1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B 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
(OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 41)
Amended by:
Official Journal
Nopage date
►M1Commission Decision 2001/744/EC of 17 October 2001 L 278 35 23.10.2001
▼B
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
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, andin particular Article 130s(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of
the Treaty(3),
(1)Whereas, on the basis of principles enshrined in Article 130r ofthe Treaty, the European Community programme of policy andaction in relation to the environment and sustainable development(the fifth Environment Action Programme)(
4) envisages in
particular amendments to legislation on air pollutants; whereas
that programme recommends the establishment of long-term air-
quality objectives;
(2)Whereas Article 129 of the Treaty provides that health-protectionrequirements shall form a constituent part of the Community's
other policies; whereas Article 3(o) of the Treaty provides that the
activities of the Community shall include a contribution to theattainment of a high level of health protection;
(3)Whereas, pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Directive 96/62/ECof 27 September 1996 on ambient air quality assessment and
management(
5), the Council is to adopt the legislation provided
for in paragraph 1 and the provisions laid down in paragraphs 3and 4 of the same Article;
(4)Whereas the limit values laid down in this Directive are minimum
requirements; whereas, in accordance with Article 130t of the
Treaty, Member States may maintain or introduce more stringentprotective measures; whereas, in particular, stricter limit valuesmay be introduced to protect the health of particularly vulnerablecategories of the population, such as children and hospital
patients; whereas a Member State may require that limit values be
attained before the dates laid down in this Directive;
(5)Whereas ecosystems should be protected against the adverseeffects of sulphur dioxide; whereas vegetation should be protectedagainst the adverse effects of oxides of nitrogen;
(6)Whereas different types of particles can have different harmfuleffects on human health; whereas there is evidence that risks tohuman health associated with exposure to man-made particulatematter are higher than risks associated with exposure to naturally
occurring particles in ambient air;
(7)Whereas Directive 96/62/EC requires that action plans be
developed for zones within which concentrations of pollutantsin ambient air exceed limit values plus any temporary margins of
tolerance applicable in order to ensure compliance with limit
values by the date or dates laid down; whereas insofar as theyrelate to particulate matter such action plans and other reduction1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 2
(1) OJ C 9, 14.1.1998, p. 6.
(2) OJ C 214, 10.7.1998, p. 1.
(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 13 May 1998 (OJ C 167, 1.6.1998, p.
103), Council Common Position of 24 September 1998 (OJ C 360,
23.11.1998, p. 99) and Decision of the European Parliament of 13 January
1999 (OJ C 104, 14.4.1999, p. 44).
(4) OJ C 138, 17.5.1993, p. 5.
(5) OJ L 296, 21.11.1996, p. 55.
▼B
strategies should aim to reduce concentrations of fine particles as
part of the total reduction in concentrations of particulate matter;
(8)Whereas Directive 96/62/EC provides that the numerical valuesfor limit values and alert thresholds are to be based on thefindings of work carried out by international scientific groups
active in the field; whereas the Commission is to take account of
the most recent scientific-research data in the epidemiological andenvironmental fields concerned and of the most recent advancesin metrology for re-examining the elements on which limit valuesand alert thresholds are based;
(9)Whereas in order to facilitate the review of this Directive in 2003the Commission and the Member States should considerencouraging research into the effects of the pollutants referred
to herein, namely sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of
nitrogen, particulate matter and lead;
(10)Whereas standardised accurate measurement techniques andcommon criteria for the location of measuring stations are animportant element in the assessment of ambient-air quality with aview to obtaining comparable information across the Community;
(11)Whereas, in accordance with Article 12(1) of Directive 96/62/EC,the amendments necessary for adaptation to scientific andtechnical progress may relate solely to criteria and techniquesfor the assessment of concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead or
detailed arrangements for forwarding information to the Commis-sion, and may not have the effect of modifying limit values oralert thresholds either directly or indirectly;
(12)Whereas up-to-date information on concentrations of sulphurdioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulatematter and lead in ambient air should be readily available to the
public,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
Objectives
The objectives of this Directive shall be to:
— establish limit values and, as appropriate, alert thresholds for
concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of
nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air intended to avoid,
prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and theenvironment as a whole,
— assess concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides
of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air on the basis ofcommon methods and criteria,
— obtain adequate information on concentrations of sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead
in ambient air and ensure that it is made available tothe public,
— maintain ambient-air quality where it is good and improve it in other
cases with respect to sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides ofnitrogen, particulate matter and lead.
