Air quality exceedances on the rise for Southland this winter
Invercargill and Gore recorded seven air quality exceedances between them for our 2024 monitoring season (1 May – 31 August).
The exceedances began late in the season, with the first one not until 14 July in Invercargill, with a 24-hour average PM10 concentration recorded at 51.6 micrograms/m3.
Invercargill’s highest recording came just two days later with a reading of 69.5 mg/m3.
Environment Southland air and terrestrial team leader Dr Nick Talbot said the first four exceedances between 14 and 20 July came during a particularly cold snap.
“We know it was a winter of cold temperatures and many days had low wind speeds, allowing pollution from home heating to become trapped between inversion layers,” Dr Talbot said.
“We are not saying people should avoid home heating during the winter period. However, there are ways to reduce their impacts on winter air quality. These include burning dry wood, upgrading to cleaner heating sources and being more aware of how they operate their burners.”
“The particulates from air pollution can easily get into the lungs, placing stress on people's health, especially for those who are more susceptible to health complications, such as children, the elderly and others with respiratory conditions. It is important for the whole community to help everyone breathe easy.”
Among the exceedances this winter were two in Gore, ending its four-year period of no exceedances.
“Unusually high concentrations in the early morning added to the afternoon and evening peak concentrations we typically see from home heating. Combined these brought the 24-hour average over the limit of 50 mg/m3. While we have not been able to identify the source we suspect plumes from outdoor burning either inside or outside of the airshed contributed,” he said.
NIWA conducted research for Environment Southland to track air pollution across the Gore airshed using 28 sensors this season. This data will help to identify which areas have the highest and lowest areas of air pollution and may indicate the need for further monitoring sites in the town. The results are expected in October this year.
This year there was a reduction in public complaints about domestic burning, with a total of 13, and a rise for outdoor burning, which totalled 49, up from 39 last year.
Following investigation, the compliance team issued one infringement notice for outdoor burning, three formal warnings were issued and two letters of advice.
With the air quality monitoring season coming to an end, outdoor burning is now permitted within the airsheds until 30 April. Before lighting remember to be a considerate neighbour and ensure you are not burning prohibited items.
Remember to check for prohibited and restricted fire seasons through Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.
