method. |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives results equivalent to any of the methods referred to in Section A or, in the case of particulate matter, any other method which the Member State concerned can demonstrate displays a consistent relationship to the reference method. In that event the results achieved by that method must be corrected to produce results equivalent to those that would have been achieved by using the reference method.

| 2. | The Commission may require the Member States to prepare and submit a report on the demonstration of equivalence in accordance with paragraph 1. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission may require the Member States to prepare and submit a report on the demonstration of equivalence in accordance with paragraph 1.

| 3. | When assessing the acceptability of the report mentioned in paragraph 2, the Commission will make reference to its guidance on the demonstration of equivalence (to be published). Where Member States have been using interim factors to approximate equivalence, the latter shall be confirmed and/or amended with reference to the Commission's guidance. |
| --- | --- |

3.

When assessing the acceptability of the report mentioned in paragraph 2, the Commission will make reference to its guidance on the demonstration of equivalence (to be published). Where Member States have been using interim factors to approximate equivalence, the latter shall be confirmed and/or amended with reference to the Commission's guidance.

| 4. | Member States should ensure that whenever appropriate, the correction is also applied retroactively to past measurement data in order to achieve better data comparability. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Member States should ensure that whenever appropriate, the correction is also applied retroactively to past measurement data in order to achieve better data comparability.

C.   Standardisation

For gaseous pollutants the volume must be standardised at a temperature of 293 K and an atmospheric pressure of 101,3 kPa. For particulate matter and substances to be analysed in particulate matter (e.g. lead) the sampling volume refers to ambient conditions in terms of temperature and atmospheric pressure at the date of measurements.

D.   Introduction of new equipment

All new equipment purchased for implementation of this Directive must comply with the reference method or equivalent by ... (1).

All equipment used in fixed measurements must comply with the reference method or equivalent by ... (2).

E.   Mutual recognition of data

In carrying out the type approval to demonstrate that equipment meets the performance requirements of the reference methods listed in Section A, competent authorities and bodies designated pursuant to Article 3 shall accept test reports issued in other Member States by laboratories accredited to EN ISO 17025 for carrying out such testing.

---

(1)  Two years after the date of entry into force of this Directive.

(2)  Five years after the date of entry into force of this Directive.

---

ANNEX VII

Ozone target values and long-term objectives

A.   Definitions and criteria

1.   Definitions

AOT40 (expressed in (μg/m3) × hours) means the sum of the difference between hourly concentrations greater than 80 μg/m3 (= 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 (CET) each day.

2.   Criteria

The following criteria shall be used for checking validity when aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters:

| Parameter | Required proportion of valid data |
| --- | --- |
| 1 hour values | 75 % (i.e. 45 minutes) |
| 8 hours values | 75 % of values (i.e. 6 hours) |
| Maximum daily 8 hours mean from hourly running 8 hours | 75 % of the hourly running 8 hours averages (i.e. 18 8-hourly averages per day) |
| AOT40 | 90 % of the 1 hour values over the time period defined for calculating the AOT40 value (1) |
| Annual mean | 75 % of the 1 hour values over summer (April to September) and 75 % over winter (January to March, October to December) seasons separately |
| Number of exceedances and maximum values per month | 90 % of the daily maximum 8 hours mean values (27 available daily values per month)
  90 % of the 1 hour values between 8.00 and 20.00 CET |
| Number of exceedances and maximum values per year | five out of six months over the summer season (April to September) |

Parameter

Required proportion of valid data

1 hour values

75 % (i.e. 45 minutes)

8 hours values

75 % of values (i.e. 6 hours)

Maximum daily 8 hours mean from hourly running 8 hours

75 % of the hourly running 8 hours averages (i.e. 18 8-hourly averages per day)

AOT40

90 % of the 1 hour values over the time period defined for calculating the AOT40 value (1)

Annual mean

75 % of the 1 hour values over summer (April to September) and 75 % over winter (January to March, October to December) seasons separately

Number of exceedances and maximum values per month

90 % of the daily maximum 8 hours mean values (27 available daily values per month)

90 % of the 1 hour values between 8.00 and 20.00 CET

Number of exceedances and maximum values per year

five out of six months over the summer season (April to September)

B.   Target values

| Objective | Averaging period | Target value | Date by which target value should be met (2) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Protection of human health | Maximum daily 8-hour mean (3) | 120 μg/m3 not to be exceeded on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years (4) | 1.1.2010 |
| Protection of vegetation | May to July | AOT40 (calculated from 1 h values)
  18 000 μg/m3 × h averaged over five years (4) | 1.1.2010 |

Objective

Averaging period

Target value

Date by which target value should be met (2)

Protection of human health

Maximum daily 8-hour mean (3)

120 μg/m3 not to be exceeded on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years (4)

1.1.2010

Protection of vegetation

May to July

AOT40 (calculated from 1 h values)

18 000 μg/m3 × h averaged over five years (4)

1.1.2010

C.   Long-term objectives

| Objective | Averaging period | Long-term objective | Date by which the long-term objective should be met |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Protection of human health | Maximum daily 8-hour mean within a calendar year | 120 μg/m3 | not defined |
| Protection of vegetation | May to July | AOT40, (calculated from 1 h values)
  6 000 μg/m3 × h | not defined |

Objective

Averaging period

Long-term objective

Date by which the long-term objective should be met

Protection of human health

Maximum daily 8-hour mean within a calendar year

120 μg/m3

not defined

Protection of vegetation

May to July

AOT40, (calculated from 1 h values)

6 000 μg/m3 × h

not defined

---

(1)  In cases where all possible measured data are not available, the following factor shall be used to calculate AOT40 values:

Formula

| (*) | being the number of hours within the time period of AOT40 definition, (i.e. 8.00 to 20.00 CET from 1 May to 31 July each year, for vegetation protection and from 1 April to 30 September each year for forest protection). |
| --- | --- |

(*)

being the number of hours within the time period of AOT40 definition, (i.e. 8.00 to 20.00 CET from 1 May to 31 July each year, for vegetation protection and from 1 April to 30 September each year for forest protection).

(2)  Compliance with target values will be assessed as of this date. That is, 2010 will be the first year the data for which is used in calculating compliance over the following 3 or 5 years, as appropriate.

(3)  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 will be the period from 17.00 on the previous day to 1.00 on that day; the last calculation period for any one day will be the period from 16.00 to 24.00 on the day.

