EU Environmental Legislation - Air
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The subject of air pollution has received much attention in recent years as the effects of increasing domestic and industrial emissions have become only too apparent. The scope of the problem has also altered considerably whereas a number of decades ago air pollution was generally confined to urban areas or areas of concentrated industrial activity which could be monitored and controlled locally, now transfrontier air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion and global warming necessitate international cooperation in the reduction and containment of emissions.
Air is a very complex mix of chemical compounds and air pollution under the 1987 Act is defined as:
a condition of the atmosphere in which pollutant is present in such quantities as to be liable to:
(i) be injurious to public health;
(ii) have a harmful effect on flora or fauna or damage property, or
(iii) impair or interfere with amenities or with the environment.
Air pollutants can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Secondary pollutants are sulphur and nitrogen compounds. The following is a list of the most serious polluting substances and preparations to air:
- Sulphur dioxide and other sulphur compounds
- Oxides of nitrogen and other nitrogen compounds
- Carbon monoxide and dioxide
- Volatile organic compounds
- Heavy metals and their compounds
- Dust, asbestos (suspended particulates and fibres), glass and mineral fibres
- Chlorine and compounds
- Fluorine and compounds
- Arsenic and compounds
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen cyanide and fluoride
- Substances and preparations which have been shown possess carcinogenic properties.
(Taken from Annex III Integrated Pollution Control EC Proposals and Practice, by Ian Doolittle and Tonia Secker, Trowers & Hamlins, London.)
In June, 1975, the European Council established a common procedure for exchange of information between monitoring networks based on data relating to pollution caused by sulphur compounds and suspended particulates. In the 1980s further Directives were passed by the EC formulating desirable air quality limit values and controlling the emission of certain pollutants from designated industrial operations, notably power stations. In addition, it passed a regulation on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution designed to improve means of monitoring their condition and to devise methods for maintaining and regenerating them.
Overall two specific areas have received special attention:
- the control of exhaust gases from motor vehicles, and
- the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants from large combustion plants.
EC limits on emissions from light duty vehicles were first laid down in 1970 by Directive 70/220/EEC. The Directive established technical standards for emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) from petrol driven vehicles (with the exception of tractors and public works vehicles).
In 1977 emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) were set by Directive 77/102/EEC. Directives 78/665/EEC and 83/351/EEC reduced limits for CO, HC and NOx in 1978 and 1983 respectively. In 1988 Council Directive 88/76/EEC brought motor emission standards into line with limits in the USA. This Directive reduced CO emission limits for vehicles below 1.4 litres by about 40% and combined HC + NOx emissions by 25%. In July 1989, Directive 89/458/EEC was adopted by Member States which further reduced CO and combined HC and NOx emission limits for cars below 1.4 litres. It established 1 July 1992 and 31 December 1992 as the dates of entry into force of the Directive for new models and for new vehicles brought into service. In the case of diesel engines, the emission of particulates was limited by the issue of Directive 88/436/EEC in 1988 and limits set for emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides by Council Directive 88/77/EEC.
In 1991, Directive 91/542/EEC was issued which covered CO, HC, NOx and particulates from all diesel engines for use in heavy vehicles. The Directive, which was to be introduced in two stages, set out strict limits for new vehicles.
DIRECTIVE 93/59/EEC amended Directive 70/220 on the approximation of laws within the EU regarding measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles. Directive 93/59 applied emission standards which were previously applied to cars to light commercial vehicles.
DIRECTIVE 94/12/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 23 March 1994 modified Directive 70/220 in that it aimed to reduce carbon monoxide emissions to 2.2 grams per km for petrol and by 1.0 grams for diesel. The Directive also aimed to reduce hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide output to 0.5 grams per petrol and 0.7 grams for diesel. Dates of application for new vehicles were January 1996 and for all vehicles by January 1997.
A number of proposals currently under discussion the proposal for a Directive on the Reduction of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles (ETAPE 2000) (COM(97)77) and the proposal for a Directive on Fuel Quality (ETAPE 2000) (COM(96)248) are components of the Commission´s Oil programme. The Auto Oil programme is a collaboration between the Commission and the motor and oil industries which seeks to identify the most cost-effective measures to ensure that targets for air quality are met by 2010. The programme comprises a series of measures to reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel quality standards from the year 2000.
Under COM(97)77, the Commission proposes to set emission limits for CO, HC and NOx at 2.3, 0.2 and 0.15 g/km for petrol and diesel cars with added limits for diesel cars in respect of particulates from the year 2000. Stricter limits would be set from 2005. The proposed Directive on Fuel Quality (COM(96) 248) would set fuel quality standards for petrol and diesel from the year 2000.
