Additional Monitoring Information

There are hundreds of pollutants that float around in the air we breathe. The National Environment Protection Measure (Air NEPM) establishes national ambient air quality standards for six major air pollutants that affect local air quality and are indicative of general ambient air quality. In Tasmania particulate matter less than 10 micrometres (µm) and 2.5 micrometres (µm) and diameter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) are the main indicators of urban air pollution. Therefore, Tasmania is only required to conduct monitoring for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 but other pollutants are also monitored.

Monitoring Requirements

Through the Environment Division, Tasmania is committed to the highest quality air monitoring data for determining its compliance with the National Environmental Protection Measure Ambient Air Quality (NEPM). The Division is continuously upgrading its monitoring programs to meet all relevant Australian and international standards, and actively working towards accreditation by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) which is expected to be met by 2007 - 2008.
The National Environment Protection Standards in the Air NEPM specify the air quality in urban residential areas - not at the boundaries of industries. The air monitoring stations are therefore, located in residential areas of the capital cities and larger regional centres to provide a representative measurement of the air quality experienced by their inhabitants. At the present time, DPIWE operates full-time air monitoring stations in Hobart and Launceston, and conducted a campaign monitoring in Devonport over the winter of 2003 to assess the need for a third full-time station in the city. As a result, a new long-term station is being established in Devonport in 2007.
Each State and Territory is expected to implement programs as required to achieve the air quality standards contained in the Air NEPM within a 10-year timeframe. The Minister for Environment is responsible for the implementation of the Air NEPM in Tasmania, and the Environmental Protection Policy for (Air Quality) 2004 which was released in June 2005, is a key instrument for implementing the NEPM. The Tasmanian Air Quality Strategy was released in June 2006 and specifies strategies for achieving compliance with the NEPM standards by 2011. Under section 12A of the Tasmanian State Policies and Projects Act 1993, NEPMs are taken to be State Policies, which have been passed by Parliament. Each year Tasmania is require to report on its progress towards meeting the Air NEPM ( Annual Air NEPM Reports ). The reports include information on the monitoring results from Launceston and Hobart.

Monitoring Equipment

Particulate sampling occurs at both the Hobart and Launceston sites using a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) and a High Volume Sampler. However, due to the introduction of PM_2.5 sampling, the High Volume Samplers have been replaced with new Low Volume Sequential Samplers.

Tasmanian Air Pollution Monitoring Plan 2001

This document presents how Tasmania plans to monitor, assess and report air quality. The plan has been amended in 2005 to reflect upgraded monitoring equipment and systems.

The Cape Grim baseline Air Pollution Station

The Cape Grim baseline Air Pollution Station, operated by the Australian Government, is one of a global network of atmospheric monitoring stations.

Emissions and Monitoring Data

Industries can be a main contributor to local air pollution, therefore, for most industries it is a requirement for their emissions to be monitored. Limits are set on a permissible concentrations and/or loads of pollutants present in discharges to the atmosphere from point sources of pollution.

Further Information

For more information, please contact:

Air Specialist

134 Macquarie Street
GPO Box 1751
Hobart TAS 7001

Phone: 03 6233 3373
Fax: 03 6233 3800

Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au