N

EPAL STANDARDS
 TABLE OF CONTENTS, AIR QUALITY

1. National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), 2069 B.S. (2012)__________________1

2. Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission Standard, 2069 BS (2012)___________________________2
3. Vehicle Emission Standard, Green Sticker, 2057 BS (2000)__________________________3
4. Brick Kiln Industries________________________________________________________4
5. Emission Limits for Imported and Operated Diesel Generators, 2069 BS (2012)_________5
6. Emission Limits for Cement and Crusher Industries, 2069 BS (2012)__________________6
7. Emission Limits for Industrial Boilers, 2069 BS (2012)_____________________________7
8. National Indoor Air Quality Standards (NIAQS), 2066 B.S. (2009)____________________8
1. NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD (NAAQS), 2069
B.S. (2012)
GoN introduced time averaged (annual, 24 hours, 8 hours, etc.) revised NAAQS ( Table 1) for total
suspended particulate (TSP), respirable particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of ten micrometer
(PM10), respirable particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometer (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide
(SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), benzene & ozone. The concentration
was expressed as μg/m³. The standards for particulate matters were introduced for twenty - four hours
averaging time whereas benzene and lead standard were mentioned for annual basis. The CO
concentration is taken on average of 8 hours instead of 15 minutes average (2060 B.S.). National
standard related to air quality 2069 B.S., than previous one standard it has added two extra as follows
PM2.5 and ozone (O3).However, there is no specific clean air act to address air pollution, control and
management.

Table 1: National Ambient Air Quality Standard, Nepal

Averaging Concentration,
Parameters Test Methods
Time max.
Annual - -
TSP, (µg/m3)
24-hours* 230 High Volume Sampling and Gravimetric Analysis
Annual - -
PM10, (µg/m3) High Volume Sampler and Gravimetric Analysis,
24-hours* 120
TEOM, Beta Attenuation
PM2.5, (µg/m3) 24-hour* 40 PM2.5 sampling gravimetric analysis
Ultraviolet Fluorescence, West and Gaeke
Annual** 50
Sulfur Dioxide, (µg/m3) Method
24-hours* 70 Same as annual
3 Annual 40 Chemiluminescence
Nitrogen Dioxide, (µg/m )
24-hours* 80 Same as annual
Non DispersiveInfra-Red Spectrophotometer
Carbon Monoxide, (µg/m3) 8-hours* 10,000
(NDIR)
High Volume Sampling,
Lead, (µg/m3) Annual** 0.5
Followed by atomic absorption spectrometry
3
Benzene, (µg/m ) Annual** 5 Gas Chromatographic Technique
Ozone, (µg/m3) 8-hours* 157 UV spectrophotometer
Section 62 No. 19 Nepal Gazette Part 5 Date: 2069/4/29

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2. NEPAL VEHICLE MASS EMISSION STANDARD, 2069 BS (2012)
Nepal vehicle mass standard (NVMES) was empowered in 2056BS (1999) which was equivalent to
EURO I standards. NVMES is the government’s major step towards reducing emissions per kilometer of
travel. The standard is amended in 2069 BS, which is similar to the EURO III standard. All new vehicles
imported since then have had to comply. The NVMES categorically based on vehicles fuelled with
gasoline (positive ignition engines), light duty commercial vehicles & vehicles with gross vehicle weights
more than 2.5 tons, two and three wheelers, vehicles fuelled with diesel (compression ignition engines),
heavy duty vehicles and vehicles with gross vehicle weights (GVW) of more than 3.5 t.The emission
standards are mentioned on the basis ofType I (verification of exhaust emissions after cold start), Type II
(CO emission at idling speed), Type III (verification emissions of crankcase gases), Type IV
(determination of evaporative emission) & Type V (durability of pollution control devices) tests.

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3. VEHICLE EMISSION STANDARD, GREEN STICKER, 2057 BS
(2000)
The vehicle emission standards (green stickers) are endorsed for petrol, gas & diesel operated vehicles 1.
In case of gasoline operated vehicles, the emission limits for CO & HC are given separately for four
wheelers, two wheelers & three wheelers (Table 2). The CO & HC limits are given for four and three
wheelers gas operated vehicles (Table 3). For diesel operated vehicles (Table 4), HSU limits are given on
the basis of age of the vehicles (Bench Mark: 1994AD).

