|
Issues Variability and ChangeAmbient Air QualityIndoor Air Quality |
|
At a glance The issue Particulate pollution is the major air quality issue for Tasmania. Large and small particles transported through the air can affect human health, cause damage to property and contaminate soil and water. The concentration of particles may be used as an indicator of urban ambient air quality in Tasmania. This 'At a glance' section provides an overview of the issue of particulate pollution. More detailed information and references are available in the Particulate Pollution Issue Report. Two indicators are included within the report. Recommendations are also presented which aim to support management action in relation to particulate pollution. The key recommendation for the Atmosphere Chapter addresses Total Exposure to Air Pollution. A further recommendation is provided on Ambient Air Quality Monitoring. Favourable news - There have been significant improvements in the air quality of Launceston. Between 1997 and 2002, the annual average concentration of particulate matter less than 10 micrometres in size (PM10) has decreased from 34 to 19 µg/m3 (a 44% reduction). While there are still exceedences of the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM), the number of days exceeding the 24-hour average maximum has reduced from 51 to 14. There has been an improvement in the severity of poor air quality incidents, and the target of no more than five exceedences a year is closer to being achieved. However, there are indications that a comparatively colder and wetter winter will result in a greater number of exceedences of the NEPM in 2003 (23 exceedences occurred by October 2003), compared to that of 2002.
- The National Environment Protection Council is currently developing a variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM to extend its coverage to particulate matter 2.5 µm or less in size (PM2.5).
- Major programs have been initiated to improve air quality. An education program has been run in the media to highlight good wood heater usage, and a buy-back program has begun in Launceston where old, inefficient burning wood heaters can be changed or upgraded to more efficient heaters that reduce smoke emissions. By September 2003, this program had resulted in 1,500 wood heater replacements and distribution of 700 cards warning of excessively smoky chimneys.
- In the report: Assessment of the Draft EPP (Air Quality) September 2001 (EPPRP 2002), the Environment Protection Policy Review Panel established a need for an Environment Protection Policy (EPP) for Air Quality. The EPP will contain provisions on industrial emissions, domestic solid fuel burning appliances (wood heaters), backyard burning and planned open burning. Specific requirements for controlled burning and the inclusion of an environmental nuisance provision for woodsmoke are two new initiatives that will be particularly important for reducing particle concentration in ambient air. It is anticipated that the Policy will be in operation in 2003 (DPIWE 2002).
Unfavourable news - Tasmania has significant particulate air quality problems, especially in and around the major urban centres. Poor air quality from particulate pollution can cause a variety of health effects-the small particles can travel deep into the lungs and cause a variety of irritations and infections. Particulate pollution is also a very visible form of pollution, so can affect the 'clean and green' image of Tasmania.
- The primary source of particulate pollution in Tasmania is wood heaters, however, significant emissions also come from transportation, industrial and burning/wildfire sources.
- Launceston is particularly affected, though monitoring for several years is showing an improvement. Significant further work is required to meet the Air Quality NEPM goal for particulates by 2008.
- Hobart also has a significant particulate pollution problem, though the limited monitoring suggests it is less than that of Launceston.
Uncertain news - There is currently a limited understanding of particulate emission sources, particularly diffuse sources such as those from agriculture and forest burning.
- Particulate matter 2.5 µm or less in size (PM2.5) is not currently being monitored, and as a result there is little known about the concentrations of these smaller particles in either Launceston or Hobart.
- There is little known about particulate concentrations in population centres other than Launceston and Hobart, due to a lack of monitoring. This is of particular concern in areas that experience meteorological conditions that can exacerabate particulate pollution.
|
|