COM(97) 61 PROPOSAL FOR A DIRECTIVE ON EMISSIONS FROM LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES (LCVs) proposes reductions in emissions from the year 2000 for vans up to 3.5 tonnes, cars over 2.5 tonnes and off-road vehicles. Would include reductions of 40% for N0x; 40% for HC, and 30% for C0 in petrol fuelled vehicles. In the case of diesel fuelled vehicles the proposed reductions are: 20% for N0x; 65% for HC; 40% for C0 and 35% for particulates.
On the issue of lead emissions, Council Directive 82/884/EEC laid down a maximum limit value for lead concentrations in air of 2µ/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) expressed as an annual mean concentration.
Council Directive 85/210 reduced permitted lead content of petrol to 0.15 g of lead per litre (from 0.4-0.15 originally specified in Directive 78/611/EEC) and required the supply of lead-free petrol (with a lead content of less than 0.013 g of lead per litre) to be evenly distributed within Member States by the end of 1989. In practice, some Member States were slow to implement this Directive and proceedings were instituted against a number who had failed to ensure a balanced distribution.
This complex set of directives governing different classes of vehicles was consolidated into one Directive (Directive 91/441/EEC) published in August 1991.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 84/360/EEC was a framework Directive which established certain measures and procedures aimed at controlling and reducing emissions from industrial plants. Under the Directive, proposed industrial developments listed in Annex I had to obtain prior authorisation from designated national or regional authorities. This authorisation is subject to the proposed plant meeting specified requirements regarding air emissions:
- the authorising body must be satisfied that all appropriate measures have been taken against air pollution (including the application of BATNEEC Best Available Technologies Not Entailing Excessive Costs);
- that the use of the plant will not cause significant air pollution (especially of substances listed in Annex II of the Directive);
- that no emission limit values are exceeded, and that all relevant air quality values are taken into account.
On 24 November 1988, the LARGE COMBUSTION PLANT DIRECTIVE 88/609/EEC was adopted by Member States. This was the first Directive to be adopted under the framework Directive 84/360/EEC. The Directive imposed limits on emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust from existing and new plants with a rated thermal input greater than 50 megawatts. The aim is to achieve a 58% reduction in SO2 emissions in the EU by 2003 together with a reduction in NOx emissions. In the case of existing plants, the Directive laid down procedures whereby these emissions could be gradually reduced. By 1 July 1990, Member States were to have established plans for the phased reduction of total annual emissions of SO2 and NOx from existing plants.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 94/66 EC on the limitation of emissions of sulphur dioxide from large combustion plants amended Directive 88/609/EEC and set limit values for SO2 emissions from smaller combustion plants using solid fuels, in particular, coal. It established limit values of 2,000 milligrams of SO2 per cubic metre for some existing facilities and all new facilities with a capacity of between 50 and 100 thermal megawatts.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 75/716/EEC limited the concentration of sulphur in oil for heating and cooking and for motor vehicles powered by diesel engines (gas oil); it provided for the sulphur content to be reduced by legislation in further stages in 1976 and 1980. Council Directive 87/219/EEC set a single maximum sulphur content limit of 0.3% from January 1989. The most recently agreed limit dropped to a maximum of 0.2% for all gas oils by 1994 and a further limit of 0.05% for automotive diesel fuel by October 1996.
A new proposal, COM(97) 88 FOR A DIRECTIVE ON THE SULPHUR CONTENT OF CERTAIN LIQUID FUELS proposes a limit of 1% sulphur content (by weight) on heavy fuel oils used in power stations and industry. The proposal would allow derogations in the case of those installations which have installed flue gas desulphurisation measures. The 0.2% sulphur content limit of gas oils would not be lowered.
COUNCIL DECISION EEC/80/372 capped the production of two chlorofluorocarbons F-11 and F-12 and was followed by Council Decision 82/795/EEC which maintained these limits and set production capacity reference at 480,000 tonnes per year based on 1980 EC production capacity levels.
COUNCIL DECISION 88/540/EEC approved the 1985 Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer which provided a framework for international cooperation in the research of and agreement on measures for the protection of the ozone layer. It approved at the same time the 1987 Montreal Protocol which imposed a series of controls on the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances which should lead to a 50% reduction in the production and consumption of CFCs by the year 2000 and a cap on the production and consumption of halons by 1992.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/594/91 replaced Regulation 3322/88 and set controls on CFCs and halons which implemented the revisions to the Montreal Protocol to the Vienna Convention taken in June 1990. Council Regulation EEC/594/91 set a phase-out schedule reducing production of CFCs to 50% of 1986 levels by the end of 1993, to 32.5% by 1995 and ceasing production altogether by 30 June 1997.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 3093/94 (12/94) on substances that deplete the ozone layer replaced Regulation 594/91. The Regulation aims to cut HCFC usage within the European Union to 7,300 tonnes per annum by January 1995 and begin to eliminate them between 2004 and 2015. The use of HBFCs will be limited until January 1996 after which they will also be eliminated. The use and production of methyl bromide will be frozen in 1995 at 1991 levels and cut by 25% by the beginning of 1998.