(4)  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 will be as follows:

| — | for the target value for the protection of human health: valid data for one year, |
| --- | --- |

—

for the target value for the protection of human health: valid data for one year,

| — | for the target value for the protection of vegetation: valid data for three years. |
| --- | --- |

—

for the target value for the protection of vegetation: valid data for three years.

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ANNEX VIII

Criteria for classifying and locating sampling points for assessments of ozone concentrations

The following apply to fixed measurements:

A.   Macroscale siting

| Type of station | Objectives 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 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 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 educational, 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 are 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/directions 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 suburban 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 summits of higher mountains |
| 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 population | Regional/national/continental levels
  (1 000 to 10 000 km2) | Station located in areas with lower population density, e.g. with natural ecosystems, forests, at a distance of at least 20 km from urban and industrial areas and away from local emissions;
  avoid locations which are subject to locally enhanced formation of ground-near inversion conditions, also summits of higher mountains;
  coastal sites with pronounced diurnal wind cycles of local character are not recommended |

Type of station

Objectives 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 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 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 educational, 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 are 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/directions 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 suburban 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 summits of higher mountains

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 population

Regional/national/continental levels

(1 000 to 10 000 km2)

Station located in areas with lower population density, e.g. with natural ecosystems, forests, at a distance of at least 20 km from urban and industrial areas and away from local emissions;

avoid locations which are subject to locally enhanced formation of ground-near inversion conditions, also summits of higher mountains;

coastal sites with pronounced diurnal wind cycles of local character are not recommended

For rural and rural background stations the location shall, where appropriate, be coordinated with the monitoring requirements of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1737/2006 of 7 November 2006 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Community (2).

B.   Microscale siting

In so far as is practicable the procedure on microscale siting in Section C of Annex III shall be followed, ensuring also that the inlet probe is positioned well away from such sources as furnaces and incineration flues and more than 10 m from the nearest road, with distance increasing as a function of traffic intensity.

C.   Documentation and review of site selection

The procedures in Section D of Annex III shall be followed, applying proper screening and interpretation of the monitoring data in the context of the meteorological and photochemical processes affecting the ozone concentrations measured at the respective sites.

---

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

(2)  OJ L 334, 30.11.2006, p. 1.

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ANNEX IX

Criteria for determining the minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement of concentrations of ozone

A.   Minimum number of sampling points for fixed continuous measurements to assess compliance with target values, long-term objectives and information and alert thresholds where such measurements are the sole source of information

| Population
  (× 1 000) | Agglomerations
  (urban and suburban) (1) | Other zones
  (suburban and rural) (1) | Rural background |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| < 250 | | 1 | 1 station/50 000 km2 as an average density over all zones per country (2) |
| < 500 | 1 | 2 |
| < 1 000 | 2 | 2 |
| < 1 500 | 3 | 3 |
| < 2 000 | 3 | 4 |
| < 2 750 | 4 | 5 |
| < 3 750 | 5 | 6 |
| > 3 750 | 1 additional station per 2 million inhabitants | 1 additional station per 2 million inhabitants |

Population

(× 1 000)

Agglomerations

(urban and suburban) (1)

Other zones

(suburban and rural) (1)

Rural background

< 250

1

1 station/50 000 km2 as an average density over all zones per country (2)

< 500

1

2

< 1 000

2

2

< 1 500

3

3

< 2 000

3

4

< 2 750

4

5

< 3 750

5

6

> 3 750

1 additional station per 2 million inhabitants

1 additional station per 2 million inhabitants

B.   Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements for zones and agglomerations attaining 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 collocated nitrogen dioxide measurements, be sufficient to examine the trend of ozone pollution and check compliance with the long-term objectives. The number of stations located in agglomerations and other zones may be reduced to one-third of the number specified in Section A. 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, coordination with the number of stations in neighbouring zones shall ensure adequate assessment of ozone concentrations against long-term objectives. The number of rural background stations shall be 1 per 100 000 km2.

---

(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.

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ANNEX X

Measurements of ozone precursor substances

A.   Objectives

The main objectives of such measurements are to analyse any trend in ozone precursors, to check the efficiency of emission reduction strategies, to check the consistency of emission inventories and to help attribute emission sources to observed pollution concentrations.

An additional aim is to support the understanding of ozone formation and precursor dispersion processes, as well as the application of photochemical models.

B.   Substances

Measurement of ozone precursor substances shall include at least nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), and appropriate volatile organic compounds (VOC). A list of volatile organic compounds recommended for measurement is given below:

| | 1-Butene | Isoprene | Ethyl benzene |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ethane | Trans-2-Butene | n-Hexane | m+p-Xylene |
| Ethylene | cis-2-Butene | i-Hexane | o-Xylene |
| Acetylene | 1,3-Butadiene | n-Heptane | 1,2,4-Trimethylebenzene |
| Propane | n-Pentane | n-Octane | 1,2,3-Trimethylebenzene |
| Propene | i-Pentane | i-Octane | 1,3,5-Trimethylebenzene |
| n-Butane | 1-Pentene | Benzene | Formaldehyde |
| i-Butane | 2-Pentene | Toluene | Total non-methane hydrocarbons |

1-Butene

Isoprene

Ethyl benzene

Ethane

Trans-2-Butene

n-Hexane

m+p-Xylene

Ethylene

cis-2-Butene

i-Hexane

o-Xylene

Acetylene

1,3-Butadiene

n-Heptane

1,2,4-Trimethylebenzene

Propane

n-Pentane

n-Octane

1,2,3-Trimethylebenzene

Propene

i-Pentane

i-Octane

1,3,5-Trimethylebenzene

n-Butane

1-Pentene

Benzene

Formaldehyde

i-Butane

2-Pentene

Toluene

Total non-methane hydrocarbons

C.   Siting

Measurements shall be taken in particular in urban or suburban areas at any monitoring site set up in accordance with the requirements of this Directive and considered appropriate with regard to the monitoring objectives referred to in Section A.

