EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution (COM (2005) 446)
The European Commission have published their Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The strategy is one of a number of thematic strategies that will shape the future of European Environmental Policy (see Appendix 13). The strategy sets out the following reductions in air pollutants to be achieved by 2020 based on 2000 levels:
|
Substance |
Reduction |
Achieved by |
|
SO2 |
82% |
use of low-sulphur HFO, flue gas desulphurisation and reducing sulphur content of fuels
|
|
NOx |
60% |
modifications to domestic and industrial combustion plant including SNCR/SCR and bans on open burning of waste
|
|
VOCs |
51% |
control of fugitive losses in the chemical industry and refineries and control of use of paints and solvents
|
|
Ammonia |
27% |
various means related to agriculture
|
|
PM2.5 |
59% |
cyclones and fabric filters for boilers in the commercial sector and new residential boilers and improvements to diesel vehicles
|
These will be met by changes to current legislative instruments such as::
- Consolidation of the Air Quality Framework Directive and the first three Daughter Directives into a single Directive
- Limits on PM2.5 - a cap of 25 µg/m³ introduced through new Ambient Air Quality Directive
- Further monitoring in urban areas and likely requirement to reduce urban PM2.5 by 20%
- Strengthening of the National Emissions Ceilings directive
- Possible inclusion of small combustion plants under 50 megawatts into IPPC but no plans to place extra controls on installations already covered by the IPPC or large combustion plants directive
- Implications for the agriculture and transport sectors e.g. vehicle emissions and a reform of the CAP
UK Review of National Air Quality Strategy
The UK National Air Quality Strategy is also under review. The strategy outlines additional controls for particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in some urban areas. Among the proposals are tighter European vehicle emissions standards, incentives for cleaner vehicles and emissions reductions from small combustion plant and ships.
Further information can be found on the DEFRA website.