Managing discharges to air is a mix of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches. Part II of this Plan contains regional rules relating to the activities described in this chapter. The key non-regulatory methods the Regional Council will pursue are outlined below.
 

Method 7-1 Improving Air Quality (PM10*) – Long-term Strategies: Taumarunui and Taihape and Other Unacceptable Airshed
Description Long-term strategies will be developed to improve air quality in Taumarunui and Taihape, and other unacceptable airsheds, to meet the national ambient air* quality standard for fine particles (PM10*).

The primary focus of the long-term strategies will be to reduce PM10* emissions from home heating appliances (woodburners). Strategies will include:
  • consultation with the community
  • participation in the Ministry for the Environment “home heating programme”
  • investigation of funding options for upgrading domestic heating appliances
  • emissions inventory assessments and education
  • monitoring of PM10*
  • encouraging practices that will reduce PM10* emissions, including reduction of backyard burning.
Who Regional Council, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Social Development, Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, district health boards, Territorial Authorities, industry and the community.
Links to Policy This method implements Policy 7-5.
Target Taumarunui and Taihape airsheds will meet the national ambient air* quality standard for fine particles (PM10*) by September 2013.
 
Method 7-2 Improving Air Quality (PM10*) – Awareness Programme: Ohakune, Feilding, Dannevirke, Pahiatua and Other Degraded Areas
Description The aim of this method is to increase awareness of air quality issues in Ohakune, Feilding, Dannevirke and Pahiatua, and other degraded areas, and to encourage practices that may improve air quality such as:
  • use of more efficient woodburners
  • upgrading of woodburners to reduce PM10* emissions
  • reducing backyard burning
  • monitoring of PM10* where practicable.
Who Regional Council, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Social Development, Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, district health boards, Territorial Authorities, industry and the community.
Links to Policy This method implements Policy 7-6.
Target PM10* levels in Ohakune, Feilding, Dannevirke and Pahiatua will be maintained or improved to ensure ongoing compliance with the national ambient air* quality standard for fine particles (PM10*).
 
Method 7-3 Monitoring by the Regional Council
Description Air quality will be monitored for particulate matter (PM10*) in Taumarunui and Taihape in accordance with National Environmental Standards requirements and in Dannevirke, Ohakune, Feilding and Pahiatua as practicable. Air quality will also be monitored for particulate matter (PM10*) in Palmerston North and possibly Wanganui, because of the increased potential for population exposure.

This method will also provide for the revision of the status of airsheds, including the gazettal of new airsheds in relation to National Environmental Standards for ambient air* quality.
Who Regional Council, Ministry for the Environment, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and Territorial Authorities.
Links to Policy This method implements Policies 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-5 and 7-6.
Targets To monitor air quality to the standard required in the National Environmental Standards for ambient air* quality.

To revise airshed status every two years after this Plan becomes operative and gazette new airsheds as necessary.
 
Method 7-4 Protocols with Territorial Authorities and District Health Boards
Description This method includes the development of protocols or memoranda of understanding with Territorial Authorities and district health boards for air quality issues to agree on respective responsibilities, in particular:
  • smoky fires and incinerators
  • fire permits and outdoor burning*
  • dust complaints
  • odour complaints
  • complaints about airborne contaminants, gases and fumes, and dangerous or noxious discharges.
Who Regional Council, Territorial Authorities and district health boards.
Links to Policy This method implements Policies 7-2 and 7-4.
Target Protocols agreed and signed off by 2009.
 
Method 7-5 Public Information – Air Quality
Description Easily accessible information will be developed and provided on the following air quality issues for the general public:
  • smoky fires and incinerators
  • fire permits and outdoor burning*
  • dust
  • odours
  • airborne contaminants, gases and fumes
  • burning of wastes*
  • PM10* and home heating
  • agrichemical* spray drift*
Who Regional Council, Territorial Authorities, district health boards and other relevant organisations.
Links to Policy This method implements Policies 7-1 to 7-6.
Target Information provided via website and available in paper form by 2009.
 
Method 7-6 24 Hour Pollution Hotline
Description This service relates to the ongoing provision of a 24 hour Pollution Hotline to record and respond to air quality complaints.
Who Regional Council.
Links to Policy This method implements Policies 7-1 to 7-6.
Targets 24 hour Pollution Hotline continues and is widely publicised.