A proposal on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer currently before the Commission will amend Regulation No 3093/94 to bring EU legislation into line with the latest changes of the provisions of the Montreal Protocol. Changes to the Montreal Protocol include the following: phasing-out of methyl bromide by the year 2010; phasing out HCFCs by 2020 with derogations for old equipment (these were previously to be phased out by 2030); and phasing out CFCs in developing countries by 2010.
Because of their toxicity and harmful effects on human health, the EC set as a priority the reduction of sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates in the atmosphere in the late 1970s. This led to the adoption of COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 80/779/EEC which established annual and winter limit values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates in the atmosphere.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/427/EEC tightened up the measurement and reporting requirements in Article 10 and Annex IV as a preliminary step in view of a general review of the Directive which was to take place in 1992-1993.
COUNCIL DECISION 81/462/EEC on Transboundary Air Pollution came into force in March 1983 and approved the Geneva Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution. The aim of the convention is to protect human health and the environment by monitoring, and gradually reducing, air pollution with particular reference to transboundary air pollution by sulphur dioxide.
COUNCIL DECISION 82/459/EEC established exchange procedures for information received from air pollution monitoring stations and networks for supply to the UNEP Global Environmental Monitoring Service (GEMS). COUNCIL DECISION 97/101/EC establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States was adopted on 27 January, 1997 to replace the information exchange system introduced by Decision 82/459/EEC by a more comprehensive system which covers more pollutants and which is consistent with the framework set by Directive 96/62/EC on air quality.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 85/203/EEC laid down two sets of values with reference to emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to the air. Member States were required meet limit values of 200µ/m3 by July 1987 (in those cases where this proved untenable, January 1994 was set as the latest possible date for implementation). Non-binding guide values were also set.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/217/EEC of 30 December 1988 laid down measures for the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos. It set limit values for the emission of asbestos into the air and conditions for the transport and disposal of asbestos waste.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVES 89/369/EEC and 89/429/EEC regulate air emissions from new and existing municipal waste incineration plants. These two directives came into force in December 1990. Directive 94/67/EC on the INCINERATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE has as its goals the minimisation of emissions resulting from the incineration of hazardous waste which might be detrimental to human health and the environment. The Directive sets stringent licensing, technical, design and operational criteria for all hazardous waste plants and facilities. Existing facilities will be required to upgrade to meet the new standards within three years of the Directive's implementation.
COUNCIL DECISION 93/389/EEC FOR A MONITORING MECHANISM OF EU CO2 AND OTHER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Adopted by the Council on March 1993, this Decision has as its aim the stabilisation of CO2 and greenhouse gases. Under the Directive, Member States are obliged to implement national programmes for limiting CO2 emissions to include projections for CO2 emissions by the year 2000 and details of measures being taken for the implementation of relevant EU legislation.
COM(96) 369 PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION MONITORING MECHANISM FOR COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. This Decision would amend COUNCIL DECISION 93/389/EEC for a monitoring mechanism of Community CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. It would require Member States to compile annual inventories and measures and to provide assessments of effectiveness of measures controlling greenhouse gases.
CONTROL OF VOC EMISSIONS RESULTING FROM THE STORAGE OF PETROL (STAGE I DIRECTIVE) Council Directive 94/63 is part of an overall strategy for reducing VOC emissions in the Community as provided for in the VOC protocol.
CONTROL OF VOC EMISSIONS RESULTING FROM REFUELLING OPERATIONS AT SERVICE STATIONS The proposal is part of an overall strategy for reducing VOC emissions in the Community as provided for in the VOC protocol.
INTEGRATED POLLUTION CONTROL
DIRECTIVE 96/61/EC ON INTEGRATED POLLUTION CONTROL aims to "modify and supplement existing Community legislation concerning the revention and control of pollution from industrial plants" in order to achieve Òan integrated approach to pollution prevention so as to preserve and improve the quality of the environment, protect human health and to ensure a rational utilisation of natural resources. It lays down the criteria by which Member States will grant operating licences to a range of industries and processes which come within its scope. The impacts of emisisons to all media (air, water and soil) have to be taken into consideration and minimised in an integrated fashion, without putting an undue pollution load on any one media. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the implementation of Integrated Pollution Control Licensing in Ireland under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. The Act sets out the guiding principles which must be applied and lists 61 classes of industrial, process and agricultural activities which are subject to IPC licensing. The licensing of established activities commenced in September 1994 and by mid-997 some 102 activities have recevied IPC licences in Ireland.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management is a Framework Directive which has its main aim the establishment of air quality limits to avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment. The Directive sets objectives for ambient air quality and a timetable within which the Commission must present proposals on limit values and alarm thresholds for each pollution lists. Expert Working groups are currently working on risk assessments for individual pollutants which will allow the Commission to draw up ´daughter´ Directives on each of the emission substances listed in Annex I of the Framework Directive. Daughter Directives on S02, N02, particulates and lead are expected in mid-late 1997, carbon monoxide, benzene and ozone by 1988 and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury before 2000.
