CORIO AIR QUALITY GETS THUMBS UP10 March 2006Recent monitoring by EPA Victoria in the Corio area of Geelong supports previous studies, which found air quality in the area is generally good.
EPA senior manager rural services John Williamson said monitoring was conducted around the refinery in Corio, following increased national focus on pollutants such as benzene, toluene and xylene.
“This report is an update and extension of previous monitoring. EPA conducted weekly air monitoring at four sites in the area, the results of which determine air quality in Corio is similar to air quality in other areas of Geelong and Melbourne.
“The extensive nature of the monitoring and assessment of air quality in Corio over the three years demonstrates EPA’s commitment to providing the Geelong community with reliable information about air quality in the area. The thorough monitoring conducted in the vicinity of the Shell refinery makes this the most comprehensive industrial air quality program undertaken by EPA.”
He said the report showed air quality in Corio consistently met state and national air quality objectives.
“Shell’s licence requires it to undertake ongoing air quality monitoring. EPA will only complete its monitoring program when satisfied that Shell is able to provide reliable information. Despite the good report card, EPA wants to reassure the community it will continue to monitor and will be keeping a watching brief on the area.”
Mr Williamson said the report provides additional information on air quality in Corio by including the results of monitoring for toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, benzene, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
“EPA requires industries in Corio to continue to measure and reduce emissions. This, along with national cleaner fuel standards is expected to improve air quality in Corio over coming years.”
EPA has measured air quality in Geelong since 1991 and results have consistently shown that air quality is comparable with other areas in the State, including Melbourne. Additional monitoring has been conducted in Corio since 2002.
This latest report Air Monitoring in Corio 2003-05 is available at www.epa.vic.gov.au
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