Article 2
Definitions
For the purposes of this Directive:
1. ‘ambient air’ shall mean outdoor air in the troposphere, excluding
work places;
2. ‘pollutant’ shall mean any substance introduced directly or
indirectly by man intothe ambient air and likely tohave harmfuleffects on human health and/or the environment as a whole;1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 3
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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 the level of a pollutant in the ambient air;
5. ‘limit value’ shall mean a level fixed on the basis of scientific
knowledge, with the aim of avoiding, preventing or reducingharmful 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. ‘alert threshold’ shall mean a level beyond which there is a risk to
human health from brief exposure and at which immediate stepsshall be taken by the Member States as laid down in Directive 96/62/EC;
7. ‘margin of tolerance’ shall mean the percentage of the limit value
by which this value may be exceeded subject to the conditions laiddown in Directive 96/62/EC;
8. ‘zone’ shall mean part of their territory delimited by the Member
States;
9. ‘agglomeration’ shall mean a zone with a population concentration
in excess of 250 000 inhabitants or, where the population
concentration is 250000 inhabitants or less, a population density
per km
2which for the Member States justifies the need for ambient
air quality tobe assessed and managed.
10. ‘oxides of nitrogen’ shall mean the sum of nitric oxide and nitrogen
dioxide added as parts per billion and expressed as nitrogen dioxidein micrograms per cubic meter;
11. ‘PM
10’ shall mean particulate matter which passes through a size-
selective inlet with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 10 µm aerodynamic
diameter;
12. ‘PM2,5’ shall mean particulate matter which passes through a size-
selective inlet with a 50 % efficiency cut-off at 2,5 µm aerodynamic
diameter;
13. ‘upper assessment threshold’ shall mean a level specified in Annex
V, below which a combination of measurements and modelling
techniques may be used toassess ambient-air quality, in acco rdance
with Article 6(3) of Directive 96/62/EC;
14. ‘lower assessment threshold’ shall mean a level specified in Annex
V, below which modelling or objective-estimation techniques alonemay be used toassess ambient-air quality in acco rdance withArticle 6(4) of Directive 96/62/EC;
15. ‘natural events’ shall mean volcanic eruptions, seismic activities,
geothermal activities, wild-land fires, high-wind events or theatmospheric resuspension or transport of natural particles from dry
regions;
16. ‘fixed measurements’ shall mean measurements taken in accor-
dance with Article 6(5) of Directive 96/62/EC.
Article 3
Sulphur dioxide
1. Member States shall take the measures necessary toensure that
concentrations of sulphur dioxide in ambient air, as assessed inaccordance with Article 7, do not exceed the limit values laid down inSection I of Annex I from the dates specified therein.
The margins of tolerance laid down in Section I of Annex I shall apply
in accordance with Article 8 of Directive 96/62/EC.
2. The alert threshold for concentrations of sulphur dioxide in
ambient air shall be that laid down in Section II of Annex I.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 4
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3. In order to assist the Commission in preparing the report provided
for in Article 10, until 31 December 2003 Member States shall, wherepracticable, record data on concentrations of sulphur dioxide averaged
over ten minutes from certain measuring stations which they have
selected as representative of air quality in inhabited areas close tosources and at which hourly concentrations are measured. At the sametime as data are supplied on hourly concentrations in accordance withArticle 11(1) of Directive 96/62/EC, Member States shall report to the
Commission, for those selected measuring stations, the number of ten-
minute concentrations which have exceeded 500 µg/m
3, the number of
days within the calendar year on which that occurred, the number ofthose days on which hourly concentrations of sulphur dioxidesimultaneously exceeded 350 µg/m
3and the maximum ten-minute
concentration recorded.
4. Member States may designate zones or agglomerations within
which limit values for sulphur dioxide as laid down in Section I ofAnnex I are exceeded owing to concentrations of sulphur dioxide in
ambient air due tonatural so urces. Member States shall send the
Commission lists of any such zones or agglomerations together withinformation on concentrations and sources of sulphur dioxide therein.When informing the Commission in accordance with Article 11(1) ofDirective 96/62/EC, Member States shall provide the necessaryjustification to demonstrate that any exceedances are due to natural
sources.
Within such zones or agglomerations Member States shall be obliged to
implement action plans in accordance with Article 8(3) of Directive 96/62/EC only where the limit values laid down in Section I of Annex I are
exceeded owing to man-made emissions.
Article 4
Nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
1. Member States shall take the measures necessary toensure that
concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and, where applicable, of oxides ofnitrogen, in ambient air, as assessed in accordance with Article 7, do notexceed the limit values laid down in Section I of Annex II as from the
dates specified therein.
The margins of tolerance laid down in Section I of Annex II shall apply
in accordance with Article 8 of Directive 96/62/EC.
2. The alert threshold for concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in
ambient air shall be that laid down in Section II of Annex II.
Article 5
Particulate matter
1. Member States shall take the measures necessary toensure that
concentrations of PM
10in ambient air, as assessed in accordance with
Article 7, do not exceed the limit values laid down in Section I of Annex
III as from the dates specified therein.
The margins of tolerance laid down in Section I of Annex III shall apply
in accordance with Article 8 of Directive 96/62/EC.