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ANNEX XI

Limit values for the protection of human health

A.   Criteria

Without prejudice to Annex I, the following criteria shall be used for checking validity when aggregating data and calculating statistical parameters:

| Parameter | Required proportion of valid data |
| --- | --- |
| 1 hour values | 75 % (i.e. 45 minutes) |
| 8 hours values | 75 % of values (i.e. 6 hours) |
| Maximum daily 8-hour mean | 75 % of the hourly running 8-hour averages (i.e. 18 8-hour averages per day) |
| 24-hour values | 75 % of the hourly averages (i.e. at least 18 hour values) |
| Annual mean | 90 % (1) of the 1-hour values or (if not available) 24-hour values over the year |

Parameter

Required proportion of valid data

1 hour values

75 % (i.e. 45 minutes)

8 hours values

75 % of values (i.e. 6 hours)

Maximum daily 8-hour mean

75 % of the hourly running 8-hour averages (i.e. 18 8-hour averages per day)

24-hour values

75 % of the hourly averages (i.e. at least 18 hour values)

Annual mean

90 % (1) of the 1-hour values or (if not available) 24-hour values over the year

B.   Limit values

| Averaging Period | Limit value | Margin of tolerance | Date by which limit value is to be met |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sulphur dioxide |
| 1 hour | 350 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 24 times a calendar year | 150 μg/m3 (43 %) | (2) |
| 1 day | 125 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 3 times a calendar year | None | (2) |
| Nitrogen dioxide |
| 1 hour | 200 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 18 times a calendar year | 50 % on 19 July 1999, decreasing on 1 January 2001 and every 12 months thereafter by equal annual percentages to reach 0 % by 1 January 2010 | 1 January 2010 |
| Calendar year | 40 μg/m3 | 50 % on 19 July 1999, decreasing on 1 January 2001 and every 12 months thereafter by equal annual percentages to reach 0 % by 1 January 2010 | 1 January 2010 |
| Benzene |
| Calendar year | 5 μg/m3 | 5 μg/m3 (100 %) on 13 December 2000, decreasing on 1 January 2006 and every 12 months thereafter by 1 μg/m3 to reach 0 % by 1 January 2010 | 1 January 2010 |
| Carbon monoxide |
| max. daily 8-hour mean (3) | 10 mg/m3 | 60 % | (2) |
| Lead |
| Calendar year | 0,5 μg/m3 | 100 % | (4) |
| PM10 |
| 1 day | 50 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a calendar year | 50 % | (2) |
| Calendar year | 40 μg/m3 | 20 % | (2) |

Averaging Period

Limit value

Margin of tolerance

Date by which limit value is to be met

Sulphur dioxide

1 hour

350 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 24 times a calendar year

150 μg/m3 (43 %)

(2)

1 day

125 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 3 times a calendar year

None

(2)

Nitrogen dioxide

1 hour

200 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 18 times a calendar year

50 % on 19 July 1999, decreasing on 1 January 2001 and every 12 months thereafter by equal annual percentages to reach 0 % by 1 January 2010

1 January 2010

Calendar year

40 μg/m3

50 % on 19 July 1999, decreasing on 1 January 2001 and every 12 months thereafter by equal annual percentages to reach 0 % by 1 January 2010

1 January 2010

Benzene

Calendar year

5 μg/m3

5 μg/m3 (100 %) on 13 December 2000, decreasing on 1 January 2006 and every 12 months thereafter by 1 μg/m3 to reach 0 % by 1 January 2010

1 January 2010

Carbon monoxide

max. daily 8-hour mean (3)

10 mg/m3

60 %

(2)

Lead

Calendar year

0,5 μg/m3

100 %

(4)

PM10

1 day

50 μg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a calendar year

50 %

(2)

Calendar year

40 μg/m3

20 %

(2)

---

(1)  The requirement for the calculation of annual mean do not include losses of data due to the regular calibration or the normal maintenance of the instrumentation.

(2)  Already in force since 1 January 2005

(3)  The maximum daily 8-hour mean concentration will be selected by examining 8-hour running averages, calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each 8-hour average so calculated will be assigned to the day on which it ends i.e. the first calculation period for any one day will be the period from 17.00 on the previous day to 1.00 on that day; the last calculation period for any one day will be the period from 16.00 to 24.00 on that day.

(4)  Already in force since 1 January 2005. Limit value to be met only by 1 January 2010 in the immediate vicinity of the specific industrial sources situated on sites contaminated by decades of industrial activities. In such cases, the limit value until 1 January 2010 will be 1,0 μg/m3. The area in which higher limit values apply must not extend further than 1 000 m from such specific sources.

---

ANNEX XII

Information and alert thresholds

A.   Alert thresholds for pollutants other than ozone

To be 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.

| Pollutant | Alert threshold |
| --- | --- |
| Sulphur dioxide | 500 μg/m3 |
| Nitrogen dioxide | 400 μg/m3 |

Pollutant

Alert threshold

Sulphur dioxide

500 μg/m3

Nitrogen dioxide

400 μg/m3

B.   Information and alert thresholds for ozone

| Purpose | Averaging period | Threshold |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Information | 1 hour | 180 μg/m3 |
| Alert | 1 hour (1) | 240 μg/m3 |

Purpose

Averaging period

Threshold

Information

1 hour

180 μg/m3

Alert

1 hour (1)

240 μg/m3

---

(1)  For the implementation of Article 24, the exceedance of the threshold is to be measured or predicted for three consecutive hours.

---

ANNEX XIII

Critical levels for the protection of vegetation

| Averaging period | Critical Level | Margin of tolerance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sulphur dioxide |
| Calendar year and winter (1 October to 31 March) | 20 μg/m3 | None |
| Oxides of nitrogen |
| Calendar year | 30 μg/m3 NOx | None |

Averaging period

Critical Level

Margin of tolerance

Sulphur dioxide

Calendar year and winter (1 October to 31 March)

20 μg/m3

None

Oxides of nitrogen

Calendar year

30 μg/m3 NOx

None

---

ANNEX XIV

National exposure reduction target, target value and limit value for PM2,5

A.   Average exposure indicator

The Average Exposure Indicator expressed in μg/m3 (AEI) shall be based upon measurements in urban background locations in zones and agglomerations throughout the territory of a Member State. It should be assessed as a 3-calendar year running annual mean concentration averaged over all sampling points established pursuant to Section B of Annex V. The AEI for the reference year 2010 shall be the mean concentration of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

However, Member States may use the mean concentration of the years 2009 and 2010 or the mean concentration of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 if, for technical or economic reasons, they are not able to establish the necessary monitoring stations by 1 January 2008. Member States making use of these possibilities shall communicate their decisions to the Commission before 1 January 2008.

The AEI for the year 2020 shall be the 3-year running mean concentration averaged over all sampling points for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The AEI is used for the examination whether the national exposure reduction target is met.

