European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive relating to ozone in ambient air (COM(1999) 125 — C5-0048/1999 — 1999/0068(COD))
Date: 2000-03-15
Institutions: Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, European Parliament
Subjects: atmospheric pollutant, environmental protection, ozone, public health

C 377/154

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.12.2000

Wednesday 15 March 2000

10. Ozone in ambient air ***I

A5-0062/2000

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive relating to ozone in ambient air
(COM(1999) 125 ’ C5-0048/1999 ’ 1999/0068(COD))

The proposal was amended as follows:

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 1)
Recital 3

It

is important

(3)
to ensure effective protection against
effects on human health from exposure to ozone. The adverse
effects of ozone on vegetation, ecosystems and the environ-
ment as a whole should be reduced, as far as possible. The
transboundary nature of ozone requires action to be taken at
Community level.

It

is important

(3)
to ensure effective protection against
effects on human health from exposure to ozone. The adverse
effects of ozone on vegetation, ecosystems and the environ-
ment as a whole should be reduced, as far as possible.
The transboundary nature of ozone requires action to be
taken at Community level. The early involvement of acces-
sion candidate countries is essential.

(Amendment 2)
Recital 12

(12) The transboundary nature of ozone pollution may
require certain coordination between neighbouring Member
States in drawing up and implementing action plans and in
informing the public.

(12) The transboundary nature of ozone pollution may
require certain coordination between neighbouring Member
States and accession candidate countries in drawing up and
implementing action plans and in informing the public.

(Amendment 3)
Article 1 (da) (new)

(da)

to ensure increased cooperation between the Mem-
ber States in reducing ozone levels, use of the poten-
tial of transboundary measures and agreement on such
measures;

(Amendment 4)
Article 2 (3)

(3)

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

(3)

‘level’ means the concentration of ozone or its precur-
sors in ambient air or the deposition thereof on surfaces
in a given time;

(Amendment 5)
Article 4

The long-term objectives for ozone concentrations in

1.
ambient air are those set out in Section III of Annex I.

1.
The long-term objectives for ozone concentrations in
ambient air, to be achieved by 2020, subject to modifica-
tion, if necessary, during the reviews, are those set out in
Section III of Annex I.

29.12.2000

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Official Journal of the European Communities

C 377/155

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

Wednesday 15 March 2000

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

2. Member States shall draw up a list of the zones and
agglomerations in which the levels of ozone in ambient air, as
assessed in accordance with Article 9, are higher than the long-
term objectives referred to in paragraph 1 but below or equal
to the target values set out in Section II of Annex I. Within
such zones and agglomerations Member States shall implement
measures with the aim of achieving the long-term objectives as
far as possible.

2. Member States shall draw up a list of the zones and
agglomerations in which the levels of ozone in ambient air, as
assessed in accordance with Article 9, are higher than the long-
term objectives referred to in paragraph 1 but below or equal
to the target values set out in Section II of Annex I. Within
such zones and agglomerations Member States shall prepare
and implement measures with the aim of achieving as far as
possible the long-term objectives as from the date specified
in Section III of Annex I.

(Amendment 6)

Article 5

Member States shall draw up a list of zones and agglomera-
tions in which ozone levels meet the long-term objectives.
They shall maintain the levels of ozone in those zones and
agglomerations below the long-term objectives and shall endea-
vour to preserve the best ambient air quality compatible with
sustainable development.

Member States shall draw up a list of zones and agglomera-
tions in which ozone levels meet the long-term objectives.
They shall maintain the levels of ozone in those zones and
agglomerations below the long-term objectives and shall endea-
vour to preserve the best ambient air quality compatible with
sustainable development and a high level of environmental
and human health protection.

(Amendment 7)

Article 6(1), 1st subparagraph

1. Member States shall take appropriate steps to disseminate up-
to-date information on ambient concentrations of ozone to the
public as well as to appropriate organisations representing the
interests of sensitive population groups and other relevant
health care bodies, by means, for example, of the broadcasting
media, the press, information screens or computer network ser-
vices. This shall include information on relevant precursor sub-
stances in so far as these are not covered by existing Commun-
ity legislation.

1. Member States shall ensure that up-to-date information
on ambient concentrations of ozone is routinely made avail-
able to the public as well as to appropriate organisations such
as environmental organisations, consumer organisations,
organisations representing the interests of sensitive population
groups and other relevant health care bodies, by means, for
example, of the broadcasting media,
information
screens or computer network services. This shall include infor-
mation on relevant precursor substances in so far as these are
not covered by existing Community legislation.

the press,

(Amendment 8)

Article 6(2)

2.
The information threshold and the alert threshold for
concentrations of ozone in ambient air are given in Section I
of Annex II. Details supplied to the public in accordance with
Article 10 of Directive 96/62/EC when either threshold is
exceeded shall include as a minimum the items listed in Section
II of Annex II. Member States shall where practicable also take
steps to supply such information when an exceedance of the
information threshold or alert threshold is predicted.

2.
The information threshold and the alert threshold for
concentrations of ozone in ambient air are given in Section I
of Annex II. Details supplied to the public in accordance with
Article 10 of Directive 96/62/EC when either threshold is
exceeded shall include as a minimum the items listed in Section
II of Annex II. Member States shall also take steps to supply
such information when an exceedance of
the information
threshold or alert threshold is predicted.

C 377/156

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.12.2000

Wednesday 15 March 2000

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 9)

Article 7

In accordance with Article 7(3) of Directive 96/62/EC, Member
States shall draw up action plans indicating measures to be
taken in the short term where there is a risk of exceedances
of the alert threshold and where there is likely to be significant
potential for reducing that risk or for reducing the duration
and severity of any exceedance.

In accordance with Article 7(3) of Directive 96/62/EC, Member
States shall draw up local action plans indicating measures to
be taken in the short term in each case and in each place
where there is a risk of exceedances of the alert threshold and
where there is likely to be significant potential for reducing
that risk or for reducing the duration and severity of any excee-
dance of the alert threshold.

For this purpose, Member States shall investigate and assess the
reduction potential of those short-term measures, taking into
account the criteria specified in the guidance referred to in Ar-
ticle 12.

For this purpose, Member States shall
investigate and
assess in each case the reduction potential of those short-
term measures, taking into account the criteria specified in
the guidance referred to in Article 12.

Member States shall also have regard to that guidance when
developing and implementing the short-term action plans.

Member States shall also have regard to that guidance when
developing and implementing the short-term action plans.

Member States shall inform the Commission, the public,
appropriate organisations such as environmental organisa-
tions, consumer organisations, organisations representing
the interests of sensitive population groups and health
care bodies about both the results of their investigations
and the content and implementation of specific short-term
action plans.

(Amendment 10)

Article 10(1)(ca) (new)

(ca) provide the Commission annually with details of the
content and implementation of such short-term action
plans as may have been prepared in accordance with
Article 7 of this Directive.

(Amendment 11)

Article 10(2)(d)(iii)

(iii) information regarding decisions on short-term action plans and
concerning the design of any such plans prepared in accordance
with Article 7 of this Directive.

Deleted

(Amendment 12)

Article 10(3)(aa) (new)

(aa) publish the information submitted by Member
States in a form that enables direct comparison of
the performances of Member States.

29.12.2000

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Official Journal of the European Communities

C 377/157

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

Wednesday 15 March 2000

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 25)
Article 10(3)(b)

(b) check the implementation of the plans or programmes
submitted pursuant to paragraph 1(b) by examining their
progress and the trends in air pollution;

(b) check the implementation of the plans or programmes
submitted pursuant to paragraph 1(b) by examining their
progress and the trends in air pollution, taking account of
the meteorological conditions;

(Amendment 13)
Article 11(1)

1.
The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament
and the Council by [31 December 2004] at the latest a report
based on experience of the application of this Directive, and in
particular on the findings of the most recent scientific research
into the effects on human health and the environment of expo-
sure to ozone, and on technological developments, including
progress achieved in methods of measuring and otherwise
assessing concentrations.

1.
The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament
and the Council by [31 December 2004] at the latest a report
based on experience of the application of this Directive, and in
particular on the findings of the most recent scientific research
into the effects on human health and the environment of expo-
sure to ozone, and on technological developments, including
progress achieved in methods of measuring and otherwise
assessing concentrations and their evolution throughout
Europe. The report shall compare model predictions with
actual measurements.

(Amendment 14)
Article 11(2)

The report shall include a review of the provisions of this
2.
Directive in the light of the most recent scientific research con-
cerning in particular the effects of ozone on human health
andthe environment.

The report shall include a review of the provisions of this
2.
Directive in the light of the most recent scientific research con-
cerning in particular the effects of ozone on the environmen-
tand on human health, specifically taking into account sen-
sitive population groups.

(Amendment 15)
Article 11(3)(b)

(b)

transport of pollution across national boundaries;

(b)

transport of pollution across national boundaries, taking
account of the progress made by accession candidate
countries as regards preparations for the implementa-
tion of Community air quality legislation;

(Amendment 16)
Article 11(3)(fa) (new)

(fa) the relationship between this Directive and expected
changes in the consumption of fuels as a result of
measures to be taken by Member States in order to
fulfil commitments relating to climate change;

(Amendment 17)
Article 11(3)(i)

(i) with specific regard to ozone, the potential to achieve the
long-term objective, based on the guidelines of the WHO,
within a foreseeable time period.

(i) with specific regard to ozone, the potential to achieve the
long-term objective, based on the guidelines of the WHO,
by 2020.

C 377/158

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.12.2000

Wednesday 15 March 2000

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 18)

ANNEX I(II) and (III)

II. Target values for ozone

II. Target values for ozone

Parameter

Target value

1. Target
value for
the protec-
tion of
human
health

Highest 8-hour
mean within
one day, calcu-
lated from
hourly running
8-hour averages

2. Target
value for
the protec-
tion of
vegetation

AOT40, calcu-
lated from 1h
values from May
to July

120 µg/m3
not to be
exceeded on
more than 20
days per calen-
dar year aver-
aged over three
years (2)

17 000 µg/m3.h
averaged over
five years (2)

Year by which
the target value
must be attained
as far as possible (1)

2010

2010

Parameter

Target value

1. Target
value for
the protec-
tion of
human
health

Highest 8-hour
mean within
one day, calcu-
lated from
hourly running
8-hour averages

2. Target
value for
the protec-
tion of
vegetation

AOT40, calcu-
lated from 1h
values from May
to July

120 µg/m3
not to be
exceeded on
more than 20
days per calen-
dar year aver-
aged over three
years (2)

17 000 µg/m3.h
averaged over
five years (2)

Year by which
the target value
must be attained
(1)

2010

2010

(1) Compliance with target values will be assessed as of this date. That is, 2010
will be the first year the data for which is used in calculating compliance
over the following three or five years, as appropriate.
If the three or five year averages cannot be determined on the basis of a full
and consecutive set of annual data, the minimum annual data required for
checking compliance with the target values will be as follows:
E for the target value for the protection of human health: valid data for

(2)

(1) Compliance with target values will be assessed as of this date. That is, 2010
will be the first year the data for which is used in calculating compliance
over the following three or five years, as appropriate.
If the three or five year averages cannot be determined on the basis of a full
and consecutive set of annual data, the minimum annual data required for
checking compliance with the target values will be as follows:
E for the target value for the protection of human health: valid data for

(2)

one year,

one year,

E for the target value for the protection of vegetation: valid data for three

E for the target value for the protection of vegetation: valid data for three

years.

years.

III. Long-term objectives for ozone

III. Long-term objectives for ozone

Long-term objec-
tive not to be
exceeded

120 µg/m3

6 000 µg/m3.h

Parameter

Highest 8-hour
mean within a
calendar year,
calculated from
hourly running
8-hour averages

AOT40, calcu-
lated from 1h
values from May
to July

1. Long-
term objec-
tive for the
protection
of human
health

2. Long-
term objec-
tive for the
protection
of vegeta-
tion

Long-term objec-
tive not to be
exceeded

Year by which
the long-term
objective must
be attained

120 µg/m3

2020

6 000 µg/m3.h

2020

Parameter

Highest 8-hour
mean within a
calendar year,
calculated from
hourly running
8-hour averages

AOT40, calcu-
lated from 1h
values from May
to July

1. Long-
term objec-
tive for the
protection
of human
health

2. Long-
term objec-
tive for the
protection
of vegeta-
tion

29.12.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 377/159

European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council
directive relating to ozone in ambient air (COM(1999) 125 ’ C5-0048/1999 ’ 1999/0068(COD))

Wednesday 15 March 2000

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

E having regard to the Commission proposal

to the European Parliament and the Council

(COM(1999) 125),

E having regard to Article 251(2) and Article 175(1) of the EC Treaty pursuant to which the Commi-

ssion submitted the proposal to Parliament (C5-0048/1999),

E having regard to Rule 67 of its Rules of Procedure,

E having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy
and the opinion of the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy (A5-0062/2000),

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

Asks to be consulted again should the Commission intend to amend its proposal substantially or

2.
replace it with another text;

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

11. Atmospheric pollutants ***I

A5-0063/2000

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on national emission ceilings for certain
atmospheric pollutants (COM(1999) 125 ’ C5-0047/1999 ’ 1999/0067(COD))

The proposal was amended as follows:

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 1)
Recital 10

(10) The Commission should continue to examine further
appropriate Community measures which may be cost-effective
means of attaining the environmental objectives.

(10) The Commission should continue to examine further
appropriate Community measures which may be cost-effective
means of attaining the environmental objectives. It is necess-
ary above all to establish rules for the most important
sources of emissions of ozone precursors which are the
subject of internal market rules and for products which
are freely traded on the internal market and which, when
used, produce significant emissions of ozone precursors.