June 8, 2007

Hanmer air pollution monitor set up

A temporary air quality monitoring station has been set up by Environment Canterbury in Hanmer, North Canterbury.

The monitoring station has been set up to investigate whether there is a winter air pollution problem in Hanmer. The equipment will measure PM10 (minute pollution particles which affect the lungs and make respiratory illnesses worse) three days a week during June and July. If winter air pollution proves to be a problem, a permanent monitoring station will be set up. The equipment is in the centre of the town.

The National Environmental Standard for Air Quality (NES) set by the Ministry for the Environment allows no more than one day a year exceeding the health guidelines.

Air pollution is generally worst on still, frosty nights and mornings. The main source of pollution in most Canterbury towns is the burning of wood and coal for home heating. Already all newly installed woodburners on properties smaller than two hectares need to be low-emission woodburners as approved by the Ministry for the Environment. There are no restrictions for existing burners and for larger properties. For more information on the rules for burners go to www.ecan.govt.nz/woodburner-rules.

ENDS

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