Table 2: Vehicle Emission Standards for Green Stickers Petrol Operated Vehicles

Types of Vehicles CO% by Volume HC, (ppm)

Four wheelers 1980 or older 4.5 1000
Four wheelers 1981 onwards 3 1000
Two-wheelers (two stroke) 4.5 7800
Two-wheelers (Four – stroke) 4.5 7800
Three Wheelers 4.5 7800
GoN/MoPE 2057 BS, (2000)

Table 3: Vehicle Emission Standards for Green Stickers, Gas Operated Vehicles

Types of Vehicles CO % by Volume HC, (ppm)

Four wheelers Vehicles 3 1000
Three wheelers 3 7800
GoN /MoPE 2057 BS, (2000)

Table 4: Vehicle Emission Standards for Green Stickers Diesel Operated Vehicles

Types of Vehicles HC, (ppm)

Older than 1994 75
1995 AD Onward 65
GoN /MoPE 2057 BS, (2000)

1
Environmental Guidelines and Directives of Information, GoN / MoPE, 2071BS

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4. BRICK KILN INDUSTRIES
The emission limit (Table 5) for different types of brick kilns are expressed along with chimney height.

Table 5: Emission Limit for Brick Kiln Industries

Brick Kiln Industry2

Types of Kiln Suspended Particulate Matter, Chimney Height, (minimum
(Maximum Limit), mg/Nm3 limit), m
Bull’s Trench Kiln, Force Draught (Fixed Chimney) 600 17
Bull’s Trench Kiln, Natural Draught (Fixed Chimney) 700 30
Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) 400 15
Note: Value of suspended particulate matter shall be calculated considering reference oxygen concentration as 10%

Chimney height shall be measured from ground level.

2
www.moenv.gov.np/_update/20090521160917.pdf, 21 May 2009 ... 

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5. EMISSION LIMITS FOR IMPORTED AND OPERATED DIESEL
GENERATORS, 2069 BS (2012)
The GoN endorsescarbon monoxide (CO), combined hydrocarbon / oxides of nitrogen (HC+NO x) and
particulate matter emission of smoke that goes into the air for imported (Table 6) and in use diesel
generators (Table 7). The prescribed standards are similar to Euro III or Bharat III equivalent. The
standards are prescribedin the basis of power rating of the diesel generator capacity.

Table 6: Emission Limits for Newly Imported Diesel Generators

Category, (kW) CO, (g/kWh) HC+NOx, (g/kWh) PM, (kWh)

<8 8.00 7.50 0.80
8 ~ 19 6.60 7.50 0.80
19 ~ 37 5.50 7.50 0.60
37 ~ 75 5.00 4.70 0.40
75 ~ 130 5.00 4.00 0.30
130 ~ 560 3.50 4.00 0.20
Ref.: Section 62 No.30 Nepal Gazette Part 5 Date: 2069/7/13

Table 7: Emission Limits for In-use Diesel Generators

Category (kW) CO, (g/kWh) NO, (g/kWh) PM, (kWh) CO, (g/kWh)
<8 8.00 1.30 9.20 1.00
8 ~ 19 6.60 1.30 9.20 0.85
19 ~ 37 6.50 1.30 9.20 0.85
37 ~ 75 6.50 1.30 9.20 0.85
75 ~ 130 5.00 1.30 9.20 0.70
130 ~ 560 5.00 1.30 9.20 0.54
Ref.: Section 62 No.30 Nepal Gazette Part 5 Date: 2068/7/13

Notes:(a) The Sample collection point should be one third part of diesel generator chimney’s height; (b) KW=Power factor x KVA; (c)
Test Method:The method should be same as mentioned in ISO 8178 or countries producing generator ISO 8178.

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6. EMISSION LIMITS FOR CEMENT AND CRUSHER INDUSTRIES,
2069 BS (2012)
The government of Nepal endorsed emission limit for total suspended particulate matter for cement
(Table 8) and crusher industries (Table 9) along with sample collection, testing reference methods.The
should be the arrangement of dust contamination removal and control units, wind breaking walls, metallic
road, green belt and regular maintenance of sanitary condition within the industrial premises.

