Decreto n.º 16/2021

Decreto n.º 16/2021

de 9 de junho

Sumário: Aprova a Alteração do Protocolo à Convenção sobre a Poluição Atmosférica Transfronteiras a Longa Distância relativo aos Metais Pesados, assinado em Aarhus, Dinamarca, em 24 de junho de 1998, adotada em Genebra, em 13 de dezembro de 2012.

Portugal é Parte da Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre Poluição Atmosférica Transfronteiras a Longa Distância, assinada em Genebra, a 13 de novembro de 1979, e aprovada pelo Decreto n.º 45/80, de 12 de julho, tendo aprovado o Protocolo à referida Convenção, relativo aos Metais Pesados, através do Decreto n.º 13/2017, de 12 de abril.

Este Protocolo tem por objetivo reduzir e controlar as emissões antropogénicas de chumbo, cádmio e mercúrio para a atmosfera, enquanto metais pesados nocivos sujeitos a transporte atmosférico transfronteiras a longa distância, com vista a proteger melhor a saúde humana e o ambiente.

No âmbito da trigésima primeira sessão do Órgão Executivo da Convenção sobre a Poluição Atmosférica Transfronteiras a Longa Distância, realizada em Genebra a 13 de dezembro de 2012, foi adotada a Decisão 2012/5 que altera o texto e os anexos do Protocolo à Convenção de 1979 sobre a Poluição Atmosférica Transfronteiras a Longa Distância, relativo aos Metais Pesados.

Considerando que a presente Alteração ao Protocolo, ao introduzir valores limite de emissão mais rigorosos para as emissões de poeiras provenientes de certas grandes fontes fixas, bem como disposições transitórias flexíveis que deverão beneficiar as futuras Partes no Protocolo, vem reforçar os objetivos ambientais nacionais, comunitários e internacionais, para que as concentrações e deposições atmosféricas não sejam excedidas, através de um maior controlo e limitação das emissões atmosféricas desses poluentes causados pela atividade antropogénica e com efeitos prováveis na saúde humana.

Assim:

Nos termos da alínea c) do n.º 1 do artigo 197.º da Constituição, o Governo aprova a Alteração do texto e dos Anexos do Protocolo à Convenção sobre a Poluição Atmosférica Transfronteiras a Longa Distância relativo aos Metais Pesados, assinado em Aarhus, Dinamarca, em 24 de junho de 1998, com exceção dos Anexos III e VII, adotada em Genebra, a 13 de dezembro de 2012, cujo texto, na versão autenticada na língua inglesa e respetiva tradução em língua portuguesa, se publica em anexo.

Visto e aprovado em Conselho de Ministros de 6 de maio de 2021. - Pedro Gramaxo de Carvalho Siza Vieira - Augusto Ernesto Santos Silva - Marta Alexandra Fartura Braga Temido de Almeida Simões - João Pedro Soeiro de Matos Fernandes.

Assinado em 13 de maio de 2021.

Publique-se.

O Presidente da República, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Referendado em 13 de maio de 2021.

O Primeiro-Ministro, António Luís Santos da Costa.

Decision 2012/5

Amendment of the text of and annexes other than III and VII to the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals

Article 1

Amendment

The Parties to the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals meeting within the thirty-first session of the Executive Body,

Decide to amend the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution as set out in the annex to this decision.

Article 2

Relationship to the Protocol

No State or regional economic integration organization may deposit an instrument of acceptance of this amendment unless it has previously, or simultaneously, deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval of or accession to the Protocol.

Article 3

Entry into force

In accordance with article 13, paragraph 3, of the Protocol, this amendment shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date on which two thirds of the Parties to the Protocol have deposited with the Depositary their instruments of acceptance thereof.

ANNEX

Amendments to the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals

(a) Article 1

1 - In paragraph 10 the words "of: (i) this Protocol; or (ii) an amendment to annex I or II, where the stationary source becomes subject to the provisions of this Protocol only by virtue of that amendment" are replaced by the words "for a Party of the present Protocol. A Party may decide not to treat as a new stationary source any stationary source for which approval has already been given by the appropriate competent national authority at the time of entry into force of the Protocol for that Party and provided that the construction or substantial modification is commenced within five years of that date".

2 - A new paragraph 12 is added after paragraph 11 as follows:

12 - The terms "this Protocol", "the Protocol" and "the present Protocol" mean the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals, as amended from time to time.

(b) Article 3

3 - In paragraph 2, the word "Each" is replaced by the words "Subject to paragraphs 2 bis and 2 ter, each".

4 - In paragraph 2 (a) the words "for which annex III identifies best available techniques" are replaced by the words "for which guidance adopted by the Parties at a session of the Executive Body identifies best available techniques".

5 - In paragraph 2 (c) the words "for which annex III identifies best available techniques" are replaced by the words "for which guidance adopted by the Parties at a session of the Executive Body identifies best available techniques".

6 - New paragraphs 2 bis and 2 ter are inserted after paragraph 2 as follows:

2 bis. A Party that was already a Party to the present Protocol prior to the entry into force of an amendment that introduces new source categories may apply the limit values applicable to an "existing stationary source" to any source in such a new category the construction or substantial modification of which is commenced before the expiry of two years from the date of entry into force of that amendment for that Party, unless and until that source later undergoes substantial modification.

