Air monitoring

In Swanbank and New Chum, various industrial activities impact air quality. By measuring pollutants and observing weather patterns, the department gains insights into air quality trends and emission sources, informing policy decisions, regulatory standards, compliance efforts, and public health interventions.

Swanbank air monitoring program

The department monitors air quality and weather at various locations in Queensland, with a specific program focusing on industrial areas at Swanbank and New Chum in Ipswich. In 2022, the monitoring equipment was upgraded to address community odour concerns and improve understanding of local weather patterns and odorous compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). In 2024, additional weather monitoring stations and close to real-time air quality monitors were added in nearby communities and the Swanbank industrial area, based on recommendations from independent experts.

The Swanbank air monitoring program is a scalable weather and air quality monitoring network that can be adapted as needed. The equipment operates 24/7, providing a constant stream of close to real-time monitoring data which can be analysed in conjunction with community reports about odour being experienced. This allows for a more efficient and targeted compliance response for those industrial operations that are regulated by the department. The information can also be used to help inform actions of other agencies such as local government and Queensland Health.

View more information about potential health impacts associated with odour.

What is being monitored?

Wind and weather conditions

Several stations are collecting weather monitoring data, such as wind direction, speed, temperature and humidity, which is analysed in conjunction with air quality monitoring data.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)

H₂S is a colourless gas with a “rotten egg” smell. It is part of a group of chemicals called Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS). TRS includes other odorous sulfur compounds like mercaptans and sulfides. In Swanbank and New Chum, H₂S is used as an indicator for odour as it forms the highest proportion of TRS from these areas.

H₂S monitors are co-located with wind and weather monitoring stations.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Ammonia (NH₃)

While common air emission sources of VOCs and NH₃ are through vehicle emissions and industrial processes, they are also naturally released during the aerobic decomposition of organic material such as plant debris. These compounds are known to be odorous and can be more noticeable during summer and spring.

Specialised equipment are used for monitoring VOCs and NH₃ concentrations as there are several facilities within the Swanbank industrial area that handle organic waste including landfill and composting operation.

Where are the monitoring stations?

Monitoring equipment has been placed both within potentially affected communities and near industrial sites.

The following monitoring equipment has been installed (total of 12 stations) and is shown in the Weather and Air Quality Monitoring Network map (PDF, 2.9 MB) .

Weather and air quality data

Air monitoring stations collect weather and air quality data which provide an indication of air conditions in the region.

You can access this data by using our interactive data map by clicking the link below.

View weather and air quality map

Note: The data presented has not been validated and is given in close to real-time for informational and indicative purposes only. Any utilisation or interpretation of this data should be in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The data presented is directly sourced from the monitoring network (operated and managed by an external provider – Envirosuite) and has not undergone a quality assurance review.

Navigating the interactive map

The interactive data map   shows the location of all monitoring stations and data as it is being collected in close to real-time (updated every 5 minutes). Data is shown in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

The map shows the current data and time by default (in the top right corner) and will indicate that live data is being shown by a pulsing green dot.

• To view historical data, click on this section and select a date using the calendar. When historic data is being viewed, the dot will change to an amber colour. To return to live data, click on the amber dot.
• You can navigate through time by using the light blue scrolling bar at the bottom of the page.

Note: You may only view historical data from when the station was commissioned. If no data is showing on the map for a station, it could indicate a fault in the equipment or transfer of data. Any errors or faults are investigated and rectified as soon as possible.

For detailed guidance on using the map and viewing data please refer to the Envirosuite user guide (PDF, 4.2 MB) .

Viewing wind and weather data

Wind speed and direction are monitored by wind and weather monitoring stations. Some monitoring stations may also collect air quality data such as H₂S, NH₃ and VOCs.

• Wind direction is represented by blue arrows (as shown in image 1 below), on the wind or weather monitoring stations.
• Wind speed (in metres per second) is indicated by the number in the centre.

Viewing air monitoring data

You can view a number of parameters measured by the stations, such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, VOCs and other meteorological data. Air monitoring stations are represented by pink dots (as shown in image 2 below). The number in the centre represents the real-time measurement of the parameter that is currently selected (in the top right-hand corner drop-down).

• Select a parameter by using the dropdown menu in the top left-hand corner of the map. Once selected, data will be displayed from all stations that monitor this parameter.
• Click on an individual station to view all parameters measured by that station, and a time series line graph that shows historic data. This will also show time-weighted averages, which are used to identify potential nuisance impacts.
• Deselecting the parameter will remove it from the graph.
• If multiple stations are selected, the common parameters monitored at the station will be displayed (based on the selected parameter) to allow comparison of the data at different locations.

Interpreting the data

Odour emissions are shown in parts per billion (ppb) at various time weighted averages (average emissions in ppb for a given timeframe) which are used as threshold indicators for potential nuisance or health impacts. The time weighted average used varies based on the parameter we are measuring.

The below table shows some of the concentrations that are used as indicators to help inform investigations. These levels take into account various references including the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2019, national and international standards and guidance.

What happens when a nuisance or health indicator is exceeded?

Exceeding one of the concentrations listed in the table indicates that there is a potential for the community to be experiencing impacts, and does not necessarily mean a health impact or that a nuisance is occurring.

If a threshold indicator is exceeded, the department verifies the data's accuracy and reviews meteorological information to identify any potential source(s). Reports from the community of odour nuisance occurring at that time may also be reviewed. Based on the findings, the department may contact any operator(s) identified as a possible source and take appropriate further investigations, compliance and enforcement action.

If a health-related threshold indicator is exceeded, Queensland Health will be notified and the department will collaborate with them to ensure an appropriate response. The community will be kept informed of any significant developments or actions taken.

It is also important to understand that emissions are more concentrated, the closer they are to a source. The further away they travel, the more disperse they become. As such, if a station located near a compost or landfill operator is showing concentrations above nuisance indicator levels, this means that there is a potential for nuisance within the community and the department will respond with further enquiries.

How can you help?

The reports we receive from the community help us to understand whether a nuisance or other impact is occurring. They can help to substantiate when impacts are occurring and assist our subsequent enquires.

If you are experiencing odour that is causing you a nuisance, please report it, to let us know.

You can also stay up to date on any significant developments by signing up to our newsletter.

Questions and feedback

If you have any questions or difficulty accessing the data map or if you would like to report a fault, please contact swanbank@des.qld.gov.au.

Air sampling canister program

Air sampling canisters have been provided to residents, education facilities and childcare centres within the community of Ipswich as part of a sampling program initiated following community members raising concerns about potential health impacts. To assist with understanding the laboratory analysis results from air samples collected by canisters, see the previously released information sheet Understanding air quality monitoring results (PDF, 196.7 KB) .

The map below shows the locations where samples have been collected using canisters in the community.

Air quality monitoring is conducted at a range of locations in the local community. This includes air monitoring (canisters) undertaken by households.

2024

2023