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Objective To ensure that Tasmanians are not exposed to unacceptable levels of atmospheric pollutants. Recommendation As part of a comprehensive overall strategic plan for improving air quality (Recommendation 1) it is recommended that: - monitoring of respirable particles (PM10) continues for Hobart and Launceston and is extended to Devonport;
- monitoring of fine particles (PM2.5) commences in Launceston; and
- monitoring of air toxics commences in Launceston.
Key issues Tasmania Together identified a number of environmental goals that can be supported by an overall strategic approach to improving air quality. An effective ambient air quality monitoring program is central to this approach. A reduction in air pollution requires adequate and effective air quality monitoring. There is also a need for the introduction of regional monitoring across Tasmania in population centres smaller than Hobart or Launceston, potentially through campaign monitoring programs. Some of the key points relating to ambient air quality monitoring from the Atmosphere Chapter (with links to the 'At a glance' sections) include: - Meteorological Conditions: While there is little that can be done about the meteorological conditions that can lead to poor air quality, the release of pollutants during such times can be managed. Improvements in ambient air quality monitoring rely on an understanding of meteorological conditions.
- Particulate Pollution: Ambient air quality monitoring has allowed the improvements in the air quality of Launceston to be identified. However, PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 µm or less in size) is not currently monitored, and as a result, little is known about the concentrations of these smaller particles in both Launceston and Hobart. There is also little known about particulate concentrations in other population centres.
- Air Toxics: There is limited monitoring of the various substances that are collectively known as ambient air toxics. The main data available relates to the emission of some of these substances (as reported under the National Pollutant Inventory) or through the air quality monitoring of particulates and carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, guideline levels for air toxics have yet to be determined for Australia and there are few data on the magnitude and location of the problem in Tasmania.
- Carbon Monoxide: The indications are that carbon monoxide may only be a minor problem in Tasmania, however there are limited data to base this assessment upon.
- Heavy Industrial Emissions to Air: The National Pollutant Inventory identifies heavy industry as being the principal source of some pollutants (e.g. sulphur dioxide). Specific monitoring of emissions also occurs through Environmental Improvement Plans.
What has been achieved 1998-2003 A number of initiatives have been undertaken since the previous SoE Report, which have contributed to improved ambient air monitoring in Tasmania, including the following. - A formal requirement of the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure is the establishment of monitoring procedures, and assessment and reporting mechanisms. These are undertaken in accordance with the protocol of the measure within three years of its commencement. The monitoring proposed for Tasmania is summarised in the table contained in the 'Air Quality - Particulate Pollution' Issue Report. The need to conduct monitoring for carbon monoxide in each Region will also be evaluated after the assessment of monitoring results for Hobart. For sulfur dioxide, the assessment conducted as part of this Monitoring Plan demonstrated that monitoring is only required in Hobart. Tasmania's schedule for establishing a performance monitoring station for sulfur dioxide in Hobart is December 2003.
- Air quality monitoring for particulates (PM10), required under the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure, commenced for Hobart and continued, with upgraded monitoring facilities, in Launceston. The need to monitor particles on a similar basis in Devonport will be evaluated after the results of campaign monitoring (during the winter of 2003) are assessed.
- The National Environmental Protection Council is currently developing a variation to the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure to extend its coverage to PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less is size), which will require an upgrade of future monitoring in Tasmania.
- A National Environment Protection Measure for Air Toxics is being developed, which will also require an upgrade of future monitoring in Tasmania.
Tasmania Together Relevant Tasmania Together goals and standards for 'Atmosphere' are listed in the linked file. The Tasmania Together Progress Board reported on progress toward targets for benchmarks set (Tasmania Together Progress Board 2003). Indicators, targets and baseline data are available in the latest Progress Report June 2003. Further information, including progress report updates, is available from Tasmania Together. Related Issue Reports
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