Air Emission Inventory - Te Awamutu, Turangi and Ngaruawahia 2006

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Report: TR 2006/43
Author: Emily Wilton (Environet Ltd)

Abstract

Air quality monitoring and other air quality investigations are required to better characterise the extent of NES compliance within the region. Air quality monitoring in the Waikato region has been carried out in Hamilton, Tokoroa, Taupo, Te Kuiti and Matamata. Concentrations of PM₁₀ in excess of National Environment Standards (NES) have been observed in all of these towns excluding Matamata. Emission inventory studies, which estimate the quantity of PM₁₀ and other contaminants discharged into air and the relative contribution of different sources, have been carried out in these areas.

This report outlines the results of an air emission inventory carried out in the areas of Te Awamutu, Turangi and Ngaruawahia. Contaminants included were: particles (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide. This report primarily focuses on emissions of particles (PM₁₀), as the only contaminant in breach of the NES in the Waikato region. Sources included in the inventory were: domestic heating, motor vehicles, industrial and commercial activities, and outdoor rubbish burning.

A survey of household heating methods and the frequency of outdoor rubbish burning was carried out for each of the areas. Results showed that wood burners were the main method of heating used in all areas and were used by 27 per cent, 64 per cent and 41 per cent of households in Te Awamutu, Turangi and Ngaruawahia respectively. Other common heating methods included electricity and gas. Many households used more than one method to heat the main living area of their home.

The main source of PM₁₀ emissions in all three areas during the winter was domestic home heating, which accounted for 59 per cent, 89 per cent and 85 per cent of total emissions in Te Awamutu, Turangi and Ngaruawahia respectively. The other significant contributor to PM₁₀ emissions in Te Awamutu were outdoor burning (23 per cent) and industry (15 per cent). The industrial contribution to contaminant concentrations is likely to be much less than the contribution to emissions because industrial discharge is via high stacks that promote more effective dispersion of contaminants. Outdoor rubbish burning contributed 7 per cent in Turangi and 12 per cent in Ngaruawahia. Industrial emissions in both these areas were negligible.

Air Emission Inventory - Te Awamutu, Turangi and Ngaruawahia 2006
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