Changes from adopted text to adopted text

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point c: (c) urban background locations shall be located so that their pollution level is influenced by the integrated contribution from all sources upwind of the sampling point, following the main wind direction. The pollution level shall not be dominated by a single source unless such a situation is typical for a larger urban area. Those sampling points shall, as a general rule, be representative for several square kilometres;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point c a (new): (ca) air pollution hotspots shall be covered by a sufficient number of sampling points installed within the main wind direction of the source where there is a near residential area or an area where 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 or target value or values, including but not limited to schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities and office areas;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point c b (new): (cb) where the objective is to measure concentration levels in areas referred to in points (a)(i) and (a)(ii), sampling points shall be sited close to locations frequented by sensitive population and vulnerable groups and at-risk communities, such as schools, playgrounds, hospitals and homes for the elderly;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point d: (d) where the objective is to measure the contribution of heating, at least one sampling point shall be installed within the main wind direction of these sources; sampling points shall be sited in such a way that the air sampled is representative of air quality for an area of at least 250 m × 250 m;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point e: (e) sampling points in rural background locations shall be located so that they are not influenced by urban areas and so that their pollution level is influenced by the integrated contribution from all relevant sources;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point f: (f) where contributions from industrial sources, ports and airports are to be assessed, at least one sampling point shall be installed downwind following the main wind direction of the source in the nearest residential area. Where the background concentration is not known, an additional sampling point shall be situated within the main wind direction. The sampling points shall be sited such that the application of BAT can be monitored;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section B – point 2 – point i: (i) sampling points measuring arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons shall be co-located with sampling points for PM10.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section C – paragraph 1 – introductory part: The following shall apply:

RemovedAnnex IV – Section C – paragraph 1 – point b: (b) in general, the sampling point inlet shall be between 0,5 m (the breathing zone) and 3 m above the ground. Higher siting (up to 6 m) may be appropriate if the sampling point is representative of a large area (a background location). The decision to apply such higher siting shall be fully documented;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section C – paragraph 1 – point e: (e) for all pollutants, sampling probes shall be positioned no more than 5 m from the kerbside; consideration shall be given to whether locating the sampling point at less than 25 m from the edge of major junctions would result in over- or under-estimating concentrations and lead to measuring a very small micro-environment that is not representative of levels along that road segment; for the purposes of this point, a ‘kerbside’ means the line that separates motorised traffic from other areas; a ‘major junction’ means a junction which interrupts the traffic flow and causes different emissions (stop&go) from the rest of the road;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section C – paragraph 1 – point f: (f) for the deposition measurements in rural background locations, the guidelines and criteria of EMEP shall apply;

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 1: 1. The competent authorities responsible for air quality assessment shall provide a data-based assessment for all zones, fully document the site-selection procedures, record information to support the network design and choice of location for all monitoring sites and provide justifications. The design of the monitoring network shall be supported at least by either modelling with a sufficiently low level of uncertainty or indicative measurements.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 2: 2. The documentation shall include the location of the sampling points through spatial coordinates, detailed maps and photos, and shall include information on the spatial representativeness of all sampling points.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 3: 3. The documentations shall include evidence explaining the reasons for the network design and proof of compliance with the requirements referred to in Points B and C, in particular: / (a) the reasons for the selection of locations representative of the highest levels of pollution in the zone or agglomeration for each pollutant; / (b) the reasons for the selection of locations representative of the general exposure of population; and / (c) any deviation from the micro-scale siting criteria, their underlying reasons and the likely impact on measured levels.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 4: 4. Where indicative measurements or modelling, or a combination thereof are used within a zone, the documentation shall include details of these methods and information on how the criteria listed in Article 9(3) are met.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 5: 5. Where indicative measurements or modelling are used, competent authorities shall use gridded data reported under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 and emission information reported under Directive 2010/75/EU.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 9: 9. At least every 5 years the selection criteria, network design and monitoring site locations, defined by the competent authorities in view of the requirements of this Annex, shall be reviewed to ensure they remain valid and optimal overtime. The review shall be supported at least by either modelling or indicative measurements and shall identify measures to be taken within a timeframe in accordance with the guidelines to ensure that the network design remains valid and optimal. Where such a review reveals that the network design and monitoring site locations are no longer valid (for example, there is no fixed monitoring station in the area of modelled maximum levels), the competent authority shall correct and update the network design within one year.

