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
Date: 1999-04-22
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: air quality, anhydride, dangerous substance, lead, oxide, pollution control

29. 6. 1999

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Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/41

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, and in 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),

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 adverse effects of sulphur dioxide; whereas
vegetation should be protected against the adverse
effects of oxides of nitrogen;

of

130r

the Treaty,

(1) Whereas, on the basis of principles enshrined in
Article
the European
Community programme of policy and action in
relation to the environment and sustainable devel-
Action
opment
Programme) (4) envisages in particular amendments
to legislation on air pollutants; whereas
that
programme recommends
the establishment of
long-term air-quality objectives;

Environment

fifth

(the

(2) Whereas Article 129 of the Treaty provides that
health-protection requirements
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 contri-
bution to the attainment of a high level of health
protection;

shall

(3) Whereas, pursuant

to Article 4(5) of Council
Directive 96/62/EC of 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 3 and 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 stringent
protective measures; whereas, in particular, stricter
limit values may be introduced to protect
the
health of particularly vulnerable categories of the

(6) Whereas different

types of particles can have
different harmful effects on human health; whereas
there is evidence that risks to human health asso-
ciated with exposure to man-made particulate
associated with
matter
exposure
in
ambient air;

occurring particles

to naturally

are higher

than risks

(7) Whereas Directive 96/62/EC requires that action
plans be developed for zones within which concen-
trations of pollutants in 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 they relate to particulate matter such
action plans and other reduction 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 values for limit values and alert thresh-
olds are to be based on the findings of work carried
out by international scientific groups active in the
field; whereas the Commission is to take account of
recent scientific-research data in the
the most
fields
environmental
and
epidemiological
concerned and of
the most recent advances in
metrology for re-examining the elements on which
limit values and alert thresholds are based;

(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.

(9) Whereas in order to facilitate the review of this
Directive
in 2003 the Commission and the
encouraging
Member
consider
States
research into the effects of the pollutants referred
to herein, namely sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide
and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead;

should

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(10) Whereas standardised accurate measurement tech-
niques and common criteria for the location of
measuring stations are an important element in the
assessment of ambient-air quality with a view to
the
obtaining
Community;

information across

comparable

(11) Whereas,

in accordance with Article 12(1) of
Directive 96/62/EC, the amendments necessary for
adaptation to scientific and technical progress may
relate solely to criteria and techniques for 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 Commission, and
may not have the effect of modifying limit values
or alert thresholds either directly or indirectly;

(12) Whereas up-to-date information on concentrations
of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of
nitrogen, particulate matter 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 thresh-
olds 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 the
environment as a whole,

 assess concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and
lead in ambient air on the basis of common 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 to the public,
 maintain ambient-air quality where it is good and
improve it in other cases with respect to sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen,
particulate matter and lead.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive:

1.

‘ambient air' shall mean outdoor air in the tropo-
sphere, excluding work places;

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

shall mean any substance introduced
‘pollutant'
directly or indirectly by man into the ambient air and
likely to have harmful effects on human health
and/or the environment as a whole;

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

‘assessment' shall mean any method used to measure,
calculate, predict or estimate the level of a pollutant
in the ambient air;

‘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;

‘alert threshold' shall mean a level beyond which
there is a risk to human health from brief exposure
and at which immediate steps shall be taken by the
Member States as laid down in Directive 96/62/EC;

‘margin of tolerance' shall mean the percentage of the
limit value by which this value may be exceeded
subject to the conditions laid down in Directive 96/
62/EC;

‘zone' shall mean part of their territory delimited by
the Member States;

‘agglomeration' shall mean a zone with a population
concentration in excess of 250 000 inhabitants or,
where the population concentration is 250 000 inhab-
itants or less, a population density per km2 which for
the Member States justifies the need for ambient air
quality to be assessed and managed.

‘oxides of nitrogen' shall mean the sum of nitric
oxide and nitrogen dioxide added as parts per billion
and expressed as nitrogen dioxide in micrograms per
cubic meter;

‘PM
10' shall mean particulate matter which passes
through a size-selective inlet with a 50 % efficiency
cut-off at 10 µm aerodynamic diameter;

2,5

‘PM
' shall mean particulate matter which passes
through a size-selective inlet with a 50 % efficiency
cut-off at 2,5µm aerodynamic diameter;

‘upper assessment threshold' shall mean a level speci-
fied in Annex V, below which a combination of
measurements and modelling techniques may be
used to assess ambient-air quality, in accordance with
Article 6(3) of Directive 96/62/EC;

‘lower assessment threshold' shall mean a level speci-
fied in Annex V, below which modelling or objective-
estimation techniques alone may be used to assess
ambient-air quality in accordance with Article 6(4) of
Directive 96/62/EC;

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15.

