Air Quality
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Air pollution can impact upon your health and is a problem that we all contribute to. Air quality in the Sydney basin has been a problem for many years and is generally worse in Western Sydney due to its geographical location - the mountains surrounding the Sydney basin act to restrict the dispersal of air pollutants. The main air pollutants found in the Sydney area are: fine particulates, that lead to the formation of brown haze in winter; and hydrocarbons, that, when combined with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight, form photo-chemical smog in summer. (Source: EPA (1995) Metropolitan Air Quality Study: Final Report).
Further information about daily air pollution can be obtained from the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change website www.environment.nsw.gov.au/air.
Backyard Burning
Within The Hills Shire, backyard burning (including burning of vegetation and domestic waste) is prohibited. The reason behind this is that the burning of materials can create large quantities of air pollutants such as fine particulates and carbon dioxide which can adversely affect air quality. In addition the burning of wastes such as tyres and plastic can result in the emission of toxic fumes. Should you see someone burning rubbish, contact Council so that the matter can be investigated.
Industry
Council is inspecting industrial premises to assess their overall environmental performance and likely impacts upon the environment. As part of these inspections, Council is checking industrial equipment such as spray painting booths, fuel burning equipment, dust extraction systems etc... to ensure they are operating efficiently and minimising their impact upon the environment.
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Wood Fired Home Heaters
Wood fired heaters are a growing problem in Western Sydney as many are not installed or operated properly causing heightened emissions of harmful air pollutants and impinging on the health and amenity of neighbouring properties. It has been estimated by the EPA that solid fuel heaters contribute to 40% of Sydney's air particle pollution in winter, rising to up to 50% on winter weekends. This is two to three times the amount of pollution as is being emitted by cars.
To combat excess woodheater smoke, council can order the owners to take necessary action to alleviate the nuisance. In some circumstances the owners may be issued with a Smoke Abatement Order which restricts the use of the heater.
Smoke from wood heaters and fireplaces is a major source of air pollution. When wood heaters are producing excess smoke it is a sign that the heater is not being used in the correct manner.
Solid Fuel Home Heater Information Brochure (1.62MB)
Woodsmoke Fact Sheet (112.96kB)
Further Information
If you require further information contact Council's Environmental Health and Sustainability section on 9843 0555 or email council-enviro@thehills.nsw.gov.au
You can also visit the following site for more information: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/