2 ter. A Party that was already a Party to the present Protocol prior to the entry into force of an amendment that introduces new limit values applicable to a "new stationary source" may continue to apply the previously applicable limit values to any source the construction or substantial modification of which is commenced before the expiry of two years from the date of entry into force of that amendment for that Party, unless and until that source later undergoes substantial modification.

7 - In paragraph 5:

(a) The words ", for those Parties within geographical scope of EMEP, using as a minimum the methodologies specified by the Steering Body of EMEP, and, for those Parties outside the geographical scope of EMEP, using as guidance the methodologies developed through the work plan of the Executive Body" are deleted and replaced by a full stop ".".

(b)The following text is added after the first sentence:

Parties within the geographic scope of EMEP shall use the methodologies specified in guidelines prepared by the Steering Body of EMEP and adopted by the Parties at a session of the Executive Body. Parties in areas outside the geographic scope of EMEP shall use as guidance the methodologies developed through the workplan of the Executive Body.

8 - A new paragraph 8 is added at the end of article 3, as follows:

(c) Article 3 bis

9 - A new article 3 bis is added as follows:

Article 3 bis

Flexible transitional arrangements

1 - Notwithstanding article 3, paragraphs 2 (c) and 2 (d), a Party to the Convention that becomes a Party to the present Protocol between I January 2014 and 31 December 2019 may apply flexible transitional arrangements for the implementation of best available techniques and limit values to existing stationary sources in specific stationary source categories under the conditions specified in this article.

2 - Any Party electing to apply the flexible transitional arrangements under this article shall indicate in its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the present Protocol the following:

(a) The specific stationary source categories listed in annex II for which the Party is electing to apply flexible transitional arrangements, provided that no more than four such categories may be listed;

(b) Stationary sources for which construction or the last substantial modification commenced prior to 1990 or an alternative year of the period 1985-1995 inclusive, specified by a Party upon ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, which are eligible for flexible transitional arrangements as set out in paragraph 5; and

(c) An implementation plan consistent with paragraphs 3 and 4 identiffing a timetable for full implementation of the specified provisions.

3 - A Party shall, as a minimum, apply best available techniques for existing stationary sources in categories I, 2, 5 and 7 of annex II no later than eight years after the entry into force of the present Protocol for the Party, or 31 December 2022, whichever is sooner, except as provided in paragraph 5.

4 - In no case may a Party's application of best available techniques or limit values for any existing stationary sources be postponed past 31 December 2030.

5 - With respect to any source or sources indicated pursuant to paragraph 2 (b), a Party may decide, no later than eight years after entry into force of the present Protocol for the Party, or 31 December 2022, whichever is sooner, that such source or sources will be closed down. A list of such sources shall be provided as part of the Party's next report pursuant to paragraph 6. Requirements for application of best available techniques and limit values will not apply to any such source or sources, provided the source or sources are closed down no later than 31 December 2030. For any such source or sources not closed down as of that date, a Party must thereafter apply the best available techniques and limit values applicable to new sources in the applicable source category.

6 - A Party electing to apply the flexible transition at arrangements under this article shall provide the Executive Secretary of the Commission with triennial reports of its progress towards implementation of best available techniques and limit values to the stationary sources in the stationary source categories identified pursuant to this article. The Executive Secretary of the Commission will make such triennial reports available to the Executive Body.

(d) Article 7

10 - In paragraph I (a):

(a) The semi-colon at the end of the paragraph is replaced by ' Moreover:"; and

(b) New subparagraphs (i) and (ii) are inserted as follows:

(i) Where a Party applies different emission reduction strategies under article 3 paragraphs 2 (b), (c) or (d), it shall document the strategies applied and its compliance with the requirements of those paragraphs;

(ii) Where a Party judges the application of certain limit values, as specified in accordance with article 3, paragraph 2 (d), not to be technically and economically feasible, it shall report and this;

11 - For paragraph I (b) there is substituted the following:

(b) Each Party within the geographical scope of EMEP shall report to EMEP, through the Executive Secretary of the Commission, information on the levels of emissions of heavy metals listed in annex f, using the methodologies specified in guidelines prepared by the Steering Body of EMEP and adopted by the Parties at a session of the Executive Body. Parties in areas outside the geographical scope of EMEP shall report available information on levels of emissions of the heavy metals listed in annex l. Each Party shall also provide information on the levels of emissions of the substances listed in annex for the reference year specified in that annex;

12 - New paragraphs are added after paragraph I (b) as follows:

(c) Each Party within the geographical scope of EMEP should report available information to the Executive Body, through the Executive Secretary of the Commission, on its air pollution effects programmes on human health and the environment and atmospheric monitoring and modelling programmes under the Convention using guidelines adopted by the Executive Body;

(d) Parties in areas outside the geographical scope of EMEP should make available information similar to that specified in subparagraph (c), if requested to do so by the Executive Body.