‘natural events' shall mean volcanic eruptions, seismic
activities, geothermal activities, wild-land fires, high-
wind events or the atmospheric resuspension or trans-
port of natural particles from dry regions;

16.

‘fixed measurements' shall mean measurements taken
in accordance with Article 6(5) of Directive 96/62/EC.

Article 3

Sulphur dioxide

1. Member States shall take the measures necessary to
ensure that concentrations of sulphur dioxide in ambient
air, as assessed in accordance with Article 7, do not
exceed the limit values laid down in Section 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.

sulphur dioxide averaged over

3.
In order to assist the Commission in preparing the
report provided for in Article 10, until 31 December 2003
Member States shall, where practicable, record data on
ten
concentrations of
minutes from certain measuring stations which they have
selected as representative of air quality in inhabited areas
close to sources and at which hourly concentrations are
measured. At the same time as data are supplied on
hourly concentrations in accordance with Article 11(1) of
Directive 96/62/EC, Member States shall report to the
Commission, for those selected measuring stations, the
number of
concentrations which have
the number of days within the
exceeded 500 µg/m3,
calendar year on which that occurred, the number of
those days on which hourly concentrations of sulphur
dioxide simultaneously exceeded 350 µg/m3 and the
maximum ten-minute concentration recorded.

ten-minute

4. Member States may designate zones or agglomera-
tions within which limit values for sulphur dioxide as laid
down in Section I of Annex I are exceeded owing to
concentrations of sulphur dioxide in ambient air due to
natural sources. Member States shall send the Commis-
sion lists of any such zones or agglomerations together
with information on concentrations and sources of
sulphur dioxide therein. When informing the Commis-
sion in accordance with Article 11(1) of Directive 96/62/
EC, Member States shall provide the necessary justifica-
tion 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 to
ensure that concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and, where
applicable, of oxides of nitrogen,
in ambient air, as
assessed in accordance with Article 7, do not exceed 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.

The alert threshold for concentrations of nitrogen
2.
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 to
ensure that concentrations of PM
10 in 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 PM
2,5 are installed and
operated. Each Member State shall choose the number
is to be
and the siting of the stations at which PM2,5
measured as representative of concentrations of PM2,5
within that Member State. Where possible sampling
points for PM2,5 shall be co-located with sampling points
for PM10.

the ninety-eighth percentile

Within nine months of the end of each year Member
States shall send the Commission the arithmetic mean,
the median,
and the
maximum concentration calculated from measurements
of PM
2,5 over any twenty-four hours within that year. The
ninety-eighth percentile shall be calculated in accordance
with the procedure laid down in Section 4 of Annex I to
Council Decision 97/101/EC of 27 January 1997 estab-
lishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data
from networks and individual stations measuring ambient
air pollution within the Member States (1).

Action plans for PM

3.
10 prepared in accordance with
Article 8 of Directive 96/62/EC and general strategies for
decreasing concentrations of PM10 shall also aim to reduce
concentrations of PM2,5.

(1) OJ L 35, 5.2.1997, p. 14.

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10

4. Where the limit values for PM
laid down in
Section I of Annex III are exceeded owing to concentra-
tions of PM10 in 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 Directive 96/62/EC, providing the necessary justi-
fication to demonstrate that such exceedances are due to
natural events. In such cases, 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 causes other than natural events.

10

sanding of

following the winter

5. Member States may designate zones or agglomera-
tions within which limit values for PM
as laid down in
Section I of Annex III are exceeded owing to concentra-
tions of PM10 in ambient air due to the resuspension of
roads.
particulates
Member States shall send the Commission lists of any
such zones or agglomerations together with information
on concentrations and sources of PM10 therein. 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 exceed-
ances are due to such resuspended particulates, and that
reasonable measures have been taken 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
levels other than those caused by winter
10
road sanding.

Article 6

Lead

Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure
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 Annex IV 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

The classification of each zone or agglomeration for the
purposes of the same Article 6 shall be reviewed at least
every five years in accordance with the procedure laid
down in Section II of Annex V. Classification shall be
reviewed earlier in the event of significant changes in
activities relevant to ambient concentrations of sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or, where relevant, oxides of
nitrogen, particulate matter or lead.

