Swedish Environmental Protection Agency Code of Statutes ISSN 1403-8234 Swedish Environmental Protection Agency Regulations on Assessment of Air Quality; enacted 23 June 2010. NFS 2010:8 Printed 8 July 2010 Pursuant to Section 49 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477), the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency prescribes as follows 1. Scope Section 1 These Regulations apply to the measurement, model calculation, objective estimation, accounting and reporting of results for the assessment of environmental quality standards in ambient air for which the municipalities have responsibility for implementation under Section 26 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477). Definitions Section 2 In these Regulations, the following terms have the meaning stated below: Data capture Data host Exposure Street space The ratio between the time when the instrument has provided reliable data and the total time for which measurement has taken place. The requirements for minimum acceptable data capture do not include losses of data which arise as a result of regular calibration or normal maintenance of instruments. Actor who, on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, receives, makes available and stores data as well as other information from various assessments and tests. The concentration of a substance in the inhaled air to which an individual or group of individuals is subject. Street in an urban area which is surrounded by buildings on one or both sides. 1 Cf. the European Parliament and Council Directive on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (OJ L152, 11.6.2008, p. 1 44, Celex 32008L0050) and the European Parliament and Council Directive on Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air (OJ L23, 26.1.2005, p. 3 16, Celex 32004L0107) 1
NFS 2010:8 Indicative measurements Measurements with lower quality objectives at fixed or mobile measuring stations which fulfil the quality objectives in Annex 1 and applicable parts of the accounting requirements in Annex 5. The requirements do not cover losses of data due to regular calibration or normal maintenance of instruments. Continuous measurements Continuous measurements, during a whole calendar year, at a fixed point, which fulfil the quality objectives in Annex 1 and applicable parts of the accounting requirements in Annex 5. The requirements do not cover losses of data due to regular calibration or normal maintenance of instruments. Model calculation Mathematical model which describes concentrations of different air pollutants in time and space. Uncertainty Parameter, linked to the measured result or other result of the assessment, which can be attributed to the measured object. The uncertainty includes both systematic and random errors, i.e. it combines all errors which affect the result. Objective estimation Assessment of air quality through single measurements, comparison with similar locations, knowledge of emissions and other relevant information. Collaborative area Geographical area where the assessment of air quality is carried out in collaboration between two or more municipalities under Section 26 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477). Time coverage Percentage of the total time during the year when measurement takes place in order to estimate the concentration of a particular pollutant. The requirements for minimum acceptable time coverage do not include losses of data which arise as a result of regular calibration or normal maintenance of instruments. Urban background Locations in an urban environment where the pollutant levels are representative of the exposure to which the population in general is subject. Assessment threshold Level which indicates the extent of assessment for an environmental quality standard. Terms which have been defined in the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477) have the same meaning in these Regulations. 2
Quality assurance NFS 2010:8 Section 3 Air quality shall be assessed in such a way that the quality objectives for data stated in Annex 1 are fulfilled. Section 4 There shall be a quality assurance programme in each municipality or collaborative area which carries out assessments in the form of measurement of model calculation. The programme shall contain at least: 1. routines for instrumentation and care, and 2. routines for the management of measurement data. The following shall also be included for municipalities which do not join a collaborative area: 1. assessment strategy, and 2. routines for reporting and information. Collaboration Section 5 The collaboration between municipalities under Section 26 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477) shall be pursued in accordance with a programme for coordinated assessment. The programme shall be developed in consultation between the collaborating municipalities and with other affected parties. Section 6 A programme for coordinated assessment shall contain at least: 1. organisation (representative for the collaborative area, collaboration partner and how the collaboration is organised), 2. assessment strategy for a period of at least two years, 3. maps showing marked sampling locations, the areas where any model calculation is to be performed and other relevant information, 4. information on and analysis of results of previous assessments ahead of future assessment strategy, 5. routines for reporting and information, and 6. long-term measuring and model calculation strategy. Assessments Section 7 Results from previous measurement, model calculation or objective estimation decide what assessment procedure shall be applied as a minimum in a municipality or collaborative area. In cases were information on air quality is lacking, an initial survey of concentrations shall be conducted. Assessment level The concentrations exceed or risk exceeding the environmental quality standard (EQS) The concentrations are between the upper assessment threshold (UAT) and the environmental quality standard (EQS) The concentrations are between the lower assessment threshold (LAT) and the upper assessment threshold (UAT) The concentrations are below the lower assessment threshold (LAT) Assessment procedure which as a minimum shall be applied in a municipality or a collaborative area Continuous measurements under Sections 9-11 in the exceeding municipality Continuous measurements under Section 9 or application of Sections 11 and 13 Continuous measurements under Section 9 or application of Sections 11-12 Model calculation or objective estimation 3
