Special Projects

Westport spatial study of PM2.5

This winter we are undertaking a special project to monitor the spatial distribution of air quality in Westport to gain a better understanding of air quality in the township, and if there may be a need for further monitoring in the future. 16 units have been installed around the town to measure ambient PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers). Particulate matter in the air can be harmful to human health. There is currently no permanent monitoring station for air quality in Westport. This project follows on from sampling undertaken at two locations over the winters of 2001-2003. The instruments will be a temporarily installment over the months of June, July and August.

Westport and Reefton SO2 and NO2

SO2 and NO2 surveys in Westport and Reefton this winter

This winter the West Coast Regional Council is undertaking spatial surveys of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in Westport and Reefton as part of the Council’s air quality monitoring programme.

NO2 and SO2 are products of combustion – such as solid-fuel burning for domestic fires and industrial processes or from vehicle emissions and they can have effects on human health, such as respiratory illnesses.

Some SO2 data was collected in Westport and Reefton in the early 2000’s. NO2 has not been monitored previously on the West Coast.

These spatial surveys are NOT for evaluating the performance of individual households and discharges. But they help us identify areas where air quality is poorest and may require further monitoring. Sometimes the role of geography and climate can be just as important as how things are burnt when it comes to smoky air.

The NO2 / SO2 survey will run over two months this winter. Passive sample collection tubes such as those shown below were installed at 16 locations around Westport and 15 locations around Reefton in June.