The

criteria

for determining the

2.
location of
sampling points for the measurement of sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate
matter and lead in ambient air shall be those listed in
Annex VI. The minimum number of sampling points for
fixed measurements of concentrations of each relevant
pollutant shall be as laid down in Annex VII and they
shall be installed in each zone or agglomeration within
which measurement is required if fixed measurement is
the sole source of data on concentrations within it.

3.
For zones and agglomerations within which infor-
mation from fixed measurement stations is supplemented
by information from other sources, such as emission
inventories,
indicative measurement methods and air-
quality modelling, the number of fixed measuring stations
to be installed and the spatial resolution of other tech-
niques shall be sufficient for 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 meas-
urement is not required, modelling or objective-estima-
tion 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 and analysis 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
shall be as laid down in Section IV of Annex IX.

10

The provisional reference method for the sampling and
measurement of PM
shall be as laid down in Section V
of Annex IX.

2,5

The reference techniques for air-quality modelling shall
be as laid down in Section VI of Annex IX.

The date by which Member States shall inform the
6.
Commission of
the methods they have used for the
preliminary assessment of air quality under Article
11(1)(d) of Directive 96/62/EC shall be eighteen months
after the entry into force of this Directive.

The upper and lower assessment

1.
thresholds for
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen,
particulate matter and lead for the purposes of Article 6 of
Directive 96/62/EC shall be those laid down in Section I
of Annex V.

Any amendments necessary to adapt this Article and
7.
Annexes V to IX to scientific and technical progress shall
be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down
in Article 12 of Directive 96/62/EC.

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Article 8

Public information

with effect from 19 July 2001 except that Articles 1, 2(1),
3(1), 9, 15 and 16 of Directive 80/779/EEC and Annexes
I, IIIb and IV thereto shall be repealed with effect from 1
January 2005.

1. Member States shall ensure that up-to-date informa-
tion on ambient concentrations of
sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate
matter and lead is routinely made available to the public
as well as to appropriate organisations such as environ-
mental organisations, consumer organisations, organ-
isations representing the interests of sensitive populations
and other
for
example, of broadcast media, press, information screens or
computer-network services.

relevant health-care bodies by means,

concentrations of

Information on ambient
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 nitrogen dioxide, wherever
practicable, information shall be updated on an hourly
basis. Information on ambient concentrations of
lead
shall be updated on a 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 short assessment in relation to limit
values and alert thresholds and appropriate 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 programmes referred to under Articles 3(4), 5(4)
and 5(5) of this Directive, Member States shall also make
them available to the organisations referred to in para-
graph 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 of Directive 96/62/EC shall at
least include the items listed in Section III of the Annex
in question.

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 particulates (1) shall be repealed

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.

Council Directive 85/203/EEC of 7 March 1985 on
3.
shall be
air-quality standards
repealed with effect
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
shall be repealed with effect from 1 January 2010.

for nitrogen dioxide (3)
from 19 July 2001 except

4.
From 19 July 2001 Member States shall employ
measurement stations and other methods of air-quality
that comply with this Directive to assess
assessment
concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and
lead in ambient air to obtain data for the purpose of
demonstrating compliance with the limit values laid
down in Directives 80/779/EEC, 82/884/EEC and 85/
203/EEC until such time as the limit values laid down in
those Directives cease to apply.

From 19 July 2001 Member States may employ
5.
measurement stations and other methods of air-quality
assessment that comply with this Directive as regards
to assess concentrations of suspended particulate
PM10
matter for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with
the limit values for total suspended particulates laid down
in Annex IV to Directive 80/779/EEC; for the purpose of
demonstrating such compliance, however,
the data so
collected shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.2.

recorded,

6. Member States shall inform the Commission of any
exceedances of the limit values laid down in Directives
80/779/EEC, 82/884/EEC and 85/203/EEC, together with
for each recorded
the reasons
the values
instance and the measures taken to prevent any recur-
rence, within nine months of the end of each year in
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 11 of
Directive 96/62/EC until such time as 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 II to Directive 80/779/EEC and in Annex II to
Directive 85/203/EEC.

