Poland referred to EU court over poor air quality

The European Commission decided today to refer Poland to the EU Court of Justice over persistently high levels of dust particles that pose a major risk to public health. In Poland, the daily limit values for the airborne particles (PM10) have persistently exceeded acceptable levels in 35 out of 46 air quality zones for at least the last five years, including 2014. Additionally, in nine zones the annual limit values have also been persistently exceeded. PM10 pollution in Poland is predominantly caused by low-stack emissions (emissions from sources with a height lower than 40m) from household heating. The legislative and administrative measures taken so far to limit this persistent non-compliance have been deemed insufficient by the Commission. Today's decision follows an additional reasoned opinion which was sent to Poland in February 2015. Poland faces up to a PLN four billion fine.