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Why use this indicator?Poor air quality can significantly impact on the health and wellbeing of the community. There is potential for increased levels of illness and disease particularly within at risk or sensitive groups such as children, the elderly or those affected by respiratory ailments. This can subsequently affect the demand for medical services and result in increased medical costs to the community. The Regional Pollution Index is categorised as LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH, where:
A HIGH Regional Pollution Index corresponds to pollution levels that have reached or exceeded the NEPM standard levels or the visibility goal. What is the current situation?Two air pollutants, photochemical smog (as ozone) and, to a lesser extent, fine particles (as PM10, which is particulate matter suspended in the air where the particles are 10 micrometers or less in diameter) remain significant issues in NSW. In Western Sydney this is particularly apparent in the case of photochemical smog. This Indicator has changed to reflect the new reporting index initiated by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) as the previous reporting index was updated in 2008. This new index, the Regional Air Quality Index (RAQI), is based on the five criteria pollutants (as per national standards) plus visibility (as per a standard set by NSW). The table below provides a summary of the number of days where levels of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and fine particles exceeded the relevant standards over the past year, and includes a summary of the number of recorded high air pollution levels over the previous 4 years. Air Pollution Recordings
*number of days where ozone, nitrogen dioxide and fine particle levels exceeded the relevant standards
Because the reporting standards for air quality monitoring have changed from the Regional Pollution Index (RPI) to the Regional Air Quality Index (RAQI), it is difficult to make a direct comparison between previous year's recordings and the levels recorded over the reporting period. However, the number of days where criteria pollutant levels exceeded the relevant standards over the reporting period is considered to be low. Air quality initiatives are addressed in a number of Council Policies and Strategies, in particular, Council's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, Biodiversity Strategy and the Penrith Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy. Council is currently looking into initiatives that will address reducing particulate matter through the management of Solid Fuel Heaters and Open Burning, and the reduction in photochemical smog. A detailed education program in relation to pile burn approvals was implemented. This was to coincide with Council issuing a general approval to burn notice for all rural properties which are larger than 4000m2. This education program was to inform and educate residents and included website information and brochures targeting rural residents. During the reporting period 100 complaints were registered and investigated with regards to air pollution and odour matters within the LGA. This is an increase from the previous year's 58 complaints received. The majority of complaints are related to odours associated with rural based land use activities, with a portion of complaints registered regarding the use of wood fuel combustion heaters in urban areas. What is the desired trend?Improved air quality can enhance the lifestyle of many residents particularly those with respiratory ailments. Air quality affects the health of the entire community and can influence the sustainability of our standard of living. This has subsequent economic impacts particularly with regards to medical costs. What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?Improved air quality can enhance the lifestyle of many residents particularly
those with respiratory ailments. Air quality affects the health of the
entire community and can influence the sustainability of our standard of
living. This has subsequent economic impacts particularly with regards
to medical costs. Case Study - Together we can do it
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