Table 8: Emission Limit for Cement Industry

Quality Emission Limit

Total Suspended Particulate Matter Less than 500 µg/Nm3
Ref.: Section 62 No.30 Nepal Gazette Part 5 Date: 2068/7/13

Notes:(a) The sample collection point will be a place of cement industry wall, which should be 300-500m from emission source from
the direction of air; Test Method: Gravimetric, IS 11255(Part one)

Table 9: Emission Limit for Crusher Industry

Quality Emission Limit

Total Suspended Particulate Matter Less than 600 µg/Nm3
Ref.: Section 62 No= 30 Nepal Gazette Part 5 Date: 2069/7/13

Notes: Sample collection point should be 10m-40m from controlled point of crosser industry. Screening value is known as central
point of controlled point and sample collection; Test Method: Gravimetric, IS 11255(Part One)

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7. EMISSION LIMITS FOR INDUSTRIAL BOILERS, 2069 BS (2012)
The GoN endorses particulate matter emission limits for industrial boiler (Table 10) on the basis of steam
generation capacity. Besides, standard is also prescribed for chimney height calculation.

Table 10: Standard on Emission Limit for Industrial Boiler

Steam Generation Capacity of Boiler (kg/hour) Particulate Matter Emission Limit, (mg/Nm3)
Less than 2000 1200*
2000 to less than 10000 800*
10000 to less than 15000 600*
15000 and above 150**
* There should be industrial boiler with cyclone/multi-cyclone on controlled instruments.
** There should be industrial boiler with bag filter/ Electro Static Precipitator, ESP on controlled instruments. 12% of CO 2
correction is taken as reference when quantity of particulate matter mg/Nm³ is multiply by CO 2 gives 12%.
Standard on chimney Height for Industrial Boiler
The height of industrial boiler using solid or liquid energy must be as follows:
Height (H) =14 Q 0.3; Where H: Total Height of Chimney from ground level; Q: Production rate of SO 2 (kg/hr)
In any condition the height of chimney must be 11 meter not less than that.
Ref.: Section 62 No.30 Nepal Gazette Part 5 Date: 2069/7/13

Notes:Sample collection point should be one third part of industrial boiler chimney from ground level; Test Method: Gravimetric, IS
11255 (Part 1)

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8. NATIONAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NIAQS), 2066
B.S. (2009)
The time weighted (1~24hrs) standards are given for PM 10, PM2.5, CO &carbon dioxide (CO 2) for indoor
environment (Table 11). The units of measure for the standards are parts per million (ppm) by volume,
milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m 3), and microgram per cubic meter of air (µg/m 3). Monitoring of
carbon dioxide is to ensure the adequacy of the ventilation of the monitoring sites. The provision for
measurement of PM2.5 is preferred, the PM2.5 values can be converted to the corresponding PM 10 values
by application of a PM2.5/ PM10 ratio of 0.5.

Table 11: National Indoor Air Quality Standard, Nepal

Parameters Averaging Time Concentration, maximum

24 - hours 120
PM10, (µg/m3)
1 - hour 200
24 - hours 60
PM2.5, (µg/m3)
1 - hour 100
8 - hours 10 (9ppm)
Carbon Monoxide (CO), (µg/m3)
1 - hour 40 (35ppm)
Notes

1. Units of measure for the standards are parts per million (ppm) by volume, milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m 3), and
microgram per cubic meter of air (µg/m3).

2. The use of PM2.5 value is preferred.

3. No need to monitor / measure both particulate matter (PM10) and particulate matter (PM2.5). In accordance with the WHO
air quality guideline for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, 2005, the PM 2.5 values can be
converted to the corresponding PM10 values by application of a PM2.5/PM10 ratio of 0.5.

4. Averaging time can be fixed as per convenience.

5. When 1hr-averaging time is chosen, monitoring should cover cooking time.

6. When 8hr-averaging time is taken, monitoring should cover cooking time too.

7. Monitoring of carbon dioxide is to ensure the adequacy of the ventilation of the monitoring sites.