2. Member States shall ensure that measuring stations to supply data
on concentrations of PM2,5are installed and operated. Each Member
State shall choose the number and the siting of the stations at which
PM2,5is to be measured as representative of concentrations of PM2,5within that Member State. Where possible sampling points for PM2,5shall be co-located with sampling points for PM10.
Within nine months of the end of each year Member States shall send
the Commission the arithmetic mean, the median, the ninety-eighth
percentile and the maximum concentration calculated from measure-ments of PM
2,5over any twenty-four hours within that year. The ninety-
eighth percentile shall be calculated in accordance with the procedurelaid down in Section 4 of Annex I to Council Decision 97/101/EC of 27January 1997 establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 5
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from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution
within the Member States(1).
3. Action plans for PM10prepared in accordance with Article 8 of
Directive 96/62/EC and general strategies for decreasing concentrationsofP M
10shall also aim to reduce concentrations of PM2,5.
4. Where the limit values for PM10laid down in Section I of Annex
III are exceeded owing to concentrations of PM10in ambient air due to
natural events which result in concentrations significantly in excess of
normal background levels from natural sources, Member States shall
inform the Commission in accordance with Article 11(1) of Directive96/62/EC, providing the necessary justification to demonstrate that suchexceedances are due tonatural events. In such cases, Member Statesshall be obliged to implement action plans in accordance with Article
8(3) of Directive 96/62/EC only where the limit values laid down in
Section I of Annex III are exceeded owing to causes other than naturalevents.
5. Member States may designate zones or agglomerations within
which limit values for PM
10as laid down in Section I of Annex III are
exceeded owing to concentrations of PM10in ambient air due tothe
resuspension of particulates following the winter sanding of roads.
Member States shall send the Commission lists of any such zones oragglomerations together with information on concentrations and sourcesofP M
10therein. When informing the Commission in accordance with
Article 11(1) of Directive 96/62/EC, Member States shall provide the
necessary justification to demonstrate that any exceedances are due to
such resuspended particulates, and that reasonable measures have beentaken to lower the concentrations.
Within such zones or agglomerations Member States shall be obliged to
implement action plans in accordance with Article 8(3) of Directive 96/
62/EC only where the limit values laid down in Section I of Annex III
are exceeded owing to PM
10levels other than those caused by winter
road sanding.
Article 6
Lead
Member States shall take the measures necessary toensure that
concentrations of lead in ambient air, as assessed in accordance with
Article 7, do not exceed the limit values laid down in Section I of AnnexIV as from the dates specified therein.
The margins of tolerance laid down in Section I of Annex IV shall apply
in accordance with Article 8 of Directive 96/62/EC.
Article 7
Assessment of concentrations
1. The upper and lower assessment thresholds for sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead forthe purposes of Article 6 of Directive 96/62/EC shall be those laid downin Section I of Annex V.
The classification of each zone or agglomeration for the purposes of the
same Article 6 shall be reviewed at least every five years in accordancewith the procedure laid down in Section II of Annex V. Classificationshall be reviewed earlier in the event of significant changes in activitiesrelevant to ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxideor, where relevant, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter or lead.
2. The criteria for determining the location of sampling points for the
measurement of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides ofnitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air shall be those listedin Annex VI. The minimum number of sampling points for fixedmeasurements of concentrations of each relevant pollutant shall be as1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 6
(1) OJ L 35, 5.2.1997, p. 14.
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laid down in Annex VII and they shall be installed in each zone or
agglomeration within which measurement is required if fixed measure-ment is the sole source of data on concentrations within it.
3. Forzones and agglomerations within which information from fixed
measurement stations is supplemented by information from othersources, such as emission inventories, indicative measurement methodsand air-quality modelling, the number of fixed measuring stations to beinstalled and the spatial resolution of other techniques shall be sufficientfor the concentrations of air pollutants to be established in accordance
with Section I of Annex VI and Section I of Annex VIII.
4. For zones and agglomerations within which measurement is not
required, modelling or objective-estimation techniques may be used.
5. The reference methods for the analysis of sulphur dioxide, of
nitrogen dioxide and of oxides of nitrogen and for the sampling andanalysis of lead shall be as laid down in Sections I to III of Annex IX.
The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM
10shall
be as laid down in Section IV of Annex IX.
The provisional reference method for the sampling and measurement of
PM2,5shall be as laid down in Section V of Annex IX.
The reference techniques for air-quality modelling shall be as laid down
in Section VI of Annex IX.
6. The date by which Member States shall inform the Commission of
the methods they have used for the preliminary assessment of air qualityunder Article 11(1)(d) of Directive 96/62/EC shall be eighteen months
after the entry into force of this Directive.
7. Any amendments necessary toadapt this Article and Annexes V to
IX to scientific and technical progress shall be adopted in accordancewith the procedure laid down in Article 12 of Directive 96/62/EC.