NFS 2010:8 Section 8 In assessing whether an assessment threshold has been exceeded, the concentrations of the last five years shall be taken into account if sufficient data are available. An assessment threshold has been exceeded if the exceedance has taken place during at least three separate years out of these five preceding years. If sufficient data are lacking, results from short-term measurements which have been conducted at the times and locations where the concentrations can be assumed to be highest, as well as from model calculations and emissions inventories, may be used to establish whether an assessment threshold has been exceeded. Continuous measurements Section 9 Continuous measurements shall be applied at concentrations above the lower assessment threshold unless follows otherwise from Sections 11-12. Where continuous measurements constitute the only source of information, the minimum number of sampling locations in a municipality or a collaborative area shall be as follows: Number of inhabitants, thousands A. At concentrations above the upper assessment threshold (UAT) B. At concentrations between the lower assessment threshold (LAT) and the upper assessment threshold (UAT) Nitrogen dioxide Sulphur dioxide Lead Carbon monoxide Benzene Particulate matter (PM10, and PM2.5)' Arsenic Cadmium Nickel Benzo(a)pyrene Nitrogen dioxide Sulphur dioxide Lead Carbon monoxide Benzene Particulate matter (PM 10, and PM 2.5)' Arsenic Cadmium Nickel 10 249 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 250 499 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 500 749 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 750 999 3 4 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 000 1 499 4 6 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 500 1 999 5 7 2 2 2 3 1 1 2 000 2 749 6 8 2 3 3 4 1 1 2 750 3 000 7 10 2 3 3 4 1 1 Benzo(a)pyrene 1 The total number of sampling locations for PM 10 and PM 2.5. If PM 10 and PM 2.5 are measured at the same sampling location, these shall be counted as two separate sampling locations. Section 10 If an environmental quality standard is exceeded or is at risk of being exceeded in a collaborative area, there shall be at least one sampling location in each municipality where the environmental quality standard is exceeded or is at risk of being exceeded. These sampling locations may be included in the prescribed number of sampling locations for the collaborative area under Section 9, but may mean that the total number becomes greater if an environmental quality standard is exceeded or is at risk of being exceeded in several municipalities in the collaborative area. 4
When an environmental quality standard is exceeded or is at risk of being exceeded in two or more adjacent municipalities and the exceedance is due to the same source of emissions, exceptions may be made to the requirement for continuous measurements in each municipality under the first paragraph. The number of sampling locations shall, however, be sufficiently high that the exceedance can be assessed with sufficient accuracy. If such an exception is made, the loss of measurement shall be compensated for by model calculations. Section 11 Municipalities with fewer than 10 000 inhabitants may apply objective estimation instead of measurement at concentrations between the lower assessment threshold and the environmental quality standard. If an environmental quality standard is exceeded or is at risk of being exceeded, continuous measurements under Section 10 shall be applied. Section 12 Municipalities which do not form part of a collaborative area may apply indicative measurements instead of continuous measurements at concentrations between the lower assessment threshold and the upper assessment threshold. Section 13 In cases where continuous measurements are supplemented by model calculations or indicative measurements, the number of sampling locations in a municipality or a collaborative area may be reduced by up to 50%. This applies at concentrations above the upper assessment threshold and on condition that 1. the information is sufficient to be able to assess air quality with respect to the environmental quality standards and the alert thresholds, 2. the information fulfils the requirement under Section 38 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477) to inform the public, and 3. the information in sufficient to determine the concentration with the accuracy with respect to quality objectives for data specified in Annex 1. Indicative measurements Section 14 Indicative measurements may supplement continuous measurements at concentrations above the upper assessment threshold so that sufficient information is obtained on the spatial distribution of air quality. They may also be used in combination with continuous measurements and model calculations at concentrations between the lower and upper assessment thresholds. Methods of measurement Section 15 Reference methods for nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, benzene, particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), arsenic, cadmium, nickel and benzo(a)pyrene are stated in Annex 2 and shall be used in continuous measurements. A method other than a reference method may be used if the method provides results equivalent to the reference method. All new measuring equipment which is acquired for continuous measurements must comply with the reference method or equivalent method. All equipment which is used for continuous measurements must comply with the reference method or equivalent method by 11 June 2013. NFS 2010:8 5
