Modernization of Air Monitoring: New System in Bulgaria

The National Air Quality Monitoring System (NSMKAV) is planned to undergo a complete transformation, as is clear from information published on the website of the Executive Environment Agency (EIA). This ambitious project aims to increase both the efficiency of monitoring and the accessibility of information for the general public.

According to the information, the goal is to provide information on air quality at early stages. Beneficiaries will be a wide range of stakeholders – local authorities, the scientific community, non-governmental organizations, decision-makers, and, of course, all citizens. Functionalities are provided that will allow hourly reporting of the current measurements for key pollutants. The information will be presented to citizens through an air quality index, which meets the requirements of the new European directive on air quality, the EIA explains.

The actual replacement of the existing automatic air quality stations with new ones is a key moment of the project. Delivery and installation of new, fully equipped stations are provided, which will transmit data in real time. The installation of individual automatic monitoring devices in some of the existing automatic measuring stations is also planned. The development and integration of an information system, as well as the creation of an easy-to-use mobile application for assessing the risk of air pollution, will provide data in real time to the general public, authorities, and non-governmental organizations.

The financing of the large-scale renovation is provided under the support measure „Improving air quality through a modernized and recognized national system for measuring air quality and scientific partnerships“ (MODAIRN). This measure is part of the thematic objective „Environmental and climate protection" of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Program. The total budget allocated for the project amounts to 15 million Swiss francs. Its implementation is planned to be completed by the end of 2029, the EIA clarifies.

The first stage of the project implementation will be a detailed analysis, which will determine the technical condition of the stations included in the National Air Quality Monitoring System. The aim is to determine the need for renovation and additional equipment.

Along with the news about the modernization of the system, the EIA reports that Bulgaria has successfully fulfilled its commitment to the European Commission for 2025 to report on air quality. According to a decision of the European Commission, the member states must submit their reports by September 30.

The assessment of air quality is carried out by areas for assessment and management of AKV. Bulgaria is divided into six such areas: Metropolitan Agglomeration, Plovdiv Agglomeration, Varna Agglomeration, Northern/Danube, Southwestern and Southeastern region. The analysis of the data is also carried out by regions, taking into account the specifics of each populated place in which monitoring is carried out.

In the context of the partnership with Switzerland, in June this year the 7th and 8th agreements of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Program were signed. The Minister of Environment and Water, Manol Genov, emphasized that the Swiss aid will provide Bulgaria with the opportunity to purchase the most modern equipment for measuring air quality and for the exchange of data with the European air monitoring system.