NEPM: National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure
Made by NEPC: 26 June 1998
Commenced: 8 July 1998
Please contact the relevant jurisdictional agency regarding detailed implementation information for this NEPM. Decisions about the way in which NEPMs are implemented are made by each jurisdiction individually.
Ambient Air Quality NEPM Goal
To achieve National Environment Protection Standards as assessed in accordance with (set) monitoring protocol.
Desired Environmental Outcomes
Ambient air quality that allows for the adequate protection of human health and well-being.
Development of the NEPM
Variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - 2021
On 15 April 2021, the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) approved a variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
Proposed variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - 2019
Public consultation for the impact statement and draft varied measure has now closed. This consultation provides an opportunity for the community to review and comment on the supporting evidence to vary the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
- Proposed variation to the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure - submissions are now available
Notice of intention to vary the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - 2019
On 7 December 2018, Ministers signaled their intention to vary the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure to strengthen its ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide standards. This variation will reflect latest scientific understanding and will allow for an adequate level of health protection from the impacts of air pollution from these pollutants for the Australian community.
Variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - 2015
On 15 December 2015, the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) approved a variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for particles.
- Variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM – amending instrument now available
Proposed variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - 2014
An impact statement and draft varied measure are required as part of the statutory process to vary a National Environment Protection Measure and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review and comment on the supporting evidence to vary the Ambient Air Quality NEPM particles standards. The public consultation period for the Impact Statement and draft varied measure is now closed.
- Proposed variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - submissions are now available
Notice of intention to vary the Ambient Air Quality NEPM - 2014
On 29 April 2014, Ministers signalled their intention to vary the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure for particles reflecting the latest scientific understanding on health risks arising from particle pollution. The Measure sought to establish a more stringent reporting standard for particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10).
Review of the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure - 2011
On 16 September 2011, Council agreed to release the review of the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure.
- Ambient Air Quality NEPM Review - Review Report - September 2011
Key documents
- Health Risk Assessment - Preliminary Work to Identify Concentration-Response Functions for Selected Ambient Air Pollutants - 2012
- Australian Child Health and Air Pollution Study (ACHAPS) - Final Report - 2012
- Ambient Air Quality NEPM Review - Review Report - September 2011
- Methodology for setting air quality standards in Australia - 2011
- Ambient Air Quality NEPM annual reporting