RemovedAnnex IV – Section D – point 10 a (new): 10a. The competent authorities responsible for air quality assessment shall perform and document regular checks and maintenance of the ambient air quality monitoring stations to ensure that they continue to operate and to ensure the accuracy of measurements and reliability of instrumentation.

RemovedAnnex V – Section A – title: A. Uncertainty of measurements and modelling for ambient air quality assessment (for air quality standards to be attained by 1 January 2035)

RemovedAnnex V – Section A – point 2 – paragraph 3: The percentages for uncertainty in the tables in this Section apply for all limit values (and the ozone target value) that are calculated by simple averaging of individual measurements such as hourly mean, daily mean or yearly mean values without considering the additional uncertainty for the calculation of the number of exceedances. Levels below 5 for PM2.5 and 10 for NO2 shall be allowed to have percentages for uncertainty of 30 %. The uncertainty shall be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the appropriate limit values (or ozone target value). The uncertainty calculation does not apply to AOT40 and values that include more than 1 year, more than 1 station (e.g. AEI) or more than 1 component. They are also not applicable for information thresholds, alert thresholds and critical levels for the protection of vegetation and natural ecosystems.

RemovedAnnex V – Section A – point 2 – paragraph 9: Where an air quality model is used for assessment, references to descriptions of the model, including the spatial resolution of the model itself and source-specific input data and information on the calculation of the modelling quality objective shall be compiled.

RemovedAnnex V – Section A – point 2 – paragraph 10: deleted

RemovedAnnex V – Section AA (new) – title: AA. Uncertainty of measurements and modelling for ambient air quality assessment (for air quality standards to be attained by 1 January 2030)

RemovedAnnex V – Section B – paragraph 3: For the other cases, measurements are to be evenly distributed over the calendar year (or over the April-September period for indicative measurements of O3). In order to comply with these requirements and to ensure that any potential losses of data do not skew results, the minimum data coverage and distribution requirements shall be met for specific periods (quarter, month, weekday) of the whole year depending on the pollutant and measurement method/frequency.

RemovedAnnex V – Section D – paragraph 1 – introductory part: The following information shall be compiled for zones where air quality modelling is used:

RemovedAnnex V – Section D – paragraph 1 – point c a (new): (ca) observed lack of data or information from specific sampling points,

RemovedAnnex V – Section D – paragraph 1 – point e a (new): (ea) in respect of measurements from transboundary stations, an estimation of transboundary pollution related to another Member State or a third country;

RemovedAnnex V – Section F – point 1 a (new): 1a. The Commission shall provide clear guidance and requirements for the use of air quality models, with a view to working towards harmonisation.

RemovedAnnex VI – Section B – point 2: 2. The Commission shall require Member States to prepare and submit a report on the demonstration of equivalence in accordance with point 1.

RemovedAnnex VII – Section 1 – point A – paragraph 1: The main objectives of such measurements are to ensure that adequate information is made available on levels in urban background and rural background locations. This information is essential to judge the enhanced levels in more polluted areas (such as urban background locations, air pollution hotspots, industry related locations, traffic related locations), assess the possible contribution from long-range transport of pollutants, support source apportionment analysis and for the understanding of specific pollutants such as particulate matter. It is also essential for the increased use of modelling also in urban areas.

RemovedAnnex VII – Section 1 – point C – paragraph 1: Measurements shall be taken in urban background locations, air pollution hotspots and rural background locations in accordance with Annex IV.

RemovedAnnex VII – Section 2 – point B – paragraph 1: Measurement of ozone precursor substances shall include at least nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), methane (CH4) and other appropriate volatile organic compounds (VOC). The selection of the specific compounds to be measured completed by other compounds of interest will depend on the objective sought.