Article 8
Public information
1. Member States shall ensure that up-to-date information on ambient
concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides ofnitrogen, particulate matter and lead is routinely made available to the
public as well as to appropriate organisations such as environmental
organisations, consumer organisations, organisations representing theinterests of sensitive populations and other relevant health-care bodiesby means, for example, of broadcast media, press, information screensor computer-network services.
Information on ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide and particulate matter shall be updated on at least a daily basis,
and, in the case of hourly values for sulphur dioxide and nitrogendioxide, wherever practicable, information shall be updated on an hourlybasis. Information on ambient concentrations of lead shall be updated ona three-monthly basis.
Such information shall at least indicate any exceeding of the
concentrations in the limit values and alert thresholds over the averaging
periods laid down in Annexes I to IV. It shall also provide a shortassessment in relation to limit values and alert thresholds andappropriate information regarding effects on health.
2. When making plans or programmes available to the public under
Article 8(3) of Directive 96/62/EC, including plans or programmesreferred tounder Articles 3(4), 5(4) and 5(5) o f this Directive, Member
States shall also make them available to the organisations referred to in
paragraph 1.
3. When an alert threshold laid down in Annex I or II is exceeded,
details made available to the public in accordance with Article 10 ofDirective 96/62/EC shall at least include the items listed in Section III ofthe Annex in question.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 7
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4. Information made available to the public and to organisations
under paragraphs 1 and 3 shall be clear, comprehensible and accessible.
Article 9
Repeals and transitional arrangements
1. Council Directive 80/779/EEC of 15 July 1980 on air-quality limit
values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particu-lates(
1) shall be repealed with effect from 19 July 2001 except that
Articles 1, 2(1), 3(1), 9, 15 and 16 of Directive 80/779/EEC andAnnexes I, IIIb and IV theretoshall be repealed with effect fro m 1
January 2005.
2. Council Directive 82/884/EEC of 3 December 1982 on a limit
value for lead in the air(
2) shall be repealed with effect from 19 July
2001 except that Articles 1, 2, 3(1), 7, 12 and 13 of Directive 82/884/EEC shall be repealed with effect from 1 January 2005.
3. Council Directive 85/203/EEC of 7 March 1985 on air-quality
standards for nitrogen dioxide(
3) shall be repealed with effect from 19
July 2001 except that Articles 1(1), first indent, and (2), 2, first indent,3(1), 5, 9, 15 and 16 of Directive 85/203/EEC and Annex I thereto shallbe repealed with effect from 1 January 2010.
4. From 19 July 2001 Member States shall employ measurement
stations and other methods of air-quality assessment that comply with
this Directive to assess concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogendioxide and lead in ambient air to obtain data for the purpose ofdemonstrating compliance with the limit values laid down in Directives80/779/EEC, 82/884/EEC and 85/203/EEC until such time as the limitvalues laid down in those Directives cease to apply.
5. From 19 July 2001 Member States may employ measurement
stations and other methods of air-quality assessment that comply withthis Directive as regards PM
10to assess concentrations of suspended
particulate matter for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with thelimit values for total suspended particulates laid down in Annex IV to
Directive 80/779/EEC; for the purpose of demonstrating such compli-
ance, however, the data so collected shall be multiplied by a factor of1.2.
6. Member States shall inform the Commission of any exceedances
of the limit values laid down in Directives 80/779/EEC, 82/884/EEC and85/203/EEC, together with the values recorded, the reasons for each
recorded instance and the measures taken to prevent any recurrence,
within nine months of the end of each year in accordance with theprocedure laid down in Article 11 of Directive 96/62/EC until such timeas the limit values laid down in those Directives cease to apply.
7. In the zones in which a Member State considers it necessary to
limit or prevent a foreseeable increase in pollution by sulphur dioxide,
oxides of nitrogen or suspended particulate matter it may continue to use
the guide values for the protection of ecosystems laid down in Annex IItoDirective 80/779/EEC and in Annex II toDirective 85/203/EEC.
Article 10
Report and review
No later than 31 December 2003 the Commission shall submit to the
European Parliament and the Council a report based on the experience
acquired in the application of this Directive and, in particular, on theresults of the most recent scientific research concerning the effects onhuman health and ecosystems of exposure to sulphur dioxide, nitrogendioxide and oxides of nitrogen, different fractions of particulate matterand lead, and on technological developments including the progress1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 8
(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980, p. 30.
(2) OJ L 378, 31.12.1982, p. 15.
(3) OJ L 87, 27.3.1985, p. 1.
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achieved in methods of measuring and otherwise assessing concentra-
tions of particulate matter in ambient air and the deposition ofparticulate matter and lead on surfaces.