NFS 2010:8 Section 16 Measurement shall be performed in accordance with Annex 3. Selection of sampling location and siting of sampling equipment Section 17 The following applies in the selection of sampling location: 1. Sampling shall, under the third paragraph of Section 26 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477), take place: in those areas and at those locations where it is likely that the population is exposed to the highest concentrations, and in those areas and at those locations which are representative of the exposure of the population in general. 2. A sampling location in street space shall, if possible, be representative of the air quality for a street segment which is at least 100 metres long and if possible be representative of similar locations and environments which are not in the immediate vicinity. Micro-environments shall be avoided. 3. A sampling location in the urban background shall, if possible, be representative of the air quality in an area of several square kilometres. 4. If only one sampling location for continuous measurements is used in an urban area, this shall be sited in street space. 5. If two sampling locations for continuous measurements of nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), benzene and carbon dioxide are used, at least one shall, if possible, be sited in street space and at least one in the urban background. If more than two sampling locations are used, the majority shall be sited in street space. 6. The value of continuity and long-termness shall be taken into account in selecting sampling locations. Section 18 The sampling equipment at the sampling location shall be sited in accordance with instructions in Annex 4. Model calculations Section 19 Model calculations may supplement continuous measurements at concentrations above the upper assessment threshold so that sufficient information is obtained on the spatial distribution of air quality. They may also be used in combination with measurements at concentrations between the lower and upper assessment thresholds and as the sole assessment method at concentrations below the lower assessment threshold. Section 20 All types of data which are to be used in a model calculation shall be quality-assured in such a way that the quality objectives in Annex 1 can be fulfilled. Section 21 A model which is used for model calculation shall be validated for the area in question, or an area with equivalent conditions, firstly in relation to measurement with a reference method or equivalent method and secondly with respect to another standardised method. 6
Section 22 Results from model calculations shall be quality-controlled in relation to measured values in the area in question or an area with equivalent conditions. NFS 2010:8 Notification in the event of exceedance or risk of exceedance of an environmental quality standard. Section 23 A notification from a municipality under Section 30 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477) shall contain at least: 1. the environmental quality standard concerned, 2. method of measurement, 3. documentation of sampling location in accordance with Annex 5 B 1 3, and where applicable documentation of model calculations in accordance with Annex 5 E, and 4. particulars in accordance with Annex 5 G which confirm exceedance or risk of exceedance of an environmental quality standard. Section 24 A notification under Section 30 of the Air Quality Ordinance (2010:477) shall be supplemented as soon as possible by a description based on applicable and available data in Annex 5. Reporting Section 25 Results of the assessments (measurement data, model-calculated data and/or underlying data on objective estimation) for the previous calendar year shall be reported to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency s data host by 31 March. Relevant particulars in accordance with Annex 5 A-F shall be included in the reporting. Section 26 Changes in data sets shall be reported back in full, as soon as possible, to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's data host. Section 27 The representative of a collaborative area shall inform the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency s data host annually, by 31 March, which municipalities are taking part in the collaboration during the current year. These Regulations enter into force on 1 August 2010, when the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency Regulations (2007:7) on Assessment of Environmental Quality Standards for Ambient Air and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency General Guidelines (2006:5) on Environmental Quality Standards for Ambient Air shall cease to apply. Swedish Environmental Protection Agency MARIA ÅGREN Helena Sabelström (Environmental Impacts Unit) 7
