ZFE in Rouen: factories or cars, which pollutes the most in the metropolis?
By Valentin Lebosse
Published on
updated on 11 Sep 22 at 8:28
This is the subject of tension for this start of the 2022 school year in the metropolis of Rouen (Seine-Maritime). The extension of the ZFE-m (Low emission zone – mobility) for private vehicles, effective since 1uh September, instigate demonstrations in the streets and online petitions against its principle or its terms.
Any criticism of the ZFE?
Among the many reactions of Internet users to the (numerous) articles that 76news has devoted to the subject, many express incomprehension. Not to say a feeling of injustice that could be summed up as follows: “What’s the point ban Crit’air 4, 5 and unclassified vehicles if we let the factories pollute? » With this idea that industry – very present in the vicinity of Rouen – contributed as much if not more than road traffic to air pollution. What is it really? It’s our not so dumb question from Sunday, September 11, 2022.
Which sector of activity pollutes the most?
Atmo Normandy assessed the potential impact of the EPZ-m on air pollution. In this study published at the end of July, three pollutants that are dangerous to human health are taken into account: nitrogen dioxide (NOPE2), them PMten (fine particles whose diameter is less than 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (fine particles whose diameter is less than 2.5 micrometers).
For each of these pollutants, Atmo Normandie presents a breakdown of emissions by sector of activity. Note that NO emissions2 are included in nitrogen oxides (NOX) which also include nitric oxide. The following graph shows the breakdown of NOX, PM emissions2.5 and PMten in the Atmo Normandie study area (this includes the metropolis of Rouen and part of the Caux-Austreberthe community of municipalities to include the end of the A150):
(if the infographic is not displayed, Click here)
“Transport contributes mainly to nitrogen oxide emissions, it is more shared on fine particles”, notes Jerome Cortinovis, design engineer at Atmo Normandie. Thus, the largest emitters of PM2.5 are housing and business offices (36%), ahead of transport (33%) and industry (26%).
The results are even more divided when road transport is isolated. It is the second largest NOX emitter (27% of total emissions), almost tied with maritime transport (26%) but behind industry (33%). Regarding PM2.5, road transport comes only third (25%), after the residential/tertiary sector and factories. Finally, it is also the third contributor (25%) of PM releasestenpreceded by industry (30%) and residential/tertiary (26%).
What impact of the ZFE on pollution?
However, the impact of the ZFE-m on air pollution would not be negligible. According to models from Atmo Normandie, its extension as in force since 1uh September could reduce NO emissions by 4.9%25.2% PMten and 6.8% PM2.5 (compared to a scenario without ZFE-m).
As for surfaces exposed to average annual concentrations of NO2 greater than 40 μg/m3 (limit value in the European Union), they would be reduced by 11.1%. The populations exposed to these threshold overruns could decrease by 15.6%.
Regarding fine particles (PMten and PM2.5), “European limit values are not exceeded in any place”, although Atmo Normandie notes “clear and significant overruns of WHO recommendations”. And the organization to calculate a significant reduction in surfaces and populations exposed to these overruns. For more details, find below the complete study of Atmo Normandie:
View or download the file.
View or download the file.
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