With a view to maintaining a high level of protection of human health
and the environment and taking into account the experience acquired inthe application of this Directive in Member States including, inparticular, the conditions as laid down in Annex VI under whichmeasurement has been carried out, the aforementioned report will beaccompanied by proposals for the amendment of this Directive if
appropriate. In particular, the Commission will examine the limit values
for the second stage for PM
10with a view tomaking them mandato ry
and will consider confirming or altering the limit values for the secondstage and, if appropriate, for the first stage. In addition, the Commissionwill give particular attention to setting limit values for PM
2,5or different
fractions of particulate matter, as appropriate. Furthermore the
Commission will examine the annual limit value for the protection of
human health for nitrogen dioxide and will make a proposal confirmingor modifying that value. It will also examine the hourly limit value fornitrogen dioxide in the light of World Health Organisation guidelinesand consider whether that limit value should be confirmed or altered.
The Commission will also consider whether alert thresholds can be set,
consistent with other pollutants in this Directive, for PM
10,P M2,5or
particular fractions of particulate matter, as appropriate.
Article 11
Penalties
Member States shall determine the penalties applicable tobreaches o f
the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive. Thosepenalties shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Article 12
Implementation
1. The Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 19July 2001. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
When the Member States adopt those measures, these shall contain
references to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such references
on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making
such reference shall be laid down by the Member States.
2. The Member States shall communicate to the Commission the
texts of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the fieldcovered by this Directive.
Article 13
Entry into force
This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day after that of its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
Article 14
Addressees
This Directive is addressed tothe Member States.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 9
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ANNEXI
LIMIT VALUES AND THE ALERT THRESHOLD FOR SULPHUR
DIOXIDE
I.Limit values for sulphur dioxide
Limit values must be expressed in µg/m3. The volume must be standardised
at a temperature of 293 ºK and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.
Averaging period Limit value Margin of toleranceDate by which limit
value is tobe met
1. Hourly limit
value for the
protection of
human health1 hour 350 µg/m3,n ot
tobe exceeded
more than 24
times a
calendar year150µg/m3
(43 %) on the
entry intofo rce
of this Direc-
tive, reducing
on 1 January
2001 and every
12 months
thereafter by
equal annual
percentages to
reach 0 % by 1
January 20051 January 2005
2. Daily limit
value for the
protection of
human health24 hours 125 µg/m3,n ot
tobe exceeded
more than 3
times a
calendar yearNone 1 January 2005
3. Limit value
for the protec-
tion of
ecosystemsCalendar year
and winter (1
October to 31
March)20µg/m3None 19 July 2001
II.Alert threshold for sulphur dioxide
500µg/m3measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative
of air quality over at least 100 km2or an entire zone or agglomeration,
whichever is the smaller.
III.Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert
threshold for sulphur dioxide is exceeded
Details tobe made available tothe public sho uld include at least:
— the date, hour and place of the occurrence and the reasons for the
occurrence, where known;
— any forecasts of:
— changes in concentrations (improvement, stabilisation, or deteriora-
tion), together with the reasons for those changes,
— the geographical area concerned,— the duration of the occurence;
— the type of population potentially sensitive to the occurrence;— the precautions to be taken by the sensitive population concerned.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 10
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ANNEXII
LIMIT VALUES FOR NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) AND OXIDES OF
NITROGEN (NOx) AND THE ALERT THRESHOLD FOR NITROGEN
DIOXIDE
I.Limit values for nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
Limit values must be expressed in µg/m3. The volume must be standardised
at a temperature of 293 ºK and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.
Averaging period Limit value Margin of toleranceDate by which limit
value is tobe met
1. Hourly limit
value for the
protection of
human health1 hour 200 µg/m3NO2,
not to be
exceeded more
than 18 times a
calendar year50 % on the
entry intofo rce
of this Direc-
tive, reducing
on 1 January
2001 and every
12 months
thereafter by
equal annual
percentages to
reach 0 % by 1
January 20101 January 2010
2. Annual limit
value for the
protection of
human healthCalendar year 40 µg/m3NO250 % on the
entry intofo rce
of this Direc-
tive, reducing
on 1 January
2001 and every
12 months
thereafter by
equal annualpercentages to
reach 0 % by 1
January 20101 January 2010
3. Annual limit
value for the
protection of
vegetationCalendar year 30 µg/m
3NOxNone 19 July 2001
II.Alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide
400µg/m3measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative
of air quality over at least 100 km2or an entire zone or agglomeration,
whichever is the smaller.
