The Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000, No. 1940 (as amended)

The Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 aim to protect public health and the environment by establishing standards for ambient air quality in Wales. Here's a summary:

1. Purpose: The regulations set out objectives and standards for ambient air quality to safeguard public health and the environment from harmful pollutants. They aim to reduce pollution levels in the air and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
2. Requirements: The regulations establish air quality objectives for various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb). Local authorities are required to monitor air quality levels and develop action plans to achieve and maintain compliance with these objectives.
3. Applicability: The regulations apply to all areas within Wales and set out requirements for local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in monitoring and managing air quality. They aim to ensure coordinated efforts to address air pollution issues and improve air quality across Wales.

In summary, The Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 establish objectives and standards for ambient air quality in Wales to protect public health and the environment from the adverse effects of air pollution. They require monitoring, reporting, and action planning to achieve and maintain compliance with air quality standards and reduce pollution levels in the air.

The evidence requirements of The Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 typically involve monitoring, reporting, and assessment to ensure compliance with air quality objectives. Key elements of evidence requirements may include:

1. Air Quality Monitoring: Local authorities are required to establish monitoring networks to assess ambient air quality levels for various pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and lead. Monitoring stations are strategically located to capture data representative of different environments and population exposure.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Continuous monitoring data is collected and analyzed to assess air quality levels against established objectives and standards. This involves collecting data on pollutant concentrations, meteorological conditions, and other relevant factors to evaluate trends, patterns, and exceedances of air quality objectives.
3. Annual Reports: Local authorities are obligated to produce annual reports on air quality, summarizing monitoring data, compliance assessments, and any actions taken to address air pollution issues. These reports provide transparency and accountability regarding air quality management efforts and progress towards achieving objectives.
4. Action Plans: Where air quality objectives are not met or are at risk of being exceeded, local authorities are required to develop action plans outlining measures to improve air quality and achieve compliance. Action plans may include measures such as traffic management schemes, emissions controls, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with stakeholders to reduce pollution levels.
5. Public Consultation: Local authorities are often required to engage with the public and stakeholders during the development and review of air quality management plans and actions. This may involve consultation processes to gather feedback, raise awareness of air quality issues, and foster community engagement in air quality improvement efforts.
6. Review and Revision: Regular review and revision of air quality management plans and actions are essential to adapt to changing circumstances, emerging evidence, and evolving regulatory requirements. Authorities must monitor progress, evaluate the effectiveness of measures, and update plans as necessary to achieve and maintain compliance with air quality objectives.

Overall, the evidence requirements of The Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2000 focus on robust monitoring, reporting, and assessment to ensure effective management of air quality and the protection of public health and the environment from the adverse effects of air pollution.