|
Prev
|
Next
Objective
Recommendation
Key issues
Actions taken
|
|
Objective To ensure that Tasmanians are not exposed to unacceptable levels of atmospheric pollutants in the home and the workplace. Recommendation It is recommended that the Department of Environment and Land Management establishes a network of ambient air quality monitoring stations in priority locations. Key issues This information is available from Volume 2 of the last SoE Report (SDAC 1997), which can be downloaded. The final objective, final recommendation, and a summary of key management actions are detailed below. Actions taken There has been some progress made in addressing the objective of this recommendation on ambient air quality monitoring since the previous SoE Report (1997), including the following. - A Monitoring Plan for Tasmania was developed in 2001 for the monitoring, assessment and reporting on the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM). This was conducted in response to the formal requirement of the NEPM, to establish monitoring procedures and commence assessing and reporting in accordance with the protocol of the Measure, within three years after the NEPMs commencement. 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 Environment 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 in size).
- An Ambient Air Toxics NEPM is being developed.
- A NEPM for Diesel-Engined Vehicles has been introduced.
- Tasmania has set a goal of upgrading the operation of its air quality monitoring activities to be in accordance with the National Association of Testing Authorities' practices not later than 2003.
- Mandatory reporting was established in 2002 on 90 substance emissions by industries in Tasmania (under Section 43 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, as part of the National Pollutant Inventory).
- Smoking has been banned in many enclosed public spaces.
|
|
