Timaru pollution tops Canterbury - weather a factor

Timaru experienced the highest number of high air pollution nights in Canterbury this winter – a fact that is partly weather related. Thirty-four high air pollution nights were recorded. Environment Canterbury director operations Ken Lawn says unlike other centres in Canterbury, which experienced less frost, temperature inversions and more cloud, Timaru had more clear night skies and less wind - conditions which contribute to air pollution. Last year 36 high pollution nights were recorded.

Pollution figures over the rest of the region are significantly lower than those for Timaru. The town with the next highest air pollution figure for this winter is Kaiapoi on 19. Ashburton and Christchurch recorded 13 high pollution nights and for the first time ECan monitored no exeedences in Waimate.

The highest concentration of 123 for Timaru was recorded on July 10. The National Environmental Standard is set at 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air and a high pollution night is recorded if it measures over 50.

Ken Lawn says it is estimated that 5,000 homes in Timaru need to convert to cleaner forms of heating if Timaru is to meet the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES) by 2013.

A working party has been established between Environment Canterbury and the Timaru District Council to discuss the way forward. It will meet again after the local body elections to progress potential solutions for the air pollution problem in Timaru, he said.

Last year Lines Trust South Canterbury and Environment Canterbury provided funding to help some homeowners switch over to heat pumps. “This financial year we are looking at further funding opportunities,” Ken Lawn says. Environment Canterbury has also provided some funds for education and marketing initiatives in the New Year.