Possible wood smoke control options
As exploratory work, the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) commissioned an economic appraisal of wood smoke control measures. The objective of the study was to determine whether various wood smoke control measures could supplement or replace existing strategies to reduce particle (PM2.5 and PM10) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions associated with the operation of domestic solid fuel heaters.
The study assessed the net benefit (in terms of health and costs to consumers, industry and government) of single control options (termed core options) and combinations of the core options.
A model was developed to determine emission projections and the net benefit for each core option applied state-wide and each combined option applied to case study areas. The case study areas were chosen as examples of specific geographic and socio-economic conditions in NSW, for instance, low socio-economic, regional and cool climate.
OEH will use this study as well as new scientific, medical and technological developments to inform future work on wood smoke control measures.
The final report on the Economic appraisal of wood smoke control measures (WoodsmokeControlReport.pdf, 1.3MB) is available for download.
Note
The results and analyses contained in the report are based on a number of specified assumptions and parameters. Users of the report must make their own assessment about the suitability of the approach. OEH does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. The views expressed in the report do not necessarily represent those of the OEH.
Page last updated: 11 September 2012