COM (95) 172 TAX ON CO2 EMISSIONS AND ENERGY TAX. Proposal for a model for CO2/energy taxes in those Member States who choose to implement such measures. Standards would be set for a transitional period which would precede implementation of an EU CO2/energy tax, possibly towards the end of the decade. There has been much controversy and disagreement over the introduction of energy taxes and it has proved impossible as yet to get agreement on the Directive one suggested alternative has been the introduction of taxes on energy products which is also the subject of a proposal for a Directive (COM(97) 30). This would require the imposition of minimum tax rates on all energy products which would increase incrementally in the years 1998, 2000, and 2002.
NOx EMISSIONS FROM NEW AIRCRAFT
Proposal to reduce NOx emissions from aircraft engines by about 16%, which would apply not only to new aircraft but also to used aircraft brought into European Union fleets from outside the Union.
COM(95) 350 PROPOSED DIRECTIVE FOR REDUCTION IN EMISSIONS FROM ENGINES IN NON-ROAD MOBILE MACHINERY
Proposes to reduce gaseous pollutants emitted by combustion engines in non-road mobile apparatus. This is aimed in particular in reducing emissions of NOx and particulates. Would apply to diesel engines with an installed net power of 18-560 kW for use in ground-operated machinery (excepting road passenger or goods transport vehicles, agricultural tractors and rail locomotives).
COM(96) 538 PROPOSAL FOR A DIRECTIVE ON EMISSIONS OF ORGANIC SOLVENTS FROM SOLVENT-USING INDUSTRY (VOCs). The proposed Directive aims to reduce by 50% VOC emiusions from 400,000 companies in 24 manufacturing sectors from 1990 levels by 2010. Sectors affected would include printing, textile, pharmaceutical. vegetable oil, wood impregnatin and coating industries.
COM (94) 345 Exchange of information on air quality. A proposal for a Council Decision on the reciprocal exchange of information from networks and industrial stations in Member States measuring ambient air quality.
Though Ireland has fewer problems to contend with in comparison with its more heavily industrialised European neighbours, it has had its problem areas in particular the excessive levels of smoke or smog experienced in Dublin during the 1980s mainly as a result of domestic combustion of bituminous coal. The passing of the Air Pollution Act (1987) was the first step in putting together a legal framework within which measures could be taken to deal with the growing problem of air pollution. It also enabled the adoption into Irish law of European Directives on the monitoring and control of emissions to air. Up until this air pollution control came under the jurisdiction of the following Acts:
- Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878;
- The Alkali, etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906;
- Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962 Section 10 (two regulations were made under this section: the Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulations (S.I. No. 156 of 1970) and the Control of Atmospheric Pollution (Licensing) Regulations, 1985 (S.I. No. 178 of 1985) which covered air pollution caused by the extraction or recovery of certain metals from waste etc.);
- The Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963-1983 through which local authorities could attach conditions controlling air emissions to planning permission sought for developments.
- The Road Traffic Acts, 1961-1968 (pollution caused by mechanically propelled vehicles);
- the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (radioactive substances);
- the European Communities Act, 1972 which implemented EU directives on mechanically propelled vehicles.
The 1987 Air Pollution Act is administered by the local authorities although it is anticipated that licensing and a number of other functions may in time be transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency.
In Ireland the principal air pollutants are:
- sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates (SO2); 55% of sulphur dioxide emissions are generated by fossil fuel-fired combustion plants and a further 20% by industrial plants. The amounts of sulphur dioxide produced by the various fuels vary substantially. Gas, for instance, contains negligible amounts while coal can contain up to 2% of its weight as sulphur and fuel oil can contain as much as 6%. Sulphur dioxide is damaging to the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. Total emissions of SO2 in Ireland decreased by around 30% over the period 1980-1993. This decrease was due to three factors: the switch to natural gas; a reduction in the sulphur content of gas oil used; and a reduction in the sulphur content of coal burned at the Moneypoint electricity generating station. Ireland has met the targets set for S02 emissions reduction in the Helsinki Protocol.
- lead emissions generated by smelting operations, and, more importantly in an Irish context, motor vehicle traffic. Lead can have adverse effects on the nervous system in particular. Trends in lead concentrations in the atmosphere are now beginning to show a decline which can be attributed to two factors: a reduction in the use of paints containing lead and the move away from leaded petrols. Ambient lead levels in Dublin are now within the EU limit and World Health Organisation guideline value.
- greenhouse gases: C02 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and N20 (nitrous oxide). C02 is one of the main emissions responsible for global warming and although overall EU emissions are to be stabilised by the year 2000, Ireland s target is limited to an increase of 20% over 1990 levels.
- nitrogen oxides (NOx) can be attributed largely to traffic (which, together with power generation, are responsible for around 80% of NOx emissions). Together with sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides are held responsible for acid rain which is itself widely thought to be the cause of Europe s dying forests. Emissions of NOx have increased in Ireland by about 50% since 1980. Power generation and increased traffic levels are largely responsible.
