Consultation on draft AQEG report: Ozone in the United Kingdom
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Ergon House,
Area 3C,
17 Smith Square,
London.
SW1P 3JR
Telephone: 020 7238 1698
Email: tim.williamson@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.defra.gov.uk
14th May 2008
Dear Consultee,
Air Quality Expert Group: Ozone in the United Kingdom
The Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) was set up in 2001 to provide independent scientific advice on air quality, in particular the air pollutants contained in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and those covered by the EU Directive on ambient air quality assessment and management (the Air Quality Framework Directive). The Group considers current knowledge on air pollution and provides advice on such things as the levels, sources and characteristics of air pollutants in the UK. All AQEG reports are published in draft, to allow expert comment before the Group reaches their final conclusions.
I am pleased to announce that the draft report from the Air Quality Expert Group on ‘Ozone in the United Kingdom’ is published today for expert comment. The report is available on the Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/ozone2008/
The Report aims to address the key policy-related questions put to AQEG by Defra and the Devolved Administrations. Specifically the report aims to answer the following questions:
Question 1. Of the recommendations made by the 4th Report of the Photochemical Oxidants Review Group, 1997 which remain to be implemented, to what extent do they remain valid, and which have been superseded by scientific understanding?
Question 2. A large quantity of urban and rural monitoring data have been collected since the last PORG report, by Defra’s own networks, local authority stations, and elsewhere. What does this reveal in terms of trends (using metrics considered relevant to effects) and spatial concentration patterns?
Question 3. Observations since the 1970s have shown that global background ozone concentrations have been rising throughout this period. What is the strength of these data, and what is the evidence concerning the trends and likely projections of precursor emissions, and the resultant ozone concentrations?
Question 4. What is the likely impact of climate change on future ozone levels in Europe over the next two decades? What is the significance of such impacts, compared to other influences, such as inter-annual variability or global and regional emissions trends
Question 5. What are the likely future trends in urban ozone concentrations, over the next two decades and what is driving them?
Question 6. Ozone is currently modelled on a number of spatial and temporal scales. What are the main uncertainties associated with such work, and what research is required to reduce these uncertainties?
Question 7. Integrated assessment modelling to support the European Commission’s Thematic Strategy for Air Quality suggests that regional ozone levels in the UK are likely to remain relatively steady regardless of foreseeable emissions reductions across Europe. Does the Group agree with this analysis and what is the explanation for this lack of response to reductions in precursor emissions?
Question 8. What are likely to be the most effective control options to reduce UK population exposure to ozone (in terms of precursors to be targeted), and on what scale should they operate? The Group may include discussion of the types of controls they consider to be feasible, but do not need to consider the policy implications of such measures
I should be grateful for any technical comments you may have on the report to be sent to the AQEG Secretariat by 6th August 2008, at Air and Environment Quality Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Area 3C Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR; Fax +44 (0)20 7238 1657; Email: tim.williamson@defra.gsi.gov.uk. I would particularly invite those consulted to draw attention to any sources of relevant, published, peer reviewed information that the Group may not have considered in coming to its conclusions.
In line with Defra's policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive may be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. The information they contain may also be published in a summary of responses.
If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.
The Information Resource Centre will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, e-mail: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk). Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hours notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.
Any comments or complaints about the consultation process itself should be addressed to Marjorie Addo, Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7C Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Yours faithfully,
Tim Williamson
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Page published: 14 May 2008