13 - In paragraph 3:

(a) The words "In good time before each annual session of' are replaced by "Upon the request of and in accordance with timescales decided by";

(b) The words "and other subsidiary bodies" are inserted after the word "EMEP";

(c) The word "relevant" is inserted after the word "provide".

(e) Article 8

14 - The words "EMEP shall, using appropriate models and measurements and in good time before each annual session of the Executive Body" are replaced by "Upon the request of and in accordance with timescales decided by the Executive Body, EMEP and its technical bodies and centres shall, using appropriate models and measurements,".

(f) Article 10

15 - In paragraph 4:

(a) The word "consider" is inserted after the word "shall";

(b) The word "develop" is replaced by the word "developing":

(c) The words "to reduce emissions into the atmosphere of the heavy metals listed in annex I" are deleted.

(g) Article 13

16 - In paragraph 3:

(a) The words "and to annexes I, II, IV, V and VI" are replaced by the words "other than to annexes III and VII";

(b) The words "on which two thirds of the Parties" are replaced by the words "on which two thirds of those that were Parties at the time of their adoption"

17 - In paragraph 4 the word "ninety" is replaced by the figure "180".

18 - In paragraph 5 the word "ninety" is replaced by the figure "180".

19 - New paragraphs 5 bis and 5 ter are inserted after paragraph 5 as follows:

5 bis. For those Parties having accepted it, the procedure set out in paragraph 5 ter supersedes the procedure set out in paragraph 3 in respect of amendments to annexes II, IV, V and VI.

5 ter. Amendments to annexes II, IV, V and VI shall be adopted by consensus of the Parties present at a session of the Executive Body. On the expiry of one year from the date of its communication to all Parties by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, an amendment to any such annex shall become effective for those Parties which have not submitted to the Depositary a notification in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (a):

(a) Any Party that is unable to approve an amendment to annexes II, [V, V and VI shall so notify the Depositary in writing within one year from the date of the communication of its adoption. The Depositary shall without delay all Parties of any such notification received. A Party may at any time substitute an acceptance for its previous notification and, upon deposit of an instrument of acceptance with the Depositary, the amendment to such an annex shall become effective for that Party;

(b) Any amendment to annexes [I, IV, V and VI shall not enter into force if an aggregate number of 16 or more Parties have either:

(i) Submitted a notification in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (a); or

(ii) Not accepted the procedure set out in this paragraph and not yet deposited an instrument of acceptance in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3.

(h) Article 15

20 - A new paragraph 3 is added after paragraph 2 as follows:

3 - A State or regional economic integration organization shall declare in its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession if it does not intend to be bound by the procedures set out in article 13, paragraph 5 ter, as regards the amendment of annexes II, IV, V and VI.

(i) Annex II

21 - In the table under subheading II, the words "lead and zinc" in the first line under the description of category 5 are replaced with the words "lead, zinc and silico-and ferromanganese alloys"

(j) Annex IV

22 - The number "1." is added in front of the first paragraph.

23 - In subparagraph (a), the words "for a Party" are inserted after the word "Protocol".

24 - In subparagraph (b):

(a) In the first sentence the word "eight" is replaced by the word "two".

(b) At the end of the first sentence, the words "for a Party or 31 December 2020, whichever is the later" are inserted after the word "Protocol".

(c) The last sentence is deleted.

25 - At the end of the annex new paragraphs 2 and 3 are inserted as follows:

2 - Notwithstanding paragraph 1, but subject to paragraph 3, a Party to the Convention that becomes a Party to the present Protocol between 1 January 2014, and 31 December 2019, may declare upon ratification, acceptance, approval of, or accession to, the present Protocol that it will extend the timescales for application of the limit values referred to in article 3, paragraph 2 (d) up to 15 years after the date of entry into force of the present Protocol for the Party in question.

3 - A Party that has made an election pursuant to article 3 bis of the present Protocol with respect to a particular stationary source category may not also make a declaration pursuant to paragraph 2 applicable to the same source category.

(k) Annex V

26 - For Annex V the following text is substituted:

Annex V

Limit values for controlling emissions from major stationary sources

1 - Two types of limit value are important for heavy metal emission control:

(a) Values for specific heavy metals or groups of heavy metals; and

(b) Values for emissions of particulate matter in general.

2 - In principle, limit values for particulate matter cannot replace specific limit values for cadmium, lead and mercury' because the quantity of metals associated with particulate emissions differs from one process to another. However, compliance with these limits contributes significantly to reducing heavy metal emissions in general. Moreover, monitoring particulate emissions is generally less expensive than monitoring individual species and continuous monitoring of individual heavy metals is in general not feasible. Therefore, particulate matter limit values are of great practical importance and are also laid down in this annex in most cases to complement specific limit values for cadmium or lead or mercury.

3 - Section A applies to Parties other than the United States of America. Section B applies to the United States of America.

A. Parties other than the United States of America

4 - In this section only, "dust" means the mass of particles, of any shape, structure or density, dispersed in the gas phase at the sampling point conditions which may be collected by filtration under specified conditions after representative sampling of the gas to be analysed, and which remain upstream of the filter and on the filter after drying under specified conditions.