(Figures from the State of the Environment report published by the Environment Protection Agency, 1996).
During the 1980s, winter smoke concentrations in certain areas of Dublin were showing substantial breaches of the EC recommended levels which had been set at 250µ/m3 in 1983. In the late 1980s peak levels in certain areas in Dublin were rising to as much as 1,500µ/m3. Under the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) Regulations 1990, Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire Borough and parts of County Dublin were designated as control areas where only smokeless fuel could be burned in domestic fireplaces. In some cases grants were made available for conversion to smokeless heating systems. By the winter of 1991, a marked decrease in smoke levels was recorded with mean winter smoke levels of 32µ/m3.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 70/220/EEC of March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of Member States on measures against air pollution by gases from positive ignition engines of motor vehicles .
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 72/306/EEC of 2 August 1972 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 74/290/EEC of 28 May adapting to technical progress Council Directive 70/220/EEC.
COUNCIL DECISION 75/406/Euratom of 26 June 1975 adopting a programme on the management and storage of radioactive waste.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 75/716/EEC of 24 November 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Members States relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 76/579/Euratom of 1 June 1976 laying down revised basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionising radiation.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 77/102/EEC of 30 November 1976 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 70/220/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 77/537/EEC of 30 December 1978 establishing measures against the emission of pollutants from diesel engines for use in wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors.
COUNCIL REGULATION of 30 May 1978 on fluorocarbons in the environment.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 78/611/EEC of 29 June 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the lead content of petrol.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 78/665/EEC of 30 November 1976 adapting technical progress Council Directive 70/220/EEC.
COUNCIL DECISION 80/237/Euratom of 18 February 1980 on the setting up of an Ôad hoc Advisory Committee on the Reprocessing of Irradiated Nuclear Fuels.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 80/382/EEC of 26 March 1980 concerning chlorofluorocarbons in the environment.
COUNCIL DECISION 80/779/EEC of 15 July 1980 on air quality limit values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 80/836/Euratom of 15 July 1980 amending Directive 76/579/Euratom.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 80/1268/EEC of 16 December 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the fuel consumption of motor vehicles.
COUNCIL DECISION 81/462/EEC of 11 June on the conclusion of the Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution.
COUNCIL DECISION 82/459/EEC of 24 June 1982 establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring air pollution within the Member States.
COUNCIL DECISION 82/795/EEC on 15 November 1982 on the consolidation of precautionary measures concerning chlorofluorocarbons in the environment.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/884/EEC of 3 December 1982 on a limit value for lead in the air.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 83/351/EEC of 16 June 1983.
Directive 84/466 Euratom of 3 September 1984 set down basic measures for the radiation protection of persons undergoing medical examination or treatment.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 84/360/EEC of 28 June 1984 on combating air pollution from industrial plants.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 85/203/EEC of 7 March 1985 on air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 85/210/EEC of 20 March 1985 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the lead content in petrol.
COUNCIL DECISION 86/277/EEC of 12 June 1986 on the conclusion of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution on long-term financing of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP).
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 3528/86 of 17 November 1996 on the protection of the Community s forests against atmospheric pollution.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 1696/87 of 10 June 1987 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation 3528/96 of 17 November 1996 on the protection of the Community s forests against atmospheric pollution.
COUNCIL DECISION 87/600/Euratom of 14 December 1987, on arrangements for the early exchange of information in the event of a radiological emergency.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/217/EEC of 30 December 1988 on the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/219/EEC of 30 March 1987 amending Directive 75/716/EEC on the approximation of the laws of Member States regarding the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/416/EEC of 21 July 1987 amending Directive 85/210/EEC which was introduced to reduce the numbers of different types of petrol available on the market, thereby encouraging the availability of balanced and distribution of unleaded petrol.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/76/EEC of 3 December 1987 amending Directive 70/220/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures to be taken against air pollution from the engines of motor vehicles.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/77/EEC of 3 December 1987 relating to measures to be taken against emissions of gaseous pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/436/EEC of 16 June 1983 amending Directive 70/220/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles (Restriction of particulate pollutant emissions from diesel engines).
COUNCIL DECISION 88/540/EEC of 14 October 1988 concerning the conclusion of the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer and the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/609/EEC of 8 June 1988 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 14 October 1988, for the limitation of the use of chlorofluorocarbons and halons.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No. 3322/88 of 14 October 1988 on certain chlorofluorocarbons which deplete the ozone layer.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/369/EEC of 8 June on the prevention of air pollution from new municipal waste incineration plants.
COUNCIL REGULATION of 21 June 1989 on the greenhouse effect and the Community.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/429/EEC of 21 June 1989 on the reduction of air pollution from existing municipal waste incineration plants.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/458/EEC on 18 July 1988 amending with regard to European emission standards for cars below 1.4 litres, Directive 70/220/EEC.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 89/491/EEC of 17 July 1989 adapting to technical progress Council Directives 70/157/EEC, 70/220/EEC, 72/245/EEC, 72/306/EEC, 80/1268/EEC and 80/1269/EEC relating to motor vehicles.