RemovedAnnex VII – Section 3 a (new): SECTION 3A - MEASUREMENT OF BLACK CARBON (BC) / A. Objectives / The objective of such measurements is to ensure that adequate information is available at locations where high concentrations of BC occur that are mainly influenced by sources from air, water, or road transport (such as airports, ports or roads), industrial sites or domestic heating. The information shall be appropriate to judge on enhanced levels of BC concentrations from those sources. / B. Substances / BC / C. Siting / Sampling points shall be established in accordance with Annexes IV and V at a location where high BC concentrations are likely to occur and within the main wind direction.

RemovedAnnex VII – Section 3 b (new): SECTION 3B - MEASUREMENT OF AMMONIA (NH3) / A. Objectives / The objective of such measurements is to ensure that adequate information is available at locations where high concentrations of NH3 occur that are mainly influenced by sources from agricultural and animal farming (fields and grassland subject to the application of fertiliser, stables and storages of manure). The information shall be appropriate to judge on enhanced levels of NH3 concentrations from those sources. / B. Substances / NH3 / C. Siting / Sampling points shall be established in accordance with Annexes IV and V at a location where high NH3 concentrations are likely to occur and within the main wind direction.

RemovedAnnex VII – Section 3 c (new): SECTION 3C – MEASUREMENT OF MERCURY / A. Objectives / The objective of such measurements is to ensure that adequate information is available at locations where high concentrations of mercury occur that are mainly influenced by sources from energy production and industry. The information shall be appropriate to judge on enhanced levels of mercury concentrations from those sources. / B. SUBSTANCES / Mercury / C. Siting / Sampling points shall be established in accordance with Annexes IV and V at a location where high mercury concentrations are likely to occur and within the main wind direction.

RemovedAnnex VIII – title: Information to be included in air quality plans and air quality roadmaps for improvement in ambient air quality

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 2 – point a: (a) type of zone (urban, industrial, air pollution hotspot or rural area) or characteristics of NUTS 2 territorial unit (including urban, industrial, air pollution hotspot or rural areas);

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 2 – point c: (c) concentrations or average exposure indicator of the relevant pollutant observed at least 5 years prior to the exceedance and comparison with limit values or average exposure reduction obligation and average exposure concentration objective;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 3 – paragraph 1: Names and addresses of the competent authorities responsible for the development and implementation of air quality plans or air quality roadmaps.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 3 a (new): 3a. Assessment of environmental impacts and health effects / (a) concentrations and exceedances recorded in previous years, before the start of implementation of the air quality plan, the updated air quality plan or the air quality roadmap; / (b) in the event of an updated air quality plan, concentrations and exceedances recorded since the beginning of the implementation of the measures set out in the updated air quality plan; / (c) assessment of environmental impacts and health effects related to the exposure of the population to measured concentrations, including assessment of mortality and morbidity from both acute and chronic health effects on both the general population and sensitive population and vulnerable groups; / (d) methods used for the assessment of environmental impacts, exposure and health effects. / Member States shall be guided in their assesment by the concentration-response (C-R) functions defined by the WHO linking concentrations of pollutants in ambient air to mortality risks or other adverse health effects (Health risks of air pollution in Europe – HRAPIE project), as well as the counterfactual concentrations above which health impacts are estimated (‘cut-off points’).

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 4 – point a: (a) list of the main emission sources and, where possible, of the specific entities responsible for pollution;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 4 – point b: (b) total quantity of emissions from these sources and, where possible, of the specific entities (in tonnes/year);

