3. Monitoring requirements of regions
Section 2 showed that there are 11 regions of Type 1 in New South Wales. The monitoring needs of each are discussed in the following subsections. Each region is described and existing air quality data summarised. Where the existing air quality data implies a need for monitoring, this is noted within the summary. The monitoring nominated for AAQ NEPM reporting purposes is then described.
Part 4 of the Measure outlines the monitoring protocol to be followed. The AAQ NEPM is made under the NEPC Acts which aim to provide equivalent environmental protection to all Australians wherever they live. Thus the desired environmental outcome of the AAQ NEPM is ambient air quality that allows for the adequate protection of human health and wellbeing. The objective of the AAQ NEPM Monitoring Protocol is to provide a consistent approach to the measurement of ambient air quality experienced in populated areas throughout Australia. Ambient air quality monitoring must be conducted in a manner that provides confidence that the exposure of the general population to the six air pollutants is accurately assessed.
Clause 14 of the NEPM provides some guidance on the number of sites at which monitoring should be carried out across an airshed for NEPM purposes, and clause 17(2a) requires jurisdictions to provide a determination of the exposed population represented by each site. This is included in the report as Appendix B.
PRC (2000c) sets out PRC guidelines on developing the monitoring strategy. This paper has been used in generating the monitoring strategy within New South Wales. In addition, PRC (2000d) provides criteria for using screening to reduce the monitoring of any parameter below that set out in clause 14 of the AAQ NEPM.
Performance monitoring under the AAQ NEPM is required to determine whether the AAQ NEPM standards and goal have been met within populated areas in a region. To achieve this adequately, it is necessary to locate some monitoring stations in populated areas which are expected to experience relatively high concentrations, providing a basis for reliable statements about compliance within the region as a whole. PRC (2000c) denotes such stations as generally representative upper bound for community exposure (GRUB) sites.
It is also necessary to ensure, however, that the AAQ NEPM monitoring network provides a widespread coverage of the populated area in a region and provides data indicative of the air quality experienced by most of the population.
The monitoring networks for each Type 1 region have been generated using these concepts. The plan ensures that there is adequate coverage of the populated areas. Where necessary, additional upper bound stations are nominated to ensure that higher concentrations within the region are included in the AAQ NEPM plan. This approach satisfies the requirements and intent of the AAQ NEPM.
As discussed in section 3.1, clause 14(1) of the NEPM gives a formula for estimating the number of performance monitoring stations to be maintained in a region. It provides an initial estimate of the network needs of a region in the absence of detailed scientific studies and understanding of the region.
Consideration for each of the eleven Type 1 airsheds follows. The network in each is intended to characterise air quality to which the general population is exposed and, in addition, to ensure that the higher concentrations are captured.
Page last updated: 26 February 2011