(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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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 applica-
tion of this Directive and, in particular, on the results of
the most recent scientific research concerning the effects
on human health and ecosystems of exposure to sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, different
fractions of particulate matter and lead, and on technolo-
gical developments including the progress achieved in
methods of measuring and otherwise assessing concentra-
tions of particulate matter in ambient air and the deposi-
tion of particulate 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 in the application of this
Directive in Member States including, in particular, the
conditions as laid down in Annex VI under which meas-
urement has been carried out, the aforementioned report
will be accompanied by proposals for the amendment of
this Directive if appropriate. In particular, the Commis-
sion will examine the limit values for the second stage for
PM
10 with a view to making them mandatory and will
consider confirming or altering the limit values for the
second stage and, if appropriate, for the first stage. In
addition, the Commission will give particular attention to
setting limit values for PM2,5 or different
fractions of
the
as
particulate matter,
Commission will examine the annual limit value for the
protection of human health for nitrogen dioxide and will
make a proposal confirming or modifying that value. It
will also examine the hourly limit value for nitrogen
dioxide in the light of World Health Organisation guide-
lines and consider whether that limit value should be
confirmed or altered.

appropriate. Furthermore

The Commission will also consider whether alert thresh-
olds can be set, consistent with other pollutants in this
Directive, for PM
10, PM2,5 or particular fractions of particu-
late matter, as appropriate.

Article 11

Penalties

Member States shall determine the penalties applicable to
breaches of the national provisions adopted pursuant to
this Directive. Those penalties shall be effective, propor-
tionate 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 19 July 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 refer-
ence shall be laid down by the Member States.

The Member States

2.
shall communicate to the
Commission the texts of the main provisions of national
law which they adopt
in the field covered 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 to the Member States.

Done at Luxembourg, 22 April 1999.

For the Council

The President

W. MÜLLER

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ANNEX I

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 °K
and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.

Averaging
period

Limit value

Margin of tolerance

Date by which limit
value is to be met

1 January 2005

1. Hourly limit value
for the protection
of human health

1 hour

2. Daily limit value
for the protection
of human health

24 hours

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

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

than

150 µg/m3 (43 %)
on the entry into
force of this Dir-
ective, reducing on
1 January 2001 and
every 12 months
thereafter by equal
annual percentages
to reach 0 % by 1
January 2005

None

1 January 2005

3. Limit

value

for
the protection of
ecosystems

20 µg/m3

None

19 July 2001

Calendar
and winter
October
March)

year
(1
to 31

II. Alert threshold for sulphur dioxide

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

III. Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert threshold for sulphur

dioxide is exceeded

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

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

 any forecasts of:

 changes in concentrations (improvement, stabilisation, or deterioration), 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.

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ANNEX II

LIMIT VALUES FOR NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2

) AND
) AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO
x

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 °K
and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.

Averaging
period

Limit value

Margin of tolerance

1. Hourly limit value
for the protection
of human health

1 hour

200 µg/m3 NO
,
2
not
to be ex-
more
ceeded
than 18 times a
calendar year

2. Annual limit value
for the protection
of human health

Calendar year

40 µg/m3 NO2

50 % on the entry
into force of
this
reducing
Directive,
on 1 January 2001
and every 12 months
thereafter by equal
annual
percentages
to reach 0 % by 1
January 2010

50 % on the entry
into force of
this
reducing
Directive,
on 1 January 2001
and every 12 months
thereafter by equal
annual percentages to
1
reach 0 % by
January 2010

Date by which
limit value is to
be met

1 January 2010

1 January 2010

3. Annual limit value
for the protection
of vegetation

Calendar year

30 µg/m3 NOx

None

19 July 2001

II. Alert threshold for nitrogen dioxide

400 µg/m3 measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality over at least 100
km 2 or an entire zone or agglomeration, whichever is the smaller.

III. Minimum details to be made available to the public when the alert threshold for nitrogen

dioxide is exceedeed

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

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

 any forecasts of:

 changes in concentrations (improvement, stabilisation, or deterioration), 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.

