One World - Air Quality Public Consultation Phase 1 (4)

Ambient air quality is currently regulated in the EU through Council Directive 1996/62/EC on Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Management.

This directive sets a general policy framework for dealing with ambient air quality. It does not look at the source of pollution, but focuses on the effect that air pollution has on human health and the environment.

It requires Member States to put in place systems for assessing ambient air quality based upon common methods and criteria, requires that ambient air quality is maintained where it is good and improve it in other cases, by means of plans and programs of action. It also lays down provisions for a system of gathering, reporting and publicizing information. This includes both data reported to the Commission and information to the public.

The main pollutants covered by this legislation are sulphur dioxide, benzene, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead and other heavy metals.

To regulate the concentrations in ambient air the Directive introduces specific thresholds which are to be attained within a given period and once attained, must not be exceeded.

Particulate matter is considered one of Malta's most significant air pollutants, the concentrations of which exceed EU standards in specific areas.

Mepa is inviting the general public, local councils, NGOs and government entities to suggest realistic policy measures that will help contribute towards decreasing and limiting concentrations of fine dust in ambient air. Submissions by the public or other interested parties can be sent by e-mail at: airqualityplan@mepa.org.mt.

All submissions need to reach the Authority by May 22.