BOX 4: Air Quality Measurement and Control in Bulgaria

The monitoring of air pollution is carried out by the National System for Air Quality Control. It consists of 106 stationary points (92 undertaking manual sampling and 14 automatic stations) with a further six mobile stations. The stationary points are situated in 42 settlements. Air quality is controlled by monitoring emissions of dust, lead aerosols, SO2, NO2 and hydrogen sulfide, depending on the nature of pollution. The concentrations of particulates are monitored at 96 points, while SO2 is monitored from 105 points. With a view to reducing pollution, a Regulation for the Upper Admissible Concentration of Harmful Substances in Settlements was issued by the Ministry of Health in 1984. This regulation was updated in 1997 by the Ministry of Environment and Waters and by the Ministry of Health in relation to the introduction of the Clean Ambient Air Act (in June 1996). In addition to the direct measurements, the Ministry of Environment and Waters and the National Statistical Institute undertook a joint annual inventory of the emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, which included quantities of SO2 and dust. The inventory was carried out with the EU's methodology adopted under the CORINAIR Programme and adapted to local Bulgarian conditions. The inventory covers all human activities (including more than 2,600 industrial enterprises) with particulates being calculated according to a locally adapted methodology. Source: National Report on the Reduction of SO2 and Particulate Emissions in the Republic of Bulgaria

BOX 5: National Air Quality Monitoring Network in Hungary

In 1995, a strategy for a national air quality monitoring network was prepared consistent with European practices. It is expected to be implemented by the year 2000. Financial problems have hampered progress in the implementation of the monitoring networks which consist of two separate networks coordinated at the national level. The first includes the establishment and operation of an online network suitable for continuous air quality monitoring and feasible interventions in polluted settlements. Less polluted settlements would be controlled by sampling methods. The urban air quality control network will be composed of 87 control stations in 43 settlements. Secondly, a network must be established to cover the areas outside settlements to ensure the measurement of background pollution away from existing pollution sources and which takes account of transboundary pollution. The air quality network operated outside settlements will consist of 15-20 monitoring stations (currently six stations are in operation). Monitoring will help to ensure air quality control and provide appropriate information to the public. In that respect, it is necessary to establish and operate regional and national systems of administration and assessment with new units such as a national measurement center, network centers, and a Center for the Air Protection Information System. The measurements are to be coordinated by the Air Protection Reference Laboratory. Tasks have been modified because of changes in economic and financial sources, as well as technological and scientific developments. The deadline for the project has been moved to 2005 and will likely be regularly revised. The harmonization of EU Directives (96/62 EC and 97/101/EC) has been taken into account when updating the plan. Source: the Hungary Country Status Report

All SILAQ countries have established monitoring networks, but most require investments for construction of new stations and for the purchase and installation of new equipment.