III.Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert
threshold for nitrogen dioxide is exceedeed
Details tobe made available tothe public sho uld include at least:
— the date, hour and place of the occurrence and the reasons for the
occurrence, where known;
— any forecasts of:
— changes in concentrations (improvement, stabilisation, or deteriora-
tion), together with the reasons for those changes,
— the geographical area concerned,
— the duration of the occurrence;
— the type of population potentially sensitive to the occurrence;— the precautions to be taken by the sensitive population concerned.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 11
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ANNEXIII
LIMIT VALUES FOR PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10)
Averaging
periodLimit value Margin of toleranceDate by which
limit value is tobe
met
STAGE 1
1. 24-hour limit
value for the
protection of
human health24 hours 50 µg/m3PM10,n ot
tobe exceeded
more than 35 times
a calendar year50 % on the entry
into force of this
Directive, reducing
on 1 January 2001
and every 12
months thereafter
by equal annual
percentages to
reach 0 % by 1
January 20051 January 2005
2. Annual limit
value for the
protection of
human healthCalendar
year40µg/m3PM1020 % on the entry
into force of this
Directive, reducing
on 1 January 2001
and every 12
months thereafter
by equal annual
percentages to
reach 0 % by 1
January 20051 January 2005
STAGE 2 (1)
1. 24-hour limit
value for the
protection of
human health24 hours 50 µg/m3PM10,n ot
tobe exceeded
more than 7 times
a calendar yearTobe derived fro m
data and tobe
equivalent tothe
Stage 1 limit value1 January 2010
2. Annual limit
value for the
protection of
human healthCalendar
year20µg/m3PM1050 % on 1 January
2005 reducing
every 12 months
thereafter by equal
annual percentages
toreach 0 % by 1
January 20101 January 2010
(1) Indicative limit values to be reviewed in the light of further information on health and environmental effects,
technical feasibility and experience in the application of Stage 1 limit values in the Member States.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 12
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ANNEXIV
LIMIT VALUE FOR LEAD
Averaging
periodLimit value Margin of toleranceDate by which limit value
is tobe met
Annual limit value for
the protection of human
healthCalendar
year0,5µg/
m3(1)100 % on the entry
into force of this
Directive, reducing
on 1 January 2001
and every 12 months
thereafter by equal
annual percentages to
reach 0 % by 1
January 2005, or by 1
January 2010 in the
immediate vicinity of
specific point sources,
of which the
Commission must be
notified.1 January 2005, or 1
January 2010 in the
immediate vicinity of
specific industrial
sources situated on sites
contaminated by
decades of industrial
activities. The
Commission must be
notified of those
sources by 19 July
2001 (2). In such cases,
the limit value as from
1 January 2005 will be
1,0µg/m3.
(1) The process laid down in Article 10 for the review of this Directive will include consideration of the possibility of
supplementing or replacing the limit value by a deposition limit value in the immediate vicinity of point sources.
(2) Such notification must be accompanied by appropriate justification. The area in which higher limit values apply
must not extend further than 1 000 m from such specific sources.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 13
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ANNEXV
DETERMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF
CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE
(NO2), AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NOx), PARTICULATE MATTER
(PM10) AND LEAD IN AMBIENT AIR WITHIN A ZONE OR AGGLOM-
ERATION
I.Upper and lower assessment thresholds
The following upper and lower assessment thresholds will apply:
(a) SULPHUR DIOXIDE
Health protection Ecosystem protection
Upper assessment threshold 60 % of 24-hour limit value
(75µg/m3, not to be
exceeded more than 3 times
in any calender year)60 % of winter limit value (12
µg/m3)
Lower assessment threshold 40 % of 24-hour limit value
(50µg/m3, not to be
exceeded more than 3 times
in any calender year)40 % of winter limit value (8
µg/m3)
(b) 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 limit value for
the protection of vege-
tation
(NOx)
Upper assessment
threshold70 % of limit value
(140 µg/m3,n ott o
be exceeded more
than 18 times in any
calender year)80 % of limit value
(32µg/m3)80 % of limit value
(24µg/m3)
Lower assessment
threshold50 % of limit value
(100 µg/m3,n ott o
be exceeded more
than 18 times in any
calender year)65 % of limit value
(26µg/m3)65 % of limit value
(19,5 µg/m3)
(c) PARTICULATE MATTER
The upper and lower assessment thresholds for PM10are based on the
indicative limit values for 1 January 2010.
24-hour average Annual average
Upper assessment threshold 60 % of limit value (30 µg/
m3, not to be exceeded more
than seven times in any
calender year)70 % of limit value (14 µg/
m3)
Lower assessment threshold 40 % of limit value (20 µg/
m3, not to be exceeded more
than seven times in any
calender year)50 % of limit value (10 µg/
m3)
(d) 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)1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 14
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II.Determination of exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds
Exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds must be determined on
the basis of concentrations during the previous five years where sufficient data
are available. An assessment threshold will be deemed to have been exceeded
if 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.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 15
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ANNEXVI
LOCATION OF SAMPLING POINTS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF
SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF
NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER AND LEAD IN AMBIENT AIR
The following considerations will apply to fixed measurement.
I.Macroscale siting
(a)Protection of human health
Sampling points directed at the protection of human health should be
sited:
(i) to provide data on the areas within zones 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);
(ii) to provide data on levels in other areas within the zones and
agglomerations which are representative of the exposure of the
general population.
