Latest news with #SarahHarrison
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
Press Release – Otago Regional Council 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 Environments Environmental … 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
- Health
- Scoop
Air Quality Monitoring Expands As Seasonal Challenges Continue
Press Release – Otago Regional Council 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 Environments Environmental … 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
- 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.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
INvets Receives $37,500 Grant from Comcast to Provide Digital Skills Training to Veterans in Indianapolis
Grant funding supports entrepreneurship programming, educational sessions across in-demand industries INDIANAPOLIS, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast today announced it has awarded a $37,500 grant to INvets, an Indianapolis-based non-profit that partners with veterans, their families, and communities to aid veterans transition to civilian life. Comcast's grant supports INvet's entrepreneurs' program, in partnership with Venture Vets, which provides veterans and military spouses with digital skills for launching and growing successful businesses. "Digital skills play an essential role in navigating our daily lives, and we're honored to support INvets in their efforts to provide those skills to returning military members and their families," said Craig D'Agostini, regional vice president of Government External and Government Affairs at Comcast. "Closing the digital skills gap means ensuring access to high-speed internet and access to digital literacy education for all Hoosiers." The 2024 grant will provide veterans and their families with educational sessions on financial management systems, digital marketing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The grant will also support guest speakers, and a technology upgrade stipend to enable participants to utilize software from their learned systems. "Helping veterans transition to civilian life means providing them and their families with what they need to find meaningful employment to succeed and thrive in the communities they live," said Sarah Harrison, CEO, INvets. "Comcast's support will enable veterans we work with to learn critical digital skills, while ultimately strengthening Indiana's economy." This grant is a part of Project UP, Comcast's $1 billion commitment to providing digital opportunity and advancing economic mobility. Comcast partners with local community organizations to offer free Internet access via Lift Zones and support vital programs, which provide participants with digital literacy training and digital navigation services to expand their world with unlimited possibilities. About INvets INvets is a nonprofit organization, founded by and run by veterans, dedicated to recruiting transitioning service members and their families from almost 40 military installations around the country, to Indiana. INvets understands that transitioning from the military is not one person starting a new career, it is a life change for the whole family and potentially comes with a lot of stress. We work with over 600 corporate partners to match these transitioning military with high wage, high demand civilian careers, or apprenticeship programs for skilled trades that allow you to earn while you learn. INvets will work to match your families' preferred lifestyles, needs, and wants, to communities in Indiana for you to call home. The wrap around services INvets provides include reviewing and building your resumes, providing access to Happy LLC., to manage the stressors of transition, and we share the benefits Indiana offers to veterans. For example, no tax on military pensions, reserve, or guard pay, reductions in property tax and educational benefits to name a few. INvets will meet you and your family where you are, by connecting you with a Veteran Engagement Manager who will collaborate with you for as long as you need, in order to get settled in your new civilian chapter in life. All for no cost. About Comcast CorporationComcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit for more information. About Comcast IndianaWith more than 1,100 local employees, Comcast Indiana ( has served customers in Indiana for more than four decades. In the last three years, we've invested more than $1.3 billion in Indiana, including capital expenditures, employee wages and benefits, taxes, charitable giving, and infrastructure upgrades. "Like" Comcast Indiana on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. "Follow" Comcast Indiana on X at @ComcastIN. Press ContactsAmy Pietzak248-318-8905amy_pietzak@ Samantha VanHoef734-478-7118samantha_vanhoef@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Comcast Sign in to access your portfolio
