The Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000, No. 928 (as amended)

The Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 are an essential component of the UK's efforts to manage and improve air quality across England. They were established to implement European Union directives on air quality into national law, focusing specifically on reducing pollution and protecting human health and the environment.

Purpose:

‍The main purpose of these regulations is to maintain and enhance air quality by setting legally binding objectives for levels of specific pollutants. These pollutants include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM10), lead, carbon monoxide, and benzene, among others.

Requirements:

1. Air Quality Objectives: The regulations define specific objectives for different pollutants, detailing maximum permissible concentrations and exposure times.
2. Air Quality Assessments: Local authorities are required to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas. This involves monitoring pollutant levels and determining whether the air quality objectives are being met.
3. Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs): If any areas are found where the air quality objectives are not likely to be met, local authorities must declare these as AQMAs. Within these areas, authorities must formulate and implement air quality action plans to improve air quality.
4. Reporting: Local authorities must report their findings and progress to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This includes the results of assessments, the declaration of AQMAs, and the action plans developed.

Who They Apply To:

• Local Authorities: They are responsible for assessing air quality, declaring AQMAs, and formulating action plans. They must also enforce the regulations within their jurisdictions.
• Businesses and Industries: Particularly those that emit significant levels of pollutants covered by the regulations. These entities must comply with the air quality objectives and may be subject to specific requirements within AQMAs.
• General Public: While not directly responsible for compliance, the public is affected by and can benefit from the improved air quality resulting from the enforcement of these regulations.

The Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 thus set a framework for systematic assessment and management of air quality, aiming to reduce pollution levels and safeguard public health throughout England.

The Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 establish specific evidence requirements to ensure the effective management and regulation of air quality. These requirements are critical for monitoring pollution levels, evaluating compliance with air quality objectives, and implementing necessary actions to improve air quality. Here’s a summary of the key evidence requirements under these regulations:

1. Monitoring Data:
   • Local authorities are required to systematically monitor air quality, particularly for pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM10), lead, carbon monoxide, and benzene. Accurate and continuous monitoring data must be collected to assess whether the air quality objectives are being met.
2. Air Quality Assessments:
   • Authorities must conduct detailed assessments based on the monitoring data. These assessments should identify areas where air quality objectives are not being met and determine the sources of pollution. The assessments need to be thorough and documented clearly.
3. Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs):
   • If an area is designated as an AQMA due to failing to meet the set air quality objectives, detailed documentation must be maintained. This documentation should include the basis for the designation, the specific pollutants of concern, and the geographic boundaries of the AQMA.
4. Action Plans:
   • For each AQMA, an action plan must be developed to outline the measures that will be implemented to improve air quality. These plans must include evidence-based strategies and expected outcomes, and they should detail how and when the objectives will be achieved.
5. Reporting Requirements:
   • Local authorities must submit regular reports to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). These reports should include all monitoring data, assessments, decisions to designate AQMAs, and progress on implementing action plans.
6. Public Information and Engagement:
   • Evidence of public information dissemination and engagement activities must be maintained. This includes details on how the public is informed about air quality issues, AQMA declarations, and opportunities for public input on action plans.

These evidence requirements are designed to create a robust framework for managing air quality, enabling local authorities to take informed actions to mitigate pollution and protect public health. They also ensure transparency and accountability in how air quality is managed across England.