The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2007

Regulation 24(1)

SCHEDULE 11 Public information where alert or information thresholds are exceeded

PART 1 Alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide

1.  In cases where the alert thresholds for nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide are exceeded, the information to be made available to the public shall include at least—

(a) the date, hour and place of the occurrence and the reasons for the occurrence, where known;

(b) any forecasts of—

(i) changes in concentration (improvement, stabilisation, or deterioration), together with the reasons for those changes;

(ii) the geographical area concerned; and

(iii) the duration of the occurrence;

(c) the type of population potentially sensitive to the occurrence; and

(d) the precautions to be taken by the sensitive population concerned.

PART 2 Alert and information thresholds for ozone

2.  In cases where either the information threshold or the alert threshold for ozone—

(a) is exceeded; or

(b) is predicted to be exceeded,

the details set out in paragraphs 3 to 6 shall, as a minimum, be made available to the public on a sufficiently large scale.

3.  Information on any observed exceedance—

(a) the location or area of the exceedance;

(b) the type of threshold exceeded (information threshold or alert threshold);

(c) the time at which the exceedance began and its duration; and

(d) the highest 1-hour and 8-hour mean concentration.

4.  Forecast for the following afternoon, day or days—

(a) the geographical area of expected exceedances of an information threshold or alert threshold; and

(b) the expected change in pollution, that is, improvement, stabilisation or deterioration.

5.  Information on the type of population concerned, possible health effects and recommended conduct in particular—

(a) information on population groups at risk;

(b) description of likely symptoms;

(c) recommended precautions to be taken by the population concerned; and

(d) where to find further information.

6.  Information provided under this Schedule shall also include—

(a) information on preventive action to reduce pollution or exposure to it;

(b) an indication of main source sectors; and

(c) recommendations for action to reduce emissions.