B.   National exposure reduction target

| AEI in 2010 | Exposure Reduction Target relative to 2010 | Year by which the national exposure reduction target should be met |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Above 13 μg/m3 | 20 percent | 2020 |
| 7-13 μg/m3 | (AEI × 1,5) percent |

AEI in 2010

Exposure Reduction Target relative to 2010

Year by which the national exposure reduction target should be met

Above 13 μg/m3

20 percent

2020

7-13 μg/m3

(AEI × 1,5) percent

Where the AEI in the reference year is 7 μg/m3 or less the exposure reduction target shall be zero. The reduction target shall be zero also in cases where the AEI reaches the level of 7 μg/m3 at any point of time during the period from 2010 to 2020 and is maintained at or below that level.

C.   Target value

| Averaging Period | Target value | Date by which target value should be met |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calendar year | 25 μg/m3 | 1 January 2010 |

Averaging Period

Target value

Date by which target value should be met

Calendar year

25 μg/m3

1 January 2010

D.   Limit value

| Averaging period | Limit Value | Margin of tolerance | Date by which limit value is to be met |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Calendar year | 25 μg/m3 | 20 % on ... (1), decreasing on the next 1 January and every 12 months thereafter by equal annual percentages to reach 0 % by 1 January 2015 | 1 January 2015 |

Averaging period

Limit Value

Margin of tolerance

Date by which limit value is to be met

Calendar year

25 μg/m3

20 % on ... (1), decreasing on the next 1 January and every 12 months thereafter by equal annual percentages to reach 0 % by 1 January 2015

1 January 2015

---

(1)  The date of entry into force of this Directive.

---

ANNEX XV

Information to be included in the local, regional or national air quality plans for improvement in ambient air quality

A.   Information to be provided under Article 23 (air quality plans)

| 1. | Localisation of excess pollution






  (a) | region; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Localisation of excess pollution

(a)

region;

| (b) | city (map); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

city (map);

| (c) | measuring station (map, geographical coordinates). |
| --- | --- |

(c)

measuring station (map, geographical coordinates).

| 2. | General information:






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

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; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

estimate of the polluted area (km2) and of the population exposed to the pollution;

| (c) | useful climatic data; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

useful climatic data;

| (d) | relevant data on topography; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

relevant data on topography;

| (e) | sufficient information on the type of targets requiring protection in the zone. |
| --- | --- |

(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. |
| --- | --- |

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); |
| --- | --- | --- |

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; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

concentrations measured since the beginning of the project;

| (c) | techniques used for the assessment. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

techniques used for the assessment.

| 5. | Origin of pollution






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

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); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

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

| (c) | information on pollution imported from other regions. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

information on pollution imported from other regions.

| 6. | Analysis of the situation






  (a) | details of those factors responsible for the exceedance (e.g. transport, including cross-border transport, formation of secondary pollutants in the atmosphere); |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

Analysis of the situation

(a)

details of those factors responsible for the exceedance (e.g. transport, including cross-border transport, formation of secondary pollutants in the atmosphere);

| (b) | details of possible measures for the improvement of air quality. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

details of possible measures for the improvement of air quality.

| 7. | Details of those measures or projects for improvement which existed prior to ... (1), i.e.:






  (a) | local, regional, national, international measures; |
| --- | --- | --- |

7.

Details of those measures or projects for improvement which existed prior to ... (1), i.e.:

(a)

local, regional, national, international measures;

| (b) | observed effects of these measures. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

observed effects of these measures.

| 8. | Details of those measures or projects adopted with a view to reducing pollution following the entry into force of this Directive:






  (a) | listing and description of all the measures set out in the project; |
| --- | --- | --- |

8.

Details of those measures or projects adopted with a view to reducing pollution following the entry into force of this Directive:

(a)

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

| (b) | timetable for implementation; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

timetable for implementation;

| (c) | estimate of the improvement of air quality planned and of the expected time required to attain these objectives. |
| --- | --- |

(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. |
| --- | --- |

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 required under this Annex. |
| --- | --- |

10.

List of the publications, documents, work, etc., used to supplement information required under this Annex.

B.   Information to be provided under Article 22(1)

| 1. | All information as laid down in Section A. |
| --- | --- |

1.

All information as laid down in Section A.

| 2. | Information concerning the status of implementation of the following Directives:






  (1) | Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles (2); |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Information concerning the status of implementation of the following Directives:

(1)

Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles (2);

| (2) | Directive 94/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 1994 on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations (3); |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Directive 94/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 1994 on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations (3);

| (3) | Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (4); |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (4);

| (4) | Directive 97/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery as amended (5); |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Directive 97/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery as amended (5);

| (5) | Directive 98/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels (6); |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Directive 98/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels (6);

| (6) | Council Directive 1999/13/EC of 11 March 1999 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations (7); |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Council Directive 1999/13/EC of 11 March 1999 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations (7);

| (7) | Council Directive 1999/32/EC of 26 April 1999 relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels (8); |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Council Directive 1999/32/EC of 26 April 1999 relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels (8);

| (8) | Directive 2000/76/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 December 2000 on the incineration of waste (9); |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Directive 2000/76/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 December 2000 on the incineration of waste (9);

| (9) | Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants; |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants;

| (10) | Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants; |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants;

| (11) | Directive 2004/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products (10); |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Directive 2004/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products (10);

| (12) | Directive 2005/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 amending Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels (11); |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Directive 2005/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 amending Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels (11);

| (13) | Directive 2005/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from compression-ignition engines for use in vehicles, and the emission of gaseous pollutants from positive-ignition engines fuelled with natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas for use in vehicles (12); |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Directive 2005/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from compression-ignition engines for use in vehicles, and the emission of gaseous pollutants from positive-ignition engines fuelled with natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas for use in vehicles (12);

| (14) | Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services (13). |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services (13).

| 3. | Information on all air pollution abatement measures that have been considered at appropriate local, regional or national level for implementation in connection with the attainment of air quality objectives, including:






  (a) | reduction of emissions from stationary sources by ensuring that polluting small and medium sized stationary combustion sources (including for biomass) are fitted with emission control equipment or replaced; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Information on all air pollution abatement measures that have been considered at appropriate local, regional or national level for implementation in connection with the attainment of air quality objectives, including:

(a)

reduction of emissions from stationary sources by ensuring that polluting small and medium sized stationary combustion sources (including for biomass) are fitted with emission control equipment or replaced;

| (b) | reduction of emissions from vehicles through retrofitting with emission control equipment. The use of economic incentives to accelerate take-up should be considered; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

reduction of emissions from vehicles through retrofitting with emission control equipment. The use of economic incentives to accelerate take-up should be considered;

| (c) | procurement by public authorities, in line with the handbook on environmental public procurement, of road vehicles, fuels and combustion equipment to reduce emissions, including the purchase of:






  — | new vehicles, including low emission vehicles, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

procurement by public authorities, in line with the handbook on environmental public procurement, of road vehicles, fuels and combustion equipment to reduce emissions, including the purchase of:

—

new vehicles, including low emission vehicles,

| — | cleaner vehicle transport services, |
| --- | --- |

—

cleaner vehicle transport services,

| — | low emission stationary combustion sources, |
| --- | --- |

—

low emission stationary combustion sources,

| — | low emission fuels for stationary and mobile sources; |
| --- | --- |

—

low emission fuels for stationary and mobile sources;

| (d) | measures to limit transport emissions through traffic planning and management (including congestion pricing, differentiated parking fees or other economic incentives; establishing ‘low emission zones’); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

measures to limit transport emissions through traffic planning and management (including congestion pricing, differentiated parking fees or other economic incentives; establishing ‘low emission zones’);

| (e) | measures to encourage a shift of transport towards less polluting modes; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

measures to encourage a shift of transport towards less polluting modes;

| (f) | ensuring that low emission fuels are used in small, medium and large scale stationary sources and in mobile sources; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

ensuring that low emission fuels are used in small, medium and large scale stationary sources and in mobile sources;

| (g) | measures to reduce air pollution through the permit system under Directive 96/61/EC, the national plans under Directive 2001/80/EC, and through the use of economic instruments such as taxes, charges or emission trading. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

measures to reduce air pollution through the permit system under Directive 96/61/EC, the national plans under Directive 2001/80/EC, and through the use of economic instruments such as taxes, charges or emission trading.

---

(1)  Date of entry into force of this Directive.

(2)  OJ L 76, 6.4.1970, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2003/76/EC (OJ L 206, 15.8.2003, p. 29).

(3)  OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 24. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

(4)  OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 33, 4.2.2006, p. 1).

(5)  OJ L 59, 27.2.1998, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC.

(6)  OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 58. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003.

(7)  OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2004/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 87).

(8)  OJ L 121, 11.5.1999, p. 13. Directive as last amended by Directive 2005/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 59).

(9)  OJ L 332, 28.12.2000, p. 91.

(10)  OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 87.

(11)  OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 59.

(12)  OJ L 275, 20.10.2005, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/51/EC (OJ L 152, 7.6.2006, p. 11).

(13)  OJ L 114, 27.4.2006, p. 64.

---

ANNEX XVI

Public information

| 1. | Member States shall ensure that up-to-date information on ambient concentrations of the pollutants covered by this Directive is routinely made available to the public. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Member States shall ensure that up-to-date information on ambient concentrations of the pollutants covered by this Directive is routinely made available to the public.

| 2. | Ambient concentrations provided shall be presented as average values according to the appropriate averaging period as laid down in Annex VII and Annexes XI to XIV. The information shall at least indicate any levels exceeding air quality objectives including limit values, target values, alert thresholds, information thresholds or long term objectives of the regulated pollutant. It shall also provide a short assessment in relation to the air quality objectives and appropriate information regarding effects on health, or, where appropriate, vegetation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Ambient concentrations provided shall be presented as average values according to the appropriate averaging period as laid down in Annex VII and Annexes XI to XIV. The information shall at least indicate any levels exceeding air quality objectives including limit values, target values, alert thresholds, information thresholds or long term objectives of the regulated pollutant. It shall also provide a short assessment in relation to the air quality objectives and appropriate information regarding effects on health, or, where appropriate, vegetation.

| 3. | Information on ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (at least PM10), ozone and carbon monoxide shall be updated on at least a daily basis, and, wherever practicable, information shall be updated on an hourly basis. Information on ambient concentrations of lead and benzene, presented as an average value for the last 12 months, shall be updated on a three-monthly basis, and on a monthly basis, wherever practicable. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Information on ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (at least PM10), ozone and carbon monoxide shall be updated on at least a daily basis, and, wherever practicable, information shall be updated on an hourly basis. Information on ambient concentrations of lead and benzene, presented as an average value for the last 12 months, shall be updated on a three-monthly basis, and on a monthly basis, wherever practicable.

| 4. | Member States shall ensure that timely information about actual or predicted exceedances of alert thresholds, and any information threshold is provided to the public. Details supplied shall include at least the following information:






  (a) | information on observed exceedance(s):






  — | location or area of the exceedance, |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.

Member States shall ensure that timely information about actual or predicted exceedances of alert thresholds, and any information threshold is provided to the public. Details supplied shall include at least the following information:

(a)

information on observed exceedance(s):

—

location or area of the exceedance,

| — | type of threshold exceeded (information or alert), |
| --- | --- |

—

type of threshold exceeded (information or alert),

| — | start time and duration of the exceedance, |
| --- | --- |

—

start time and duration of the exceedance,

| — | highest 1-hour concentration and in addition highest 8-hour mean concentration in the case of ozone; |
| --- | --- |

—

highest 1-hour concentration and in addition highest 8-hour mean concentration in the case of ozone;

| (b) | forecast for the following afternoon/day(s):






  — | geographical area of expected exceedances of information and/or alert threshold, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

forecast for the following afternoon/day(s):

—

geographical area of expected exceedances of information and/or alert threshold,

| — | expected changes in pollution (improvement, stabilisation or deterioration), together with the reasons for those changes; |
| --- | --- |

—

expected changes in pollution (improvement, stabilisation or deterioration), together with the reasons for those changes;

| (c) | information on the type of population concerned, possible health effects and recommended behaviour:






  — | information on population groups at risk, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

information on the type of population concerned, possible health effects and recommended behaviour:

—

information on population groups at risk,

| — | description of likely symptoms, |
| --- | --- |

—

description of likely symptoms,

| — | recommended precautions to be taken by the population concerned, |
| --- | --- |

—

recommended precautions to be taken by the population concerned,

| — | where to find further information; |
| --- | --- |

—

where to find further information;

| (d) | information on preventive action to reduce pollution and/or exposure to it: indication of main source sectors; recommendations for action to reduce emissions; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

information on preventive action to reduce pollution and/or exposure to it: indication of main source sectors; recommendations for action to reduce emissions;

| (e) | in the case of predicted exceedances, Member State shall take steps to ensure that such details are supplied to the extent practicable. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

in the case of predicted exceedances, Member State shall take steps to ensure that such details are supplied to the extent practicable.

