ASSESSMENT OF DATA
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Critical load values for total acidity of
sulphur and nitrogen, combined with acid deposition values, in order that exceedance
values can be produced showing the area of soil where critical loads are being
exceeded. Countries should make clear the data validation processes for the
emissions, deposition and critical load determinations that are used as the basis for the
development of the indicator.
(b) National and International Data Availability: Critical loads are calculated by
the countries of the CLRTAP and are collected and mapped over Europe by the
Coordination Center for Effects (CCE). Every year, emissions data are reported by
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national authorities under the CLRTAP. The emissions data include both new
estimates of emissions for two years in areas and updated information on emissions
from previous years. The emissions data are stored and verified in the European
Monitoring and Evaluation Programme’s Meteorological Synthesizing Centre —
West (EMEP/MSC-W). On the basis of these emissions, EMEP/MSC-W carries out
calculations of atmospheric transport of sulphur and nitrogen pollutants according to
recorded meteorological conditions. Updated deposition calculations are used as a
basis for the calculation of exceedances of critical loads at the CCE. Results are
presented in the yearly update of the EMEP report on Transboundary Acidification
and Eutrophication in Europe.
REFERENCES
• Bouwman, L., van Vuuren, D., 1999. Global Assessment of Acidification and
Eutrophication of Natural Ecosystems. Bilthoven, the Netherlands: United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/ National Institute of Public Health
and the Environment (RIVM) (www.rivm.nl/env/int/geo).
• De Vries, W., Posch, M., Reinds, G.J., Kämäri, J., 1993. Critical Loads and
Their Exceedance on Forest Soils in Europe. Report 58 (revised version).
Wageningen, The Netherlands: DLO The Winand Staring Centre for
Integrated Land, Soil and Water Research.
• Downing, R., Hettelingh, J.-P., de Smet, P., eds, 1993. Calculation and
Mapping of Critical Loads in Europe. Status report 1993. CCE/RIVM Rep.
259101003. Bilthoven, the Netherlands: Coordination Center for Effects
(CCE), National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
• EEA, 2003. Air Pollution in Europe 1990–2000. Topic report no. 4/2003.
Copenhagen, Denmark: European Environment Agency.
• Nilsson, J., Grennfelt, P., eds, 1988. Critical Loads for Sulphur and Nitrogen.
NORD 1988:97. Copenhagen, Denmark: Nordic Council of Ministers.
• Posch, M., Hettelingh, J.-P., de Smet, P.A.M., Downing, R.J., eds, 1999.
Calculation and Mapping of Critical Thresholds in Europe. Status Report
1999, Bilthoven, the Netherlands: Coordination Center for Effects (CCE),
National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
• TCDC/ECDC Network, Acidification in Developing Countries: Ecosystem
Sensitivity and the Critical Load Approach on a Global Scale. Beijing, China:
Technological Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC)/Economic
Cooperation among Developing Countries (ECDC) Network. Available at
http://www.ecdc.net.cn/events/report/acid/acidification.htm.
• UNEP/ISSS/FAO/ISRIC, 1995. Global and National Soil and Terrain Digital
Databases: Procedures Manual (revised edition). Wageningen, the
Netherlands: International Soil Reference and Information Centre.
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