Madeira is the first region of the country to reformulate its air monitoring network

The Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) is the first in the country to reformulate the air quality monitoring network, thus meeting the requirements of the legislation in force, announced today the Secretary of the # 39; Environment.

"The network was already operating for 15 years and many analyzers were in a state of wear and they did not meet current requirements," explained Susana Prada, who also announced the acquisition of new equipment (analyzers of pollutants). new legislation, more demanding ".

Currently, the air quality monitoring network consists of three fixed stations and one mobile station. The fixed ones are in the region of São João and São Gonçalo, both in Funchal and the city traffic basin and the urban fund (high traffic area), respectively, and one in Santana (north of the city). island), of rural character

Current secretariat data show that there is a reduction in annual averages of all pollutants attributable to the emission reductions of the automotive sector, so that the air quality is good or very good.

"Overall compliance with the pollutant concentration limit values, reflected in the Very Good / Good 95% Ambient Air Quality Indices, is verified throughout RAM." said Susana Prada.

According to the governor, the regional government ensured the good implementation, in the RAM, of the national air strategy, illustrating by the quality of it in the city of Funchal.

"The population of Funchal is made up of 4% of the European Union living in urban areas where the most demanding boundaries of the World Health Organization are met," he said.

The network overhaul project cost 315,000 euros and was financed by the Madeira 14-20 program (85%) and by the Environmental Fund (15%).