Legislative and policy framework
» Directive 2015/1480/EC of 28th August 2015 amends several annexes to Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the rules concerning: • reference methods • data validation • the location of sampling points for the assessment of ambient air quality. Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and the Council on industrial emissions is the main EU instrument regulating pollutant emissions from industrial installations. The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) aims to achieve a high level of protection of human health and the environment taken as a whole by reducing harmful industrial emissions across the EU, in particular through better application of Best Available Techniques (BAT). The IED was adopted on 24th November 2010 and entered into force on 6th January 2011 and had to be transposed by Member States by 7th January 2013. The IED is based on several pillars: 1. an integrated approach, 2. use of best available techniques, 3. flexibility, 4. inspections, and 5. public participation. » Commission Implementing Decision 2011/850/EU lays down rules for Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the reciprocal exchange of information and reporting on ambient air quality (notified under document C(2011) 9068). » The Clean Air for Europe Directive, (CAFE, 2008/50/EC) , details the legislative requirements of member states with regards to assessment of air quality across air quality zones. Within Ireland, there are four air quality assessment zones: A (Dublin) B (Cork) C (cities / towns >15,000) D (remainder of the country). The Clean Air Package The EU Clean Air Package was launched in 2013 following a comprehensive review of existing EU air policy. The policies and legislative proposals contained within it are designed to update and modernize EU clean air legislation to better reflect improved scientific knowledge and understanding of the health and environmental impacts of air pollution. The main components of this policy package include: » A new Clean Air Programme for Europe with measures to ensure that existing targets are met in the short-term and sets out new air quality objectives for the period up to 2030. The package also includes support measures to help cut air pollution, with a focus on improving air quality in cities, supporting research and innovation, and promoting international cooperation. » A revised National Emission Ceilings Directive with more ambitious and protective national emissions ceiling for key pollutants. » A new Directive to reduce pollution from medium-sized combustion installations, such as energy plants for street blocks or large buildings, and small industry installations. The Clean Air Package is expected to deliver significant benefits across the EU by 2030 including: » the avoidance of 58,000 premature deaths » saving 123,000 km 2 of ecosystems, (including 56,000 km 2 of protected Natura 2000 sites) from nitrogen pollution » saving 19,000 km 2 of forest ecosystems from acidification.
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