LEX-FAOC169940

These Regulations have been adopted in implementation of Section 51 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (No. 127) which entrusts to the Minister the power to make regulations, after consultation with the Council, for prescribing ambient air quality standards and emission standards. The Regulations are divided into the following Parts: (I) Preliminary; (II) Industrial facilities adjacent to residential areas; (III) Burning of waste; (IV) Air impurities; (V) Miscellaneous provisions; (VII) Penalty and fees; (VIII) Compounding of offences.; The Regulations lay down ambient air quality standards which shall apply in particular to: a) any premises used for any industrial or trade purposes, or on which matter is burnt in connection with any industrial or trade purposes including burning of waste; (b) any facility or process that discharges or is capable of discharging air impurities into open air; (c) every chimney; (d) every industrial plant; and (e) every fuel burning equipment. The prior approval by the Director-General is required for new installations within residential areas as per Regulation 4 and the First Schedule. If in his opinion the new installation may cause pollution, the Director-general may refuse approval. No owner or occupier of industrial or trade premises shall burn or cause to be burnt combustible materials, refuse and produce or waste except in an incinerator of such type and design approved by the Director-General. Regulations 24 to 30 set forth the prescribed permissible limits of concentration of air impurities in the conduct of any trade, industry or process, or the operation of any fuel burning equipment or industrial plant. Regulation 46 regards the emergency measures that may be undertaken by the Director-General in case of accumulation of air impurities that are likely to threaten the public health, safety or welfare or the quality of the environment. Lastly, the following five Schedules are attached: (I) New installations within residential areas not permitted without prior approval; (II) Emission standards in specific areas; (III) Noxious and offensive substances; (IV) Undesirable occurrence; (V) Processes fees payable to obtain licence.