NFS 2010:8 Annex 1 Data quality objectives Nitrogen dioxide Particulate Sulphur dioxide matter Carbon monoxide (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) Lead Benzene Arsenic Cadmium Nickel Benzo(a)pyre ne 1. Continuous measurements Uncertainty 15 % 25 % 25 % 40 % 50 % Minimum 90 % 90 % 90 % 90 % 90 % acceptable data capture Minimum _1) _1) 35/90 % 50 % 1) 33 % 1) 1) acceptable time coverage 2. Indicative measurements Uncertainty 25 % 50 % 30 % 40 % 50 % Minimum 90 % 90 % 90 % 90 % 90 % acceptable data capture Minimum acceptable time coverage 14 % 2) 14 % 2) 14 % 2) 14 % 2) 14 % 2) 3. Model calculations Uncertainty hourly mean 50 % eight-hour mean 50 % daily mean 50 % Not yet established annual mean 30 % 50 % 50 % 60 % 60 % 4. Objective estimation Uncertainty 75 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 1 The time coverage for continuous measurements of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) and lead signifies uninterrupted measurements during a whole calendar year, with the exception of regular calibration and normal maintenance of instruments. For continuous measurements of benzene, time coverage of 35 % applies to the urban background and street space, evenly distributed over the year, and 90 % to the industrial environment. The time coverage for continuous measurements of arsenic, cadmium, nickel and benzo(a)pyrene signifies measurements with stated time coverage evenly distributed over the year. 2 One random measurement per week (for benzene one day s random measurement per week), evenly distributed over the year, or eight weeks evenly distributed over the year. 8
NFS 2010:8 Annex 2 Reference methods for measurement 1. Reference method for nitrogen dioxide The reference method for measurement of nitrogen dioxide is the method described in SS-EN 14211:2005 Ambient air quality Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide by chemiluminescence. 2. Reference method for sulphur dioxide The reference method for the measurement of sulphur dioxide is the method described in SS-EN 14212:2005 Ambient air - Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of sulphur dioxide by ultraviolet fluorescence. 3. Reference method for carbon monoxide The reference method for the measurement of carbon monoxide is the method described in SS-EN 14626:2005 Ambient air - Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of carbon monoxide by non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy. 4. Reference method for lead, arsenic, cadmium and nickel The reference method for the sampling and analysis of lead, arsenic, cadmium and nickel is the method described in SS-EN 14902:2005/AC:2006 Ambient air quality - Standard method for the measurement of Pb, Cd, As and Ni in the PM 10 fraction of suspended particulate matter. The reference method is based on manual PM 10 sampling corresponding to SS-EN 12341:1998 Air quality Determination of the PM 10 fraction of suspended particulate matter Reference method and field test procedure to demonstrate reference equivalence of measurement methods with subsequent processing of the samples and analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry or ICP/mass spectrometry. 5. Reference method for benzene The reference method for the measurement of benzene is the method described in parts 1, 2 and 3 of SS-EN 14662:2005 Ambient air Standard method for the measurement of benzene concentrations. 6. Reference method for particulate matter (PM 10 ) The reference method for sampling and measurement of PM 10 is the method described in SS-EN 12341:1998 Air Quality Determination of the PM 10 fraction of suspended particulate matter Reference method and field test procedure to demonstrate reference equivalence of measurement methods. 7. Reference method for particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM 2.5 is the method described in SS-EN 14907:2005 Ambient air quality - Standard gravimetric measurement method for the determination of the PM 2.5 mass fraction of suspended particulate matter. 9
NFS 2010:8 8. Reference method for benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) The reference method for the sampling and analysis of benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) is the method described in SS-EN 15549:2008 Air quality - Standard method for the measurement of the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air. The reference method is based on benzo(a)pyrene being collected through manual PM10 sampling in accordance with SS-EN 12341:1998 Air quality Determination of the PM10 fraction of suspended particulate matter Reference method and field test procedure to demonstrate reference equivalence of measurement methods, sample extraction of benzo(a)pyrene from the particle phase and analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector (FLD) or gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). 10
Annex 3 Instructions for measurement NFS 2010:8 1. Necessary measures, including calibration and maintenance of sampling equipment, shall be taken regularly to minimise errors in the measurements. 2. For the measurement of gases, the measured values shall be converted to the standard temperature 293 K and the standard pressure 101.3 kpa. For particulate matter and substances which are to be analysed in particulate form, the sampling volume shall relate to the ambient conditions in sampling, i.e. temperature and atmospheric pressure at the time of sampling. 3. The measuring operator shall document the management of sampling. 11