90/437/EEC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 27 June 1990 on the reduction of chlorofluorocarbons used by the Community s foam plastics industry.
90/438/EEC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 27 June 1990 on the reduction of chlorofluorocarbons used by the Community s refrigeration industry.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/441/EEC of 26 June 1991 regulating tailpipe and evaporate emissions from passenger vehicles with a maximum capacity of six passengers and maximum mass of 2,500kg.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/542/EEC of 1 October 1991 amending Directive 88/77/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/594/91 of 4 March 1991 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/72/EEC (4 April 1994) for prevention of air pollution by ozone.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EEC) No 880/92 establishing ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to specified categories of products.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 93/12/EEC of 23 March 1993 relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels.
COUNCIL DECISION 93/389/EEC of 24 June 1993 for a monitoring mechanism of Community CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.
DIRECTIVE 93/59/EEC on the approximation of laws of the Member States regarding measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 93/76/EEC of 13 September 1993 to limit carbon dioxide emissions by improving energy efficiency (SAVE).
COMMISSION DECISION 94/84/EC, of 4 February 1994 allocating import quotas for fully the halogenated chlorofluorocarbons 11, 12, 113, 114 and 115, the other fully halogenated chlorofouorcarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1,trichloroethane for the period 1 January to 31 December 1994.
DIRECTIVE 94/12/EC of the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT and the COUNCIL of 23 March 1994 relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles and amending Directive 70/220/EEC.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) no 1091/94 of 29 April 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3528/86 on the protection of the EU s forests against atmospheric pollution.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 3093/94 of 15 December 1994 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Council Directive 94/63/EC of 20 December 1994 on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 94/66/EC on the limitation of emissions of sulphur dioxide from large combustion plants.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 94/67/EC on the incineration of hazardous waste.
Commission Decision 94/827/EC of 20 December 1994 on the allocation of quantities of controlled substances allowed for essential uses under Council Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Council Decision 95/286 of 17 July 1995 modifying Commission Decision 94/827/EC of 20 December 1994 on the allocation of quantities of controlled substances allowed for essential uses for 1995, under Council Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Commission Decision 95/324/EC of 26 July, 1995 on the quantities of controlled substances allowed for essential uses in the Community in 1996 under Council Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Commission Decision 95/555/EC of 20 December 1995 on the allocation of quantities of controlled substances allowed for essential uses in the Community in 1996 under Council Regulation (EC) No. 3093/94 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
DIRECTIVE 96/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 January, 1996 amending Directive 88/77/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles.
Corrigendum to Directive 96/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 October 1996 amending Directive 70/220/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles (OJ No L 282 of 1.11.1996).
COMMISSION DECISION 96/261/EC of 23 February 1996 allocating import quotas for the fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and hydrobromofluorocarbons for the period 1 January to 31 December 1996. In addition allocating production and import quotas for methyl bromide for the period 1 January to 31 December 1996.
COMMISSION DECISION 96/551/EC of 29 July 1996 concerning the questionnaires provided for in Council Directives 80/779/EEC, 982/884/EEC, 84/360/EEC and 85/203/EEC (Text with EEA relevance).
COMMISSION DECISION 96/604/EC of 8 October 1996 allocating quotas for the placing on the market in the Community for hydrochlorofluorocarbons for the period 1 January to 31 December 1996 (German, Greek, English, French, Italian and Dutch texts only are authentic) (Text with EEA relevance).
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/44/EC of 1 July 1996 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 70/220/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles (Text with EEA relevance).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 establishing the framework for integrated pollution prevention and control in major industrial installations.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 96/62/EC of 27 September 1996 on ambient air quality assessment and management.
Council Decision 97/101/EC of 27 January 1997 establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the Member States.
Commission Decision 97/283/EC of 21 April 1997 on harmonised measurement methods to determine the mass concentration of dioxins and furans in atmospheric emissions in accordance with Article 7(2) of Directive 94/67/EC on the incineration of hazardous waste.
Commission Directive 97/20/EC of 18 April 1997 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 72/306/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles.
The principal legal framework for the prevention and control of air pollution is contained in the AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (No. 6 of 1987).The Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Commencement) Order 1987 (S.I. No. 201 of 1987) and AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Commencement) No. 2 Order (S.I. 243 of 1987), brought most of the sections of the Act into operation.
Other relevant acts and statutory instruments include:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962 (No. 26 of 1962).
ROAD TRAFFIC (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) REGULATIONS, 1963, (S.I. No. 190 of 1963).
CONTROL OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION REGULATIONS 1970 (S.I. No. 156 of 1970).
AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Air Quality Standards) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 244 of 1987). Set out air quality standards for sulphur dioxide, suspended particulates, nitrogen dioxide and lead).
