Good quality air
Goal: Protect air quality from atmospheric pollutants by monitoring air quality (including odour), advising and regulating industry, and supporting community based air quality improvement initiatives.
State of the Environment South Australia 2013 observations:
Air quality remains good in terms of national standards, with only some exceptions at specific locations.
In South Australia there is particular concern about:
- particulate matter in Adelaide, Port Pirie and Whyalla
- wood smoke in Mount Gambier and Mount Barker
- sulfur dioxide at Oliver Street in Port Pirie
- lead in Port Pirie
- ozone levels in Elizabeth.
Key achievements for 2013–14 include:
Improved air monitoring network
The EPA expanded its air-quality monitoring network, opening a second site on the Le Fevre Peninsula on 27 September 2013 at the North Haven Primary School and a central business district air monitoring station at Victoria Square on 1 May 2014.
Le Fevre Peninsula has been identified by the state government in its 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide as an area for future growth, with an existing mix of industry and residential landuses. The second monitoring station will improve the EPA’s ability to identify major pollution sources affecting the local community. The Victoria Square monitoring station includes a display of near realtime information, which can be viewed by members of the public.
EPA, industry and community working to resolve odour concerns
Community concern about ongoing effluent odour from a licensee’s operations in Murray Bridge resulted in the EPA working together with industry and the community to comprehensively monitor and resolve the odour issue. Changes were made to the way wastewater is managed by the licensee, and the EPA is continuing with precautionary odour monitoring, and has varied licence conditions to include the requirement of an effective wastewater system and odour management control.
Working with MFS and industry to address impacts from fires
The EPA, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), responded to a number of fires at licensed waste and/or recycling depots located in the Wingfield precinct. As a result, the EPA and MFS have conducted joint audits of a number of high-risk sites across South Australia. The audits identified firefighting capabilities in relation to the sites, and implemented requirements for the storage and stockpiling of combustible waste.
Nyrstar transformation project
A multi-million dollar redevelopment of multi-metal facilities is planned for Port Pirie.
The proposed project is subject to Nyrstar complying with conditions set out in the authorisation regarding the construction and operation of new plant and associated infrastructure.
The project will capture more emissions, and aims to lower lead levels in the blood of children in the town.
The SA Parliament passed legislation on 11 September 2013 (proclaimed 1 May 2014) for the Port Pirie Transformation Project to redevelop the Nyrstar lead and zinc smelter in Port Pirie.
In May 2014, Nyrstar announced its financial commitment to the upgrade, with construction and commissioning to be completed by mid-2016.
Data from all EPA air monitoring stations is updated every hour on the EPA website.