Sampling points should in general be sited to avoid measuring very small
micro-environments in their immediate vicinity. As a guideline, a
sampling point should be sited to be representative of air quality in a
surrounding area of no less than 200 m2at traffic-orientated sites and of
several square kilometres at urban-background sites.
Sampling points should also, where possible, be representative of similar
locations not in their immediate vicinity.
Account should be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands,
where that is necessary for the protection of human health.
(b)Protection of ecosystems and vegetation.
Sampling points targeted at the protection of ecosystems or vegetation
should be sited more than 20 km from agglomerations or more than 5 km
from other built-up areas, industrial installations or motorways. As a
guideline, a sampling point should be sited to be representative of air
quality in a surrounding area of at least 1000 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.
Account should be taken of the need to assess air quality on islands.
II.Microscale siting
The following guidelines should be met as far as practicable:
— the flow around the inlet sampling probe should be unrestricted without
any obstructions affecting the airflow in the vicinity of the sampler
(normally some metres away from buildings, balconies, trees, and other
obstacles and at least 0,5 m from the nearest building in the case of
sampling points representing air quality at the building line);
— in general, the inlet sampling point should be between 1,5 m (the
breathing zone) and 4 m above the ground. Higher positions (up to 8 m)
may be necessary in some circumstances. Higher siting may also be
appropriate if the station is representative of a large area;
— the inlet probe should not be positioned in the immediate vicinity of
sources in order to avoid the direct intake of emissions unmixed with
ambient air;
— the sampler's exhaust outlet should be positioned so that recirculation of
exhaust air tothe sampler inlet is avo ided;
— location of traffic-orientated samplers:
— for all pollutants, such sampling points should be at least 25 m from
the edge of major junctions and at least 4 m from the centre of the
nearest traffic lane,
— for nitrogen dioxide, inlets should be no more than 5 m from the
kerbside,
— for particulate matter and lead, inlets should be sited so as to be
representative of air quality near to the building line.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 16
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The following factors may also be taken into account:
— interfering sources;
— security;— access;— availability of electrical power and telephone communications;— visibility of the site in relation to its surroundings;
— safety of public and operators;
— the desirability of co-locating sampling points for different pollutants;— planning requirements.
III.Documentation and review of site selection
The site-selection procedures should be fully documented at the classification
stage by such means as compass-point photographs of the surrounding area
and a detailed map. Sites should be reviewed at regular intervals with
repeated documentation to ensure that selection criteria remain valid over
time.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 17
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ANNEXVII
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM NUMBERS OF SAMPLING
POINTS FOR FIXED MEASUREMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF
SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) AND OXIDES
OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER AND LEAD IN AMBIENT
AIR
I.Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurement to assess
compliance with limit values for the protection of human health and alert
thresholds in zones and agglomerations where fixed measurement is the
sole source of information
(a)Diffuse sources
Population of agglom-
eration or zone (thou-
sands)If concentrations exceed
the upper assessment
thresholdIf maximum concentra-
tions are between the
upper and lower assess-
ment thresholdsFor SO2and NO2,i n
agglomerations where
maximum concentra-
tions are below the
lower assessment
threshold
0-250 1 1 not applicable
250-499 2 1 1
500-749 2 1 1750-999 3 1 1
1 000-1 499 4 2 11 500-1 999 5 2 1
2 000-2 749 6 3 2
2 750-3 749 7 3 23 750-4 749 8 4 24 750-5 999 9 4 2
> 6 000 10 5 3
For NO
2and parti-
culate matter: to
include at least one
urban-background
station and one
traffic-orientated
station
(b)Point sources
For the assessment of pollution in the vicinity of point sources, the
number of sampling points for fixed measurement should be calculated
taking into account emission densities, the likely distribution patterns of
ambient-air pollution and the potential exposure of the population.
II.Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements to assess
compliance with limit values for the protection of ecosystems or
vegetation in zones other than agglomerations
If maximum concentrations exceed the upper assess-
ment thresholdIf maximum concentrations are between the upper and
lower assessment thresholds
1 station every 20000 km21 station every 40000 km21999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 18
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In island zones the number of sampling points for fixed measurement should
be calculated taking into account the likely distribution patterns of ambient-air
pollution and the potential exposure of ecosystems or vegetation.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 19
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ANNEXVIII
DATA-QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND COMPILATION OF RESULTS OF
AIR-QUALITY ASSESSMENT
I.Data-quality objectives
The following data-quality objectives for the required accuracy of assessment
methods, of minimum time coverage and of data capture of measurement are
laid down to guide quality-assurance programmes.
Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide
and oxides of nitrogenParticulate matter and lead
Continuous measurement
Accuracy 15 % 25 %
Minimum data capture 90 % 90 %
Indicative measurement
Accuracy 25 % 50 %
Minimum data capture 90 % 90 %
Minimum time coverage 14 % (One measurement a
week at random, evenly
distributed over the year, or
eight weeks evenly distrib-
uted over the year.)14 % (One measurement a
week at random, evenly
distributed over the year, or
eight weeks evenly distributed
over the year.)