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Benzene Content of Leaded Petrol) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 212 of 1987). Limit benzene content of leaded petrol to 5% by volume.
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (Licensing of Industrial Plant) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 66 of 1988).
SPECIAL CONTROL AREA (Ballyfermot) Order, 1988 (Confirmation) Order, 1988 (S.I. No. 282 of 1988); Special Control Area (Ballyfermot Area D) Order, 1988, (Confirmation) Order, 1988, (S.I. No. 291 of 1989); Special Control Area (Ballyfermot Area D) Order, 1989, (Confirmation) Order, 1989, (S.I. No. 292 of 1989) and Special Control Area (Ballyfermot Area D) Order, 1989, (Confirmation) Order, 1990, (S.I. No. 26 of 1990) confirmed with modifications a special control order made by Dublin Corporation with regard to Ballyfermot. AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Authorised Fireplace) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 297 of 1988.
AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Authorised Fuel) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 298 of 1988).
AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Combustion Plant) Regulations 1992, (S.I. No. 273 of 1990) implementing EC Directive 88/609/EEC.
AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) Regulations 1990 (S.I. No. 123 of 1990) and 1992 (S.I. No. 274 of 1992). Under this legislation the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coals within certain areas of Dublin (Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire Borough and parts of County Dublin) are prohibited and standards set for permitted fuels in these areas. The 1992 Regulations change the allowed sulphur content of permitted fuels and limit the transport of prohibited fuels within these areas. Furthermore, solid fuels may only be sold or distributed in these areas in sealed bags with a declaration to the effect that the contents comply with the Regulations.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive, 1988 (S.I. No. 317 of 1988) deals with the use of smokeless heating systems in new or reconstructed buildings in designated, high-risk areas.
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (Commencement) Order, 1989 (S.I. No. 167 of 1989). Brought into operation from July 1989 Section 53 and the Third Schedule to the Air Pollution Act.
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (Sulphur Content of Gas Oil) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 168 of 1989).
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Lead in Petrol) Regulations 1985 (S.I. No. 378 of 1985 and 1986 (S.I. No. 374 of 1986) implementing EC Directives 85/210/EEC.
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Benzene Content of Leaded Petrol) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 266 of 1988).
Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Emission Limit Value for Use of Asbestos) Regulations 1990 (S.I. No. 28 of 1990).
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987, (Commencement) Order, 1990 (S.I. No. 29 of 1990). As of March 1990, brought into operation Section 51 of the Act relating to the specification of emission limit values.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/3322/88 (repealed) implemented the Montreal Protocol, by setting annual production limits for Community producers and consumption controls.
HOUSING (New House Grants etc.) Regulations, 1990 (S.I. No. 34 of 1990) provides that payment of new house grants in designated areas of Dublin will be restricted to new houses whose heating systems satisfactorily limit smoke emissions.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/594/91 on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This replaced Regulation 3322/88 and set controls on CFCs and halons which implemented the revisions to the Montreal Protocol to the Vienna Convention taken in June 1990. Council Regulation EEC/594/91 set a phase-out schedule reducing production of CFCs to 50% of 1986 levels by the end of 1993, to 32.5% by 1995 and ceasing production altogether by 30 June 1997.
AIR POLLUTION ACT 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) (Amendment) Regulations, 1993 (S.I. No. 297 of 1993). Specify Forbairt as the entity responsible for the testing, examination or analysis of any sample of fuel taken for the purposes of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) Regulations, 1990 to 1993.
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (Municipal Waste Incineration) Regulations, 1993, (S.I. No. 347 of 1993). Give effect to Council Directive 89/369/EEC regulating air emissions from new municipal waste incineration plants.
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Waste Oils) Regulations, 1992 (S.I. No. 399 of 1992). Give effect to Council Directive 87/101/EEC of 22 December 1986 (O.J. No. L42/43 of 12 February 1987) amending Council Directive No. 75/439/EEC of 16 June 1975 (O.J. No. L194/23 of 25 July 1975) on the disposal of waste oils. They revoke the European Communities (Waste Oils) Regulations, 1984 (S.I. No. 107 of 1984). The Regulation makes local authorities responsible for the planning, organisation and supervision of collection and disposal operations, in particular through the implementation of a permit system. Includes emission limit values with regard to the combustion of waste oils in plants with a thermal input of 3 MW or more based on the lower heating value.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Emission Control) Regulations 1993 (S.I. No 363 of 1993). Implements Directive 91/542/EEC which covers CO, HC, NOx and particulates emissions from all diesel engines for use in heavy vehicles. The Directive set out strict limits for new vehicles.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Emission Control) Regulations 1994 (S.I. No 194 of 1994) prohibits the issue of first licences for certain new vehicles from 1 October 1994 unless they conform to air pollutant emission standards as set down in Directive 91/441/EEC, as amended by Directive 93/59/EEC.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACT, 1992 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order, 1994 (S.I. No. 178 of 1994). Commences the Third Schedule to the EPA Act, 1992 which amends certain provisions of the Air Pollution Act, 1987.
