The Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, No. 188 (as amended)

The Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 are designed to manage and improve air quality across Northern Ireland, adopting and implementing the European Union's ambient air quality directives. These regulations play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Purpose:

‍The primary purpose of these regulations is to establish air quality standards for Northern Ireland, setting limits on the levels of certain pollutants in the air. These pollutants include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), lead, benzene, carbon monoxide, and ozone. The regulations aim to reduce air pollution to acceptable levels, ensuring that air quality meets both national and international guidelines.

Requirements:

1. Monitoring: Local authorities are required to monitor air quality in their areas regularly, using specified methods and criteria to assess levels of pollutants.
2. Assessment and Management: If pollution levels exceed the limits, local authorities must assess the sources of pollution and prepare air quality management plans to address these exceedances.
3. Public Information: The regulations mandate the provision of timely and up-to-date information to the public regarding air quality, including potential health risks and protective measures during pollution incidents.
4. Zone Management: Northern Ireland is divided into zones and agglomerations for the purposes of air quality management. Each zone must have plans and programs in place to achieve and maintain the required air quality standards.

Who They Apply To:

• Local Authorities: Charged with the monitoring, management, and dissemination of information about air quality within their jurisdictions.
• Government Departments: Involved in overarching policy and regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with both the regulations and associated EU directives.
• Industries and Businesses: Must comply with emissions standards and restrictions, particularly those that are significant sources of air pollutants, such as industrial plants, transportation sectors, and agricultural operations.
• General Public: Informed about air quality issues, and may be involved indirectly through community planning and public health initiatives.

Overall, The Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 set a framework for ensuring that air quality is maintained at a safe level for all residents, integrating European standards into local law and providing mechanisms for ongoing assessment and improvement of air quality.

The Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 stipulate specific evidence requirements to ensure compliance with established air quality standards and to facilitate effective monitoring and management of air quality. Here’s a brief overview of these requirements:

1. Monitoring Data:
   • Local authorities are required to systematically collect data on air quality, focusing on pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, lead, benzene, carbon monoxide, and ozone. This data must be collected using approved techniques and equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
2. Air Quality Assessments:
   • Evidence in the form of air quality assessments must be compiled regularly. These assessments should detail the levels of various pollutants and compare them against the regulatory standards. If exceedances are found, the assessments must identify possible sources and patterns of pollution.
3. Air Quality Management Plans:
   • When standards are not met, local authorities must produce air quality management plans. Evidence supporting these plans includes data on current pollution levels, sources of pollution, and the expected effectiveness of proposed measures to improve air quality.
4. Public Information and Reporting:
   • Documentation that details how information about air quality is communicated to the public is required. This includes mechanisms for alerting the public during pollution episodes and regular reporting on air quality status through accessible platforms.
5. Compliance and Enforcement Records:
   • Records of enforcement actions and compliance checks are necessary to ensure that all relevant industries and sectors adhere to the regulations. This includes documentation of any penalties imposed and measures taken to rectify violations.
6. Annual Reporting to the EU:
   • Under the directives integrated into these regulations, Northern Ireland is obligated to submit annual reports to the European Commission. These reports must include comprehensive monitoring data, assessments, and summaries of air quality management efforts.

These evidence requirements are integral to the regulatory framework, ensuring that air quality standards are not only maintained but also systematically improved, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment in Northern Ireland.