Air quality management planning (AQMP)

Abstract

In most urban areas of the world, particulate matter (PM) levels pose severe problems, addressed in several policy areas (air quality, climate change, and human health). PM presents multiple challenges due to the multitude of its sources, spanning many sectors of economic activity as well as nature, and due to the complexity of atmospheric processes involved in its transport and secondary formation. For the authorities, the goal is to assure minimal impacts of atmospheric PM levels, in practice represented by compliance with existing regulations and standards. This may be achieved through an air quality management plan (AQMP). In Northern America and in parts of Europe, comprehensive research programs have guided development of AQMP over the last forty years. This cumulated experience can be utilized by others who face the same problems, but have yet to develop their own substantial research base. The main purpose of the AQMP development process is to establish an effective and sound basis for planning and management of air quality in a selected area. This type of planning will ensure that significant sources of impacts are identified and controlled in a most cost-effective manner. The choice of tools, methods and input information is often dictated by their availability, and should be evaluated against current best practices. Important elements of the AQMP are the identification of sources and development of a complete emission inventory, the development and operation of an air quality monitoring programme, and the development and application of atmospheric dispersion models. Major task is to collect the necessary input data. The development of the AQMP will take into account: - Air Quality Management System (AQMS) requirements; - Operational and functional structure requirements; - Source identification through emission inventories; - Source reduction alternatives, which may be implemented; - Mechanisms for facilitating interdepartmental cooperation in order to assure that actions are being taken; - Institutional building and training requirements This paper offers a practical guide through the different parts of the air quality management and planning procedures

PM and CO2 variability and relationship in the different school environments

“…In recent years, IAQ became a widely recognized issue that attracts researchers and public attention towards improving the air quality [1][2][3][4][5]. Public concern over IAQ has dramatically increased, as hundreds of pollutants from various indoor and outdoor sources have been identified in indoor environments.…”

Local Air Quality Issues and Research Priorities Through the Lenses of Chilean Experts: An Ontological Analysis

“…This could indicate the need of expanding the background diversity in our panel of experts, and that the framework developed could undergo constant updates due to the advancement of the area and its multidisciplinary nature. An international validation of frameworks for developing countries is suggested for future work, in which the North American and European experience could be used to develop local air quality frameworks (Sivertsen and Bartonova 2012).…”

Integrated assessment and management of ambient particulate matter: International perspective and current research in Serbia

“…Air quality management was introduced in a keynote lecture outlining practical steps in air quality management and giving a summary of European current practice [6], and providing a methodological background and an integrating framework. Successful mitigation of PM problem requires understanding from many disciplines, and this poses great challenges to both disciplinary skills and communication between different participants.…”

“…Successful mitigation of PM problem requires understanding from many disciplines, and this poses great challenges to both disciplinary skills and communication between different participants. A common framework helps both to define an understandable structure within which to address each problem, and to effectively communicate across professions [6]. The authors illustrate the different perspectives of the scientists and of the decision-makers, and offer guidance on how these perspectives can be taken into account for the benefit of providing lasting solutions.…”