Air pollution - National Responses (Latvia)

Latvia has no significant problems with the implementation of current EU policy (IPPC Directive, Large Combustion Plants Directive and Directive 2001/81/EC on National Emission Ceilings). However, concentrations of particulate matter PM₁₀ and nitrogen oxides in some Latvian cities − Riga metropolitan area and Liepāja − exceed the standards imposed in the Air Quality Directive.

The following measures are therefore planned at national level:

• the establishment of new techniques and sustainable use of resources, thereby achieving reductions in air pollutant emissions from energy and manufacturing industries, commercial and institutional services, households, transport and agriculture
• to coordinate the establishment of Best Available Techniques (BAT), environmentally-friendly techniques and cleaner production in the industrial sector
• the replacement of inefficient and outdated combustion plants for individual heating with more environmentally-friendly alternatives
• an increase in tax rates for air pollution emissions and the establishment of a tax on heavy duty vehicles (depending on the type of engine, age and emissions) is also under consideration
• to inform citizens, drivers and employers about air pollution and action to reduce it.

Related documents: Environmental Policy Strategy 2009–2015

At the local level, an air quality plan has been developed for the Riga metropolitan area. The ‘Riga Action Programme for the Improvement of Air Quality 2004–2009’ aims to achieve the air quality standards set out in the Air Quality Directive and describes measures to reduce PM_10, NOx and benzene pollution in Riga.

In addition, measures have been taken to improve public transport in the city of Riga (Public Transport Development Concept 2005–2018 and to promote bicycle transport (Bicycle Development Concept as part of the Public Transport Development Concept for 2005–2018) and Riga City Bicycle Development Programme.

Additional information

• The Ministry of Environment
  Ministry of the Environment - Air protection in Latvia
• Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC)
• Air Quality Annual Report 2009 [in English and Latvian]
• Air Quality Annual Report 2008 [in English and Latvian]
• Information on Air Quality in Latvia
  including Operational information on air quality [in Latvian]
  and Monthly information on air quality in Latvian cities [in Latvian]
• State of the Environment, National Report 2008 [in Latvian]
• Sustainable Development Indicators in Latvia 2006 [in Latvian]
• Sustainable Development Indicators in Latvia 2003 [in English]
• Environmental indicators in Latvia 2002 [in English]

CSI 001 Emissions of Acidifying Substances

CSI 002 Emissions of ozone precursors

CSI 003 Emissions of primary particles and secondary particulate matter

CSI-004 Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas

CSI 005 Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone