March 1, 2007

MEDIA STATEMENT

Geraldine gets permanent air pollution monitoring

A permanent air quality monitoring station has been set up by Environment Canterbury in Geraldine. The equipment is at the back of the cemetery on Huffey St.

It will measure PM10 (minute pollution particles which lodge in the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses), carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. However, only PM10 is expected to breach the National Environmental Standards (NES) for air quality.

In 2003 and 2004 Environment Canterbury measured air pollution in Geraldine to investigate whether it had an air pollution problem. “PM10 levels were breached on five days in 2003 and three days in 2004,” says Teresa Aberkane, ECan’s senior air quality officer. “This led to the decision to install the permanent monitoring station.”

The main source of PM10 is the burning of wood and coal for home heating. Pollution from these particles is generally worst on still, frosty nights and mornings.

The National Environmental Standard requires monitoring where air pollution is expected to be the worst. “At night time there is a drift of wind down hill, so we expect more air pollution in the valley,” says Teresa Aberkane.

The equipment only measures dry particles, so it will not confuse fog from the river with air pollution from home fires.

From April 1 people will be able to check on ECan’s website (www.ecan.govt.nz/todaysair ) whether air pollution in Geraldine has breached the NES.

ENDS

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