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 4 – point d: (d) source apportionment according to relevant sectors and, where possible, apportionment to specific entities, that contribute to the exceedance in the national air pollution control programme.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 4 a (new): 4a. Identification of effective pollution abatement measures / (a) information on all possible air pollution abatement measures that could be adopted at appropriate local, regional or national level to contribute to the attainment of air quality objectives and their estimated effect in air pollution reduction of each air pollutant, including at least the pollution abatement measures listed under point B; / (b) assessment of the emission reduction potential and projected impact on reducing concentrations resulting from the implementation of each of the possible pollution abatement measures identified, both individual and combined impacts, including the method of analysis and the associated uncertainties in line with the methodology referred to in Point Ba.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 4 b (new): 4b. Baseline scenario / (a) a description of existing air pollution abatement measures at local, regional, national and international level, including up-to-date information on the status and timetable of implementation; / (b) information concerning the status of implementation of the Directives referred to in point B, point 1, and in particular measures included in the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP); / (c) observed effects of the measures referred to in points (a) and (b) in addressing the factors responsible for the exceedance (emission reductions achieved and related concentration reductions); / (d) a projected further evolution of air quality, both emissions and concentrations, assuming no change to already adopted measures (‘baseline scenario’), covering all years until the attainment date; / (e) an estimate of health effects related to the exposure of the population to air pollution in the baseline scenario; / (f) a description of the method of analysis for the projections and the associated uncertainties in line with the methodology referred to in Point Ba.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 5 – introductory part: 5. Expected impact of measures to reach compliance as soon as possible and, at the latest, within 3 years after the end of the calendar year in which the first exceedance was recorded

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 5 – point b: (b) indicative trajectory towards compliance and estimated year of compliance per air pollutant covered by the air quality roadmap or air quality plan taking into account measures referred to in point 6.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 5 – point b a (new): (ba) for air quality roadmaps under Article 19(-1) and air quality plans under Article 19(1), with a view to ensuring that the exceedance period is kept as short as possible, detailed reasons to explain how the plan sets out measures referred to in point 4a of this Point, including the following: / (i) where the start date for implementation of a measure is later than 6 months from the date of adoption of the air quality plan or air quality roadmap, an explanation of the reasons why an earlier start date is not possible; / (ii) where the analysis pursuant to point 4a has identified measures that would have greater impacts in improving air quality, but they have not been selected for adoption, an explanation of the reasons why adoption of such measures is not considered feasible.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 6 – point -a (new): (-a) review of pollution reduction measures as referred to in point 4a of this Point and their estimated effect on air pollution reduction of each air pollutant, including at least the measures listed under Point B;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 6 – point a: (a) listing and description of all the measures set out in the air quality plan or air quality roadmap and justification for those measures in terms of the source of exceedance, their effectiveness, their efficiency and their availability in time, including the identification of the competent authority in charge of their implementation;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 6 – point b: (b) quantification of emission reduction (in tonnes/year), by source and, where possible, by specific entities, of each measure, both individual and combined, under point (a);

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 6 – point c: (c) timetable for implementation of each measure and identification, where possible, of the specific entities which have obligations arising from the measures set out in the air quality plan or air quality roadmap, and a description of those obligations and their economic and social impacts;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 6 – point d: (d) estimate of the concentration reduction in relation to the exceedance concerned, as a consequence of each air quality measure, both individual and combined, under point (a);

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 7 – point d: (d) listing, description, justification and socio-economic impact of all additional measures, that unfold their full impact on ambient air pollutant concentrations in 3 years or more.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section A – point 7 a (new): 7a. Annex 2a: A summary of the public information and consultation measures undertaken pursuant to Article 19(6), their results and an explanation of how these results were taken into account in the final air quality plan or air quality roadmap.

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section B – point 2 – introductory part: 2. When preparing air quality plans or air quality roadmaps, Member States shall consider at least the following air pollution abatement measures at local, regional or national level for implementation in connection with the attainment of air quality objectives, including:

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section B – point 2 – point c: (c) procurement by public authorities, in line with the handbook on green public procurement, of fuels, combustion equipment to reduce emissions and zero-emission vehicles as defined in Article 3(1), point (m), of Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a; / 1a Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 443/2009 and (EU) No 510/2011 (OJ L 111, 25.4.2019, p. 13).

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section B – point 2 – point c a (new): (ca) reduction of emissions through the uptake of zero- and low-emission collective and public transport vehicles and/or vehicles equipped with modern digital solutions affecting emissions reduction;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section B – point 2 – point c b (new): (cb) measures to improve the quality, efficiency, affordability and connectivity of collective and public transport;

RemovedAnnex VIII – Section B – point 2 – point c c (new): (cc) measures related to the uptake and implementation of alternative fuel infrastructure;