Appendix 2: Summary table of actions required, by air quality category

Definition

Above the guideline

66-100% of the guideline

33-66% of the guideline

Good: 10-33% of the guideline

Excellent: 0-10% of the guideline

EPI category description

Exceedances of the guideline value are a cause for concern and warrant action, particularly if they occur on a regular basis

This is a warning levels, which can lead to exceedences if trends are not curbed.

This is a broad category, where maximum values might be of concern in some sensitive locations but are generally at a level that does not warrant dramatic action.

Good - Peak measurements are unlikely to affect air quality

Excellent - of little concern: if maximum values are less than 10th of the guideline, average values are likely to be much less.

Action required

Achieve guideline value within shortest possible timeframe; investigate and monitor comprehensively

Reduce further, where practicable, and monitor

Maintain, reduce where practicable and monitor periodically

Maintain and monitor occasionally

Recommended monitoring/ investigations

Set up comprehensive continuous monitoring

Compile detailed emissions inventory

Investigate how emissions are likely to change over time

Determine potential spatial extent of exceedances

Carry out meteorological monitoring

Set up continuous monitoring

Compile a detailed emission inventory

Investigate how the situation may change over time

Investigate the location and cause of maximum results

Check location of monitoring sites and their representativeness

Undertake meteorological monitoring

Consider regular monitoring to check for any trends

Compile basic emissions inventory

Examine cause of maximum results

Investigate how emissions/air quality is likely to change over time

Carry out periodic monitoring using survey techniques

Check siting of monitors

Management issues

Establish and implement management options to ensure pollution levels are reduced within the shortest time frame possible

Alert public to location, severity and extent of guideline breaches

If the situation is likely to worsen with peaks entering the alert category: establish and implement management options to ensure pollution levels do not worsen

If situation is likely to remain the same: implement measures to ensure emissions do not increase

Where increases in emissions are unlikely: consider management options to maintain ambient air quality

If emissions are likely to increase: instigate management options to address these potential increases

Examine desired state/uses/ values of the air resource and potential future uses

Establish management techniques accordingly

If the air is in or near to pristine environments (e.g. national parks, protected national areas), strict controls may be required

Special investigations

Examine population exposure to air with high pollution levels

Determine potential health effects on population exposed

Consider monitoring of hazardous air contaminants

Investigate the spatial extent of the pollution concern

None

None