29. 6. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/49

ANNEX III

LIMIT VALUES FOR PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10

)

Averaging
period

Limit value

Margin of
tolerance

STAGE 1

1. 24-hour limit value for the
human

of

protection
health

2. Annual limit value for the
human

of

protection
health

24 hours

50 µg/m3 PM10, not to be
exceeded more
than 35
times a calendar year

Calendar year

40 µg/m3 PM

10

of

50 % on the entry into
force
this Directive,
reducing on 1 January 2001
and every 12 months there-
after
annual
percentages to reach 0 % by
1 January 2005

equal

by

of

20 % on the entry into
force
this Directive,
reducing on 1 January 2001
and every 12 months there-
annual
after
percentages to reach 0 % by
1 January 2005

equal

by

STAGE 2 (1)

Date by which
limit value is to be
met

1 January 2005

1 January 2005

1. 24-hour limit value for the
human

of

protection
health

2. Annual limit value for the
human

of

protection
health

24 hours

50 µg/m3 PM
, not to be
10
exceeded more than 7 times
a calendar year

To be derived from data and
to be equivalent to the Stage
1 limit value

1 January 2010

Calendar year

20 µg/m3 PM10

1 January 2010

50 % on 1 January 2005
reducing every 12 months
thereafter by equal annual
percentages to reach 0 % by
1 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.

L 163/50

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Official Journal of the European Communities

29. 6. 1999

ANNEX IV

LIMIT VALUE FOR LEAD

Averaging
period

Limit value

Margin of tolerance

Date by which limit
value is to be met

Annual limit value
for the protection
of human health

Calendar year

0,5 µg/m3 (1)

and

100 % on the entry into
force of
this Directive,
reducing on 1 January
12
2001
every
by
months
thereafter
equal
annual percent-
ages to reach 0 % by 1
January 2005, or by 1
January 2010 in the
of
immediate
specific point sources, of
which the Commission
must be notified.

vicinity

by

2010

in
vicinity

1 January 2005, or 1 Ja-
the
nuary
immediate
of
specific industrial sources
situated on sites contam-
decades
inated
of
activities. The
industrial
Commission must
be
those sources
notified of
by 19 July 2001 (2).
In
such cases, the limit value
as from 1 January 2005
will be 1,0 µg/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.

29. 6. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/51

ANNEX V

DETERMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF
),
), AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO
SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO
x
2
) AND LEAD IN AMBIENT AIR WITHIN A ZONE OR
PARTICULATE MATTER (PM

10

AGGLOMERATION

I. Upper and lower assessment thresholds

The following upper and lower assessment thresholds will apply:

(a) SULPHUR DIOXIDE

Upper assessment threshold

Lower assessment threshold

Health protection

Ecosystem protection

60 % of 24-hour limit value
(75 µg/m3, not to be exceeded
in any
more than 3 times
calender year)

40 % of 24-hour limit value
(50 µg/m3, not to be exceeded
in any
more than 3 times
calender year)

60 % of winter limit value (12
µg/m3)

40 % of winter limit value (8
µg/m3)

(b) NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN

Hourly limit value
for the protection
of human health
(NO
2

)

Annual limit value
for the protection of
human health
(NO
2

)

Annual limit value for
the protection of
vegetation
(NO
x

)

Upper assessment thres-
hold

Lower assessment
threshold

70 % of
limit value
(140 µg/m3, not to be
exceeded more than
any
times
18
calender year)

in

50 % of
limit value
(100 µg/m3, not to be
exceeded more than
18
any
times
calender year)

in

80 % of
(32 µg/m3)

limit value

80 % of limit value (24
µg/m3)

65 % of
(26 µg/m3)

limit value

65 % of
(19,5 µg/m3)

limit

value

(c) PARTICULATE MATTER

The upper and lower assessment thresholds for PM
January 2010.

10

are based on the indicative limit values for 1

24-hour average

Annual average

Upper assessment threshold

Lower assessment threshold

60 % of limit value (30 µg/m3,
not to be exceeded more than
seven times in any calender
year)

40 % of limit value (20 µg/m3,
not to be exceeded more than
seven times in any calender
year)

70 % of limit value (14 µg/m3)

50 % of limit value (10 µg/m3)

L 163/52

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Official Journal of the European Communities

29. 6. 1999

(d) LEAD

Upper assessment threshold

70 % of limit value (0,35 µg/m3)

Lower assessment threshold

50 % of limit value (0,25 µg/m3)

Annual average

II. Determination of exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds

Exceedances of upper and lower assessment thresholds must be determined on the basis of concentrations
during the previous five years where sufficient data are available. An assessment threshold will be deemed
to have been exceeded if during those five years the total number of exceedances of the numerical
concentration of the threshold is more than three times the number of exceedances allowed each year.

Where fewer than five years’ data are available 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.

29. 6. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/53

ANNEX VI

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 m2 at traffic-orientated sites and of several square kilometres
at urban-background sites.

