AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

AIR POLLUTION REGULATIONS

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

No. 24 of 1984

	The Air Pollution Regulations, made under section 49 of the Air Pollution Ordinance 1984, prescribe maximum permissible standards of concentration of pollutants, which vary according to whether existing fuel-burning equipment or equipment installed after the date of effect of the Regulations is in question.  A period of six months is allowed for present equipment to be improved to the standard required for future equipment.  Detailed sampling and testing procedures are set out.

	Regulation 1 cites the title of the Regulations.

	Regulations 2 is an interpretation provision.

	Regulation 3 states that Part II (Regulations 3-5) applies in relation to processes and equipment existing at the date of commencement of the Regulations.

	Regulation 4 prescribes general standards of concentration of pollutants.

	Regulation 5 allows certain exceptions in the case of lighting up or blowing the tubes of a boiler.

	Regulation 6 states that Part III (Regulations 6-9) applies in relation to processes or equipment which come into existence after the date of commencement of the Regulations, and to all processes or equipment after six months from that date.

	Regulation 7 prescribes general standards of concentration of pollutants, which are stricter than those in Regulation 4.

	Regulation 8 allows certain exceptions in the case of lighting up or blowing the tubes of a boiler.

	Regulation 9 prescribes specific standards of concentration of pollutants in relation to specified sources.

	Regulation 10 sets out the testing procedure for solid particles.

	Regulation 11 sets out the testing procedure for smoke and soot.

	Regulation 12 provides for the measurement and correction of gas volumes to normal conditions.

	Regulations 13 relates thirteen specified classes of substances to appropriate parts of the Schedule for the purpose of describing the manner of testing emission samples.

	Regulation 14 sets out the method of taking samples of emissions of solid particles.

	Regulation 15 prescribes the provision of access holes in circular chimneys.

	Regulation 16 prescribes the provision of access holes in rectangular chimneys.

	Regulation 17 sets out the method of taking samples of emissions other than emissions of solid particles.

	Regulation 18 prescribes the required sampling position.

	Regulation 19 empowers the Pollution Control Authority to require an occupier of premises to provide a working platform from which a person can take samples of emissions, where safety considerations necessitate this.  A penalty of $500 is provided for non-compliance.

	Regulation 20 obliges an occupier of premises to provide access to the working platform and to make mains current electricity available near the platform.  A penalty of $500 is provided for non-compliance.

	Regulation 21 limits the proportion of sulphur that may be used in fuel oil.

	The Schedule, which is divided into eight parts, sets out testing procedures for the classes of substances listed in Regulation 13.