site.btaUPDATED No Exceedances of Annual Average Fine Particulate Matter Standards Reported since 2021

Since 2021, the national ambient air quality monitoring system has reported no exceedances of the annual mean fine particulate matter standards at the national level. The trend towards compliance with the daily average standards is also stable and persistent, said caretaker Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Reneta Koleva at a briefing at the building of the Executive Environment Agency (EEA) in connection with the functioning of the monitoring system.

According to 2023 data, the positive trend is maintained, with only one air quality reporting point not achieving full compliance, she said, adding that improving air quality requires time, resources, measures and policies.

Koleva explained that the country has developed a national programme, adopted by a decision of the Council of Ministers and developed by the World Bank. It proposes measures to reduce pollution from major sources such as domestic heating.

In cases where the total mass of emissions in an area leads to an exceedance of air pollutant standards, mayors of municipalities develop and implement relevant programmes to reduce pollutant levels and to reach the established standards, Koleva explained. If the type and degree of pollution significantly increases the risk to human health and the environment, and if the standards set out in the legislation are reached, municipal councillors can adopt additional measures, she noted. The introduction of low-emission zones is one of the possible measures, the deputy minister explained, stressing that if there is no improvement, the responsible institutions can impose penalties.

Control of persons and sites distributing solid fuel for domestic heating without registration and stopping the practice of selling firewood by weight are part of the measures taken to improve air cleanliness. Phasing out solid fuel stoves and boilers is another step in this direction. Data from the latest census shows that 47.7% of homes are heated with electricity, 36.3% with wood, 13.3% with central heating, 4.8% with coal, 4.1% with pellets, and 2.5% on central gas supply, Koleva said. She also reported on the improvement of annual technical inspections for vehicles. Under the OP Environment 2021-2027, BGN 15 million is earmarked to support the Sofia Municipality and Plovdiv to build low-emission transport zones. A draft law to promote electric mobility is also being developed, Deputy Minister Koleva further said.