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

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

(b) Protection of ecosystems and vegetation.

Sampling points targeted at the protection of ecosystems or vegetation should be sited more than 20
km from agglomerations or more than 5 km from other built-up areas, industrial installations or
motorways. As a guideline, a sampling point should be sited to be representative of air quality in a
surrounding area of at least 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.

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 repre-
senting air quality at the building line);

 in general, the inlet sampling point should be between 1,5 m (the breathing zone) and 4 m above the
ground. Higher positions (up to 8 m) may be necessary in some circumstances. Higher siting may also
be appropriate if the station is representative of a large area;

 the inlet probe should not be positioned in the immediate vicinity of sources in order to avoid the

direct intake of emissions unmixed with ambient air;

 the sampler’s exhaust outlet should be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust air to the sampler

inlet is avoided;

L 163/54

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Official Journal of the European Communities

29. 6. 1999

 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.

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.

29. 6. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/55

ANNEX VII

CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM NUMBERS OF SAMPLING POINTS FOR FIXED
), NITROGEN
MEASUREMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2
) AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER AND LEAD IN
DIOXIDE (NO
2

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 agglomeration
or zone
(thousands)

If concentrations exceed
the upper assessment
threshold

If maximum
concentrations are
between the upper and
lower assessment
thresholds

For SO

and NO
2

,

2

in agglomerations where
maximum concentrations
are below the lower
assessment threshold

1

1

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

0-250

250-499

500-749

750-999

1 000-1 499

1 500-1 999

2 000-2 749

2 750-3 749

3 750-4 749

4 750-5 999

1

2

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

(cid:1) 6 000

10

For NO
and particu-
2
late matter: to include
least one urban-
at
station
background
and one
traffic-ori-
entated station

not applicable

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

3

(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.

L 163/56

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Official Journal of the European Communities

29. 6. 1999

II. Minimum number of sampling points for fixed measurements to assess compliance with limit
values for the protection of ecosystems or vegetation in zones other than agglomerations

If maximum concentrations exceed
the upper assessment threshold

If maximum concentrations are between the upper
and lower assessment thresholds

1 station every 20 000 km2

1 station every 40 000 km2

In island zones the number of sampling points for fixed measurement should be calculated taking into
account the likely distribution patterns of ambient-air pollution and the potential exposure of ecosystems
or vegetation.

29. 6. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/57

ANNEX VIII

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 nitrogen

Particulate matter and lead

15 %

90 %

25 %

90 %

25 %

90 %

50 %

90 %

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

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

50 %-60 %
50 %
30 %

Not defined at present (1)
50 %

Continuous measurement

Accuracy

Minimum data capture

Indicative measurement

Accuracy

Minimum data capture

Minimum time coverage

Modelling

Accuracy:
Hourly averages
Daily averages
Annual averages

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 measure-
ments 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.

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Official Journal of the European Communities

29. 6. 1999

II. Results of air quality assessment

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

 a description of assessment activities carried out;

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

 the sources of data and information;

 a description of results, including accuracies and, in particular, the extent of any area or, if relevant, the
length of road within the zone or agglomeration over which concentrations exceed limit value(s) or, as
may be, limit value(s) plus applicable margin(s) of tolerance and of any area within which concentra-
tions 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 °K
and a pressure of 101,3 kPa.

29. 6. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 163/59

ANNEX IX

REFERENCE METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR
DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER

(PM10

AND PM

) AND LEAD

2,5

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:

ISO 7996: 1985 Ambient 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.A Reference method for the sampling of lead:

The reference method for the sampling of lead will be that described in the Annex to Directive
82/884/EEC until such time as the limit value in Annex IV to this Directive is to be met, when the
reference method will be that for PM

10 as 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.B Reference method for the analysis of lead:

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

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 PM

10

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

10

10

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 PM
. The
10
Commission must as soon as possible carry out intercomparison exercises for PM
sampling and
measurement methods in order to provide information for the review of this Directive in accordance
with Article 10.

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 assess-
ment of PM

by 19 July 2001.

2,5

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 PM
. The
2,5
Commission must as soon as possible carry out intercomparison exercises for PM
sampling and
measurement methods in order to provide information for the review of this Directive in accordance
with Article 10.

2,5

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29. 6. 1999

VI. Reference modelling techniques:

Reference modelling techniques cannot be specified at present. Any amendments to adapt this point to
scientific and technical progress must be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article
12(2) of Directive 96/62/EC.