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (Sulphur Content of Gas Oil) Regulations, 1994 (S.I. No. 256 of 1994). This replaces the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Sulphur Content of Gas Oil) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 168 of 1989) and gives effect to Council Directive 93/12/EEC of 23 March 1993 relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels, prohibiting, by 1 October 1994 the marketing of gas oil whose sulphur content expressed as sulphur, exceeds 0.2% by weight and by 1 October 1996 of diesel oil whose sulphur content, expressed as sulphur, exceeds 0.05% by weight.
AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1987 (Marketing, Sales and Distribution of Fuels) (Cork) Regulations, 1994 (S.I. No. 403 of 1994) prohibited (from 13 February 1995), the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coals within the designated area of Cork. It also set certain standards for permitted fuels within that area. Revokes the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) (Cork) Regulations, 1993 (S.I. No. 294 of 1993).
Environmental Database Key words
01 Air
01.1 Emissions, Air pollution, transfrontier, Acid rain, Ozone, Global warming, Air pollutants, Sulphur dioxide, (SO2) Lead, Carbon monoxide, (CO), Nitrogen, Volatile organic compounds, Nitrogen oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC).
01.2 Air pollution, Air quality limit values, monitoring networks, emission, industrial operations, atmospheric pollution, exhaust gases, large combustion plants.
01.3 Emissions, emission standards, Emission limits, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, pollutants, sulphur dioxide, sulphur compounds, nitrogen compounds; volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, dust, asbestos, chlorine, fluorine, arsenic, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride.
01.4 Diesel engines, emissions, particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides.
01.5 Lead emissions, lead content of petrol, lead-free petrol.
01.6 Air pollution, emissions, emissions, industrial plants, BATNEEC, Large combustion plants. sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides.
01.7 Fuel oils, sulphur, motor vehicles, diesel engines, gas oil.
01.8 Ozone layer, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer, Montreal Protocol, Halons.
01.9 Sulphur dioxide, Particulates.
01.10 Transboundary, air pollution, Geneva Convention, sulphur dioxide.
01.11 Data exchange procedures, air pollution, UNEP Global Environmental Monitoring Service (GEMS).
01.12 Emissions, Nitrogen Dioxide,
01.13 Pollution, emission, disposal, asbestos, waste.
01.14 Emissions, waste incineration, Incineration of hazardous waste, municipal waste incineration plants.
01.15 Greenhouse gas, emissions, CO2.
01.16 Pollution, air, emission, Smog, Air Pollution Act, Air pollution control, Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, The Alkali, etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906, Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962, Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulations, Control of Atmospheric Pollution (Licensing) regulations, Local Government (Planning and Development) Act. Road Traffic Act, Radiological Protection Act, European Communities Act, Environmental Protection Agency, Sulphur dioxide, Lead emissions, Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen oxide
Large Combustion Plants, Local authority, Smokeless fuel, Natural gas, Sofia Protocol, EC Vehicle Emission Standards
Radiation
COUNCIL REGULATION (Euratom) No. 3954/87 of 22 Dec. 1987 establishes maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination of foodstuffs or feedstuffs following a nuclear accident or radiological emergency.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No. 3955/87 of 22 Dec. 1987. Following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant station in 1986, the Regulation set out conditions governing imports of agricultural products originating in third countries. A five-year extension to the Regulation was approved in March 1990.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/618/Euratom of 27 November 1989 on informing the general public about health protection measures to be applied and steps to be taken in the case of a radiological emergency.
COUNCIL DECISION 89/664/EURATOM of 15 December 1989 adopting a research and technical development programme for the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of management and storage of radioactive waste (1990-1994).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/641/Euratom of 4 December 1990 on operational protection of outside workers exposed to the risk of ionising radiation during their activities in controlled areas.
Commission Decision 95/355/EURATOMof 28 June 1995 concerning the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the European Atomic Energy Community and the Government of Canada in the field of controlled nuclear fusion, by the Commission for and on behalf of the Community.
Commission Decision 95/356/Euratom of 28 June 1995 concerning the conclusion of the Implementing Agreement between the European Atomic Energy Community, represented by the Commission of the European Communities, and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, designated as implementing agent by the Government of Canada on the involvement of Canada in the European Atomic Energy Community contribution to the Engineering Design Activities (EDA) of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), by the Commission, on behalf of the Community.
97/C 68/03 5.3.97 Opinion of the Commission of 11 February 1997 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste, from the operation of the Sellafield mixed oxide fuel plant of British Nuclear Fuels plc, Sellafield Cumbria, United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty.
Joint Action 97/288/CFSP of 29 April 1997 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article J.3 of the Treaty on European Union on the European union s contribution to the promotion of transparency in nuclear-related export controls.
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