EPA TO STUDY ELTHAM AIR QUALITY23 May 2005As part of its ongoing program to better understand our air quality, EPA Victoria is conducting a six-month study in the Eltham area, with a particular focus on woodsmoke.
“This is one of a number of air quality studies taking place in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria,” said EPA Victoria Executive Director, Environmental Science, Dennis Monahan.
“In general, air quality in Victoria is very good, however such studies help drive programs to better improve it for future generations.”
Whilst this study is designed to give an overall indication of air quality, with its large number of solid fuel heaters, Eltham has been identified as a suitable location for an innovative further study on the potential impacts of woodsmoke on local air quality.
Mr Monahan highlighted that broader air quality research suggests that Eltham’s air quality is affected by woodheater usage in the winter months and this study will help determine to what degree these heaters are impacting on the local environment.
EPA’s mobile air monitoring station (Molab) has been established at the Eltham East Primary School and has commenced gathering air quality information from the site.
Molab collects information across a range of air quality parameters, carbon monoxide and particles.
“EPA’s mobile air monitoring laboratory has been established in the school grounds as this site meets a number of important siting criteria necessary for such a project, including elevation, security and proximity to emissions sources,” Mr Monahan said.
“This site was chosen as it is believed that it will provide a good representation of local air quality.”
“EPA will make the results of this study available as soon as possible, whilst information on Eltham’s air quality is currently available on our website, so that the community can check what the air quality is like in your area.”
With the state heading into cooler weather, EPA has unleashed ‘Anti Smoke Sam’ on the public, in an endeavour to reduce the impacts of winter wood smoke.
'Anti-Smoke Sam' – who will feature in a series of radio ads to be broadcast across the both metropolitan and regional Victoria, will dispense tips and advice on effective wood heater use.
"The message here is all about using your wood heater well,"
said Mr Monahan.
“Simple measures, like burning dry seasoned wood, can keep your home warmer for longer and reduce smoke and odours from your heater.”
To get the most out of your wood heater and reduce pollution:
- Burn dry, seasoned, untreated wood;
- Get a hot fire going quickly with plenty of paper and small kindling;
- Keep the air controls set high enough to keep your fire burning brightly;
- Never leave your wood heater to smoulder overnight. Doing this starves the fire of oxygen, producing more smoke and air pollution; and
- Never overload your wood heater by placing too much wood in the fire.
For more information on wood heating and pollution, copies of the brochure, “Wood heaters, Open Fires and Air Quality – Wood heater Heating Tips With Anti-Smoke Sam” are available from EPA’s Information Centre by phoning 9695 2722, whilst those online can visit www.epa.vic.gov.au. More information on air quality is available at this web address.
Mr Monahan also acknowledged the support of Eltham East Primary School in the establishment of the study.
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