NFS 2010:8 Annex 4 Siting of the sampling equipment The following requirements shall be fulfilled if possible in practice: 1. The inlet to the sampling equipment shall be sited between 1.5 metres (breathing zone) and 4 metres above ground level. Higher siting (up to 8 metres) may be necessary under certain circumstances and appropriate if the station is to represent the urban background. 2. Sampling equipment for street space shall be sited at least 25 metres from major crossroads, but no more than 10 metres from the kerb. 3. The flow around the inlet shall be free and devoid of obstacles which affect the air flow in the vicinity of the sampling equipment (normally at a distance of a few metres from buildings, balconies, trees and other obstacles). 4. In order to avoid direct intake of pollutants which have not been mixed with the air, the inlet shall not be positioned too close to adjacent pollutant sources. 5. The air exhaust of the sampling equipment shall be sited so that recirculation of exhaust air to the inlet is avoided. 6. The sampling equipment shall be sited so that it is protected from soiling, precipitation, direct sunlight and wide temperature variations in cases where there is a risk of these factors affecting functionality. The following can also be taken into account: 1. Interfering sources 2. Safety 3. Availability 4. Access to electricity and telecommunications 5. How visible the location is in relation to the surroundings 6. The safety of the public and responsible personnel 7. The desirability of coordinating different sampling locations 8. Planning requirements 12
Annex 5 Data to be included in reporting results from assessments NFS 2010:8 Particulars A. General information Name of municipality or name of collaborative area and municipalities included Name of rapporteur Address Telephone number Mandatory Yes No Comments E-mail address Website address Number of inhabitants Purpose of measurement Quality assurance programme Assessment of environmental quality standards, follow-up of environmental objectives, planning, exposure, trend analysis or other reasons In accordance with Section 4 Programme for coordinated In accordance with Section 5-6, if assessments relevant B. Information on measuring station B 1. General information on measuring station Name of measuring station National station code Obtained by the Data Host Start date for the station End date for the station If relevant Geographical coordinates Height above sea level (m) Municipality and county code List of measured pollutant parameters List of measured meteorological parameters Reference/link to maps Reference/link to images B 2. Description of measuring station Type of measuring station Street space/urban background Local dispersal conditions Within a few tens of metres: street space, buildings, open terrain etc. Regional dispersal conditions Within a few tens of kilometres Width of street (m) For measuring station in street space 13
NFS 2010:8 Particulars Mandatory Comments Yes No Buildings on one or two sides For measuring station in street space Average façade height (m) For measuring station in street space Displayed speed (km/h) For measuring station in street space Estimated volume of traffic For measuring station in street space (AADT) Proportion of heavy traffic For measuring station in street space B 3. Air inlet Height above ground (m) Distance from crossroads (m) For measuring station in street space Distance from kerb and in urban area distance from façade (m) For measuring station in street space Geographical coordinates Recommended if the accuracy of the coordinates exceeds the size of the measuring station B 4. Emissions Type of station in relation to the most significant emission sources Emissions in the vicinity of the sampling location and distance from these Emissions from traffic on nearest road (g/km, day) Emissions from individual heating within 1 km radius (kg/year) Emissions from industrial sources (kg/year) Other factors which may affect measurement results Traffic, industry, residential area, background Traffic, individual heating, industry 14 C. Information on measurement Measuring/sampling method Principle of analytical technique (CEN standard number) Measuring/sampling equipment Instrument model, manufacturer and version Description of equivalence to reference method Detection limit Sampling time Sampling interval In accordance with Section 14, if relevant
Particulars Mandatory Comments NFS 2010:8 Yes No D. Measurement data Status Unvalidated/preliminary/validated data Pollutant Concentration In accordance with Annex 3 point 2 Unit Uncertainty Data capture Time coverage Date Time Start and stop time Time reference GMT or local time E. Model calculations Calculation model Input data Description of input data Results Uncertainty Particulars of how quality control has been performed Calculated geographical area F. Objective estimation Report which includes description of process for objective estimation and results Measurement data including metadata If relevant Calculated data If relevant Uncertainty Estimated geographical area G. Special particulars for notification under Sections 23-24 Arithmetic mean for year Applies to particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), benzene, lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel and benzo(a)pyrene Arithmetic mean for year, based on hourly means Arithmetic mean for year, based on daily means Maximum average value during eight hours daily Applies to nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide Applies to particulate matter (PM 10 ) Applies to carbon monoxide 15
NFS 2010:8 Data Mandatory Comments Maximum measured daily and/or hourly mean Yes No Applies to nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM 10 ) and sulphur dioxide Number of days and/or hours when the pollutant level of the environmental quality standards has been exceeded Applies to nitrogen oxide, particulate matter (PM 10 ), carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide Concentrations for day and hour expressed as percentiles Previous measurement results and presentation of trend over time Applies to nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM 10 ) and sulphur dioxide Estimated number of people affected 16 Elanders Sverige AB, 2010