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Air quality monitoring report for Hamilton, Tokoroa, Taupo, Te Kuiti, Matamata, Putaruru, Ngaruawahia, Waihi and Turangi 2011

TR 2012/06

Report: TR 2012/06

Author: E Wilton (Environet Ltd) and J Caldwell

Abstract

Air quality monitoring in the Waikato region focuses primarily on concentrations of PM10, the main air contaminant of concern. A National Environmental Standard (NES) for PM10 has been set at 50 μg m-3 (24-hour average, one allowable exceedence per year) and must be achieved by September 2016 in all urban areas of the Waikato with the exception of Tokoroa. Tokoroa is required to achieve three exceedences by September 2016 and meet the NES by September 2020. The NES requires air quality monitoring to take place in areas that are likely to exceed the standard for PM10.

During 2011 concentrations of PM10were measured at air quality monitoring sites in Hamilton, Tokoroa, Taupo, Te Kuiti, Matamata, Putaruru, Ngaruawahia, Waihi and Turangi. Monitoring of arsenic, benzene, toluene and xylenes were measured in Hamilton and concentrations of radon were measured in Hamilton, Tokoroa, Taupo, Te Kuiti, Matamata, Putaruru, Ngaruawahia, Waihi and Turangi. Monitoring of NO2 was also carried out in Hamilton during 2011.

This report compares PM10 concentrations measured in these areas to the NES for PM10 and to the Ministry for the Environment’s air quality guidelines and indicator categories.