THE release of the state's Annual Air Quality Statement 2018 makes for sobering reading, especially if you live in the village of Camberwell.
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In 2018, Camberwell had the dubious honour of recording the highest number of days over the PM10 (air particulate pollution levels) daily benchmark in the region, with a total of 44 days - nearly double the number of the previous year.
The report also blames the drought for increased PM10 levels and wood smoke for exceedences in PM2.5 levels.
There were 73 days in the Upper Hunter when the daily PM10 levels surpassed the benchmark at one or more sites based on measurements from the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network.
However, on the days described as being an "exceptional event" (November 21-23) when a dust storm swept across the state from the western districts, the monitoring stations at Camberwell and Mount Thorley recorded significant worse air quality than those at Merriwa, Wybong and Aberdeen.
Throughout the year the highest number of days where PM10 levels were above the national benchmark were recorded in our region at Mount Thorley (30+), Maison Dieu (20+) and Singleton North West (20+) and then Warkworth (15+).
Commenting on the annual statement, researcher and Environmental Justice Australia community organiser James Whelan said: "By its own account, the NSW Government is failing to protect the state's communities from harmful levels of air pollution.
"This most recent report demonstrates a serious failure by the NSW Environment Protection Authority to control air pollution.
"Pollution controls are readily available to control particle pollution in the Hunter Valley.
"The EPA could control fine particle pollution from wood heaters and power stations in a heartbeat, and, dramatically reduce coarse particle pollution from coal mines.
"Controlling air pollution isn't rocket science, but it requires political will and an environmental watchdog with teeth.
"Community health would be improved and hundreds of premature deaths prevented by controlling the state's air pollution.
"We have met with the state's new Environment Minister Matt Kean and Planning Minister Rob Stokes, urging them to finalise and implement a state-wide pollution control strategy."
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