---

ANNEX XVII

Correlation table

| This Directive | Directive 96/62/EC | Directive 1999/30/EC | Directive 2000/69/EC | Directive 2002/3/EC |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Article 1 | Article 1 | Article 1 | Article 1 | Article 1 |
| Article 2(1) to (5) | Article 2(1) to (5) | — | — | — |
| Article 2(6) and (7) | — | — | — | — |
| Article 2(8) | Article 2(8) | Article 2(7) | — | — |
| Article 2(9) | Article 2(6) | — | — | Article 2(9) |
| Article 2(10) | Article 2(7) | Article 2(6) | — | Article 2(11) |
| Article 2(11) | — | — | — | Article 2(12) |
| Article 2(12) and (13) | — | Article 2(13) and (14) | Article 2(a) and (b) | — |
| Article 2(14) | — | — | — | Article 2(10) |
| Article 2(15) and (16) | Article 2(9) and (10) | Article 2(8) and (9) | — | Article 2(7) and (8) |
| Article 2(17) and (18) | — | Article 2(11) and (12) | — | — |
| Article 2(19), (20) and (21) | — | — | — | — |
| Article 2(22) | — | Article 2(10) | — | — |
| Article 2(23) and (24) | Article 6(5) | — | — | — |
| Article 2(25) | — | — | — | Article 2(13) |
| Article 3, with the exception of paragraph (1)(f) | Article 3 | — | — | — |
| Article 3(1)(f) | — | — | — | — |
| Article 4 | Article 2(9) and (10), Article 6(1) | — | — | — |
| Article 5 | — | Article 7(1) | Article 5(1) | — |
| Article 6 (1) to (4) | Article 6 (1) to (4) | — | — | — |
| Article 6 (5) | — | — | — | — |
| Article 7 | — | Article 7 (2) and (3) with amendments | Article 5(2) and (3) with amendments | |
| Article 8 | — | Article 7(5) | Article 5(5) | — |
| Article 9 | — | — | — | Article 9(1) first and second subparagraphs |
| Article 10 | — | — | — | Article 9(1) to (3) with amendments |
| Article 11(1) | — | — | — | Article 9(4) |
| Article 11(2) | — | — | — | — |
| Article 12 | Article 9 | — | — | — |
| Article 13(1) | — | Articles 3(1), 4(1), 5(1) and 6 | Articles 3(1) and 4 | — |
| Article 13(2) | — | Articles 3(2) and 4(2) | — | — |
| Article 13(3) | — | Article 5(5) | — | — |
| Article 14 | — | Articles 3(1) and 4(1) with amendments | — | — |
| Article 15 | — | — | — | — |
| Article 16 | — | — | — | — |
| Article 17(1) | — | — | — | Articles 3(1) and 4(1) |
| Article 17(2) | — | — | — | Article 3(2) and (3) |
| Article 17(3) | — | — | — | Article 4(2) |
| Article 18 | — | — | — | Article 5 |
| Article 19 | Article 10 with amendments | Article 8(3) | — | Article 6 with amendments |
| Article 20 | — | Articles 3(4) and 5(4) with amendments | — | — |
| Article 21 | — | — | — | — |
| Article 22 | — | — | — | — |
| Article 23 | Article 8(1) to (4) with amendments | — | — | — |
| Article 24 | Article 7(3) with amendments | — | — | Article 7 with amendments |
| Article 25 | Article 8(5) with amendments | — | — | Article 8 with amendments |
| Article 26 | — | Article 8 with amendments | Article 7 with amendments | Article 6 with amendments |
| Article 27 | Article 11 with amendments | Article 5(2) second subparagraph | — | Article 10 with amendments |
| Article 28(1) | Article 12(1) with amendments | — | — | — |
| Article 28(2) | Article 11 with amendments | — | — | — |
| Article 28(3) | — | — | — | — |
| Article 28(4) | — | Annex IX with amendments | — | — |
| Article 29 | Article 12(2) | — | — | — |
| Article 30 | — | Article 11 | Article 9 | Article 14 |
| Article 31 | — | — | — | — |
| Article 32 | — | — | — | — |
| Article 33 | Article 13 | Article 12 | Article 10 | Article 15 |
| Article 34 | Article 14 | Article 13 | Article 11 | Article 17 |
| Article 35 | Article 15 | Article 14 | Article 12 | Article 18 |
| Annex I | — | Annex VIII with amendments | Annex VI | Annex VII |
| Annex II | — | Annex V with amendments | Annex III | |
| Annex III | — | Annex VI | Annex IV | — |
| Annex IV | — | — | — | — |
| Annex V | — | Annex VII with amendments | Annex V | — |
| Annex VI | — | Annex IX with amendments | Annex VII | Annex VIII |
| Annex VII | — | — | — | Annex I, Annex III Section II |
| Annex VIII | — | — | — | Annex IV |
| Annex IX | — | — | — | Annex V |
| Annex X | — | — | — | Annex VI |
| Annex XI | — | Annex I, Section I, Annex II, Section I and Annex III (with amendments); Annex IV (unchanged) | Annex I, Annex II | — |
| Annex XII | — | Annex I, Section II, Annex II, Section II, | — | Annex II, Section I |
| Annex XIII | — | Annex I, Section I, Annex II, Section I | — | — |
| Annex XIV | — | — | — | — |
| Annex XV Section A | Annex IV | — | — | — |
| Annex XV Section B | — | — | — | — |
| Annex XVI | — | Article 8 | Article 7 | Article 6 with amendments |

This Directive

Directive 96/62/EC

Directive 1999/30/EC

Directive 2000/69/EC

Directive 2002/3/EC

Article 1

Article 1

Article 1

Article 1

Article 1

Article 2(1) to (5)

Article 2(1) to (5)

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Article 2(6) and (7)

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Article 2(8)

Article 2(8)

Article 2(7)

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Article 2(9)

Article 2(6)

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Article 2(9)

Article 2(10)

Article 2(7)

Article 2(6)

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Article 2(11)

Article 2(11)

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Article 2(12)

Article 2(12) and (13)

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Article 2(13) and (14)

Article 2(a) and (b)

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Article 2(14)

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Article 2(10)

Article 2(15) and (16)

Article 2(9) and (10)

Article 2(8) and (9)

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Article 2(7) and (8)

Article 2(17) and (18)

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Article 2(11) and (12)

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Article 2(19), (20) and (21)

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Article 2(22)

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Article 2(10)

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Article 2(23) and (24)

Article 6(5)

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Article 2(25)

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Article 2(13)

Article 3, with the exception of paragraph (1)(f)

