Air quality
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The EPA's survey Who Cares about the Environment in 2006 shows that air quality, along with water issues, continue to be the two most important environmental issues in NSW. Although current indications are that air quality in NSW is generally good, two main problems persist within the Greater Metropolitan Region (Sydney, Lower Hunter and Illawarra regions) which is home to around 70 per cent of the NSW population - photochemical smog and particle pollution (brown haze). More information on photochemical smog and particle pollution is available in State of the Environment 2006 and Principal Air Pollutants.
More on air quality
- Action for Air (including 2002 and 2006 updates): The NSW Government's 25 year air quality management plan targets smog and particle pollution and covers all the major sources of air pollution in the Greater Metropolitan Region of Sydney, the Lower Hunter and the Illawarra.
- Clean Air Forum 2004: Proceedings of the forum (airforum0588.pdf, 812 kb)
- Clean Air Forum 2001: Proceedings of the forum (proceedings.pdf, 305kb)
- Environment Matters: Basic environmental information on a range of topics, including Principal air pollutants
- State of the Environment: NSW State of the Environment 2006 is the most comprehensive and accessible report available on the NSW environment: See Chapter 3, Atmosphere.
- Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW (August 2005): This document lists the statutory methods that are to be used to model and assess emissions of air pollutants from stationary sources in NSW. It is referred to in Part 4: Emission of Air Impurities from Activities and Plant of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002 and includes procedures for developing site-specific emission limits for hydrogen sulfide as specified in clause 31 of the Regulation. This document may also be referred to in conditions attached to statutory instruments, such as licences or notices issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997; and DEC Director General's requirements under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
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Approved Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants in NSW (January 2007): This document lists the statutory methods that are to be used to sample and analyse air pollutant emissions from stationary sources (including continuous monitoring); pollutant emissions from motor vehicles; components in, and properties of, petroleum products; and pollutants in ambient air. It is referred to in Part 4 – Emission of Air Impurities from Activities and Plant of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002; Part 5 – Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Fuels of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002; and the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 1998. It may also be referred to in conditions attached to statutory instruments such as licences or notices issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
- Guidance note: Assessment of non-standard fuels: This document (nonstandardfuel05149.pdf 36 kb) explains how DEC assesses applications for the use of non-standard fuels. DEC recognises that the use of non-standard fuels can benefit the environment and the community, for example by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be generated from standard fuels such as coal, reducing reliance on non-renewable and virgin fuels and offering a value-adding opportunity for materials that may otherwise be sent to landfill. However, burning some materials may have adverse environmental impacts. The key aim of this document is to encourage the beneficial use of non-standard fuels while ensuring that there are no unacceptable impacts to human health or the environment.
- Air Pollution Economics – Health Costs in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Region: This study (airpollution05623.pdf 212 kb) estimates the health cost of ambient air pollution in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Region (GMR), which includes Sydney, Illawarra and the lower Hunter. This information has been prepared to assist decision-making on proposals that have the potential to affect the GMR's air quality.
- Publications: A catalogue of printed resources about air quality which you can obtain from the EPA, including publications list