These observations motivate the growing interest in IA models and tools for
local and regional scale. Their importance became apparent again in connection
with Article 22 of AQD 2008 “Postponement of attainment deadlines and
exemption from the obligation to apply certain limit values” commonly called
“notification for time extension”. For both air quality plans and time extension,
more elaborated requirements are formulated in Annex XV compared to former
regulations. The implementing decision of December 2011 (201 1/850/EU) reflects
this, clearly looking at the reporting obligations laid down there (Article 13,
Annex II, Section H, I, J and especially K) and looking at the amount of information that has to be provided regularly (e-reporting has entered full operation
mode from January 2014). Finally, “Air quality plans” according to AQD Art.
23 are the strategic element to be developed, with the aim to reliably meet ambient
air quality standards in a cost-effective way.
Fig. 1.6 Evolution of PM10 compliance according to GAINS results (source Amann 2013)
1 Air Quality in Europe: Today and Tomorrow
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