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

Report: TR 2012/06

Author: E Wilton (Environet Ltd) and J Caldwell

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.