Latest news with #MinistryfortheEnvironment
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Some towns' air quality still poor
While some areas of Otago still face winter air quality exceedances, more than 70% of days across monitored sites during 2024 were classified as "Good" under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The 2024 Annual Air Quality Report, recently released by the Otago Regional Council, revealed some towns continued to have challenges in managing their air quality. ORC air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said Otago recorded 28 exceedances of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ) for particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. The annual report shows PM10 monitoring was conducted in the Alexandra, Arrowtown, Central Dunedin and Mosgiel airsheds in 2024. Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel recorded exceedances of the (NESAQ) during the winter months. "Alexandra and Arrowtown recorded 11 and 16 exceedances, respectively, and Mosgiel recorded one." PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres) was also monitored in Arrowtown, Central Dunedin, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, Mosgiel and Wānaka in 2024. The sites with the highest annual averages were Clyde and Mosgiel, and the site with the highest 24-hour average was Milton. "Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton and Mosgiel. "In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. "Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions," she said. "In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating, and is seen in the data for most towns." A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024, and this data would be reported in the next annual report. Ms Harrison said black carbon was also a component of particulate matter, and monitoring of it would help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. "Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward," Ms Harrison said. "These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing." Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network would continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. "These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration," she said.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Air Quality Monitoring Expands As Seasonal Challenges Continue
Otago Regional Council has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2024, revealing some challenges in managing air quality across the region. The report underscores the importance of ongoing community engagement, updated monitoring technologies, and a clear path forward as part of Otago's commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities, says ORC's Air Quality Scientist, Sarah Harrison. The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances —particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel — over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as 'Good' under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The report includes PM2.5 monitoring (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) data at seven locations. These fine air particulates (PM2.5) pose greater health risks to communities. A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024 and this data will be reported in the next annual report. Black carbon is a component of PM and monitoring of it will help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. 'Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward,' Ms Harrison says. 'These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.' While winter emissions continue to be a challenge, especially in towns where home heating is the main source of particulate matter, the seasonal patterns reinforce the importance of community focused initiatives like Burn Dry, Breathe Easy, which encourage the use of cleaner heating methods. 'We're not just measuring air quality — we're continuing to build the evidence needed to inform decisions and we're also building stronger community partnerships,' Ms Harrison added. 'Improving air quality in Otago is a shared responsibility, and the data tells us we're on the right track, even if there's more work to do.' Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network will continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration. Upon validating last year's winter data, Otago recorded *28 exceedances of the NESAQ (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) for PM10 during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, and Mosgiel. In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. Long term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Mobile air quality trailer – maiden mission A mobile air quality monitoring station was acquired by ORC last year to monitor PM2.5. PM2.5 is a pollutant emitted by combustion. In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating and is seen in the data for most towns. PM data is extremely seasonal with very high concentrations in winter. Having a mobile air quality monitoring station will allow ORC's science team to: · Collect air quality data across a number of locations in Otago · Investigate pollution hotspots, industrial zones, or areas with complaints · Gather time-sensitive data during specific events or seasons · Help raise awareness by visibly showing communities their local air quality · Teach about pollution and environmental health at schools or public demonstrations. · Monitor multiple communities or research sites · Quickly deploy a monitoring station in response to environmental events, accidents, or wildfires. The air quality trailer's first assignment is to learn more about the concentration patterns in the Wānaka area. It is currently installed in the reserve on Rifleman Street in Albert Town. ORC also has a monitoring site in Wānaka township. The information gathered at these two locations will be useful in understanding where the highest concentrations occur. Concentrations can vary due to density of housing, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction. The PM2.5 sensor is the small box located halfway up the mast. The meteorological sensor is at the end of the mast. This measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure — all of these help us to analyse the PM2.5 data. The data is being collected but the real-time transfer of data from the mobile monitoring station to LAWA is still being set up. New Frankton monitoring station ORC monitors Otago's air quality at air monitoring stations, located in towns across the region. The stations measure the amount of combustion-related particles in the air (think particles from wood burning, vehicles, and industrial operations as examples). This latest addition to our region-wide monitoring network is a permanent monitoring station, recently installed in the Kawarau Falls Playground in Frankton to monitor PM2.5 in the area. These are particles from combustion alone. To learn more about particulate matter (PM) and find out the air quality in your area, go to Data from this new station in Frankton will make its way onto LAWA in coming months. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy firewood campaign Given the predominance of home heating emissions seen in our air quality data, ORC runs an annual Burn Dry, Breathe Eas y campaign. The campaign highlights better ways to manage home heating emissions, including checking wood is dry before burning and not burning wet wood or rubbish — both of which have an adverse effect on air quality and the environment. Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when residents burn only dry wood and keep their fire hot and not smouldering. Further woodsmoke reductions could potentially be made through thermally efficient homes with good insulation, she says. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips: Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain — anywhere you wouldn't put your washing out to dry Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough to burn. Less than 25% moisture means more heat and reduced smoke A well-built fire of scrunched up paper or firelighters, dry kindling and firewood ensures a well-heated home and less smoke Don't burn wet or green firewood, treated wood or household rubbish as they can release harmful toxins into the air To reduce smoke overnight, make sure you can still see flames when you turn your fire down Plan ahead — stock up on firewood before Christmas to allow it to dry out before the following winter. Everyone has responsibilities whether at home or as landowners, industry, or businesses to play their part to improving air quality. The Council hopes the campaign encourages people to think about the health of their families and community and use wood burners responsibly or consider the installation of ultra-low emission burners or heat pumps. Notes: *ORC issued a media release last October on an increase in winter air quality exceedances (linked below). And while there was an increase in recorded exceedances in 2024 compared to 2023, figures quoted have now been confirmed as raw data from monitoring equipment and had not yet been validated. This data has since been validated and shows Arrowtown experienced only 16 exceedances and not 25. Therefore, there were only 28 winter air qualityexceedances for Otago in 2024 and not 37.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Industry And Household): Year Ended 2023
Greenhouse gas emissions statistics include the emissions by gas type for both industries and households, the emissions intensity (emissions in relation to GDP/economic output) for industries, and tourism-related emissions. Industry and household emissions estimates use the latest New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Inventory data from the Ministry for the Environment and show updated production-based gross emissions for the years ended December 2007 through to 2023, on a System of Environmental-Economic Accounts (SEEA) basis. Key facts Year ended December 2023 Gross greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand's industries and households were 78,778 kilotonnes (kt) of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is a fall of 0.8 percent (612 kt) from 2022. The fall was driven by a 1.0 percent decrease (720 kt) in industry-related emissions. Household emissions increased 1.3 percent (107 kt) due to an increase in household transport emissions. Visit the links below to read this information release and to download CSV files: Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): Year ended 2023:
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Forest Owners Support Restoration Of National Consistency To Forest Regulation
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) says proposed reforms to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) will go some way in addressing the challenges forest owners face due to variable and unjustified local council rules. Announced today by Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay, the reform looks to tighten and clarify the conditions under which councils can impose rules more stringent than the NES-CF and review forestry operations requirements for management of harvest debris. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers. 'Forest owners have been subject to a growing patchwork of conflicting council rules that contradict national policy,' Elizabeth says. 'Over time, these local variations have disrupted forestry operations, jeopardised long-term investment and undermined confidence in one of New Zealand's most sustainable and regionally significant industries.' 'The NES-CF was originally designed to ensure national consistency in how forestry is managed. It's hoped that, from our initial reading, these proposed changes will help restore that intent and recognise the vital role forestry plays in New Zealand's economic and environmental future.' Elizabeth says forestry is not looking for a regulatory pass – but a fair, science-based regulatory environment that reflects forestry's important contributions to sustainable fibre production, biodiversity and climate outcomes and regional employment. 'It's critical that the reform strikes a careful balance between enabling operational efficiency and strong environmental safeguards by remaining rooted in scientifically supported change.' Elizabeth says the proposed introduction of a mandatory Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment could be a constructive, practical tool for the industry that will reinforce the work the sector is already undertaking to mitigate climate-induced risk. 'We want to be good neighbours and we want to operate to high standards,' Elizabeth says. 'But we need a framework that's predictable, proportionate and nationally coherent. That's what these changes could offer.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is open until 27 July 2025 through the Ministry for the Environment's website. The NZFOA encourages all those with a stake in the future of forestry in New Zealand — including landowners, wood processors, regional communities and iwi — to engage with the consultation process.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Commercial Forestry With Practical Rule Changes
Minister of Forestry The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry – one of New Zealand's most productive and sustainable export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today. Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector's right to operate. 'Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand's economy, particularly in regional communities,' Mr McClay says. 'These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver's seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.' The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector. Key proposed changes include: Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction. Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification. Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers. Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike. 'We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren't working,' Mr McClay says. 'Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That's not what the system was designed for, so we're fixing it.' The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash. 'This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,' Mr McClay says. 'Whether you're planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn't be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment's website and will run until 27 July 2025. Note: The National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) set consistent baseline environmental rules for plantation forestry across New Zealand. The Government is proposing targeted amendments to restore national consistency, support forestry productivity, and improve slash management.