Modelling
Accuracy:
Hourly averages
Daily averagesAnnual averages50 %-60 %50 %30 % Not defined at present (
1)5 0%
Objective estimation
Accuracy: 75 % 100 %
(1) Any amendment necessary to adapt this point to scientific and technical progress will be adopted in
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 12(2) of Directive 96/62/EC.
The accuracy of the measurement is defined as laid down in the ‘Guide to the
Expression of Uncertainty of Measurements’ (ISO 1993) or in ISO 5725-1
‘Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results’
(1994). The percentages in the table are given for individual measurements
averaged, over the period considered, by the limit value, for a 95 %
confidence interval (bias + two times the standard deviation). The accuracy
for continuous measurements should be interpreted as being applicable in the
region of the appropriate limit value.
The accuracy for modelling and objective estimation is defined as the
maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels,
over the period considered by the limit value, without taking 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.
By way of derogation, Member States may apply random measurements
instead of continuous measurements for particulate matter and lead if they
can demonstrate to the Commission that accuracy within the 95% confidence
interval with respect to continuous monitoring is within 10 %. Random
sampling must be spread evenly over the year.
II.Results of air quality assessment
The following information should be compiled for zones or agglomerations
within which sources other than measurement are employed to supplement1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 20
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information from measurement or as the sole means of air-quality
assessment:
— a description of assessment activities carried out;
— the specific methods used, with references to descriptions of the method;— the sources of data and information;— a description of results, including accuracies and, in particular, the extent
of any area or, if relevant, the length of road within the zone or
agglomeration over which concentrations exceed limit value(s) or, as may
be, limit value(s) plus applicable margin(s) of tolerance and of any area
within which concentrations exceed the upper assessment threshold or the
lower assessment threshold;
— for limit values the object of which is the protection of human health, the
population potentially exposed to concentrations in excess of the limit
value.
Where possible, Member States should compile maps showing concentration
distributions within each zone and agglomeration.
III.Standardisation
For sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen the volume must be standardised
at a temperature of 293 ºK and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 21
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ANNEXIX
REFERENCE METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS
OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF
NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10AND PM2,5) AND LEAD
I.Reference method for the analysis of sulphur dioxide:
ISO/FDIS 10498 (Standard in draft) Ambient air — determination of
sulphur dioxide — ultraviolet fluorescence method.
A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives
results equivalent to the above method.
II.Reference method for the analysis of nitrogen dioxide and oxides of
nitrogen:
ISO7996: 1985Ambient air —determination of the mass concentrations of
nitrogen oxides — chemiluminescence method.
A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives
results equivalent to the above method.
III.AReference method for the sampling of lead:
The reference method for the sampling of lead will be that described in the
Annex toDirective 82/884/EEC until such time as the limit value in Annex
IV tothis Directive is tobe met, when the reference metho d will be that fo r
PM10as laid down in Section IV of this Annex.
A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives
results equivalent to the above method.
III.BReference method for the analysis of lead:
ISO 9855: 1993 Ambient air — Determination of the particulate lead
content of aerosols collected in filters. Atomic absorption spectroscopy
method.
A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives
results equivalent to the above method.
IV.Reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10
The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10will be
that described in EN 12341 ‘Air Quality — Field Test Procedure to
Demonstrate Reference Equivalence of Sampling Methods for the PM10fraction of particulate matter’. The measurement principle is based on thecollection on a filter of the PM
10fraction of ambient particulate matter and
the gravimetric mass determination.
A Member State may use any other method which it can demonstrate gives
results equivalent to the above method or 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 by a relevant factor to produce results equivalent to those
that would have been achieved by using the reference method.
Each Member State must inform the Commission of the method used to
sample and measure PM10. The Commission must as soon as possible carry
out intercomparison exercises for PM10sampling and measurement methods
in order to provide information for the review of this Directive in
accordance with Article 10.
V.Provisional reference method for the sampling and measurement of
PM2,5
The Commission will produce guidelines, in consultation with the
committee referred to in Article 12 of Directive 96/62/EEC, for an
appropriate provisional reference method for the sampling and assessment
ofP M2,5by 19 July 2001.
A Member State may use any other method which it considers suitable.
Each Member State must inform the Commission of the method used to
sample and measure PM2,5. The Commission must as soon as possible carry
out intercomparison exercises for PM2,5sampling and measurement
methods in order to provide information for the review of this Directive
in accordance with Article 10.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 22
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VI.Reference modelling techniques:
Reference modelling techniques cannot be specified at present. Any
amendments toadapt this po int toscientific and technical pro gress must be
adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 12(2) of
Directive 96/62/EC.1999L0030 — EN — 23.10.2001 — 001.001 — 23