Article 3

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Article 3(1)(f)

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Article 4

Article 2(9) and (10), Article 6(1)

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Article 5

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Article 7(1)

Article 5(1)

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Article 6 (1) to (4)

Article 6 (1) to (4)

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Article 6 (5)

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Article 7

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Article 7 (2) and (3) with amendments

Article 5(2) and (3) with amendments

Article 8

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Article 7(5)

Article 5(5)

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Article 9

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Article 9(1) first and second subparagraphs

Article 10

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Article 9(1) to (3) with amendments

Article 11(1)

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Article 9(4)

Article 11(2)

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Article 12

Article 9

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Article 13(1)

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Articles 3(1), 4(1), 5(1) and 6

Articles 3(1) and 4

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Article 13(2)

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Articles 3(2) and 4(2)

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Article 13(3)

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Article 5(5)

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Article 14

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Articles 3(1) and 4(1) with amendments

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Article 15

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Article 16

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Article 17(1)

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Articles 3(1) and 4(1)

Article 17(2)

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Article 3(2) and (3)

Article 17(3)

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Article 4(2)

Article 18

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Article 5

Article 19

Article 10 with amendments

Article 8(3)

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Article 6 with amendments

Article 20

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Articles 3(4) and 5(4) with amendments

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Article 21

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Article 22

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Article 23

Article 8(1) to (4) with amendments

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Article 24

Article 7(3) with amendments

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Article 7 with amendments

Article 25

Article 8(5) with amendments

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Article 8 with amendments

Article 26

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Article 8 with amendments

Article 7 with amendments

Article 6 with amendments

Article 27

Article 11 with amendments

Article 5(2) second subparagraph

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Article 10 with amendments

Article 28(1)

Article 12(1) with amendments

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Article 28(2)

Article 11 with amendments

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Article 28(3)

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Article 28(4)

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Annex IX with amendments

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Article 29

Article 12(2)

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Article 30

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Article 11

Article 9

Article 14

Article 31

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Article 32

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Article 33

Article 13

Article 12

Article 10

Article 15

Article 34

Article 14

Article 13

Article 11

Article 17

Article 35

Article 15

Article 14

Article 12

Article 18

Annex I

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Annex VIII with amendments

Annex VI

Annex VII

Annex II

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Annex V with amendments

Annex III

Annex III

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Annex VI

Annex IV

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Annex IV

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Annex V

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Annex VII with amendments

Annex V

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Annex VI

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Annex IX with amendments

Annex VII

Annex VIII

Annex VII

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Annex I, Annex III Section II

Annex VIII

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Annex IV

Annex IX

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Annex V

Annex X

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Annex VI

Annex XI

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Annex I, Section I, Annex II, Section I and Annex III (with amendments); Annex IV (unchanged)

Annex I, Annex II

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Annex XII

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Annex I, Section II, Annex II, Section II,

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Annex II, Section I

Annex XIII

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Annex I, Section I, Annex II, Section I

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Annex XIV

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Annex XV Section A

Annex IV

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Annex XV Section B

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Annex XVI

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Article 8

Article 7

Article 6 with amendments

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STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | On 21 September 2005, the Commission (1) presented to the Council its proposal for a Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. |
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1.

On 21 September 2005, the Commission (1) presented to the Council its proposal for a Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe.

| 2. | The European Parliament (2) gave its Opinion on 26 September 2006.
  The European Economic and Social Committee (3) adopted its Opinion on 17 May 2006.
  The Committee of the Regions (4) delivered its Opinion on 26 April 2006. |
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2.

The European Parliament (2) gave its Opinion on 26 September 2006.

The European Economic and Social Committee (3) adopted its Opinion on 17 May 2006.

The Committee of the Regions (4) delivered its Opinion on 26 April 2006.

| 3. | On 25 June 2007, the Council adopted its common position. |
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3.

On 25 June 2007, the Council adopted its common position.

II.   OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the proposal is to consolidate existing ambient air quality legislation into a single directive. Furthermore, the proposal has some new elements:

| — | introduction of provisions on fine particles (PM2,5) in order to integrate the latest health and scientific developments, |
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introduction of provisions on fine particles (PM2,5) in order to integrate the latest health and scientific developments,

| — | possibility for time limited derogations from the existing and future limit values taking effect as from 1 January 2005 and 1 January 2010 respectively. Such derogations may only be granted under strict conditions and the Member States are required to establish special air quality plans and to take appropriate measures in order to ensure compliance. |
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possibility for time limited derogations from the existing and future limit values taking effect as from 1 January 2005 and 1 January 2010 respectively. Such derogations may only be granted under strict conditions and the Member States are required to establish special air quality plans and to take appropriate measures in order to ensure compliance.

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

1.   General

Almost half of the 59 European Parliament's first-reading amendments, were incorporated into the Council's common position either verbatim, in part or in spirit. The remaining amendments were considered unnecessary and/or undesirable by the Council.

In particular, the common position presents the following major changes of substance:

| — | a non-binding target value for PM2,5 in 2010 to be replaced by a binding limit value in 2015 (25 μg/m3 for both target value and limit value), |
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a non-binding target value for PM2,5 in 2010 to be replaced by a binding limit value in 2015 (25 μg/m3 for both target value and limit value),

| — | the possibility to postpone attainment of the limit value for PM10 until three years after entry into force of this Directive, |
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the possibility to postpone attainment of the limit value for PM10 until three years after entry into force of this Directive,

| — | the possibility to postpone the deadlines for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and benzene by a maximum of five years (until 1 January 2015), |
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the possibility to postpone the deadlines for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and benzene by a maximum of five years (until 1 January 2015),

| — | the principle that limit values should apply everywhere, but in certain locations compliance with limit values should not be assessed. |
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the principle that limit values should apply everywhere, but in certain locations compliance with limit values should not be assessed.

The following sections describe the changes of substance and the Council's reaction to the European Parliament's amendments.

2.   Assessment of air quality (Articles 5 to 11)

The common position is not consistent with amendments 16 and 17. The Council believes that modelling techniques should not be compulsory but an option for Member States, taking in principle amendments 2, 3 and 6.. It also believes that daily measurements should not be mandatory where there are no daily limit values, as proposed in amendments 18 and 20.

The common position is not consistent with amendment 22 since the Council believes that, in practice, it will be very difficult to guarantee that Commission and Member States will be able to ensure the uniform application of the criteria for selecting sampling points.

