Of the 46 metropolitan and regional population centre stations that monitor PM10, 22 stations exceeded the daily average national PM10 standard in 2023, compared with 2 stations in 2022 (see PM10 daily and annual summary graph).
Daily average PM10 levels exceeded the national standard at one or more of the 46 stations, on 30 days in 2023. This compares with 2 days in 2022.
In 2023, the highest daily PM10 level (96 µg/m3) was recorded during widespread hazard reduction burns at Earlwood station in Sydney East on 12 September. Six other Sydney stations also recorded their highest daily PM10 levels on this day.
Outside of the September hazard reduction burn events, the next highest daily PM10 was at Bargo in South West Sydney. Bargo recorded a daily average PM10 level of 79 µg/m3 on 30 September 2023, due to nearby agricultural activity.
Local industrial sources also affect particulate levels throughout the Hunter Valley. More information about particle levels in the Hunter can be found in the dedicated focus area.