3.   Air quality management (Articles 12 to 22, Annexes III and XIV)

In its Articles 15 and 16, the common position establishes a two stage approach for the regulation of fine particles (PM2,5), taking on board, fully or partly, amendments 13, 27, 31, 40 and 48. Amendment 29 was accepted in principle and a clear legal distinction between the target value and the limit value for PM2,5 was introduced in the common position. The Council cannot accept amendment 50: Annex XIV of the common position establishes the value of 25 μg/m3 for both target value and limit value for fine particles.

Article 15 was modified and is now referring to a national PM2,5 exposure reduction target for the protection of human health. The calculation of the national exposure reduction target was revised in order to ensure differentiation among Member States, taking into consideration their concentration levels. Amendment 49 was taken in principle.

In its Article 21, the common position gives to Member States the possibility for subtracting exceedances attributable to winter-sanding or -salting of roads, being consistent with amendment 26. However, amendment 25 is in contradiction with the purpose of this article because it would eliminate the possibility of using the derogation: PM2,5 levels are affected by road-sanding to some extent in all cases. The common position is not consistent with amendments 24 and 60 since Section A of Annex III was redrafted maintaining the principle that limit values apply everywhere.

Amendment 81 is not acceptable for the Council that envisages, in the common position, the possibility to postpone the attainment of the limit value for PM10 until three years after the entry into force of the air quality directive. For nitrogen dioxide and benzene, the deadlines can be postponed by a maximum of five years. Moreover, the European Parliament proposes in this amendment that the relevant conditions to assess the need for the postponement of deadlines take into consideration the adoption of additional Community measures to help Member States to meet the relevant target and limit values. The Council believes that it is very difficult to demonstrate the link between the non entry into force of the Community measures aiming at reducing emissions and the non attainment of the target and limit values. For the same reason, amendments 83 and 84 are not acceptable.

Amendment 66 is not appropriate for a recital.

4.   Air Quality Plans (Articles 23 to 25)

Amendment 32 was not taken on board. Measures pursuant to Article 24 can already be included in the air quality plans. Proposals concerning industrial installations and application of best available techniques could not be accepted. The Council concluded that the application of the best available techniques in IPPC installations may not be enough in all cases. Therefore, amendments 10 and 33 would require changes to some provisions (namely Article 10) of the IPPC Directive.

Concerning amendments 35 and 36, the Council decided that Member States should draw up short-term action plans when there is a risk that one or more of the alert thresholds will be exceeded. For ozone, the obligation is linked to the actual potential to reduce the risk, duration or severity of such an exceedance. Member States may, on a voluntary basis, draw up short-term action plans if the limit values or target values are exceeded.

5.   Information and reporting (Articles 26 to 28)

The Council believes that if the relevant information is made available to the public, it is not necessary to specify the industrial federations as proposed in European Parliament's amendments 37 and 39.

The common position, in its Article 24, paragraph 4, includes the Commission's obligation to publish examples of best practices for the drawing of short-term action plans, two years after the entry into force of the directive. Amendment 38 was taken in part and principle.

6.   Final provisions (Articles 29 to 35)

The common position is consistent with amendment 41. The Council also believes that the Commission should not be notified of the penalties for infringements of domestic provisions.

Article 32 is consistent with amendment 42. The review clause was broadened and modified in order to include the possibility to introduce a legally binding exposure reduction obligation for PM2,5 and to review the provisions of other pollutants, as appropriate. In Article 33 of the common position, the Council proposes that Member States bring into force all the necessary provisions to comply with the air quality directive by 24 months — not 12 months as suggested by the European Parliament in amendment 44 — after its entry into force. Amendment 64 is not acceptable.

7.   Other

| — | In recital 2, the common position takes on board part of amendment 1 referring to the emission of pollutants at source. In what concerns the second part related to the establishment of emission rules, the Council considers that it is not directly related to the enacting terms of this Directive. For the same reason, the common position is not consistent with the second part of amendment 7. |
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In recital 2, the common position takes on board part of amendment 1 referring to the emission of pollutants at source. In what concerns the second part related to the establishment of emission rules, the Council considers that it is not directly related to the enacting terms of this Directive. For the same reason, the common position is not consistent with the second part of amendment 7.

| — | The common position includes, in Article 2, a definition on contributions from natural sources, consistent with amendment 14. |
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The common position includes, in Article 2, a definition on contributions from natural sources, consistent with amendment 14.

| — | Articles 12 and 18 of the common position are already taking on board the idea of compatibility with sustainable development, consistent with amendments 4, 9 and 65. |
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Articles 12 and 18 of the common position are already taking on board the idea of compatibility with sustainable development, consistent with amendments 4, 9 and 65.

| — | Amendment 82 is not acceptable for the Council since Member States have decided not to reopen the existing limit values. |
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Amendment 82 is not acceptable for the Council since Member States have decided not to reopen the existing limit values.

| — | The Council reduced the monitoring requirements by optimising total PM assessment (PM10 and PM2,5) in Annex V of the common position. Amendment 45 was taken in part and in principle. |
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The Council reduced the monitoring requirements by optimising total PM assessment (PM10 and PM2,5) in Annex V of the common position. Amendment 45 was taken in part and in principle.

| — | Amendment 51 was not taken on board because the inclusion of specific financial resources aiming at meeting air quality standards in the information to be provided with the air quality plans is a measure difficult to implement. |
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Amendment 51 was not taken on board because the inclusion of specific financial resources aiming at meeting air quality standards in the information to be provided with the air quality plans is a measure difficult to implement.

| — | Amendment 52 was not taken on board. The Council has chosen a lighter system of reporting, emphasizing appropriate local, regional and national levels. |
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Amendment 52 was not taken on board. The Council has chosen a lighter system of reporting, emphasizing appropriate local, regional and national levels.

| — | Amendments 61, 62 and 63 were taken in principle, since the common position is already aligned with the provisions of the new comitology procedure with scrutiny. |
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Amendments 61, 62 and 63 were taken in principle, since the common position is already aligned with the provisions of the new comitology procedure with scrutiny.

IV.   CONCLUSION

The Council believes that the common position represents a balanced package that would provide for a strong improvement of air quality in Europe and for sufficient flexibility for Member States that, despite their efforts, cannot meet the air quality standards. It looks forward to constructive discussions with the European Parliament with a view to the adoption of this Directive, as soon as possible.

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(1)  Doc. 14335/05 — COM(2005) 447 final.

(2)  Not yet published in the OJ.

(3)  OJ C 195, 18.8.2006, p. 84-87.

(4)  OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 1-4.

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